Ba Thuoc > water-wheel village > Van Long Nature Reserve > Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

A night by a waterfall was a wonderful experience.

A morning mist at the waterfall, hoping to get a lot of positive ions to make our day brighter.

We hiked uphill to reach the top of the waterfall, but some parts of the route were steep, and we had to take smaller steps. As we progressed, the waterfall became more gradual. We saw a group of villagers who climbed easily despite the heavy loads on their backs.

After the uphill hike on the uneven route, the downhill path was smooth along the winding road. Admire the endless panoramic view of the rolling mountains along the way.

Our next stop was to see the bamboo waterwheel. The Thai and Muong ethnic groups in Pu Luong use the wheel to collect water from the low-lying streams to their paddy fields. These traditional bamboo waterwheels line along the rocky stream that runs through Pu Luong.

The bamboo wheel rotates automatically, depending on the flow of the stream. Each bamboo petal collects water as it rotates. Once at the top, it dispenses the water to the larger bamboo tube, which runs across the paddy fields. This is a simple and effective method to flood the fields during the growing season.

Relaxed at the nearby cafe and chatted over sweet corn and tapioca.

Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland in northern Vietnam, is home to many birds and animals, including the endangered white pant langurs. Surrounded by limestone karst, the freshwater lake can only entered by boats.

We sat at the front of the bamboo boat with a female rower behind us. Cruised along the calm water and relaxed in the peaceful natural environment. Watched the Kingfisher hunting and observed dragonflies flying around the tall grass. The stunning limestone mountains with clear water lakes made for a picturesque view. The water is so clear that you could see the seagrasses from the boat. The charming landscape journey lasted about an hour.

Back to the car and continue on the road to Tam Coc, a busy and popular town filled with tourists. The streets were so vibrant. Restaurants, pubs, and bars lined both sides of the street.

Stroll around the town before and after dinner.

The homestay is situated at the end of a street, providing a peaceful escape from the crowds. It boasts a stunning courtyard that faces the fields and a petite swimming pool. We enjoyed the home-cooked dinner at the open-air dining area.

Overnight at Chez Hiep bungalow