Ninh Binh And Trang An Caves

Following our first proper ride we had a rest day in Ninh Binh.  It was fairly busy as we were staying on a road just off Highway 1, which ran through the city.  The same trucks and buses which shunted us into the hard shoulder the day before, now had traffic lights and traffic police to tone them down within the city.  There was plenty of traffic around including students on their bikes exhibiting various riding styles.  We also saw some kind of roadside building project and the sight of men having a tea break whilst women labourers worked.

We decided to visit Trang An, an area of natural limestone landscapes and caves just a few kilometres north of the city.  After buying tickets for the boat cave tour we joined another four young students in a boat rowed by an experienced looking guy.

It was peaceful just gliding along the calm river waters on our way to explore a series of thirteen caves in the area.  The landscapes were reminiscent of the limestone karst of Ha Long Bay except this was an inland river system.

As the sun set I thought back on the previous day's cycle, the chaos of leaving Hanoi and the tough
riding on the broken roads plus the manic traffic.  Somehow, my legs didn't ache as much as my backside.  On our way back some ladies displayed alternative rowing techniques.

That evening, after a meal of local specialities including grilled goat and toasted rice, we relaxed at a local street side drinking joint selling the local brew.  When we stood up my legs felt like jelly and I don't believe the beers were that strong; the cycling had caught up and we were due to ride on the next day.