Adventures in Vietnam (Week 10)

Our second week in Vietnam was one of our favorites of the trip. We arrived in the town of Ninh Binh and were immediately in love with the landscape. We hopped on rickety bicycles, met up with The Canadians, and rode around the area exploring. We cycled through green rice paddies, dodged goats and chickens, and looked up at the limestone covered mountains.

The next day we hiked up to a stunning viewpoint in the rain. It was raining so hard that it was almost pointless to wear a raincoat. But, the trek was worth it and we were rewarded with an amazing 360 degree view!

After our descent we wondered to a nearby cave. We hung our raincoats up to dry, sat playing cribbage and watched the jungle storm continue. Tatum skunked Corbin in cribbage (at least that’s how she tells the story).

As the storm dwindled, we hopped back on our motorbike and headed out to a bird sanctuary. After hiking for a couple hours we sat as the sun set and thousands of birds returned to their nests for the night.

We continued exploring Ninh Binh by floating the river through the mountains. We, and hundreds of our closest Chinese friends, all lined up to hop on small boats. While waiting in line we were asked to take a photo with a Chinese gentleman. We agreed and before we knew it we were standing in front of at least 30 snapping cameras. (Yeah we’re Chinese celebrities, no biggie). Shortly after the photo shoot we purchased some much needed brewskees for the boat ride. The boat ride was beautiful and we enjoyed sipping on beers as we floated past isolated temples and stunning jungle views.

We loved exploring Ninh Binh... but it was time to move on. Next up was Phrong Na-Ke National Park, home to some of the largest caves in the world! After taking an overnight bus trip, and with only two days to explore, we sleepily grabbed a map, rented a motorbike, and were off. Nothing like jaw dropping views to make you forget you spent the entire night on a bus..

We spent the day zipping along a portion of the Ho Chi Minh trail and throughout the national park. We stopped off twice to explore Paradise Cave and some botanical gardens. The cave was enormous and a great escape from the sun. At the botanical gardens we hoofed it to a secluded waterfall where the only other company was the monkeys.

After a nights rest we went to Dark Cave, yeah I know most caves are dark... shut up about it already. Armed with nothing but helmets, lights, and swimsuits we headed out on our excursion to Dark Cave. First up... a long zip-line across the river to the mouth of the cave. Tatum being Tatum screeched and laughed the whole way across.

Following our guide, we flipped on our headlamps and headed into the cave. Tatum just LOVED stopping to look at all of the spiders along the narrow walkways. After a short hike we stopped in a mud hole and laughed as we covered ourselves head to toe in the gooey mud. Upon exiting the dark cave we went for a swim in the river to wash off. It was a fun, adventurous day.

There you have it... :)

With Love,

Boots Abroad

Corbin’s

Highs: Motorbiking around the National Park, playing cribbage in the cave while it was down pouring

Lows: Not having bug spray for the first day in Ninh Binh.

Tatum’s

Highs: Views in Ninh Binh, motorbike loop around the National Park was spectacular

Lows: None :)