Tam Coc and its unique floating market

If you are already impressed by the iconic water markets on the Mekong River, immerse yourself this time in the warm atmosphere offered by a floating market unique in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. The atmosphere that reigns on the Tam Coc river trip is not the same as in the Southern delta, but travellers can really feel the pleasant moments in front of the scenes of life on the water.

Prized by the beauty as if on a postcard, Tam Coc - Bich Dong is ideal for a relaxing excursion along the Ngo Dong river, between sugar loaves, rice fields, caves, wildlife and wild flora on the banks. This is such a picturesque atmosphere that enchants walkers in search of total immersion in the great outdoors.

Departing from the pier, you will meet here and there, a sampan filled with fruit, candy, a bottle of water... handled peacefully by a local. Smiling, some rowers approach to offer you, without insisting, a few things to eat.

After a three-kilometre journey, these boats find themselves disembarking from the third cave, where the "floating market" of the Halong Bay on land is in full swing. The animation created by a dozen small points of sale on the water allows visitors to get closer to local life.

It’s an opportunity for visitors to have a good time by having a few things for a little hunger, or simply, to get to know the rowers

Local fruit and water are the most sought after by walkers after more than an hour of sailing in Tam Coc

These rowers need three kilometres of navigation on the river to access the market and return in the other direction at the end of the day

The note-taking stopover

It takes time and patience to hire these traders at Tam Coc. Whether you buy or not, they always leave you with a smile

A well-deserved rest after hours of paddling and business on the water to make ends meet

Like the real guides, these rowers are also friendly in explaining the surrounding landscapes and historic places to you. The hospitality of the people of Tam Coc, Ninh Binh is reminiscent of the thousand-year-old culture and history of Hoa Lu, the land of Vietnam’s first capital.

Rowing with the feet, the scenes that remain etched in the memories of the passengers at Tam Coc

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