Tam Coc, Vietnam: The Perfect Self-Guided Bike Tour
The Perfect Self-Guided Tam Coc Bicycle Tour
Looking for a flexible, self-paced way to see Tam Coc? We’ve mapped out what we think is the ideal bike route around this beautiful region!
Feel free to add other stops, but this route covers all the highlights of our trip around Tam Coc.
Renting a Bike for Your Tam Coc Tour
Renting a bicycle in Tam Coc is easy, with many guesthouses and rental shops around town offering bikes for free or a small fee, usually between 40,000-60,000 VND ($1.50-$2.50 USD) per day.
If your accommodation doesn’t have rentals, they’ll likely know where to find one nearby.
Morning: Start Your Day Right
Cycle Through the Rice Fields
One of the highlights of our trip, cycling through the lush rice fields around Tam Coc offers a glimpse into the region’s rural life.
Riding through these areas, you’ll pass local farmers tending their crops, spot peaceful water buffalo (sometimes with adorable babies!), and enjoy the sight of ponds filled with blooming lotus flowers.
TOP TIP: If it has recently rained, expect muddy paths - consider wearing shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty!
*** Bike through this area next to Halise Home & Retreat through the rice fields to get to Mua Caves***
Hike Up to Hang Mua Cave + Viewpoint
Your next stop is Hang Mua Cave, known for its scenic viewpoint reached by a tough but rewarding 500-step climb.
From the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the countryside, with endless green rice fields stretching beneath you. This view is definitely tied with the Trang An boat tour for our favorite scenery in Tam Coc!
Entry Fee: 100,000 VND ($4 USD)
TOP TIP: Ride your bike or motorbike all the way up to the main entrance. Avoid stopping at unofficial parking areas where people may try to charge fees before you reach the designated lot.
Relax at the Lotus Garden
If you’re visiting Tam Coc from late May to July, don’t miss the Lotus Garden, where lotus flowers are in full bloom.
Right beside the fields is the cozy Wild Lotus Café, where you can relax and try their amazing coconut coffee.
Midday: Lunch & Recharge
Break for Lunch
Tam Coc has plenty of fantastic lunch spots. Head back into town and take your pick for some midday food. For more options, check out our full guide to the best restaurants in Tam Coc!
Our top recommendations include:
Coffee Stop at Nhật Linh
If you need another coffee, or if you skipped the Lotus Garden, get a caffeine boost before biking too much further at Nhật Linh en route to Bich Dong Pagoda.
This café has seating overlooking beautiful rice fields and limestone cliffs, making it an ideal spot to take a break before continuing your journey.
Afternoon: Continue Exploring
Admire Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda is a must-see, built into a limestone mountain with a series of scenic levels and caves to explore. Each level offers different views of the surrounding area. Explore the caves and the viewpoints above before heading over to your next stop.
Entry Fee: Free, but expect a 10,000-20,000 VND fee for bicycle parking.
Explore Thung Nham Bird Valley
One of Ninh Binh’s lesser-known treasures, Thung Nham Bird Valley is perfect for an afternoon ride. The entry point is about 2 km from the main gate, and once inside, you’ll spend around two hours exploring on bike and by boat.
Entry Fee: 150,000 VND ($6 USD), which includes boat rides within the park.
TOP TIP: For the best bird-watching, plan to visit either early in the morning or around 4 PM, when you can see birds returning to the wetlands.
Get Pampered at a Local Salon
After a day of biking, treat yourself to some pampering at a local salon - this stop is for everyone, not just the girls!
For about $3 USD, you can get a relaxing hair wash and head massage, or even a manicure for a good price. If you really want to treat yourself, visit Sense Spa Tam Coc for a massage or herbal bath.
Extra Stops for a Longer Tour
If you want to extend your bike tour over several days or squeeze in a few extra sights, consider adding these stops:
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – About 9 km outside of Tam Coc, this former capital offers fascinating history and beautiful architecture.
Trang An Boat Trip – A scenic boat ride through the famous limestone karsts, with options to explore caves and other notable spots.
Read more about the Trang An boat trip, including the best route and ticket costs here.
Whether you’re planning a full day or multiple days in Tam Coc, this self-guided Tam Coc bicycle route showcases the best of Ninh Binh’s scenic and cultural gems. Enjoy the ride!
Where to Stay in Tam Coc
Tam Coc offers a wide variety of accommodations for every budget and preference. Below are our top picks, categorized by price and uniqueness, so you can find the perfect accommodation for your stay.
Budget Homestay
Tam Coc Lotus Flower Homestay– OUR TOP PICK
Our experience at Tam Coc Lotus Flower Homestay was outstanding, and we wholeheartedly recommend it!
Unique Stay
Lotus Field Homestay – OUR SECOND PICK
Hostels
Banana Tree Hostel
Trang An Freedom Hood
Mid-Range Stay
Trang An Retreat Ninh Binh
Tam Coc FAQs
Is Tam Coc Worth Visiting?
Tam Coc is an absolute must for anyone looking to enjoy the scenic landscapes and laid-back atmosphere of rural Vietnam.
With easy access to local restaurants, tranquil riverboat rides, and picturesque bike routes through rice fields, it’s ideal for travelers who can spend a few extra days here soaking up the surroundings.
How Many Days to Spend in Tam Coc
We recommend a minimum of three days in Tam Coc.
We spent five days and found that we could have stayed even longer. Tam Coc offers a wonderful chance to unwind and fully experience the beauty of Vietnam.
If you have the flexibility, consider extending your stay. We advise against doing a day trip from Hanoi – there’s too much here to rush through!
What to Pack for Tam Coc
Tam Coc can be rainy, and rain means rice fields are MUDDY. Make sure you pack some clothes you won’t mind getting a little dirty, a raincoat, and clothes you are comfortable biking in.
Get our full packing list here to see everything we bring with us on our trips!
Things to Do in Tam Coc
Check out our complete guide to things to do in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh!
Planning more travels around Vietnam? Don’t miss our guides on things to do in Hanoi and how to spend 3 days in Sapa.
Getting Around Tam Coc
Most of the main attractions in Tam Coc are conveniently located close to town, and you can reach most places by bike, motorbike, or taxi.
We highly suggest renting a bike to explore the area. The roads are mostly flat, so it’s easy to get around, even if you’re not an avid cyclist.
Enjoy your adventure in Tam Coc, and embrace the beauty of rural Vietnam on two wheels!
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