[JQTalks Vietnam] Tam Coc Wharf, Ninh Binh

August 17, 2014

If you are touring Hanoi, Tam Coc Wharf is one destination you won't want to miss because how often you get to sit on a tiny boat with someone paddling (with their feet) along the streams of Ngo Dong River while you enjoy a magnificent view of sky-high karst towers, paddy fields and caves.

Personally, June is not the best time for your to visit this place. It was blazing hot, I can feel myself burning from head to toe. I would suggest visiting around Autumn or almost to Winter. The cool breeze + view = Magnificent.

By the end of my journey, I was swamped by locals selling fruits, drink and snacks. Their fruits are worth trying as they are sweet and juicy. Try to not give big notes as they will ask you to buy more instead of returning your change. If you don't buy anything, they will ask you to buy for your rower to appreciate their hard work.

#Fact: Tipping is mandatory. Minimum 50,000 dong for each rower, you may have one or two rower on a boat.

#Fact: Some boats sell local items such as handmade fabric pouch and etc. They are considered cheap as compared to other places. Try to bargain, the more you buy, the cheaper it is. This is the best time to purchase souvenirs for your girlfriends/female colleagues.