Drift down the Ngo Dong River through towering limestone cliffs and golden rice paddies in Vietnam's "Halong Bay on Land."
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Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of Ninh Binh with a traditional Tam Coc boat trip. Often described as "Halong Bay on Land," this UNESCO World Heritage landscape features dramatic limestone karsts rising vertically from emerald rice paddies. You'll board a small hand-rowed sampan at Van Lam Wharf, gliding silently along the Ngo Dong River. A unique highlight of this region is the local technique of rowing with their feet—a skill passed down through generations. The journey takes you through three natural caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba), carved through the mountains by the river itself, offering a cool respite and spectacular geological formations.
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Rice Harvest (Late May-June)|Green Season (Feb-April)
Light breathable clothing|Hat and sunglasses|Sunscreen|Comfortable walking shoes (if climbing Mua Cave)
Nearby Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries under the Dinh and Le dynasties.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Real experiences from real travelers
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Watching the locals row with their feet was fascinating! Our guide was lovely and the caves were cooler than the outside heat. Highly recommend going early to beat the crowds.
We booked the full day tour with Hoa Lu and Mua Cave. The boat trip was the relaxing part in the middle. The limestone cliffs are massive. Just remember to bring a hat because there is no shade on the river.
The landscape is stunning, just like the movies. The boat ride took about 2 hours. It was very sunny so sunscreen is a must. The rower asked for a tip at the end which is customary, so bring some small notes.
Excellent organization. The limousine bus from Hanoi was comfortable. The boat ride was peaceful and the Mua Cave viewpoint afterwards gave the best view of where we just rowed. 10/10.
A very peaceful ride. The water was calm and the caves were impressive. The boat women work very hard, so we were happy to tip. A must-do if you are in Ninh Binh.
We loved the combination of cycling and the boat trip. Seeing the rice fields from the water level is a unique perspective. The lunch provided on the tour was also delicious goat meat local specialty.
The feet rowing technique is incredible to watch. It felt very safe and the scenery is unmatched. Much quieter than Halong Bay. The 3 caves were darker than expected but very cool inside.
Very efficient pickup from Old Quarter. The guide spoke good English. The boat ride is long enough to enjoy but not get bored. The caves are the highlight.
Everything you need to know for your journey
The best time is late May to early June when the rice fields turn golden yellow, or March to April for lush green fields. Winter can be misty but atmospheric.
The boat ride itself typically lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, traveling from Van Lam Wharf through three caves and back.
Local rowers use their feet to reduce back strain and arm fatigue, as they spend hours rowing daily. It's a traditional technique unique to this region.
Tam Coc travels through rice paddies and is shorter (2 hours), while Trang An focuses more on cave complexes and temples, lasting longer (3 hours) with no rice fields.
Yes, life jackets are provided and legally required, though many tourists remove them for photos. We recommend wearing them for safety.
Yes, tipping is highly appreciated and expected as rowers have low base salaries. A tip of 50,000 to 100,000 VND per boat is standard.
Yes, it is generally safe for children. The water is calm and boats are stable. Ensure they wear a properly fitted life jacket.
Regulations typically allow 2 foreigners or 4 Vietnamese nationals per boat due to weight and safety rules.
There are no toilets on the boat or inside the caves. Use the facilities at the ticket office at Van Lam Wharf before boarding.
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