Hang Mua > Trang An boat tour

The homestay served a sumptuous breakfast. Over breakfast, we got news about a tropical storm at Halong Bay, which may affect our trip the next day.

The viewpoint above the Hang Mua or Dancing Cave is one of the main attractions in Ninh Binh. It required a climb of 500 steps or 88 meters up to its peak. It was not an easy task as the steps were narrow and uneven. But you will be rewarded with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view.

Try climbing to the dragon peak top, which was too adventurous for me.

We wanted to explore the cave, but it was close. Walk further into the hidden greenspace for an extraordinary view.

A stroll around the nearby lotus pond was not to be missed. Relax around the beautiful flowers after the tiring climb.

A private home known for its delicious food is a popular spot for a delightful lunch. We relaxed and swung on the hammock since we were early. This venue has a beautiful view of both mountains and paddy fields.

Trang An boat trip is one of the highlights of the tour. Known as Halong Bay on land, Trang An is famous for its scenic waterway with limestone mountains and caves. The area is a World Heritage UNESCO protected site.

Before boarding the boat at Trang An pier, we must select the route for the journey. One of the most unique attractions along the river is Dot Cave, which is one kilometer long. Thus, choosing route #3 is a must. The route includes the movie set of King Kong movie, two other caves, and three temples.

As we go through the Dot cave on a boat, admire those stalactites differently. At times, we need to lower ourselves to avoid the active formations. It took approximately 15 to 20 minutes to paddle through the stunning Dot Cave, and the experience was truly unforgettable.

There were extra oars on boats, so we tried the paddle along the way. It was tedious and required a lot of strength. I gave up after paddling for less than 20 strokes. LOL

Aside from the beautiful landscape, Ninh Binh is also famous for dishes made from the goats that live on the limestone mountains. Grilled goat meat, goat blood soup, hot pot, and porridge are some popular dishes among the locals.

As it was our final dinner with the guide and driver, we decided to indulge in a feast and drinks for the evening.

Overnight at Chez Hiep bungalow