Bich Dong Pagoda in Ninh Binh: visit, ticket, time needed and access from Tam Coc (2026)
Bich Dong ("jade grotto") is a small complex of tiered pagodas built against the mountain, a few kilometres from the Tam Coc boat landing, near Ninh Binh. The walking visit takes about 1 hour. It is covered by the combined Tam Coc - Bich Dong ticket posted by Ninh Binh's tourism office (rate updated on 4 March 2025): 250,000 VND per adult, boat included, and 120,000 VND for children 1 to 1.3 m. It is a good quiet complement to the boat ride, little visited outside group hours.
Highlights
The three levels of pagodas
The complex rises in tiers against the cliff, with stairs, stone gates and small altars set in the rock. The climb is short but the steps are uneven.
The altars in the rock
Shrines are tucked under overhangs and into hollows of the mountain, with incense, flowers and offerings; the light is dim, which gives a contemplative atmosphere.
The upper cave and the view over the rice fields
From the top level you see the fields and limestone peaks of Tam Coc; bring a torch for the dark passages.
The Tam Coc - Thai Vi - Tien - Bich Dong route
The combined ticket covers this sequence; you can do it by bike in half a day.
Practical info
Tips
- Combine Bich Dong with the Tam Coc boat rather than visiting it alone: one ticket, two sites. Modest dress required (shoulders and knees covered), remove your shoes at the altars. A rented bike (a few tens of thousands of dong a day) links the sites in 20 minutes. Day trips from Hanoi often include Tam Coc and sometimes Bich Dong; see Ninh Binh in a day from Hanoi and Tam Coc. For another pagoda, see Bai Dinh.
How to get there
From Ninh Binh, about 9 km to Tam Coc, then a few kilometres to Bich Dong (taxi, Grab, bike or scooter). From Hanoi, the train takes about 2 h 10 to Ninh Binh station (from 210,000 VND), then a taxi; see the day-trip article.
Opening hours
Nearby
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