Tam Cốc, located in Ninh Bình province about 7 kilometres from Ninh Bình city, is a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site famed for its dramatic karst limestone formations and tranquil river landscapes. Its name, meaning “three caves,” refers to Hang Cả, Hang Hai and Hang Ba, which visitors can explore by boat along the Ngo Dong River, often rowed by locals using their feet in a distinctive tradition. What makes Tam Cốc unique is its combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and relative lack of overdevelopment compared to other Vietnamese destinations, offering an eco-friendly retreat steeped in history. Travellers can enjoy river tours through rice fields and grottoes and visit nearby temples and pagodas such as Bích Động and Thái Vi.