Known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” this breathtaking part of Ninh Binh Province features incredible limestone formations and vibrant rice paddies. Take a rowboat cruise on the Ngô Đồng River on a small craft driven by a guide who will paddle you up the river with her feet. The Ngô Đồng winds through the mountains around Tam Coc, and it slides beneath three limestone caves near the village of Van Lam. We visited on a day trip from Hanoi organized by Handspan Travel that included Hoa Lu ( Cố đô Hoa Lư) and Bich Dong Pagoda. Handspan did a great job; they’re highly recommended.