Planning my route from Tam Coc to Phong Nha and trying to figure out the most efficient way to travel between these destinations. Should I go back through Hanoi or is there a more direct route that avoids backtracking? I have a flexible schedule so time isn’t critical, but I’d prefer not to waste a whole day just on transport if possible. My budget is mid-range so I can afford private transport if it makes sense, but also happy to take buses or trains if the connections work well. Has anyone done this specific route recently and can share advice about the best approach? I’m particularly interested in whether there are any scenic routes or interesting stops worth planning along the way. Also wondering about luggage storage options if there are long connections involved.
I don’t have much idea about transport from Tam Coc but have seen backpackers coming from Ninh Binh via sleeper buses.
just curious, how was Tam coc as I wanna do their boat tour one day and thinking if its better than trang an tour?
they have got a tam coc to phong nha guide here
you didn’t do the trang an boat tour though? tam coc to me felt so boring with just 40 minutes of boat ride and they followed back the same path on return 
trang an was way better
Hey morri!
I don’t have an answer for travel to phong nha but got a question about tam coc as am planning to go there next year (2026).
how is the tam coc boat tour? is it super touristic like i see in blogs?
should I choose it over trang an tour?
any other hidden things to do in ninh binh which is not over crowded?