Tam Coc is a great place for a day trip from Hanoi. From my hotel, I organized a day tour for $40, which included transportation, entrance fees, and lunch. Your bus will typically pick you up around 8:00 and the first stop is the old capital of Hoa Lu, a 2.5 hour drive from Hanoi. Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th century and today it is one of the most popular destinations in the Ninh Binh province. Hao Lu is rather boring (sorry for that disrespect Hoa Lu). You’ll stay here for an hour and continue by bus for another 30 minutes until you…