Tam Coc, also known as "Dry Halong Bay", is one of the natural wonders of Vietnam. Located approximately 10km away from Ninh Binh, it is tourism destination par excellence for both Vietnamese and international tourists.
Tam Coc means "Three Caves" - but in order to clarify why they are so popular, I should mention that a river flows through these caves. Tourists rent a boat and are rowed along the river through a spectacular landscape which is quite similar to Halong Bay only without the sea. To one's left and right side, rough limestone rocks reach an altitude of up to 100m. Sometimes, daring mountain goats climb up the steep rocks, jumping from one little un-overgrown square meter to the next. Amidst all this beauty, Ngo Dong river flows tranquilly, water lilies and other plants growing at its sides.
While these views alone would be worth the trip, the caves are even more spectacular. The first one you reach is called Hang Ca. It's the biggest with a length of 127m and a width of 20m. Nonetheless, mind your head! It may be long, but its ceiling is only some centimeters above you. Shortly after, you'll reach Hang Hai, the second grotto. With a length of 60m, it's a lot smaller, but also very impressive. Finally, Hang Ba, the third and last cave awaits you.