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When Tam Coc dons the pink and purple hues of the new season
From around the end of October to December each year, Tam Coc - Bich Dong (Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province) enters its peak season of water lily blooms. Along the winding Ngo Dong River, nestled among limestone mountains, thousands of pink and purple water lilies burst into bloom, creating a soft, colorful tapestry on the clear water. Unlike the vibrant golden hues of the rice harvest season, Tam Coc in late autumn has a more tranquil and gentle atmosphere, like the slow breath of nature during the changing seasons. Small boats gently glide across the water, reflecting the colors of the flowers and the sky, creating a scene that is both serene and poetic, making it hard to look away.
In the morning, when the mist still lingered gently, amidst the tranquil scenery of the river, a few small boats of the locals drifted silently among the flowers. They bent down to pick each water lily, skillfully arranging them on the side of the boat before rowing back to the wooden bridge. From above, the small boats, following one another like a moving stream of flowers, shone brightly against the backdrop of the blue water and the silent rocky mountains.
On the wooden bridge, rows of women carrying baskets laden with vibrant pink water lilies stretched out in a continuous line. The image of these women in traditional Vietnamese blouses and conical hats carrying water lilies along the Ngo Dong River was like a simple, authentic, and poetic painting of the Northern Vietnamese countryside, where people are intimately connected to the river and the fields of water lilies that bloom every morning.
People harvest water lilies, load them onto carrying poles, and walk across the wooden bridge spanning the river.
Experience the flower season from a small boat.
Taking a boat ride to admire the water lilies is a popular activity for tourists in Ninh Binh during the autumn months. From Tam Coc wharf, small boats gently paddled by locals glide along the Ngo Dong River, taking visitors past clusters of blooming flowers on both banks. As they paddle, they share stories about their villages, the flower season, how the locals care for and protect the river, and the simple, deeply ingrained rhythm of life.
When traveling by boat on the Ngo Dong River in late autumn, visitors will experience the feeling of being surrounded by a "sea of flowers".
Water lilies in Tam Coc only bloom during the day, from about 7 to 10 a.m. The ideal time to admire and photograph them is early morning, when the sun just touches the water's surface and dew still clings to the petals. After noon, the flowers begin to close, shyly shutting their petals. Photographer Nguyen Trong Cung (from Hung Yen), who has visited Ninh Binh many times to take photos, still finds the water lily season particularly special. “The flowers only bloom and are beautiful for the first few hours of the day, so visitors should arrive early to fully appreciate the beauty of this simple flower. Water lilies already have deep colors, so photographers should choose light, pastel-toned clothing to stand out against the backdrop,” he said.
Not only photography enthusiasts, but many foreign tourists also come to Tam Coc during this time to experience boat rides and admire the flowers. Amidst the majestic limestone mountains and gently flowing river, the pink water lilies softly touch the water's surface, creating a peaceful scene – a "different Ninh Binh" compared to the familiar golden rice fields.
Foreign tourists also enjoy participating in this experience.
The Ngo Dong River and the journey to explore Trang An in autumn.
From the Ngo Dong River, visitors can continue their journey through three natural caves: Cave One, Cave Two, and Cave Three – where sunlight reflects off the limestone formations, creating the characteristic mystical atmosphere of the Tam Coc - Bich Dong ecological tourist area. Tiny droplets of water trickle from the rock arches onto the river surface, blending with the gentle sound of oars, making the journey of admiring the water lilies even more enchanting.
Around the end of October, the water lilies on both sides of the river are at their most vibrant, especially in the section from cave 1 to cave 2, where each flower with its long, slender petals arranged evenly and a brilliant pink hue reflects itself in the still water.
The purple color of the water lilies is reflected on the river surface in front of the cave.
Tam Coc - Bich Dong is located in the core area of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Approximately 7 km from Ninh Binh city center, it's easily accessible by car or motorbike, making it ideal for a short weekend getaway.
The water lily season not only enriches the natural landscape of Ninh Binh but also contributes to the ecotourism of the Trang An region. After the golden rice harvest, tourists flock to Tam Coc to immerse themselves in the gentle colors of the water lilies, enjoy the fresh air, and appreciate the peaceful nature of the local people.
The water lilies on the Ngo Dong River, though vibrant, are gentle, like a farewell to autumn.
Sitting on a boat adorned with flowers, drifting along the water, breathing in the cool autumn scent, listening to the wind rustling through the rocks, and watching the water lilies bloom – that's a moment that makes one forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The water lily season in Tam Coc is therefore not noisy or flamboyant, but it leaves travelers with a sense of tranquility before autumn ends.
