vietnam travel guide

Another early morning start and the weather was still grey and overcast but at least it had stopped raining. The minibus picked us up at 7.45 and we spent the next hour doing a city tour picking up the other 10 people on the tour. Three hours later we boarded our ‘luxury’ boat which would take us to explore Ha Long bay. There were only 6 of of us on the our 16 berth boat which made things all the more personal with our tour guide ‘Suan’. Suan was a mine of information and we later found out she had studied tourism for 7 years at university.

Indochina Sails_ luxury cruise on Ha Long Bay

After boarding we sailed for 2 hours to LanHa Bay and disembarked. We were shown the impressive caves and the million year old stalactites and stalagmites inside the limestone mountains. Ha Long bay has over 1500 square kilometres of limestone and dolomite islets which have recently been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We both really enjoyed the caves……..is this a sign we are getting old?

From there we sailed into the next bay for kayaking. After 15 minutes we returned with wet bums, aching arms and goosebumps. Kayaking is not for us!

Dinner was sea food again, we are both feeling a little ’sea fooded’ out.

The following morning was my birthday, oh joy of joys I’m now 40 and unemployed, only kidding.

We got off of the boat at Cat Ba and then 4 of us and Suan went for a 2 hour mountain bike ride. What a wonderful way to spend my birthday. The scenery was stunning,we felt really welcome as all the locals shouted and waved as we passed through.

After the cycle ride we checked into our hotel in Cat Ba town. It is a strange place where it is very obvious the local population are desperate for the US$. It has a growing number of high rise hotels, karoke bars, water fountains and bright lights to entice the overseas visitor.

Having said that we both spent a very entertaining evening with 40 or so other drunken travellers in a karoke bar until we were thrown out. There were 2 of us celebrating birthdays and somehow we were forced into a duet. Last time I sang karoke I said never again…..this time I mean it! Steve even got photographic evidence, trouble is, I look like I’m enjoying it. I’ll never admit it though.

The island of Cat Ba is 18km so when we woke up this morning to find the sun was shining, and when my hangover had abated, we decided to hire out 2 motorbikes and explore. We have spent over 5 hours riding around today, covering every road on the island (all 3 of them!) There is very little traffic on the island which makes it very pleasurable and good practise for the week we will spend riding from Hoi An to Da lat. We have another day on Cat Ba Island tomorrow and hopefully the weather will remain good so we can go to the beach then it’s back to Hanoi to meet Mum on 28th.

For more information about Ha Long bay cruise with interesting tour, please contact to Indochina Sails: www.indochinasails.com

Kayaking on Ha Long Bay. Photo by Indochina Sails

Megan and I finished our time on the SE Asian continent in style cruising around Halong bay on a luxurious Chinese Junk. Although we weren't at any time under actual sail power it still had masts and was quite authentic. We spent the afternoon sailing into the heart of the 2000 islands that populate the bay. We ate a delicious lunch served in traditional communal bowls and then disembarked for a couple hours of kayaking.(see picture) We kayaked through some caves and into a serene cove which is only accessible through caves. Our trip was organized by two guides one a westerner from London who had decided to spend a couple weeks working for this company and the other a Vietnamese man named Viet they were both in their early twenties. Megan and I were accompanied by 21 other backpackers from all over the globe we had Brits, Scots, Brazilians, Quebecois, Americans, and one guy from Mexico They were all ready for fun and really a great group of people to spend a couple of days with. During our time in the cove some one managed to capsize there kayak which wouldn't be a problem for a standard sea kayak but these were actually river kayaks and therefore didn't float. It took 20 minutes and some delicate footwork and razor sharp rock but it was eventually drained and back afloat. Although the delay put us behind schedule and late for the rendezvous with the Jolly Roger we did get to catch a glimpse of a monkey which happened to swing down from the top of one the surrounding ridges to investigate the commotion below. Back aboard the boat we settled into our respective cabins to shower up for dinner and a spectacular sunset. After dinner we spent the evening taking part in various drinking games and other intelligent discourse. Eventually the night digressed to feats of bravery and we began leaping off the top of the boat into the dark waters below. The following day we fought through varying levels of hangover and trekked up a slippery slope to the top off a picturesque peak. Most of us didn't think that was good enough so we climbed up an ancient tower tower which stood atop the hill. It was very very rusted and had a nerve racking creak to it whenever the wind picked up.(also it was missing two steps on of which the top step was about 120ft above the jungle canopy.

We are now in Indonesia, Jakarta to be specific and are seriously contemplating a spur of the moment flight straight to Bali. It's not that we don't like the city, although the rats are brave enough to walk to streets in broad daylight, we just want to be in a fun beach town for the final full moon of our trip which happens to be tomorrow night.

We'll let you know if we make it by for now.

Source: Travelblog

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) has created Set Departure tours in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia from June 2009. ATA guarantees the Best rates for travelers who love joining small group tours and exploring hidden land in Indochina.

ATA is one of professional Adventure Tour Operators in the area of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. ATA offers adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages. The ATA’s packages and custom itineraries include tailor-made and set-departure tours will take travelers through exotic destinations to really experience the culture, history and nature of Asia. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy an unforgettable active vacation. ATA runs the most adventure tours available in the area. ATA’s active trips are designed for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, real people seeking real fun and adventure.

ATA is aware that travelers need to plan the travel arrangements early to take advantage of our early payment discounts, utilize frequent flyer miles or benefit from airline early booking offers and meet other travelers and save money by joining group tour. To assist travelers in planning a great holiday in Indochina, ATA has designated a number of tours as preferred set departures based on their reliable booking history. ATA also guarantees that ATA only offers small group tours with maximum of 8 people in each group.

In Set Departure tours, ATA has clearly listed the accommodation in the trips and recommendation for each itinerary. ATA also provide guideline to help travelers is easy to reserve the suitable tours and date. More information at http://www.activetravel.asia/special_offer/2009_March_se …

ATA would like to co-operate with other Tour Operators and Travel Agents to offer travelers with the best choice and budget savings in Vietnam and Cambodia.

For reference, ATA updates the list of Set departure tours in Vietnam and Cambodia as below:

Set Departure tours in Vietnam

- Conquer Fansipan - Cat Cat Route – trekking tour
http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&to …

- Trek Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Trekking tour
http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&to …

- Different Sapa - Different Trek – Trekking tour
http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=56

- Biking Hidden Paths of Mai Chau & Ninh Binh - Biking tour
http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=32

- Kayak Halong Bay – Kayaking & exploring tour
http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=24

- Mekong Explorer – Biking tour
http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=19

- Motorcycling Ho Chi Minh Trails – Motorcycle tour
http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=22

Set Departure tours in Cambodia

- Cambodia Discovery - Family adventure tour
http://wwww.activetravelcambodia.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=65

- Cycling Angkor Temple – Biking tour
http://wwww.activetravelcambodia.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=68

- Trek Angkor Temple – Trekking tour
http://wwww.activetravelcambodia.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=61

- Mekong Delta & Angkor Wat – Indochina Adventure tour
http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=62.

Press Information:
ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA

#31, Alley 4, Dang Van Ngu Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Contact Person:
Bobby Nguyen
Marketing Manager
Phone: +84-4-3573-8569
Email: info@activetravel.asia

Web: http://www.activetravel.asia

Cruise on Halong bay by Indochina Sails

There were not many people on our boat, which was a bit unfortunate, as this made the evening’s entertainment somewhat none existent. Still a few of us had a few drinks up on the stop of the boat and were relaxing nicely until someone come up top and announced that they had just seen a cockroach running around down stairs. Did not think much of it, until someone else came back and said they had just seen it run into my cabin. I went down to find it, and he took a bit of tracking down. Then all I had to do was catch the thing and kill it….I never knew they could run so fast. Anyway, eventually I managed to kill the thing and give it a proper sea burial…and tossed it over the side. On my way back up top, I passed and killed one or two more, but when I got up top I was greeted with the girls and Jeff, stood on chairs on the top deck…there were a few little baby roaches running around.

It was decided to go to the cabins and block every little crack and cranny to stop the roaches from returning. So after about half an hour, we had the cabins secure and myself and Jeff decided to go on operation roach hunt. There by this point were a fair few roaches running around, which we duly trod on (the big ones make a really good crunching sound when you stand on them). I then happened to shine a torch through the kitchen window and lets just say…I didn’t eat breakfast the following morning, apart from fired eggs, which I hope they could not crawl all over!

The next day we made it back to dry land without any further problems and all in all the trip was great fun and well worth doing…the views are scenery are incredible.

To have a itinerary on Halong bay with many benefit, please visit website: www.indochinasails.com

Even if we hadn't already spent a week in the bustle and hustle of Hanoi, the mist-shrouded limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay, echoing birdcalls and water lapping our ship would have been enchanting.

But by the time we arrived at this UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Vietnam's Gulf of Tonkin, we badly needed a break from the mad motor-scooter traffic of the nation's second-largest city, the swarming pineapple vendors and the ceaseless capitalist hustle. Three days of swimming, kayaking and just chilling on the deck of the Dragon's Pearl, with drink in hand, were the ideal respite and one of the high points of our two-week trip to Vietnam in October.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

We chose the cruise of Ha Long Bay because of its proximity to Hanoi and its World Heritage designation. Still, the 105-mile van trip takes almost half a day -- Vietnam's highway system is still a work in progress and buses and trucks share the road with darting motor scooters, bicycles and plodding water buffalo.

Ha Long City's harbor, a gateway shipping port supplying this fast-developing region, is on the dreary side. In fact, I was having second thoughts about this trip as we dragged our suitcases along a rutted path past rusting, crumbling buildings to the ship, a deluxe junk. But once we were headed into the bay, the breeze and the view from the motorized Dragon Pearl's top deck, along with our "welcome" glasses of iced tea, lifted my spirits. So did our cabin. Our room -- like the 17 others on the junk -- was small but contained plenty of amenities, including a king-sized bed, a minute bathroom complete with terry bathrobes and rubber flip-flops, and air conditioning, necessary to cut through the withering heat and humidity.

The first afternoon, our ship and several others dropped anchor at a deserted beach on the tiny island of Soi Sim, where we swam and lounged away the rest of the day. The water was calm and warm, but apart from the setting, this was the least memorable outing of our cruise. Escalating tourism in the region, perhaps because of its World Heritage designation, has generated litter and pollution. So, here, miles from anywhere, plastic drink bottles and candy wrappers floated in the water and washed up on the sand.A couple of hours later, we were back on board. With a school of silvery jumping fish as our escort, our ship headed northeast toward the Hang Luon grotto, where the Dragon Pearl dropped anchor for the night in the company of several other junks.

Before dinner, we hung out on the chaise lounges arrayed on the ship's deck, watching as the peaks surrounding us turned a dusky blue and lights on the neighboring junks twinkled on. The scene reminded me of a cross between Hawaii's Na Pali Cliffs and Washington's Puget Sound.Our two evenings out on the top deck, trading stories and watching night fall, were among the few times I relished being outdoors in Vietnam's blistering heat.

But the highlight of the trip was a kayaking tour on the second day. I had been dubious about this -- I had never squeezed into a kayak before, and we were far out in the bay, close to the open waters of the gulf. I feared capsizing, not being able to keep up with the group and getting drenched if the threatening skies opened up.It was nothing like that. The five kayaks were led in and around cliffs and through grottoes, pointing out birds, plants and the cliffs where monkeys nest (although we didn't see any). The skies held, and when we beached the boats at noon on an uninhabited island, the sun came out in time for a swim.

As for lunch, think "Fantasy Island," that kitschy late-'70s TV series. Our table already was set on the sand when we pulled up -- with white tablecloths and napkins -- and although the white-suited Mr. Roarke was nowhere in sight, the ship's kitchen crew was busy barbecuing fish and peeling dragon fruit, a dramatic red cactus fruit with mildly sweet white flesh, for another magnificent meal.

In fact, all our meals were extraordinary. Lunch and dinner aboard the ship were multiple-course, white-tablecloth affairs that usually included soup, locally caught prawns and fish, chicken, stir-fried vegetables and terrific tofu dishes. Breakfast was a buffet of fresh fruit and baked goods served outdoors on the ship's middle deck. That afternoon, we paddled some more, at one point passing a lone fisherman casting his net. His wooden rowboat rocked gently. A teapot perched on the stern.

The next morning, our ship steamed to Sung Sot Cave, one of the area's largest and most impressive limestone caverns, spanning 12,000 square yards inside. The entrance required a short hike up several flights of stone steps to a spot high above the bay. More steps led into receding chambers, past humongous stalactites and stalagmites that resembled giant sandcastles. Here, you can see water at work, dripping from the ceiling and pooling on the floor in ponds so still and mirror-like that it left me disoriented.

That afternoon, we headed to Ha Long Harbor for the return trip to Hanoi. Back in our French Quarter hotel, as the horns of a thousand motor scooters honked outside our window, I realized the cruise had given me a different impression of Vietnam. If Hanoi is like 4 million people on Red Bull, Ha Long Bay is where time stops, where the old ways of doing things endure and where it's quiet enough to breathe deeply and hear fish leap from the water.

Recommended for cruise on Halong Bay:

Active Travel Asia co-operate with Indochina Sails Halong Bay supports free Vietnam Visa services for travelers who book Indochina Sails Saving summer promotion – Halong Bay cruise, Vietnam until September 30, 2009.

Active Travel Shop (ATS), one of Active Travel Asia (ATA) sister sites is a first class online travel shop for international independent travelers. ATS offers all travel related services including travel packages, flight, car rental, hotel reservations and tour operations to independent travelers to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. ATS guarantees to offer travelers the competitive rates at the premium service quality level in the market.

Indochina Sails is the biggest company to offer a new standard for luxury cruising Halong Bay and now widely known as the number one choice for discerning travellers, operating a fleet of four newly built wooden junks designed in time-honoured traditional style, with contemporary and luxurious cabins and facilities.

ATS offers free Vietnam tourist Visa services which travelers can choose to apply Visa on Arrival Vietnam, or just take the Visa Approval Letter sent by ATA and apply at Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates in traveler’s country. Please refer to Vietnam Embassies at http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/traveltips/vietnam_embassies_consulates_ab...

To apply Vietnam tourist Visa, please download the guideline and follow step by step at http://www.activetravelshop.com/index.php?name=download&product=TouristVisaAp...

Travelers refer to Special Summer Promotion on Halong bay on Indochina Sails websites at http://www.indochinasails.com/en/promotion.html for more information.

In this summer promotion, travelers will enjoy the gastronomic BBQ Seafood and summer wines in the most luxury cruises as well as kayaking and swimming in Halong bay, Natural World Heritage of Vietnam with special promotion rates. This promotion is valided from 1st May- 30 Sept 2009 for 02 days or 03 days package tours in Halong Bay.

INCLUDED

- Superior Double/Twin (Twin shared)

- Shuttle bus returns Hanoi - Halong Bay – Hanoi

- International Wine Tasting - A select list of wines from around the world

- 01 hour free Kayaking on Halong Bay

- Candlelight Buffet Dinner with many dishes from the BBQ including a large selection of local seafood

- Welcome Drink

- Entrance and Sightseeing Fees.

- Luxury en-suite air-conditioned Cabins

- Vietnamese Set Lunch Menu

- International Breakfast Buffet

- Onboard Insurance

- Tax and Service Charges

EXCLUDED

Visa Arrangements

Massage Service

Beverages

Tips and Personal Expenses

All other services not clearly mentioned above

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Cruise rates based on group of two adults

Advance reservation required

Supplement cabins for normal walk-in rate without extras

Other terms and conditions apply

Available on Indochina Sails I and II only

Contact ATS at: shop@activetravelshop.com or Indochina Sails: info@indochinasails.com

Note:

- Active Travel Asia only offers free Vietnam tourist visa services for travelers who book Indochina Sails Summer Promotion

- This offer is exclusive of Visa Stamp fee at Vietnam Embassy or Vietnam International Airport.

- This offer is valid until September 30, 2009 and applied only to new bookings.

- This promotion is not combined with any other promotions.

Other Special Promotions on ATA’s sister sites:
Active Travel Asia (ATA): http://www.activetravel.asia/special_offer/

Active Travel Vietnam (ATV): http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php

Active Travel Cambodia (ATC): http://www.activetravelcambodia.com/tour.php

Following the cheaper options campaign, Active Travel Asia supports free Vietnam Visa services on Active Travel Shop (www.activetravelshop.com) for travelers who plan to travel Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and book hotels & excursions in Vietnam until September 30, 2009.

Active Travel Shop (ATS), one of Active Travel Asia (ATA) sister sites is a first class online travel shop for international independent travelers. ATS offers all travel related services including travel packages, flight, car rental, hotel reservations and tour operations to independent travelers to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. ATS guarantees to offer travelers the competitive rates at the premium service quality level in the market.

Promotion at Activetravelshop

ATS offers free Vietnam tourist Visa services which travelers can choose to apply Visa on Arrival Vietnam, or just take the Visa Approval Letter sent by ATA and apply at Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates in traveler’s country. Please refer to Vietnam Embassies at http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/traveltips/vietnam_embassies_consulates_ab...

To apply Vietnam tourist Visa, please download the guideline and follow step by step at http://www.activetravelshop.com/index.php?name=download&product=TouristVisaAp...

Travelers have more options to choose many hotels and excursions on Activetravelshop.com from budget to luxury accommodation as well as find the suitable excursions in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Hoi An, Nha Trang or Mekong delta. More info at: http://www.activetravelshop.com/index.php?name=product&op=listSubcategories&c...

Note:

- Active Travel Asia only offers free Vietnam tourist visa services for travelers book hotels and excursions on Active Travel Shop.
- This offer is exclusive of Visa Stamp fee at Vietnam Embassy or Vietnam International Airport.
- This offer is valid until September 30, 2009 and applied only to new bookings from Activetravelshop.com.
- This promotion is not combined with any other promotions from ATA

Other Special Promotions on ATA’s sister sites:

Active Travel Asia (ATA):http://activetravel.asia/special_offer/
Active Travel Vietnam (ATV): http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php
Active Travel Cambodia (ATC): http://www.activetravelcambodia.com/tour.php

Providing a fleeting insight into the traditional lives, friendly tribes and exotic landscapes of north-travelers and north-east Vietnam, the trip also delivers surprisingly good riding across the mountainous area of northern Vietnam. There are technical sections, easy hills, huge flowing descents and some glorious single tracks.

The day for biking from Sapa to Ban Ho Village, Travelers will begin the ride around 8.30am, directly from Sapa and straight away travelers are flying along on a 38km stretch involving a challenging climb at first and then a spectacular, fast flowing downhill to join a remote jeep track. Travelers will meet up for picnic lunch at the downhill. The jeep track climbs at first then provide a fast descent before travelers hit a short section of paved road that leads to Lao Cai Town. This is a long and challenging day with one short section where travelers might have to carry the bikes.

The day for biking in Bac Ha, Lao Cai, The ridding begins on a good hard pack track along the side of a quiet road. Climbing gently then descending steeply to the small village of Coc Ly. Take a boat trip on Chay River, a beautiful river with stunning mountain gorge. The boat trip is followed by a ride on riverbank single-track and an alpine road climb to the quiet town of Bac Ha.

The day for biking from Bac Ha to Hoang Su Phi, Travelers drive 10 km west to Lung Phin where travelers start climbing toward Xin Man. This day, travelers will bike across one of the most remote parts of northern Vietnam. At first travelers tackle a steady climb for 1 hr and then hitting the tarmac for a fast descent into the quiet town of Xin Man. The riding in the afternoon takes travelers down to a bridge over the upstream of Chay River and for the next 40 km traveler’s cycle along a quiet road that gently climbs and follows the river to the town of Hoang Su Phi.

The day for biking in Ha Giang, travelers leave Hoang Su Phi early morning; there are 6 km downhill before travelers turn off onto a remote track leading though mountains. On this part the support vehicle will not be able to follow the group and continue on the main mountain road to Viet Lam, where travelers will meet up later this day. The ride highlight today is a long descent punctuated with waterfall and switchbacks, which flows seamlessly into some sinuous riverside single track making for fantastic riding. Eventually travelers emerge onto rough tarmac and climb before finally dropping down again to the hot springs of Viet Lam, where travelers can ease the aching muscles. Refreshed, travelers transfer the final 20 miles along Highway 2 to the busy district capital of Ha Giang.

At first day for biking from Ha Giang to Bac Me, travelers tackle 12 km gentle climbs and then it is an undulating, idyllic route through friendly villages and paddy fields, surrounded by jagged limestone hills. Light lunch en route and travelers will reach the small town of Bac Me early afternoon. The rest of the day, travelers can explore this litter town and its surroundings or relax with a cold beer in local bars.

The day for biking from Bac Me to Ba Be Lake, travelers cross the Gam River and leave the main road to follow a small track cross-country off-road all the way to Ba Be. The support vehicle will not be able to follow the group on this route and travel along way to meet travelers in Ba Be National Park. Depending to the condition of the track travelers will have an emergency jeep or motorbike for water, food and first-aid. The ride involves three climbs, crossing a succession of river valleys, but is rideable all the way. At the village of Dan Dong, travelers will be transferred into traditional long boats for a relaxing 1.5-hour ride along the beautiful Nang River and cross the lake into the stunning Ba Be National Park. The park is centered on the country's largest natural lake which is surrounded by limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and caves and abundant of wildlife.

The day for Boat trip on Ba Be Lake, travelers will board a long boat for a fantastic boat trip on the stunning Ba Be Lake.

Summer Promotion Valid from Apr 01, 2009 to Jul 31, 2009 at

(Sheena and Chelsea told their wonderful experiences on motorcycling trip in Vietnam)

We booked a motorcycle trip, which is sure to be the main trip highlight for us. Cruising around, no cares in the world! We used a company called Active Travel Vietnam. It included three days on bikes touring the country side with home-stays throughout. The site we used is listed here: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=34

We woke up early then we were picked up by our mini bus and driven to the Ho Chi Minh Museum just on the outskirts of Hanoi. It’s a great place for us to start and showed us lots of cool facts about Ho Chi Minh and gave us time to discuss the upcoming trail ride and its significance to Vietnam.

The museum was built in the 1990's and is dedicated to Ho Chi Minh. He was s great Vietnamese leader who lead the communist movement and defeated the French in 1954. Ruling until 1969, he was considered very influential and was best known for leading Vietnam through its revolution and its declaration of independence. Everything on display is pretty much a dedication to his achievements in life. His life is depicted in a number of photos and artifacts about speeches he made and the influence he had. We kept seeing things around town that affectionately refer to him as Uncle Ho. Pretty neat if I do say so myself.

The Ho Chi Minh Trail was the link between North Vietnam and South Vietnam and was used in the American War as a supply line for ammunition and supplies. The problem is that the trail leads through the jungle and created many hardships. Now the trail is used for tourism and is a peaceful, beautiful route where you can reflect on the countries past.

After the museum we had some time to play around on the bikes and get used to the way they felt. Chelsea and I had gone for motorcycle lessons in Canada before the trip because we knew that this was one of the highlights we were not willing to miss. I keep making fun of Chelsea for getting her motorcycle license for a trip when she still doesn’t have her regular license. Ha-ha. Needless to say, the training at home seemed to really help our confidence on these bikes. The guides were great too, VERY patient.

We spent the afternoon riding along the highway in the peaceful rice patty areas and surrounding limestone rocks. It was really a beautiful experience and made me feel pretty lucky to have been a part of it. The air smelled clean and the wind was warm, just what a perfect vacation day should be.

Our guides stopped in Hoa Binh for lunch, about 75 km away from Hanoi. We had some kind of meat served on cooked bamboo. It was a very pretty area and we wished we had a little more time to check out the river. They called it Da or Song Da which I think means, Black River.

After we left Hoa Binh we headed through some beautiful valleys and mountainous terrain to a village 60km away called Mai Chau. We had a bit of free time and hiked Cun Mountain for some great picture opportunities of the valley. We both really enjoyed the overnight stay in the stilt house. It had bamboo floors and the roof seemed to be made of palm leaves. I was feeling a bit queasy from riding all day and eating street meat the night before so I wasn’t so sure about the stability of a stilt house, but I worried for nothing. Chelsea seemed to make friends right away although we still barley understand what people (other than our guide) are saying. I think that might be why people like us. Just smiling and nodding... smile and nod... and they just laugh. We had a great night sleep, which may have been because of being so tired from all the excitement today.

Mai Chau

We woke up fairly early this morning and had breakfast with the villagers before we said goodbye. We drove for a few hours along the banks of the Ma River when we stopped at a cool stream. It held a number of big fish and Chelsea wanted to swim but was scared of the fish biting or sucking on her toes, plus we weren’t sure if we were suppose to so we held off. Eventually after spending most of the day on the road we ended up at our next stop, Khanh Village. We had dinner with the locals who were pretty interesting and then headed to bed early. It was good to be immersed in the experience of the local people, but I’m sad to say we were so exhausted that we weren’t much for conversation.

The next morning we had a lot of fruit with our breakfast, which is popular because of the more than 20 kinds of fruit trees in the area. We rode through a few more villages on our way back to Hanoi, including Hoa Lu and Tam Coc. Hao Lu is an interesting historical site that includes temples dedicated to 10th century kings.

Tam Coc

The name Tam Coc means three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. We got rowed in on little boats by local women. It was a very unique place to experience and we ended up buying a couple of little embroidered change purses from the women. That catch of them rowing you is you feel really bad for them doing all the physical labor and buy their goods. The scenery was great with postcard perfect water and limestone cliffs and it reminded us of the pictures and tour brochures we had seen of Ha Long Bay. It only makes sense that the locals call it Halong-Bay-On-Land. I guess we can compare the similarities ourselves as Ha Long Bay is the next stop on our journey. After lunch we headed back to the start (Hanoi) and the end of our motorcycle ride. From Hanoi we will book our Ha Long Bay tour.

Source: http://thegirlsinvietnam.travellerspoint.com/12/