Tam Coc - Bich Dong: A region of beautiful mountains and rivers

Ninh Binh - an ancient land, located in the South of the Red River Delta, has many beautiful natural landscapes, a long history of culture and revolution. Ninh Binh is also likened to the image of a miniature Vietnam because it has forests, seas, mountains, midlands and plains. This place is both a link and a crossroads of three great cultures: Red River - Ma River - Hoa Binh. Ninh Binh is proud to be the political, economic and cultural center of Dai Co Viet State, with the thousand-year-old Hoa Lu Capital - the capital of the first centralized feudal state of the nation.

Since ancient times, this place has been famous for its beautiful landscapes and mountains. And one of those magical pictures is Tam Coc - Bich Dong.

The road to Tam Coc. Photo: Xuan Lam

Located in the Trang An Scenic Complex recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage, in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, 7km from Ninh Binh city. Tam Coc - Bich Dong is one of the most beautiful landscapes of Ninh Binh, after millions of years of creation, this place still retains many pristine, natural features, with many caves and historical and cultural relics famous at home and abroad such as: Tam Coc, Bich Dong pagoda, Thai Vi temple, Tien cave, Linh Coc pagoda, Thung Nang valley, Thung Nham bird garden. Coming to the tourist area, visitors can cruise on the Ngo Dong river and immerse themselves in the mysterious beauty of "Nam Thien De Nhi Dong", exploring the mysteries of nature. The special thing when coming to Tam Coc in each different season has its own beauty. In spring, both sides of the river are green rice fields, in the fourth lunar month, the rice fields turn golden yellow. And in summer, visitors can enjoy the fragrant lotus scent in the middle of the water and mountains...

Tam Coc means three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. All three caves are formed by the Ngo Dong River piercing through the mountain. Each cave has a large flooded valley reflecting the majestic mountain scenery. Hang Ca is 127m long, piercing through a large mountain, the cave entrance is over 20m wide; the climate inside the cave is cool and there are many stalactites hanging down in a myriad of shapes. Hang Hai, nearly 1km from Hang Ca, is 60m long, the cave ceiling has many strange stalactites hanging down. Hang Ba, near Hang Hai, is 50m long, the cave ceiling is like a stone arch, lower than Hang Ca and Hang Hai. The caves are connected by the winding Ngo Dong River. Along both sides of the river are golden ripe rice fields. Boats glide on the Ngo Dong River, creating a vivid picture that inspires many tourists, especially photographers.

Bich Dong Pagoda. Photo: Xuan Lam

Returning to Tam Coc wharf, 2km away is Bich Dong. Bich Dong is located in the Ngu Nhac Son mountain range in Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune. The beautiful scenery of Bich Dong is known as "Nam Thien De Nhi Dong" (the second most beautiful cave in the South). In 1773, Mr. Nguyen Nghiem (father of the great poet Nguyen Du) visited the cave. Looking at the panoramic view of mountains, caves, rivers, fields, and the sky here, all covered in an overwhelming green color, he gave the cave a very beautiful and dreamy name "Bich Dong" (meaning Green Cave).

Bich Dong Pagoda is considered the most famous scenic spot in Ninh Binh province. A small stone bridge over a lotus pond leads to the quiet, sacred space of the pagoda in the middle of a mountainous area. The pagoda was built in the "Tam Toa" style. At the foot of the mountain is Ha Pagoda, built in the shape of the letter "Dinh" with five rooms and two left and right with architectural features imbued with Asian style. Bich Dong is surrounded by five mountains, called Ngu Nhac Son. When the temple bell rings, five temple bells will echo from Ngu Nhac Son.

After worshiping Buddha at Bich Dong Pagoda, visitors climb 21 stone steps to reach Dark Cave. In Dark Cave, there are natural stalactites shaped like fairies, fairies, little boys, flying dragons, swimming turtles, elephants, and lying tigers. To reach Thuong Pagoda, visitors must also climb nearly 40 stone steps along the mountainside. This is the highest pagoda, near the top of Bich Dong Mountain, where Quan Am Buddha is worshiped. The yard of Thuong Pagoda is the most ideal place to admire the scenery around Bich Dong. In the distance, between the mountain ranges are small, gently winding rivers creating a picturesque landscape.

Amidst the immense rivers and majestic mountains of Tam Coc - Bich Dong, people seem to shrink. Coming here, each visitor seems to be immersed in nature, enjoying the fresh air and relaxing their souls. Not only a famous landscape, Tam Coc - Bich Dong is also a unique spiritual tourist destination in Ninh Binh./.

Source: https://sodulich.ninhbinh.gov.vn/vi/tin-tuc-su-kien/tam-coc-bich-dong-mot-vung-non-nuoc-huu-tinh-230.html