Tam Coc
There are few places in the world that are as visually striking and breathtaking as Tam Coc. Known as "the inland Halong Bay" limestone karst rise up from rice fields while rivers wind themselves between them. With hundreds of homestays, tons of budget restaurants, and a good mix between history and adventure, Tam Coc has quickly grown to be one of the most popular side trips from Hanoi. Hop on a bike and cruise between mountain tops or head to the UNESCO site of Trang An and have a unique row through the stunning landscape.
What to do
The are almost an unlimited amount of things that you can do in Tam Coc. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or history, there is something for you! Check out Bich Dong Pagoda, or Mua Caves if history is your thing or hop on a bike and wind between the mountains surrounded by rice fields. If food is your jam, then why not try goat, the local delicacy, or fire-roasted duck!
Tam Coc Boats
In the Ninh Binh/Tam Coc area, there are two main spots that you can drift through the stunning landscape: Tam Coc central, and Trang An. Both spots are gorgeous but have differences. Tam Coc is really easy to access as its launch point is the centre point of the town. Payment is well set up and you do not have any issues with having to negotiate or be overcharged. Pricing is 190,00VND/person and a boat can take a maximum of 2 people. While the rowers are not supposed to ask for tips (as it details in the written rules) many will come after you or ask you to buy from the very overpriced vendor boats while on the water. The route takes about 2.5 hours and takes you through several caves before you explore the final one on foot.
Mua Caves
It is likely that when you get to Tam Coc and look at all the gorgeous mountain tops with rice fields surrounding them that you would love to see it from above. Luckily for you, there is one area that has been developed to offer that stunning overhead view- but be prepared to climb some pretty steep stairs! The Mua Caves are a series of caves in the valley that have become a popular spot to explore. Leading up from their mouths, are a few hundred stairs
that take you up to the top of two mountains. On one side, you have a small pagoda and views of the rice field valleys between you and Ninh Binh. While on the other top, you have a stunning view into a river valley with a backdrop of dozens of mountains. The spot has also become a hotspot for wedding photos, so dont be surprised to see a few couples decked out in wedding gear trying to climb the steps!
Bich Dong Pagoda
This unique Pagoda is one of the top attractions in Tam Coc. While it may not be the largest, oldest, or most important pagoda in the region, it is in one of the coolest locations. Tucked away in a series of caves connected by staircases hewn right out of the rock, these pagodas have amazing views of the surrounding valleys. The main pagoda was built in the 15th century along with the entrance gate and bridge that leads you across the stunning lotus pond. The pagoda is just a few KMs from Tam Coc so its easy to get to on a bicycle or motorbike but watch out for people overcharging you for parking. A bike should cost 10,000VND MAX but likely 5,000VND so ignore the higher prices and bargain.
Bird Garden
Not far up the road from the Bich Dong Pagoda is the sprawling Bird Garden park. This well-manicured area is much more than meets the eye. Not only is it a popular nesting ground for tens of thousands of birds, but it has a few popular caves and great walking/biking trails. Mermaid Cave takes you down into a cave with an awesome river running through it. The boardwalk is set up overtop the water and squeezes through sections that are only 2 or 3 feet tall so be prepared to get on your hands and knees. The stalagmites are not massive but its cool to see them up close. At the entrance to the park is the Vai Gioi Cave. To access it you have to walk up 400 steps but in doing that it opens up a fantastic cave. It seems like the entire mountain is hollow as steps bring you back down over 60 feet or up through narrow crevices at least 100 feet. At the top, there is a viewpoint that offers spectacular views over the bird garden and many mountain tops.