Hoa Lu and Tam Coc

Today we did a private, organised trip to the Ninh Binh province, South of Hanoi. It was a good 2 hour drive with the obligatory stop at a tourist shop on route. Hoa Lu was the the historic royal capital in 968. The king constructed a huge palace and citadel but now all that remains are some ruins and a couple of temples dedicated to the kings at that time.

From Hoa Lu we travelled a short distance to Tam Coc (three caves). It is described as Halong Bay on land. We were rowed (the guy did the oars with his feet!) in metal boats along the watery landscapes and thru 3 long caves.

The outcrops thrust upwardly from a sea of rice fields. Unfortunately, the rice crops are barren at the moment, planting starts next month, so it was not as dramatic as at other times of the year. It was a very hazy day so photography was difficult. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful landscape and very serene. We disembarked from our boat part way back and continued the journey on an ox drawn cart.

Driving back to Hanoi, I feared for our lives more than once. The standard of driving is atrocious! Lane markings seem to be more of a suggestion. There are 2 lanes, but they are largely ignored and cars undertake on the hard shoulder, create their own lanes, and cut in and out. Quite scary at times. They pip their horns a lot, but not in anger. It seems to be quite acceptable to cut each other up at every opportunity.

We got back in one piece and after a brief chill out, we headed out for the night market. A wander thru the streets around the market area and we found 'Beer Street'. Quite a relaxed evening, a few drinks, a bite to eat and then a wander back to the hotel.

I have decided to add a section of 'Strange Things Seen Today'.

1. Three men on one scooter carrying 4 big panes of glass. What risk assessment?
2. A group of men trying to get a rice field plough on to dry land which was balanced on 2 canoes on the water. They almost lost it!

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