We returned to Hanoi from Halong Bay and set off the next morning on a tour to Tam Coc. Our goal was to land in Ninh Binh for the night and a Tam Coc tour combined transportation with a few activities and sightseeing opportunities along the way.
First we stopped at a few temples. I would tell you more about them but I rarely managed to keep up with the guide. In addition to the tourists, several classes full of students were visiting on holiday as well.
These made me laugh. I didn’t see anyone buy one though.
After the temples we biked (others took the van) to our next stop. This was probably one of the most painful bike rides I’ve ever experienced. The road was bumpy. The bike was crappy. I’ve determined my bum bruises more easily than others during activities such as bike or camel riding. This was no exception. (And I tried not to sit on the seat but sometimes you just can’t help it!)
We ate a little lunch and then hopped in a boat for the highlight of the day. The boat trip takes you down the Ngo Dong river through rice paddies and caves, and between karsts. Unfortunately for us it wasn’t the right season for rice paddies, but it was beautiful nonetheless.
The boat travels slowly and the ride is very peaceful. I was disappointed that most of my photos came out blurry. The combination of low light and a moving boat bested my photographic skills. Oh well.
One of the three caves.
Floating Mini-Mart
Yep, most of the pilots paddle with their feet! / Photos by Mike
After the boat ride we climbed back into the van. Our guide was kind enough to drop us in Ninh Binh before taking the rest of the group back to Hanoi.
xo, jill
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