90km far from Hanoi, Ninh Binh nowadays is a popular destination thanks to beautiful tourist sites including Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, Kenh Ga and Cuc Phuong National Park.
Tam Coc known as Halong Bay on land boasting a breathtaking scenery. While Halong Bay features huge rock formations jutting out o the sea, Tam Coc has them jutting out of its rice paddies. Tam Coc means three caves; that is Hang Ca (the first), Hang Giua (the second) and Hang Cuoi (the smallest). The boat trip to all three caves takes about two hours. If you are lucky, sometimes you can see mischievous monkeys or mountain goats. This is a very peaceful and scenic trip.
Nearby Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam, is also an interesting historical site. Most of which has been destroyed. The remains are the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the two heroes who lived in 10th century and chose Hoa Lu to build the citadel of the capital city. In 1998, archaeologists unearthed a new section of the old citadel, which have been preserved together with some artifacts and shown in a display room built around them.
Travel tips
For journeys to Hoa Lu Tam Coc even in cloudy days, bring sunscreen and a hat or umbrella. At Tam Coc, a little bit hassle as boat owners try to sell you embroidery or boat vendors ask you buy drinks, take photos. If you really don't like, just say no.