Day 76 – Tam Coc and a Reunion

Our sleeper train from Hue to Ninh Binh was uneventful.

We manage about 4 hours sleep, not bad.

But not great as we are meeting Pete’s old mate for a bike ride this morning!

We are staying in Tam Coc, not far from Ninh Binh.

This is more of a village in the mountains built around a lake and river.

Surrounded by rice fields. Lovely.

Lots to do here as our host tells us whilst we try to stay awake.

We just manage to wander round to meet Simon and have spot of lunch.

We spend next 4 hours relaxing, chatting and sharing stories.

It’s beautiful and relaxing here.

No biking, no energy.

We manage a swim.

First time we’ve had a cooler pool. Nice.

Night time we walk around the lake and hit the recommended food place.

Fried tofu in lemongrass and chilli. Need to remember these combos.

Day 77 – Tam Coc Boat Trip and Dragon Mountain

Action packed day.

Start with a run around the lake, so peaceful. With just a few boats out.

Here the rowers use their feet to row the boat!

We then hire push bikes. I’m not really looking forward to this.

We start with Pete navigating to Trang An to get a boat trip.

He takes us on to a main road with massive dirty lorries going past us.

I take over. Before he kills me.

We find a lovely scenic path through the village, near rice fields and along the river side.

I’m not too terrified.

We do the Trang An boat trip.

We opt for route 2, through the most beautiful prehistoric looking hills and caves.

There are a few temple stops as this was a stronghold of a dynasty during the 13th century. Impenetrable by foot.

Some poor little lady rows us 4 big westerners along.

Super woman. And very ???? as she point and says “mountain” a lot.

It’s really beautiful.

We go through a series of caves..

After a few hours of being peddled around on a boat, we headed to our next stop – Dragon Mountain.

Before we do, we stop off for a drink and some fresh spring rolls overlooking a lake.

Then upwards to Dragon Mountain – 500 steps to the top.

It’s 34 degrees.

I need a swim to cool down.

We head for a couple of well-earned beers and a veggie curry in the evening.

Omg, so good, but hot!

Medium spicy the owner tells us.

Day 78 – Relaxing Day

Yesterday catches us up.

Nearly 10am before we make breakfast.

We found a lovely little coffee shop on the lake yesterday and base ourselves here for the day.

We also get our washing done.

My trusty Olivia Newton John bag still in use.

A little walk and a back massage in a spa is all we do today before we head back to the cafe.

Pete does some work and I update this blog.

We also get to see some line dancing!

We loved Tam Coc.

Peaceful, beautiful, clean air, great iced coffees, totally relaxing.