Vietnam - Ninh Binh

Was always fascinated about Vietnam, be it either war stories or bliss of nature. Finally had an opportunity to visit and indulge in an timeless beauty of nature.

Considering March to May is one of the best seasons to visit North Vietnam and after 2 years of miss, finally made it on summer of 2014 :)

Below are few of my memorable experience and useful information which might come in handy if one is planning to visit Vietnam.

How to get Vietnam Visa ?

Where did we stayed in Ninh Binh ?

Canhdieu Hotel Ninh Binh Thanh Bình Ward – Ninh Bình City – Vietnam

It was sunny noon when we landed in Hanoi , capital of Vietnam . However this was not the day for us to explore Hanoi, so boarded the local taxi and thus our exiting journey started to Ninh Binh.

After four hours on road we entered Ninh Binh.Stayed in a hotel run by local family and was one of the best memorable experience as we were made to feel as one of their family members.

Spent the evening rambling around inquiring about the local places , food and enjoying cool breeze in midst of summer. 

We stayed two days and one of the interesting experience is , localities were friendly and very eager to talk to us all along the streets and always wanted to know where we came from and where we are heading next :)

HOA LU Pagoda ( Temple )

Day started by visit to TRANG AN , exploring the legendary beauty of grotto and caves in an rowing boat. We almost visited 10 caves and there was never a moment without surprise. 

On few occasions until we came close enough , could not believe there is enough space to enter. Epic experience for sure.

Majority of boat rowers are women , one could easily spot in Vietnam that there is no job discrimination based on gender.

Now enough of words :)

Rowing boat used in TRANG AN - took three hours to complete the entire journey

Entering the cave

Twilight during exit 

Local wine made with Rice , stored inside the cave with controlled temperature

View of BAI DING Pagoda - after almost 300 steps

BAI DING Pagoda ( Buddhist Temple )

Almost day was coming to an end and we were racing against the time, one of the best view was kept for the last. MAU cave . 500 steps to reach the top. Best breathtaking vantage view and was totally worth the effort.

From the top of MAU cave in the midst of the mountains there is rift visible and called by the name TAM COC , One can experience the boat ride between the paddy fields and of course will be visiting few spectacular caves as well.

Rift in between is called TAM COC 

Ariel view after 500 steps

As every wonderful journey has to come to an end making the way for the next. We rolled up all the memories and bid farewell to Ninh Binh.

So its time now to set sail on majestic cruise in Halong Bay ( Ha Long - Descending dragon bay )

Check the below link on Halong Bay experiences

http://ramblers-way.blogspot.sg/2014/05/halong-bay-photo-journey.html