Tam Coc Water Lily Festival 2025 - “Melodies of the water lilies: a symphony on the river”
There is something truly unique about Ninh Binh in November - the landscape grows gentler, quieter, more contemplative. After the rice harvest season ends, early morning mists begin to wrap themselves around the limestone peaks, and Tam Coc-Bich Dong slips into a new attire. On the surface of the Ngo Dong River, water lilies bloom in delicate hues of purple and pink, their reflections shimmering like a dream gently lingering in autumn’s fading breath.
In 2025, this everyday beauty will be celebrated with a brand-new cultural event:
🌸 Tam Coc Water Lily Festival - “Melodies of the Water Lilies: A Symphony on the River”
📍 Date: November 22-23, 2025
The festival promises rare and poetic moments: when each lily stirs with the breeze, when the Ngo Dong River transforms into a stage for music and light, and when nature, humanity, and art intertwine in a soul-stirring harmony.
This first-ever “flower-water-sound” performance in Tam Coc will surely become a highlight of Ninh Binh’s late-year travel season.
1. Water lilies - humble yet proud symbol of the ancient capital
This first-ever “flower-water-sound” performance in Tam Coc will surely become a highlight of Ninh Binh’s late-year travel season.
1. Water lilies - humble yet proud symbol of the ancient capital
Unlike the radiant lotus of summer, water lilies bloom softly in the coolness of autumn mornings, basking in the crystal-clear water under gentle sunshine. In Tam Coc, purple, pink, and white lilies spread across the Ngo Dong River, encircling majestic limestone mountains in a dreamy spectacle. Many international visitors affectionately refer to it as “Tam Coc’s second spring.”
Water lilies are not just part of the scenery - they appear in local dishes, folktales, and now, in contemporary art. Their bloom marks the perfect time for travelers to experience the raw, authentic charm of a UNESCO-recognized heritage site.
2. Electric vehicle parade - a festive and colorful prologue
The festival opens with a vibrant electric vehicle parade, starting from Dong Gung Station, passing through the Cultural Craft Village, and arriving at the Tam Coc boat pier. These vehicles, adorned with lilies, paper flowers, and flowing purple silk, become moving photobooths perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.
Music, laughter, and the colors of flowers blend with the excited crowd, bringing the joyful rhythm of a Northern countryside fair into every street corner.
3. Ngo Dong River comes alive - every boat becomes a musical note
2. Electric vehicle parade - a festive and colorful prologue
The festival opens with a vibrant electric vehicle parade, starting from Dong Gung Station, passing through the Cultural Craft Village, and arriving at the Tam Coc boat pier. These vehicles, adorned with lilies, paper flowers, and flowing purple silk, become moving photobooths perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.
Music, laughter, and the colors of flowers blend with the excited crowd, bringing the joyful rhythm of a Northern countryside fair into every street corner.
3. Ngo Dong River comes alive - every boat becomes a musical note
The festival’s most impressive feature takes place directly on the Ngo Dong River. Hundreds of boats, artistically decorated with water lilies, delicate fabrics, and traditional Hoa Lu-inspired motifs, drift gracefully like a floating art installation amid the limestone cliffs.
Each segment of the river offers a different musical atmosphere:
- Drums and gongs awaken the surrounding mountains
- Folk and modern ensemble blends traditional Vietnamese sounds with contemporary instruments
- Saxophone performance inside the cave - the notes echo, resonate off the cave walls, and ripple through the water, creating a tender aftermath that leaves the audience in awe.
Many have described it as the moment "Tam Coc breathes through music."
4. Folk experience space - bringing childhood memories to life
Beyond the river performances, the festival also features traditional craft activities that allow guests to engage with the region’s rich cultural heritage:
4. Folk experience space - bringing childhood memories to life
Beyond the river performances, the festival also features traditional craft activities that allow guests to engage with the region’s rich cultural heritage:
- Painting conical hats with water lily motifs
- Embroidering purple lily artwork by hand
- Creating watercolor paintings inspired by the Ngo Dong River
- Checking in at creatively designed lily installations
- Enjoying local Tam Coc-Ninh Hai cuisine
It feels like stepping into a miniature artistic village, where each visitor creates their own purple-hued memory to take home.
5. A festival of emotions - where nature and humanity become one
More than just a travel event, the Tam Coc Water Lily Festival 2025 embodies the spirit of heritage preservation, reverence for nature, and pride in local identity.
In a fast-moving world, Tam Coc chooses to tell its story through simplicity: a lone water lily, a serene river, a saxophone’s echo, a humble boatman. And it is in this very simplicity that the difference lies; it doesn’t just ask you to see, but to feel. Not only to photograph, but to listen.
6. Tien Loc Palace - The perfect retreat to begin your festival journey
Tien Loc Palace is ideally located just a short drive from Tam Coc-Bich Dong, offering easy access to Trang An, Bai Dinh, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and many other cultural-spiritual-eco tourism sites in the area.
With modern rooms, elegant service, and a space that feels “as peaceful as home,” Tien Loc Palace is always ready to accompany travelers on every journey of discovery.
Especially during the festival, our local concierge team can help you:
5. A festival of emotions - where nature and humanity become one
More than just a travel event, the Tam Coc Water Lily Festival 2025 embodies the spirit of heritage preservation, reverence for nature, and pride in local identity.
In a fast-moving world, Tam Coc chooses to tell its story through simplicity: a lone water lily, a serene river, a saxophone’s echo, a humble boatman. And it is in this very simplicity that the difference lies; it doesn’t just ask you to see, but to feel. Not only to photograph, but to listen.
6. Tien Loc Palace - The perfect retreat to begin your festival journey
Tien Loc Palace is ideally located just a short drive from Tam Coc-Bich Dong, offering easy access to Trang An, Bai Dinh, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and many other cultural-spiritual-eco tourism sites in the area.
With modern rooms, elegant service, and a space that feels “as peaceful as home,” Tien Loc Palace is always ready to accompany travelers on every journey of discovery.
Especially during the festival, our local concierge team can help you:
- Suggest the best time to visit for the ideal photo opportunities
- Guide you to parking areas, piers, and entrances
- Recommend cultural-culinary-scenic experiences tailored to your preferences
- Provide the latest festival schedule updates
The Tam Coc Water Lily Festival 2025 sends you a gentle invitation:
Come home to the riverlands, where nature, music, and people unite in a tranquil symphony.
Among the lilac blooms… In the echoes of the saxophone through ancient caves… In the breathtaking harmony of water and limestone… You’ll discover a different side of Tam Coc - softer, more poetic, and deeply emotional.
If you’re searching for the perfect place to stay and fully embrace the festival spirit, Tien Loc Palace awaits, the place where your journey begins… and your heart returns.
The water lilies are blooming. The season of experiences has arrived. See you in Tam Coc and see you at Tien Loc Palace.
Come home to the riverlands, where nature, music, and people unite in a tranquil symphony.
Among the lilac blooms… In the echoes of the saxophone through ancient caves… In the breathtaking harmony of water and limestone… You’ll discover a different side of Tam Coc - softer, more poetic, and deeply emotional.
If you’re searching for the perfect place to stay and fully embrace the festival spirit, Tien Loc Palace awaits, the place where your journey begins… and your heart returns.
The water lilies are blooming. The season of experiences has arrived. See you in Tam Coc and see you at Tien Loc Palace.
