As good as it was, Ha Long Bay cruise had to come to an end. Next stop in my journey was the province Ninh Binh. Also not too far from Hanoi (only couple of hours) and also known as "Ha Long Bay on Land". Basically, it's the same landscape made up of limestone karsts and mountains, only inland. With a lot of serene rivers right between them.

Hence the main attractions in Ninh Binh are boat tours and mount hiking. I picked the location mainly for the wonders of the nature and wasn't disappointed at all. Stayed 3 days in Ninh Binh and can only say - this was the Best Stop in all my travels.

The fact that there aren't many tourists in Ninh Binh helped as well...Because it is so close to the capital, many would choose a one day trip...But I would certainly not settle with one day! In fact, my 3 days there were packed up to the brim and I would stay some more, if I only could.

The hotel owner has arranged a private taxi for a day for me, so that I can visit all I planned. And, trust me, I planned a lot!

I started day with the hike up the famous Mua mountain for some panoramic views of the Tam Coc valley, Ngo Dong River, and surrounding limestone karsts. There are steps leading to the top. They are not the best condition, but pretty climbable, all 500 of them. Hang Mua (the mountain) has two peaks - the high and the low. Both offer breath-taking views, once you made it up there. I choose my timing strategically and went their already after the groups that went for a sunrise but still before the tour buses arriving from Hanoi on a day trip. So, I was up on Hang Mua almost on my own - a dream of a traveller! (Well "Almost Alone" in my travel books translates into "very few people there") I managed the steps and both peaks just fine and was rewarded by the stunning views, way above all the expectations...

After the mountain, my next stop was the river...Sao Khe River. Again, strategically chosen for less touristy reputation. (Yes, I did my homework well) there are quite a few choices and variations of the boat tours in Ninh Binh. The one I did was mainly attended by local, Vietnamese, tourists and therefore, less intimidating than the ones for "foreigners"...

My boat ride lasted for 3 hours. 3 hours of tranquil journey through the karst caves and temples, framed into beautiful surroundings, accompanied by newly found friends (there were three of us in the boat, 3 hours were more then enough to become friendly with a Vietnamese couple I shared the trip) ...ahhh...blisss...

The caves in Ninh Binh deserved a special mention...not just because you go through them ...by boat...but also because each one of about 6 we passed through on our route was special and different from the others...one of a kind...each one of the caves...some were long, others - short, but there was no sense of repetitive scenery by all means...And these magical journeys will stay in my memories for a long long time

To Be Continued...