Pac Ngoi village > Hua Ma Cave > Hanoi

We had homecooked breakfast, banana pancake, at the guesthouse.

Hua Ma Cave is another must-visit when in Ba Be National Park. Reaching the entrance of the cave requires a bit of physical strength. After walking up the flight of stairs, maybe around 200 steps, we were rewarded with amazing views of the village.

As we entered the cave, there was another set of zig-zag steps to walk down. Admire the beautiful stalagmites and stalactites at either side of the stairs as you descend. Be careful with the steps. The cave is as grand, or maybe more, compared to Nguom Ngao Cave in Cao Bang. The cave was only open to tourists in 2007. For every few steps, be awarded with impressive formations.

The cave was the last stop on Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Ba Be tour. We head directly to Hanoi with a lunch stop on the way.

The driver drops us and the guide at the hotel. As the first half of the tour had ended, the driver and guide got some time off for the day.

We left the luggage in the hotel room and took the dirty clothing to the paid laundry.

Cafe An is a great chillout place. Every cup of egg coffee is unique as a portrait of the individual is drawn on its foam. The coffee smells and tastes good. For noncoffee people, tea is available and served in an adorable mug.

Stroll around the streets and soon find ourselves at the famous cathedral, The Saint Joseph Cathedral. Opened in December 1886, it is the oldest church in Hanoi. The architectural style resembles the Notre Dame de Paris. A popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Street Food Tour is one of the most popular and must-do in Hanoi. The tour mainly focuses on the local food within the Old Quarter. Everything is within walking distance. The guide took us and snakes within the various streets with ease. On the three-hour tour, we had beef pho, bun cha, banh mi, banh cuon, beer, and dessert. Make sure you have a big empty stomach for this delicious local cuisine.

Pho Suong is the rebrand of the top 3 best pho (decades ago). Suong means satisfy in Vietnamese. Their broth is light and yet flavourful. Start the street food tour with a tasty bowl of beef pho. Yummy.

Bun Cha is a dish served with grilled pork in soup, a plate of rice noodles, and herbs. Both Pho and Bun Cha are famous in Hanoi. We love the charred grilled pork. Mix the herbs and noodles into the soup and enjoy the delicious bowl of Bun Cha.

Next, we had Banh Cuon right in the middle of the pavement. Sat on the short stool like many Hanoians, the hot rice flour pancake was made and served.

One of the most famous cafes, Banh Mi 25, serves the best Banh Mi in Hanoi. Tourists and locals filled every seat in the cafe, and many were still waiting in line. Indeed a very popular place. The crispy and soft Banh Mi filled with ingredients would make your day happier.

The most lively street is the Ta Hien beer street in the Old Quarter. Every bar and pub has its live music performance, such as singing and dancing. Many restaurants filled the street with tables. From dining to drinking and partying, all within the bustling beer street. A must-visit spot for everyone to experience the nightlife.

Our long night ended with a local dessert at Hoa Beo. We tried their fruit bowl in yogurt. Delicious. We dine among the locals, many with kids, at one corner of the busy street. A delicious, sweet, and healthy bowl of dessert.

As it was a Sunday night, many street performances were spotted at various corners of the streets. The guide sends us back to the hotel, and that’s the end of our long busy night in Hanoi.

Overnight at Hai Bay Hotel (Superior Double Room)

The room is cozy and clean. Good location.