City Info: Tam Cốc

Often compared to Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc (Tam Cope, but end with the your mouth in the closed 'p' position) is a similar limestone karst formation set among rice fields southeast of Hanoi. There are other differences, as well, including the fact that Tam Coc requires only a few hours to see. Most tourists make it part of a day- or weekend trip to the area, including side trips to Hoa Lu, Bich Dong, Phat Diem, Hang Mua and Kenh Ga.

Tam Coc is filled with boats that stream up the river, through several caves and then back down the river to the boarding dock. The kids will likely be welcomed to row sometime along the way, if you ask. Make sure the kids keep an eye out for the women who row with their feet. You can't help but smile. Also watch out for the goats that dot the rocky cliff; their dark colors camouflage them.

The ride out is pressure-free, generally speaking, but at the end turnaround the selling begins. You and the kids will be offered all sorts of snacks, but don't fall for it unless absolutely necessary and then bargain, bargain, bargain. Prices will be at least 2-3 times what you should ever pay, so be careful.

Enjoy the ride up and back; try not to be overwhelmed by the tourist trade that proliferates in the area. Then head out to Hang Mua, visible from the boat ride, or one of the local pagodas or villages that dot the area.

Check with your hotel in Ninh Binh or Hanoi for help planning your trip. You can rent a motorbike (or two) or hire a car for the trip. Your hotel should be happy to help you plan the tour for $12-15 each from Hanoi.

Outside resources:

• Tam Coc video on YouTube
• Virtual Tourist: Tam Coc photos
• Our photos from Tam Coc & surrounding area