Ha long Bay on Land: Exploring Tam Coc, Vietnam’s Hidden Gem

While many travelers leave Vietnam swooning over their Ha Long Bay cruise, I found my slice of paradise elsewhere — in the quiet, breathtaking beauty of Tam Coc, often nicknamed “Ha long Bay on land.” And after two nights here, I’d choose Tam Coc over the bay any day (Of course, if you do not need to choose, I do still recommend going on the cruise as well).

We stayed at the Tam Coc Garden Resort, tucked away just a few minutes’ drive from the town center. While it might be more convenient to stay within walking distance of town, this serene, pastoral escape nestled between limestone mountains and lush rice fields offered the kind of peace I really craved. The resort was thoughtfully designed — elegant rooms with natural materials, a private terrace that opened to nature’s soundtrack, and paths that wind through tropical gardens. At the end of each day, the poolside bar was our go-to — the perfect spot to unwind with a cool drink as the sun dipped behind the karsts.

Our days were filled with quiet wonder. A boat ride through the stunning waterways of Trang An took us beneath caves and past towering cliffs — all rowed by local women with incredible skill and grace. And the climb to Mua Cave at sunset rewarded us with panoramic views over rice paddies and river valleys, bathed in golden light. Evenings were a shift in tempo — we’d head into Tam Coc’s main street, alive with buzzing bars and casual restaurants. It was fun to soak in the vibe, people-watch, and sample some more of Vietnam’s Italian food. What to do. still our favorite cuisine (They make a damn good Pizza). Tam Coc was a gentle, soul-filling retreat — one that surprised me with its natural beauty and calm charm. If you’re heading to Vietnam and craving more than just the standard stops on a day trip, I strongly recommend booking a good three days, two nights to enjoy this place mindfully.

Accommodation Tip: We stayed at one of the rooms at the edge of the resort, “Mountain Veranda Chamber” and it was quiet and lovely! I somehow have the feeling it will be hard to go wrong with a room type here but do compare should the view and size options are important to you. The resort is a bit more pricy than other hotels in the area but the seclusion, style, breakfast, free bike usage- it was all worth the money spent here.

Excursion Tip: There are two main options for a boat ride. One is on a smaller scale in Tam Coc and the second, the more famous of the two, Trang An world heritage site. While I did not try the Tam Coc Sampan boat ride, the picturesque boat tour in Trang An was something else. When you arrive, you can pick one of three routes. We went with route #3 which includes three temples but also the longest cave in the UNESCO site. Technically the small rowboat may carry four people (250,000 VD each) but should you be a couple, I strongly recommend paying a bit extra for a whole boat ride for yourself. It was pure magic which we did not need to share with others. We did also opt for the popular Mua Cave climb. It is worth coming about 1.5 hours before sunset so that you can take your time climbing with no rush and stop for some lovely selfies. The entire area is beautifully lit especially in this time of day. It can get quite packed at the top, as well dangerously steep, but the sunset view is just as beautiful some steps before the peak. Well worth the hike.

Gastronomy Tip: We found a super nice little hidden spot in Tam Coc for a quick afternoon bite. Banh Mi Hanoi, while it sounds like a simple sandwich place had a wide range of food options and especially a chill atmosphere just a few meters from the main street.