Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
Arrived in the Old Quarter of Hanoi for one night only! We were off the next day for a two nighter to Ninh Binh and then Ha Long Bay. We’d planned to get some food and have an early night, as we were being picked up the next morning around 7am. The hotel kindly offered to store our luggage, so we were able to pack light. Wandered out for some food and we accidentally stumbled across Train Street. This was to be one of the highlights of Hanoi and we hadn’t wanted to see it just yet as we had four nights in Hanoi when we arrived back from Ha Long! It was a very quick glance from the level crossing but we did see the train cross.
The next morning we set off for the two hour drive to the ancient capital of Ho Lu for a tour. A quick four mile cycle ride through the countryside before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. A boat ride around Trang An, it was less than relaxing as it was rammed with tourists (obviously we added to the problem). The cave systems were amazing and very low in places. We had to duck down to avoid our blocks being knocked off. To round off the day we climbed a mountain!Ngon Ling, for views over Tam Coc karsts and paddy fields. G managed to the top, M stopped at the lower level. It really was hot and steep. Stayed in a beautiful small hotel surrounded by paddy fields and the staff couldn’t do enough to help us. Unfortunately they didn’t have a restaurant but ordered in take away food and served it on plates. We enjoyed a few glasses of wine and beer before heading to bed. We were being collected at 7.15am the next morning.
Three hours later we arrived at the dock for our overnight trip on Ha Long Bay. Once on board we had a buffet lunch and then had access to our cabin. Shortly after we were taken by the tender boat and dropped off for a sampan boat ride through the bright and dark caves. Back onboard we then had the opportunity to kayak and/or swim. We took out a double kayak for a quick paddle around the bay, once handed back G decided to take a dip in the water. M avoided and took. First time in a while but we dressed for dinner, it was a formal set menu in the grand dining room, but first we enjoyed a few cocktails during happy hour. After the meal was over, almost everyone disappeared to their cabins. It was only nine o’clock and far to early for us. We sat out on the deck and enjoyed another few drinks. Up early to see the calm and serenity of the bay, G opted to have the extra time in bed. It was beautiful on the top deck with hardly anyone else there. We had to be out of our cabin by 9.30am, so we had brunch, whilst sailing back to the dock. Once on dry land we then had a three hour coach trip back to Hanoi.
Back where we started in Hanoi, we checked back in to the same hotel. However we’d booked a slightly bigger room with a balcony overlooking the street of the old quarter, this was going to be good for people watching. We now have three days to seek out the best of the city
