cat ba, Vietnam
The city is located on one of the habitable islands in Ha Long Bay. We had a ferry ride going there that sailed us through a magical place straight out of the Movie Avatar. With Mountains coming straight out of the oceans all around us, with steep green walls. It was magnificent.
Here comes the sun
After a Rainy visit to Sapa, it was nice to feel the sun’s warmth again. We got two scooter taxis from the docks to the city on the other side of the island. I was more used to it after the last time. It was a wonderful trip riding through the mountain and seeing all the places that could be fun to visit. They even nudged us if there were a place they recommended. The hotel was located on the first row of the pier, and the room was on the fourth floor with a splendid view. Much of our time was spent on the beach and just by a free pool, taking in the warmth and dipping in the water after a cold trip in the north. It was just what we needed. The island had four different beaches; it had hotels that connected them with a glass bridge so you could cross from one to the other. One was also associated with a pool so that you could walk from one beach to the other. The last of them were connected by a pathway that took you outside the mountain, looking over the ocean and its green mountains. Just taking that walk was breathtaking.
Adrenalin shot
There were many water-related options for being active on the Island, like cannoning or paddle boarding. One day we even found a small climbing shop that offered solo climbing, climbing in the water without robes, or high rope climbing, done in caves inland. We went up, going cave climbing. So early in the morning, we climbed the caves before the day got too hot. Waking up a bit too late, we rushed to the little shop on top of the hill. Of course, the first question was, “Have you had Breakfast?” … Ups, it was a no. “No Breakfast, no climb.” The good news where that we were the only ones going, so he borrowed his scooter to send us breakfast hunting; luckily, it was an easy hunt. After some coffee, eggs, and bacon, we went.
Being fitted with the right equipment, we drove down to a house with a cave in its backyard. After walking through her chicken garden, we felt like kids going on an adventure, climbing up the first bit through bushed and using roots to hall ourselves further in. Alas, we arrived. The cave was dripstone, with wines up its side and rock formation perfect to hold on to as you tried to reach the top. One was so hard I had given up on reaching the top, but using the vines, David managed to crawl his way up, shaking from exhaustion, but the view… totally worth it!
The Rain followed
An excellent opportunity to discover more inland and see some of the spots we drove by when we arrived. It was a grey day, but the rain wasn’t too bad and gave the island a more mystical feel. Renting a scooter from our host, we drove to our first stop. The medical cave was hidden on a mountainside, covered by bushes and more. It was fascinating how well it was covered. It was a three-story tall cave with rooms for operation or meetings and a vast dining hall with space to fit 100 persons. Next up, we went to a dripstone cave with a tunneling system you had to crawl in more than once to get through with different shapes and colors. It was amazing!
Our next adventure is Japan with a mess (read about Hanoi to understand why we ended up there). But absolutely an upgrade from our plans to go to Laos. With its beautiful culture and fun anime. I can’t wait to get there.
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