Hoa Lu Tam Coc
Hoa Lu was the original capital of Vietnam. Apart from the historical interest, the river trip in Tam Coc is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river.
Price: USD60
Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital and take a sampan trip on Tam Coc
Our Tam Coc tours starts with a 2 hour drive to Ninh Binh. The scenery is beatiful on the way. Arriving in Ninh Binh city, first pay a visit to Hoa Lu – the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam – then visit the two temples of King Dinh and King Le, where you can admire the unique architecture from ancient times.
Continue to Tam Coc and have lunch at a delicious restaurant with many local delicacies. Then board a small sampan to visit Tam Coc, which means literally “three caves” (2.5 hour boat trip). With Halong bay-type views of majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious caves, as well as a countryside landscape featuring peaceful streams, rice paddies and deserted green fields, Tam Coc really has it all. You will feel the fresh air and experience peaceful moments; it is also offers a very good opportunity for photo lovers, to freeze the special moments and scenery.
If time permits, you can also visit Bich Dong pagoda nearby and climb up the mountain to get a wonderful perspective view of the Bich Dong and Tam Coc. Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Optional: Riding a bike through the countryside to Tam Coc (4 km)