Visiting Tam Coc, often referred to as the "Ha Long Bay on land," can deeply change how you see Vietnam. In the northern region of Ninh Binh, this hidden gem offers a serene landscape of towering limestone karsts, lush rice fields, and meandering rivers.

Unlike the bustling cities or crowded tourist spots, Tam Coc provides a tranquil and authentic Vietnamese experience.

<h3>1. Boat Tour</h3>

A boat tour along the <b>Ngo Dong River</b> is a must-do activity. For about 200,000 VND ($8.50) per person, you can embark on a two-hour boat ride through lush rice paddies and limestone caves. The best times for the boat ride are early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. If you're lucky, your boat will be rowed by locals using their feet - a fascinating skill unique to this region!

Vietnam Ngo Dong River, Tam Coc caves

Video by Mircea Costiniuc

<h3>2. Hiking</h3>

For incredible panoramic views, head to the <b>Hang Mua Cave</b> and tackle the 500 steps up to the viewpoint. The entry fee is 100,000 VND ($4.25). The climb may be steep, but the reward is a stunning view of the winding river below and the surrounding rice fields, which seem to stretch out endlessly. It's the perfect spot for photos and to marvel at the harmony between nature and rural life.

<b>Opening Time:</b> Daily: 8.00 - 17.00.

<h3>3. Immerse Yourself in Local Culture</h3>

If you're up for an adventure, rent a bicycle or scooter to explore Tam Coc and its neighboring sites like <b>Trang An</b> and <b>Bich Dong Pagoda</b>. Scooter rentals cost around 100,000-150,000 VND ($4.25-$6.50) per day. <b>Bich Dong Pagoda</b>, located just 3 km from Tam Coc, is free to enter and offers a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere with its temple nestled within a cave.

For those wanting a quieter experience, consider staying overnight in a homestay. This will allow you to explore Tam Coc in the early morning or late evening when most tourists have left. A night at a homestay typically costs around 300,000-600,000 VND ($12-$25).

Bich Dong Pagoda

<h3>4. Savor Local Flavors</h3>

No trip to Tam Coc is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. A must-try dish is <b>goat meat</b>, which is a specialty in the Ninh Binh region. Head to local restaurants like <b>Chookie's Garden</b> or <b>Father Cooking Restaurant</b>, where a dish of goat meat costs around 150,000-200,000 VND ($6.50-$8.50). For a lighter meal, try <b>com chay</b> (crispy rice), which costs 30,000-50,000 VND ($1.25-$2) and pairs perfectly with local dipping sauces.

<b>Father Cooking Restaurant Address:</b> Tam Coc Rd, Bích Động, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình 430000, Vietnam.

Overall, Tam Coc offers a peaceful yet adventurous escape, perfect for anyone looking to explore Vietnam's lesser-known wonders. With its unspoiled natural beauty and cultural richness, a visit to Tam Coc can truly transform your perspective on the country, showing you a more serene and picturesque side of Vietnam that often gets overlooked.