We borrowed the lodge’s bikes today and pedalled down to the river at Trang An. We then took a hand-rowed boat trip amongst the karst and limestone caves. There are hundreds of boats lined up leaving in a constant stream. It's supremely popular, but we managed to pick a quiet route so avoided the hordes on the river.
It was absolutely amazing!
Some of the caves were pretty low and it took the skill of the oarswoman to twist and turn us through each one.
And lights at the end of the tunnel. We went through 7 I recall.
Occasionally we stopped at a temple which usually involved a stiff climb - but what's a relic without effort to see it?
All in, a 3 hour boat trip and highly recommended, that's if you’re ever passing Ninh Binh.
On our return to the bikes JC discovered he had a puncture. As we had no tools to repair we had to push the bike 2 km back to the lodge and swap it for a more functional one. "More functional" meaning it had two inflated tyres, but the bikes were pretty ropey and mine had only one brake, uneven pedals and a wobbly saddle. But it moved in the direction I made it go, so it wasn’t that bad.
We cycled 8 km down to Hang Mua viewpoint enjoying the views on the way.
Visiting this on a Sunday meant it was very busy and full of ladies in fancy dresses posing for photos at each and every vantage point. There was even a wedding shoot occurring. Our ex guide, Dat, who married in 2019, told us that couples do pre-wedding photography using hired dresses/suits to avoid keeping their guests waiting on their actual wedding day. For sure it means that you get some amazing shots with stunning backdrops, but I kind of like having photos from the actual day rather than a more artificial photoshoot.
I tired of all the posturing and getting in the way, and we climbed up to the dragon, descended, then ascended to the small pagoda on a lower hill.
We admired the views from the top little realising we'd be travelling down this river the next day. ;-)
All in all, magnificent views but the hustle was a palaver.
We strolled through the lotus fields which were beautiful, had a coconut to drink, then pedalled home with no drama. The best type of cycle ride.
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