Gia Lao - Tam Coc
Distance: 300 kms
A reasonable sized day distance wise but easy as it’s not as big a day scenery wise, therefore photography wise. Compared with where you’ve come from and particularly where you may be going the country flattens out a bit in this section so with that higher average speed.
If you don’t have time for a day off in your schedule, get an early start tomorrow to be in mid afternoon. The Tam Coc area is worthy of a good look around. Besides, a dawn start every so often is good for your soul.
(A) a good morning coffee option
(B) is the HCM Trail 0 milestone. Good first photo and rest stop.
Plenty of good food options along the way as always. Where restaurants are over water you can be sure of good seafood even this far off the coast. Alive in tanks so no question around freshness.
(C) is a massive sunflower farm that at certain times of the year is quite spectacular.
(D) is just keeping you on the right track
(E) is an interesting place to check out. A lot of this 13th century Imperial Fortress is in ruins but the gates I imagine rebuilt are pretty impressive. Have a good look around and leave through the East gate to pick up this map again.
(F) another tour option you could bypass if time poor
(G) a great accommodation option perfectly located
It is at the end of the village so an early morning walk through the rice paddies and mountain area is recommended. Having a flick for a fish is good fun.
(H) The Caves boat tour is a must do.
The best of many tours offered in the area if having a day off here or in early enough to squeeze it into the afternoon. Last boats leave at 3.30pm for the full 3 hour tour.
While the lady paddles down the back, relax and enjoy this beautiful part of the country. Of note this is the area the water scenes for King Kong movie blockbuster were shot.
