My trip from Hanoi to Tam Coc was supposed to be smooth in a VIP bus. But as with many travel adventures in Vietnam, things didn’t go exactly as planned. However, it became an unforgettable experience, filled with excitement, confusion, and laughter.

The Start: Navigating Hanoi’s Bustling Streets

I began my journey with a Grab taxi from Oceanpark, Hanoi, to the Hanoi Circus entrance (Rapxiec Trung Uong). This is where I expected to catch my VIP bus to Tam Coc. When I arrived, it quickly became clear that things weren’t as simple as I had hoped. Several buses from different companies were lined up. Finding mine took time, especially because no one spoke English. Luckily, I wasn’t alone. I joined a few other travelers who had the same issue, and together, we searched for the bus. After some effort, we found it—not in front of the hotel as expected, but at the circus entrance.

The VIP Bus Experience

Once on board, I sank into my comfortable, air-conditioned seat. After a short wait, the journey finally began. The three-hour ride took us out of busy Hanoi and into the peaceful countryside. It was a chance to unwind and take in the changing scenery.

Arrival in Tam Coc: La Siesta & My First Impressions

Upon arrival in Tam Coc, I was pleased to find that my accommodation, La Siesta, was only a five-minute walk from the bus stop and the town’s center. Checking in was a breeze, and my host even offered to rent me a scooter, which was a fantastic start to my stay. After a refreshing shower, I stepped out to explore the local area.

Just around the corner from my hotel, I found a cozy restaurant where I indulged in a delicious bowl of Pho (noodle soup). In Vietnam they love Pho. The location of my hotel couldn’t have been better, as it was only a short walk to Tam Coc’s main attraction—the dock for boat tours along the scenic river.

Rainy Adventures & A Pineapple Juice Rescue

As I began my first stroll through Tam Coc, the weather took an unexpected turn. Without warning, the skies opened up, and the streets were quickly flooded. Luckily, I was right next to a small street shop where the kind vendor let me take shelter under her umbrella. To show my gratitude, I bought all of her freshly pressed pineapple juice. After about 30 minutes, the rain stopped, and I made my way back to the hotel.

Dinner & Relaxing Evening in Tam Coc

That evening, I went out for dinner and found a restaurant named “Phuket.” Being a fan of Thailand, the name caught my attention. The food was decent, and the owner was very friendly. It made for a pleasant and relaxing evening. After dinner, I headed back to the hotel, ready for the next day’s adventure.

Day 2: A Serene Boat Tour & Laughter with the Locals

The next morning, I decided to take it easy. I slept in a little longer and had a simple but satisfying breakfast. Afterward, I walked to the dock to book a boat tour along Tam Coc’s scenic rivers. My boat guide was an older woman who rowed the boat using her feet—an impressive and unique technique. So far, I have seen this technique only in Vietnam.

Though we didn’t speak the same language, we laughed a lot during the tour. At the end of the trip, she tried to invite me to lunch with her family. I kindly declined, thanks to a local who helped translate her offer!

Exploring Thung Nham Bird Park & Beyond

On my third day, I rented the scooter and set off to Thung Nham Bird Park. This park is full of natural beauty. I walked through its peaceful trails and took a short boat ride through a cave. After exploring the park, I spent the afternoon driving through the countryside. The views were stunning—lush rice fields, grazing water buffaloes, and towering limestone mountains.

Visiting Bich Dong Pagoda & Saying Goodbye (For Now)

The next day, I rode out to Bich Dong Pagoda, a serene Buddhist temple nestled in the hills near Tam Coc. After exploring the peaceful temple grounds, I continued to drive through the region, soaking in the beauty of rural Vietnam. Along the roadside, I noticed vendors selling roasted or grilled goat, a local delicacy I didn’t get the chance to try but certainly will next time, when I am in Vietnam.

Unfortunately, due to a lingering injury from a previous trip to Sapa, I couldn’t do too much walking, so after three days, I decided to return to Hanoi. However, I left with the promise to myself that I would return to explore more of Tam Coc’s incredible sights and hidden gems, when I am back in Vietnam.

Final Thoughts

My trip from Hanoi to Tam Coc began chaotically with a frantic search for the bus, but it unfolded into an unforgettable adventure. The warmth of the locals, the peace of the landscapes, the surprise rainstorms, and the joyous boat tours all captivated me. Tam Coc is the perfect mix of excitement and calm, a place I eagerly anticipate revisiting.