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

Ninh Binh – an ancient land located in the south of the Red River Delta – boasts many beautiful natural landscapes and a rich tradition of culture and revolution. Ninh Binh is often described as a miniature Vietnam, encompassing forests, seas, mountains, hills, and plains. It serves as both a bridge and a crossroads of three major cultures: the Red River Delta, the Ma River Delta, and Hoa Binh. Ninh Binh proudly stands as the political, economic, and cultural center of the Dai Co Viet State, with the thousand-year-old Hoa Lu capital – the capital of the nation's first centralized feudal state.

Since ancient times, this place has been famous for its picturesque landscapes, with mountains and rivers creating a charming and beautiful scene. And one of those magical scenes is Tam Coc - Bich Dong.

The road to Tam Coc. Photo: Xuan Lam

Located within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, 7km from Ninh Binh city, Tam Coc - Bich Dong is one of Ninh Binh's most beautiful scenic spots. Over millions of years of geological formation, it has retained many pristine, natural features, with numerous caves and historical and cultural relics famous both domestically and internationally, such as Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda, Thai Vi Temple, Tien Cave, Linh Coc Pagoda, Thung Nang Valley, and Thung Nham Bird Garden. Visitors to the area can enjoy boat trips on the Ngo Dong River and immerse themselves in the mystical beauty of the "second most beautiful cave in the South," exploring the wonders of nature. A special feature of Tam Coc is that each season offers a unique beauty. In spring, the riverbanks are lined with lush green rice fields, turning golden yellow by the fourth lunar month. In summer, visitors can enjoy the fragrant scent of lotus flowers amidst the beautiful scenery.

Tam Coc means three caves: Cave One, Cave Two, and Cave Three. All three caves were formed by the Ngo Dong River cutting through the mountains. Each cave has a large, water-filled valley reflecting the majestic mountain scenery. Cave One is 127 meters long, xuyên through a large mountain, with an entrance over 20 meters wide; inside, the climate is cool and there are many stalactites hanging down in countless shapes. Cave Two, about 1 km from Cave One, is 60 meters long, with many strangely shaped stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Cave Three, near Cave Two, is 50 meters long, with a ceiling like a rock dome, lower than Cave One and Cave Two. The caves are connected by the winding Ngo Dong River. Along both banks of the river are golden rice fields. Boats gliding on the Ngo Dong River create a vibrant 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 beauty of Bich Dong is known as "Nam Thien De Nhi Dong" (the second most beautiful cave in Southern Vietnam). In 1773, Mr. Nguyen Nghiem (father of the great poet Nguyen Du) visited the cave. Seeing the entire landscape of mountains, caves, rivers, fields, and the sky all covered in a breathtaking green, he gave the cave a beautiful and dreamy name, "Bich Dong" (meaning Green Cave).

Bich Dong Pagoda is considered the most famous and beautiful scenic spot in Ninh Binh province. A small stone bridge spanning a lotus pond leads to the tranquil and sacred space of the pagoda amidst a landscape of towering mountains. The pagoda is built in a "Three-Tower" style, with Ha Pagoda at the foot of the mountain, built in the shape of the Chinese character "Đinh" (丁), with five bays and two wings, featuring architectural lines strongly influenced by East Asian styles. Bich Dong is surrounded by five mountains, known as Ngu Nhac Son (Five Peaks Mountain), and it is said that when the pagoda bell rings, the five bells from Ngu Nhac Son will echo back.

After praying at Bich Dong Pagoda, visitors climb 21 stone steps to reach Dark Cave. Inside Dark Cave are natural stalactite formations resembling fairies, young boys, dragons, turtles, elephants, and tigers. To reach Upper Pagoda, visitors must also climb nearly 40 stone steps along the mountainside. This pagoda is located at the highest point, near the summit of Bich Dong Mountain, and is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Quan Am. The courtyard of Upper Pagoda is the ideal place to admire the surrounding scenery of Bich Dong. In the distance, interspersed among the mountain ranges are small, gently winding rivers, creating a picturesque landscape.

Amidst the vast waterways and majestic mountains of Tam Coc - Bich Dong, humans feel small in comparison. Here, every visitor feels at one with nature, enjoying the fresh air and finding peace of mind. More than just a scenic spot, Tam Coc - Bich Dong is also a unique spiritual tourism 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