Greetings,

As we mentioned in our previous post, we successfully made it from Yuan Yang to Sapa by car without any incidents.

Although the distance is not far, the road is good, but there are some exciting things to look forward to. ^^"

Next, we will take you to Ba Be.

There are many hidden gems in Vietnam that continue to amaze visitors with every trip. Here's one such example that will leave you in awe.

Travel Plan: March 5-15, 2023

Day 1 : (5) Bangkok - Kunming - Luoping
Day 2 : (6) Luoping
Day 3 : (7) Luoping - Kunming - Yuanyang (by overnight bus)
Day 4 : (8) Yuanyang
Day 5 : (9) Yuanyang
Day 6 : (10) Yuangyang - Lao Cai (Vietnam Border) - Sapa
Day 7 : (11) Sapa - Hanoi
Day 8 : (12) Hanoi - Babe National park
Day 9 : (13) Babe - Hanoi
Day 10 : (14) Hanoi - Freeday
Day 11 : (15) Hanoi - Bangkok

Previous >> Day 1-6 Canola fields at Louping, riding a motorbike to Sapa, walking around and drinking beer in Hanoi https://th.readme.me/p/5628

Day 7: Sapa to Hanoi

The original plan was to visit Mu Cang Chai, another stunning rice terrace destination in Vietnam. The photos I saw online sparked a strong desire to see it in person.

However, considering the remaining travel days and the travel itself, it seems that the plan will have to be changed.

Instead of Sapa, I decided to go to Ba Be, a lesser-known tourist destination in Vietnam. This plan gave me two nights in Sapa...

However, when we decided to stay for two nights, Sapa welcomed us with fog. We had to be prepared for her.

Waking up to a thick blanket of fog obscuring the view from the third-floor bedroom window.

Before heading out for a ride around Sapa, it's essential to check the weather forecast to aid in decision-making.

They say it will be foggy like this for another 2-3 days.

Pack your bags and wait. If the sky clears (a little), we'll stay. If not, we'll have to say goodbye.

Sapa, a small romantic town nestled amidst mountains over 1600 meters high, boasts one of the most diverse ethnicities in Vietnam. During the French colonial era, colonial-style buildings were constructed as vacation retreats due to the year-round cool climate. This has made Sapa a popular destination for both international and Vietnamese tourists.

Due to its small size, the tourist attractions in this town are not far apart. Therefore, most people choose to rent motorbikes to travel around. The rental price ranges from 4 to 7 USD.

After breakfast, we set out to try our luck at the first village, Gat Gat.

Dense fog obscures the view, concealing both the terraced rice fields and the waterfall.

Considering the weather forecast, I have a feeling that even tomorrow, we might not see anything. If that's the case, why stay? Let's just go. That's how easily we made the decision.

We returned to the city center to find something to eat at the market, taking a few photos to capture the moment.

It was time to say goodbye and head to the bright lights of Hanoi.

This leg of the journey, we took a bus that runs between Sapa and Lao Cai for 28,000 VND per person. Then, we took another bus to Hanoi for 230,000 VND per person.

This round of the competition is not our place.

The sleeper train to Sapa is brand new and the roads are good, taking less than 5 hours. It's a good option for those who are short on time, but when it comes to Sapa, taking the train is the classic way to go, don't you think?

We arrived in Hanoi at almost dusk. We hailed a taxi from the bus station to the 36th Street area. After searching for a room for a while, we found one for 20 USD with breakfast included, which was quite decent.

However, as mentioned earlier, the intention is to go to Ba Be.

However, the distance from Hanoi is over 200 kilometers, and I'm afraid I won't be able to get there in one day. I don't have much information.

I went to ask at the tour counters, but most of the tour programs only depart on Saturdays and Sundays.

Unlike popular programs like Ha Long Bay or Ha Long Bay on land, there are not many people joining this regular day.

We just need a car that can take us to Babé.

We found a tour that costs 350,000 dong per person (approximately 500 Thai baht). We were surprised, wondering if there would be enough people to fill the tour bus if not many people were traveling.

As we didn't ask what kind of car it was, we could only guess while enjoying our beers under the drizzling rain.

Day 8: (12) Hanoi - Ba Be National Park

This morning, I have half a day to explore the sights of Hanoi city center.

After checking out and leaving my luggage at the hotel, I hailed a taxi to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, a popular tourist destination in Hanoi.

In close proximity, you'll find the museum, the One Pillar Pagoda temple, and a return visit to Hoan Kiem Lake.

As the time for our appointment at 12:30 approached, we returned to the designated meeting point, which was the hotel where we had left our luggage.

A man with slicked-back hair, clad in a black overcoat, walked with a black briefcase in hand. His face was almost intimidatingly stern, except for the plastic bag covering his shoes to protect them from getting wet or dirty. This adorable contrast always brings a smile to my face.

A representative from the tour company introduced themselves and, after verifying our receipts, led us to a taxi they had hailed in front of the hotel. We headed to the My Dinh bus station.

Upon arriving at the bus stop, we instantly understood everything. As we jokingly suspected, the price was so low that it was unlikely to be a "regular bus".

The type of vehicle is not the issue, the issue is how to get to Babé! Since when I checked, there were no direct vehicles!

We all remained silent, observing the chaotic transportation system with a mixture of concern and apprehension.

The officers talked to the child in the car for a while, then called us to get in the car.

"To be certain, I asked repeatedly, 'Are you sure you're going to Babé?'"

The same answer was given: "Okay, okay, I believe you. Let's see."

The first bus to leave Mi Dinh Station was a large one with free Wi-Fi. This is a luxury that even first-class buses in our country don't offer.

We continued driving until we reached a rest stop along the way.

The bus boy got off and negotiated with another bus that was waiting. He paid for the fare he had received from the previous driver and told us to board that bus.

Initially, I was completely lost, but I decided to go with the flow and just get on board.

The second bus was a smaller one, this time without Wi-Fi or air conditioning. However, it was not uncomfortably hot.

The car continued to drive, initially with passengers, but gradually becoming empty until the surroundings were shrouded in darkness, punctuated only by the occasional roadside light.

Amidst the darkness that seeped from outside into the car, the only sound was the rumble of the engine as it sped along the road. The bus boy initiated a conversation.

Conversation and translation by the same person as always.

Child on the motorbike: Where are you guys staying in Ba Be?

Man: Thinking of going to sleep at Mr.Linh's house.

Translation:

Child on the motorbike: Okay, okay, just a moment. (He connects the call and speaks in Vietnamese for a while before handing the phone over.)

Mr. Linh is the owner of the homestay that we found on the internet, which is popular and recommended by TripAdvisor users.

Translation:

"Mr. X said that cars normally don't drive into the park, so the driver asked us for an additional 100,000 dong. At that time, there were no other cars around. With this price and the car being exclusively for us, who wouldn't take it? We had no other choice."

- We had to take a ferry across the river like this. The difference was that when we arrived, there were no boats running, so we had to call for one to come and pick us up. -

Upon arrival, you will need to take a ferry across the river. Mr. will send a boat to pick you up, the ferry fee is 100,000 VND. Then, he will pick you up at the pier by motorbike. Okay?

Alright, then, boss.

- Port (at dawn) -

After nearly two hours of phone calls and negotiations, the car finally arrived at its destination around 8 pm.

The journey was filled with excitement, as we switched from a dimly lit boat to a motorcycle ride to reach the homestay. By the time we arrived, we were exhausted from the thrill of the adventure!

- The next day, Mr. took me on a motorcycle to the boat. -

This is an amazing way to sell tours (seriously, 555). It's a basic and smooth method of passing on the responsibility. We don't have to fight or get frustrated.

However, it will be completely ineffective if either party lacks trust or is dishonest with the other.

The officer with straight hair must trust one of the cars.

One oar must trust the other.

The second group kindly transported them to their final destination.

However, it seems impossible to reach here...

If we had not trusted them from the beginning, …

Day 9: (13) Babe - Hanoi

As it was already dark when we arrived, we didn't want to waste time choosing accommodation. We decided to stay at Mr. Linh's house, which was a deluxe room. Homestays in Ba Be typically offer three types of rooms (all with shared bathrooms):

• $5 per bed (dormitory)

- 15 USD per standard room

• $25 per deluxe room

After enjoying the morning nature in front of our accommodation, we had breakfast with the mist and watched the way of life of the Tai community. Then we prepared to go boating together.

The half-day program costs 800,000 VND for the boat, which is quite expensive as there is no one to share the cost.

Ba Be National Park

Established in 1992 as Vietnam's eighth national park, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park encompasses waterfalls, caves, limestone mountains exceeding 1,554 meters in height, and an 8-kilometer-long, 400-meter-wide lake. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, serving as a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife species.

Although this place has been open to tourism for many years, it is still only known to a small group of tourists who prefer peace, fresh air, and pristine locations. In addition, there is a group of Tay people who have settled here.

The morning air was refreshingly cool. We sailed on a boat, admiring the beauty of the lake and the limestone mountains, amidst the mist that floated around. It was like a good lung cleanse.

The journey takes you through small villages nestled in the mountains. You spot two foreign women relaxing on a meadow. You admire their courage for venturing so deep into this remote area.

I recently came across a review of this place that mentioned significantly lower costs than what we experienced. With permission, I'd like to share it here.

http://pantip.com/topic/31306586

Our first destination was Phong Cave, a large cave with a passageway leading to the other side. The cave is 40 meters high and over 300 meters long, and is home to over 7,000 bats (according to local sources).

I walked until I reached the other side, then walked back out. All I could hear was the sound of bats above my head.

Fairy Pond - A Place of Enchantment

The name "Fairy Pond" evokes a sense of magic and wonder. It conjures images of a serene pool of water surrounded by lush greenery, where mythical creatures might frolic and dreams take flight. This enchanting place, known in Thai as "สระนางฟ้า," invites visitors to step into a realm of fantasy and escape the ordinary.

The name itself suggests a connection to the ethereal realm, where fairies and other supernatural beings reside. It hints at a place where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, and where anything is possible. The Thai word "นางฟ้า" translates to "fairy" or "angel," further emphasizing the otherworldly nature of this pond.

Whether or not fairies truly inhabit this place remains a mystery, but one thing is certain: Fairy Pond is a place of beauty and tranquility. Its serene waters and lush surroundings offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is a place to reconnect with nature, to let your imagination soar, and to believe in the magic that surrounds us.

Take a boat to Fairy Pond, a small lake hidden among limestone mountains. On the way, you will pass by vendors selling water, grilled fish, and grilled shrimp. Try talking to the vendors; many words are similar to Thai. Listen to their conversations, and you might understand them!

**And finally, visit An Ma Temple, a temple located on a mountain.**

• Window island -

The entire journey took approximately 4-5 hours. During the return boat trip, the uncle who was driving the boat asked if we wanted to stop by Window Island, a small island in the middle of the water.

We found it unremarkable, so we didn't stop.

Upon arriving at the pier, I waited for a car nearby. The restaurant only served simple dishes and had a local feel.

Ba Bae is a humble and friendly park that welcomes all visitors seeking relaxation.

While the tourist crowds may be absent, a glimpse into the hidden corners reveals Westerners relaxing and cycling leisurely. Kayaking is also an option, or a visit to the Dau Dang Waterfall or Hua Ma Cave.

Is this place beautiful?

While aesthetically pleasing, the scenery and rural atmosphere are reminiscent of landscapes found in my home country, thus failing to elicit a significant emotional response.

However, from my conversations with foreigners, their countries do not have anything like this. Some who have lived here for a long time say that it is peaceful and they like it very much. They do not like Hanoi or even Sapa, as they cannot find this kind of atmosphere there. The main visitors here are foreign tourists and Vietnamese teenagers who come to hang out (which is quite romantic, if you think about it).

We prefer the village, rice fields, and local lifestyle to Ba Be Lake.

Translation:

"I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret that we had so little time. As we drove along, the sight of the lush green rice fields reminded me of the movie Eat Pray Love, and I longed to slow down and enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the countryside."

On the way back, I used the same method, asking Mr. Lin to arrange for a car with the children. However, I returned from the Bolou side, which did not require crossing the river (yesterday I came from the Pak Ngam side). Today's car fare was cheaper than yesterday's (165,000 per person), probably because it did not include the taxi fare and no one added a service charge. 555

Day 10 : (14) Hanoi - Free Day

It was almost 10 pm when I arrived in Hanoi last night, even though I left Ba Be at 1:30 pm. However, during the transfer, I had to wait a long time for the bus to fill up, and it stopped frequently, which made the journey much longer than the way there.

Upon returning to the hotel where we had previously stayed, we found it to be fully booked. This forced us to spend time searching for alternative accommodation, leaving us with only options priced close to a thousand baht.

Since we were already staying in a nice hotel (Paradise Boutique Hotel = 30 usd), we didn't have to rush this morning. We were originally going to go to Ninh Binh, but we decided to relax instead.

Today's program will only include eating, sleeping, walking, and taking photos on 36 streets.

Even if you only stay in this area, the 36 streets offer endless opportunities for walking and taking photos.

During the day, the shops are open and bustling with life.

Hanoi comes alive with color at night.

Relaxing with a glass of bia hoi on the side of the road for 10,000 VND.

Day 11: (15) Hanoi to Bangkok

We left the hotel early in the morning and hailed a taxi to the airport.

Upon returning home, there wasn't much to tell. However, glancing at the meter, I realized that Vietnamese taxis have significantly improved.

Mai Linh is the only taxi company I trust, as I've had bad experiences with other companies.

This trip, we decided to try out taxis from various brands to compare them. We found that the standards of each company were very similar.

The starting meter may differ slightly, but it is insignificant.

New car, clean, polite driver, metered fare

Whether by chance or we found a good taxi

This suggests that Vietnam is undergoing positive changes in various aspects.

This includes the Chinese side as well. (For those who haven't read the first part, go back and read it now! 555)

This trip was a diverse experience, encompassing travel by sleeper bus, unauthorized vehicles, train, boat, and motorbike, offering a complete and immersive journey.

This allows me to meet lovely people from both China and Vietnam.

How could I not come back here often? Right?

See you on the next trip!

Translation:

Part 1 > Canola fields in Luoping, riding a motorbike in Sapa, and enjoying a beer in Hanoi!

https://th.readme.me/p/5628
Thank you for reading.

Translation:

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