Nothing fills your soul like a day in water.
-Sun of a beach!
Resuming our journey from where we left off, we touched down at Van Don International Airport and decided to hop on a bus. Let me tell you, the ride-hailing apps were quoting prices that would make even a Wall Street banker’s eyes water, and with six of us in the group, we knew we had to be savvy with our cash. After all, we weren’t about to empty our pockets just to move from point A to point B. So, we opted for the humble bus, and you know what? It turned out to be surprisingly comfortable. Who knew penny-pinching could be so cozy?
We were whisked away onto the cruise as soon as we stepped onto the jetty. We were the eager beavers who got there first, only to be herded by tour guides. The funny part is, they wouldn’t even let us savor a peaceful cup of coffee. Once inside the cruise, we were greeted by a tantalizing food spread, but we were also forbidden to take a bite until all the other guests had arrived. Oh, the agony of delicious anticipation!
From the moment the cruise set sail, pure joy enveloped us. The majestic mountains rising by the water’s edge were breathtaking. With eager hands, we reached for our cameras and seized precious moments to treasure forever. As the cruise’s anchor finally descended, we found ourselves laden with countless photos, each one a cherished memory.
Prepare yourself for the awe-inspiring Sung Sot Cave, a place that defies description. As you ascend the daunting 50 stairs into its gaping maw, be ready to experience the overwhelming sense of insignificance that engulfs you within its colossal depths. No photograph or blog post can do justice to the sheer magnitude of this natural wonder. You must stand within its embrace to truly comprehend your own minuteness in comparison.
There are two chambers within this immense cave, separated by a narrow stretch where we must bend slightly. Although I have not obtained any photos from the internet, I tried my best to capture the limited visuals. However, the internet offers stunning photos with captivating lights.
The next stop took us to the adventurous Ti Top Island, a must-visit destination. Despite the tempting trekking spots, the humid weather led us to choose water activities over sweating profusely. As a self-proclaimed kayaking expert, I enthusiastically suggested this water adventure, much to the chagrin of my wife. Maneuvering through the crowded waters, we found ourselves in a hilarious predicament. Picture this: our tiny kayak surrounded by massive boats, all vying for space in a narrow passage. Instead of navigating leftward as intended, we found ourselves helplessly circling the same spot for a good 20 minutes, thanks to the pressure from boats behind and in front. It was a comical sight as if we were trapped in a befuddling maze. After what felt like an eternity, I finally managed to regain control and guide our raft across the chaotic stretch. Oh, the trials and tribulations of conquering the open waters!
After a quick swim at the beach, we headed to the pier at the end of the day. The sunset was absolutely mesmerizing. We grabbed the best seats on the cruise and silently watched as the sun disappeared behind the mountains and slipped below the horizon.
We returned to Hanoi to rest, as we had scheduled a day tour to visit Ninh Binh. Once again, Klook offered well-structured itineraries for day tour packages. The journey to and from Ninh Binh took approximately four hours. Frankly, we were quite fatigued from the commotion and began to reconsider traveling such a distance. Despite this, I have no regrets about missing out on the tour. We prioritized listening to our bodies and treated ourselves to some well-deserved rest. In the meantime, we opted to explore Hanoi. Similar to Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi is a bustling city with a large lake and a peaceful temple. It is the capital of Vietnam. We spiritually began our day and proceeded to the temple.
Ngoc Son Temple, found in central Hanoi, is a peaceful place away from the busy city. The path around Hoan Kiem Lake leading to the temple is well-kept, and you can see dedicated gardeners working hard to make the area beautiful. The entrance fee is collected before we hop on a ravishing red bridge to reach the temple.
Just around this neck of the woods, you’ll stumble upon the slurp-worthy Cafe Giang, where the legendary egg coffee holds court. Tucked away in a tiny alley, it’s like embarking on a high-stakes game of hide and seek. But trust me, the quest is half the fun and the payoff is pure magic.
To pass the time, we decided to splurge on tickets to the Thang Long Water Puppet show, conveniently located across from the Ngoc Son Temple. This quirky theatre holds the Asian record for putting on water puppet performances every single day of the year. As for the musical accompaniment, it featured instruments like the Erhu, Flute, Zither, Monochord, and Cheo. I must admit, I had no idea what these were or how they were made, but their melodies were so calming that I actually dozed off. No offense to the talented performers, of course! Later, I learned that these instruments were lulling everyone into a peaceful trance, causing quite a few heads to nod off. Mesmerizing, indeed!
As I mentioned in my previous blogs, you gotta visit the same place twice – once during the day and once at night. That’s the only way to really experience it all. The Ngoc Son Temple was the perfect spot for taking some killer photos. No wonder it was packed with Instagram enthusiasts. We snapped some pics and hit the night street to score good deals on Apple products.
The weather had cooled down to delightful levels that night, and we found ourselves gazing up at the stars by the tranquil lake. With an early morning flight to catch, we were bound for a whole new adventure in Dalat. A swift two-hour journey awaited us, courtesy of the top-notch Vietnam Airlines. Until next time, amigos, it’s “Hasta la vista, baby!”
Crunching the Numbers: Total Expedition Expenses Halong Bay & Hanoi.
| Remarks | Purpose | Amount (INR) |
| Airport to Halong Bay (per person) | Transport | 500 |
| Cruise tour expense (per person) | Cruise booked in Ho Chin Minh city | 4000 |
| Snacks and Food (per person) | Along Halong Bay | 300 |
| Room at Hanoi | Apartment | 2000 |
| Entrance (per person) | Ngoc Son Temple | 100 |
| Cafe Giang | One Egg Coffee | 280 |
| Water Puppet Show | Thang Long Water Puppet | 500 |
| Hanoi to Dalat (per person) | Flight | 3278 |
| Grab ( per person) | Hanoi to Airport | 350 |
Rijju's Runway 