Almost all backpackers go to Hanoi to join in on an epic two-day boat trip through the breathtakingly beautiful Halong Bay. Unfortunately for me, due to the fact that I spent too much time partying in Nha Trang and had already booked my flight home, I had run out of time and only had one free day here.
Hanoi
When I arrived in Hanoi I went straight to the popular Downtown Hanoi Backpacker Hostel, it’s a huge place with a lively bar and a great tour operator that will help you book anything you need, like a one day trip to somewhere just as beautiful as Halong Bay: Tam Coc. Cruising through limestone karsts and rice paddies was the perfect way to spend my last day in Vietnam!
I’m sure there are loads of amazing things to see and do in Hanoi, but of course, 22-year-old me just wanted to party so that’s all we did. Either sitting in the sun on the side of the roads, drinking 10c beer and watching the world go by, or by taking part in the hostel’s rowdy pub quiz (that our team won, thanks to me and a questionable thing that I did the most of).
Bich Dong
After a long and bumpy ride out of the city towards Tam Coc we arrived at the old capital, Bich Dong (stop laughing) for a tour around the old pagoda and temple. It’s a quick drive from Bich Dong to the small village of Ninh Binh where you’re loaded onto a tiny metal boat ready to explore Tam Coc along the Ngo Dong river (stop it!).
Tam Coc
It really is stunning, and apparently just as lovely as Halong Bay. You can sit back and relax as your guide rows you through the towering karst towers and bright green rice paddies, passing other boats and little temples. There are three caves that you pass through, the largest is 125m long but only 2 meters above the water.
Even if you are lucky enough to visit Halong Bay, I would still recommend a day trip to Tam Coc. It’s a completely different experience altogether, and one that you shouldn’t miss out on.
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Six Year Gap Year 
I did a day tour to Tam Coc when I was in Ha Noi 2 years ago. Absolutely stunning. Was one of the highlights of my whole trip for me.
Awesome! I’m so glad you loved it! I think Halong Bay is such a necessary backpacker thing to do that other things like Tam Coc get missed out sometimes!