Ninh Binh tour

 Today, after a hotel provided breakfast we headed out for a full day tour at multiple locations a couple of hours away.

We were picked up shortly after 0730 and, along with another 10 people or so, we headed south of the city to an area near Ninh Binh.

Our first stop was a tourist trap souvenir, cafe, bathroom break location that was actually very interesting. Not only does it have the usual touristy merchandise it employs disabled people. There is a sign inside stating that at least some of these people were handicapped because of the Americans use of Agent Orange in the Vietnam war.The photo below has a man on the left hand side who is really handicapped.

The workers are making silk hand embroidered paintings. Caro bought a nice example of their work. The lady who helped us with the purchase had the height of a dwarf but was properly proportioned ( probably a little bit bigger than a six year old ).

Our next stop was the first capital of Vietnam. Built around the year 938 AD, the complex was rebuilt in the 1700’s. It was still beautiful even though the original buildings are long gone.

After driving a bit more we stopped at Hoa Lo at a place that provided a buffet meal for us. Pretty good actually. From this location we hopped on some bikes and toured down a muddy road for probably 15 minutes. This area is stunning in beauty so the ride was wonderful

The next stop wasn’t too far (Trang An) and was the highlife of the day. We all got in row boats ( a young Danish couple on our tour was with us on the boat). For the next 90-100 minutes a lady rowed us around the lake and through 3 or 4 caves with longest being over 200 meters long. She left us know through my cell phone using google translate that we were trip 3 of 4 for her. I cannot believe she could accomplish what she did.

We had to watch our heads in this area as the stalactites come down quite far.

It was unfortunate that we had rain for half of the afternoon as it took away from the scenery. Photos of this area on a sunny day are phenomenal.

Our last stop was a look out at Mua cave. We climbed over 400 steps up to the top. Photos aren’t that great  but it was still a nice experience.

After a two hour drive through mist and rain we arrived back at our hotel.

We went back to the same restaurant as yesterday and enjoyed another awesome meal ($15- which included three beer).