Tam Coc, Ninh Binh – Vietnam’s Inland Ha Long Bay
Just 2 days after my visit to Ha Long Bay, I landed in Ninh Binh town in Ninh Binh Province, 100-km south of Hanoi. It is a small town that pulsates with a combined buzz of locals and tourists. Not too far is the village of Van Lam. Knowing little about the place, we hired a boat and set out for a ride on the Ngo Dong River which joins the Red River delta. Soon, I felt I was back in Ha Long Bay. Similar menhir-like islets were visible along the ride route.
About 20 minutes into the ride we found ourselves ducking under as our boat passed through a cave. We were in Tam Coc, a karst system of flooded caves. This is a section of the larger Trang An landscape complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And, its most popular attraction, at that!
The Tam Coc Experience
Tam Coc means ‘Three Caves.’ And this natural system consists of three distinct structures – Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. Hence, the name. The boat ride took us through the exquisite landscape of this natural wonder. Gliding along, we had to duck a few times to avoid hitting the jagged, jutting overhangs we passed under.
During the ride, we also experienced boat shops. The locals in their boats would snuggle along ours and offer their wares. These ranged from embroidered goods to other assorted souvenirs. We declined to buy the souvenirs, but we were enthralled by the limestone karsts and the rare mineral stalactite and stalagmite formations through the cruise.
Need to duck here! 
Along the banks of Ngo Dong River 
Local fisher folks 
Other tourists enjoying the boat ride
While Ha Long Bay is a popular attraction in Vietnam, missing a Tam Coc boat cruise is not a good idea as nature has bestowed it with gorgeous beauty. Make time for it. You will not regret it.
