Thinh Pham

Tag: Vietnam

  • My Fansipan summit travel story

    My Fansipan summit travel story

    If you are a trekaholic, when you visit countries, what would you be? The highest summit – rooftop of the country or certain region, right?

    When you in Lao Cai, a north-western province of Vietnam, don’t forget to trek the rooftop of Indochina – Fansipan summit, at the height of 3143m above sea level. The summit is always the most attractive destination for not only for the local but also travelers around the world. 

    And I really would like to tell you my Fansipan travel story – majestic and fanstatic!

    Prologue

    Despite a solo traveler, I didn’t choose to go alone this trip. Especially I heard the news that there had been a foreign trekker found dead months before. The poor guy really made an impression on how hard the incoming challenge would be. So I chose an safer option, that to go on a tour.

    I booked VietDiscovery a tour of climbing Fansipan, 2-day-1-night, and price was reasonable: 50 usd, [link] the lowest one compared to the other. The introduction was good, especially when my friend suggested me a group of Fansipan hikers, which connects to the company. I believed this company was trustful.

    That was my first time conquering the roof of Vietnam so it was excited but anxious a bit. I wasn’t sure that my health was able to fulfill the trip, I just kept in my that I had to make it, because one simple reason: we are born to do new things everyday and challenges make our life worthy.

    Day 1 – trekking toward 2800m camp

    Preparation at agency office

    I woke up early, eager to the lifetime experience. Not as the day before, with a dense of fog, It was very clear, expected to have a sunny day of trek. I took a taxi bike to Sapa town for 30000 vnd. What a nice deal!

    It was sunny in the city center. The agency office was very busy preparing for a trekking day, I saw them bring fresh chickens, pork, cooking oil, some veggies and water, which are necessary for a trek stop. We were also issued some personal stuff like a paper roll, raincoat, 4 bottles of water and a toothbrush along with a tiny paste tube.

    “Crews” on trip

    I made friend with a girl named Tra. She’s cute, big a bit and very open-minded, a typical travelers. Her English was good, I really admired her for the self-study. Ah, she also made two Vietnam bicycle trip (so shame that I haven’t made it).

    During the trip, I also fell in friendship with Monica from Poland (she’s really good at hiking with an excellent base health), Daniel (and lovely Filipino guy) and Sunny (an American teacher, solo female traveler, you’ll admire her for what she’d done) and a group of young people, who are staffs from THE KAFE in Hanoi, they are cute, adorable and funny all the time.

    We had a tour guide named Tung and two porters are Trung and Vac, who are just teenagers. They are very cute and I honestly miss them after trip.

    Tram Ton station – the beginning

    We started the journey at Tram Ton station. When you ride via O Quy Ho pass, you see a complex named Love waterfall, that’s it. The station is 1945m at height, so it’s the shortest and fastest route to the summit.

    The dry day made it very easy to do trek, the path was clean and very clear to follow. Sunshine shot through leaves, coloring the ground with green. My guide said that the weather was rarely so those day, I was a lucky boy. Yeah, thank God for the blessing.

    Though our crews included porters, we didn’t have them carry our backpack, everyone held a strong will and do-it-themself whole the time, so the porter’s main task was to guide and support people though.

    After a short hike, we rested in a plain ground, and people did selfie, it was very happy when you were surrounded by energetic people, making the trek more funny and memorable.

    There’s a stream crossing over the path at the beginning. Because it was a sunny day in dry season, so we passed it easily. Imagine its fury in rainy season, oh, so furious and dangerous!

    I was impressed by sceneries here: sky was clear and blue, fantastic ambiance made by sunlight, ancient trees with giant, twisty roots, even shades also contributed greatly to the beautiful path. Some dead trees are really tasteful if you can shoot them at right angles.

    Every time you climb higher, you have chances to change perspective and the landscapes are different, as well, which make it more exciting to keep going and explore something new ahead.

    The path from Tram Ton station to 2200 height was quite ease and enjoyable, stairs built neatly so you hardly get lost.

    2200m-height camp

    This is where we had our lunch. After a long trek, any food you consume will own a beautiful taste, because you are in a great hungry pit. But we had to wait for nearly 30 minutes later that the tables were clear for us. Many trekking groups joined that day which made it quite a “traffic jam” at the camp.

    There was a fatty cat walking around and to be honest, I did love it. I wanted to hug, tease, feed him (I didn’t really know his gender, who knows!!).

    We did enjoy the meal, there were boild rice wrapped in silver screen, fish sauce, chicken cooked with sauce, boiled egg, cabbage,… it was not a party but really delicious, loud and happy. People were talking to one another, making the dining more “entertaining”.

    We had a while to rest. I stayed awake and strolling around whistl foreign friends and Tra were talking, sharing theirs stories. I just enjoyed the precious sunbeam landing on my skin. It’s so “expensive” there, while fog were waiting all the time to hide my sun.

    Here we go again!

    The upcoming path would be more challenging, some of the trekkers who had just been back from the summit told me so. They said that the path from 2200 height to 2800-height camp was very hard ascending, so more fatigue. It was, as they said.

    The sun was high, atmosphere drier and no more fog surrounding, no more fanstatic sense. After an hour away, we stopped another plain ground, which offers a panoramic view of mountain range, it was breath-taking and I couldn’t stand shooting a panoramic photo, here it is:

    The group of young people from The KAFE – most of member are beginners, I think – were hiking slowly. They were really fatigue after a long trek because of not getting used to the pace. That’s why I think the practice before a trip is very important, especially when you do trekking or some games which require much physical strength.

    The path features a cliff (indeed, it’s not a cliff but from a right angle of shooting, it makes an illusion of height). Tung – our tourguide showed us that was able to reach it firstly, by moving like a artful jumper and landing safely at the cliff, making everyone breathless.

    Then Daniel joined the posing show, later is Sunny. It’s really exciting to get there, though the strong winds with its severe cold make you think carefully before putting steps.

    Our group was not the same completely, someones strong, someones weak, so after all, we were usually splitted up in to 2-3 groups, guided by Tung, Vac and Trung. The stronger went first, and got the rest ground soon, then waited for the weaker.

    In the late afternoon, the sun gradually turn into orange, which made the landscape more amazing. The trail was sometimes changing the color, as if neckos stick to every pieces of forest. They were all beautiful: rocks, trees, roots, bamboos, bushes,… it was cool down, and I felt so energetic again to conquer steep stairs. It’s very weary, but worthy.

    Indeed, my body turned hot overtime, so, despite the very cold atmostphere at that time, I put off most of my warm clothes, but a slim t-shirt. But by the time we rest at the stop, my body temperature got balance and I had to dress up a bit to remain warm. Staying healthy when doing a trek is very important because the support is rare in remote area like mountains.

    I was surprised that when we hiked high enough, it’s true that we could see the horizon at far, in a very clear day. The mountain range then piled like a giant sand dunes painted by green, so gorgeous, splendid and majestic!

    2800m-height camp

    When the sun was nearly down for his sleep and the light drew back to hideout, I reached the second camp, at 2800 height. Just few people of my group did it as soon as I did, so we had to wait for the rest.

    It turned very cold and windy at camp. At first, I ran into a dorm to hide from the winds. But there’s a crowded fire-camp outside and there’s no reason not to join them. By the way, the fire could warm up me. So cool!

    They roasted pigs and chicken. The flames were big and the smell was really tasty. I was very hungry at that time, you know. After a long trek, my body got tired and the promising delicious food was really a curse. Haha.

    I tend to wash my hand with the water but when the tap was running, I pulled my hand out. The water was so cold that it was possible to make an ice-burn. There was a makeshift canteen selling mineral waters, energy drink,… but the price was double/triple so I used mine.

    The campfire was very warm that I could heat my body from-top-to-toe while waiting for my group. There were a group whose members were up to 50 people, and they were very exciting sharing their painful experience to entertain the other, that was good. Sometimes I joined their joke.

    What a cold night!

    Very long time later, our friends reached the camp. They looked so tired, but full of happiness. The guide finally led us to our dorm and we could unpack. It was so so weary and hungry, and it went dark quickly. Someone brought along a tiny travel stove fuel by alcohol and she boiled water to make coffee while sharing some heat to the companions. It was nice.

    To prepare for a definite cold night, we set up our belongs. Sunny used the heat patch for her back and really cool, I used it when I slept to find some precious warmth. Some people hang their flashlight to light up the room, which was very useful in the dinner later.

    And when we rested for a while, then our dinner was served very in time. We had tofu, pork, chicken dish with small bowl of fish sauce. Very simple but extremely delicious. I found a theory that instead of having a delicious food, you can very enjoy your meal when you in a great hungry. It’s true!

    After dinner, because the extremely cold atmosphere outside, we almost got into issued sleeping bag and enjoyed  the warm while trying to close eyes. I recharged my devices and reviewed all the media I recorded on the day. They were so nice.

    Outside, the sky was very clear with milions of stars shining bright. I loved them so much.

    Day 2 – to the summit

    Trekking at dawn

    I just slept a bit at previous night, better than ones who couldn’t stand the freeze causing them headache and a red-eye night. I didn’t know that until the morning, they confided the truth, which made them weary quickly by the time.

    Around 4AM, Tung woke us up, and prepared our breakfast. Everyone seemed awake all, no sleepy sound was made. 15-20 minutes later, everyones finished their personal hygiene and packed up belongings. Then the hot breakfast came in. After a frozen night, everyone loved the meal. It brought us heat and energy, they were not delicious dish but in our case, they were super tasty. The situation really made sense. After that, we had a hot coffee to stay awake physically.

    I came out, it was really cold. The sky was super clear, promising for a nice trek. It’s very dark and we had to use our flashlight to see what ahead.

    There were a group who had started before us, so crowded. However, gradually, they couldn’t keep the pace and slow down, which meant we passed them easily. It’s very dark, but my sight was still good enough to see stars above, Sapa town far far away below and they were seperated by a blurry horizon. I had to dress warmly, every pieces of my body touching the dawn cold made me frozen, a sense of cold-burn. I used a scarf to cover my nose, keep my breaths warm. It’s very essential if you don’t want to get cold easily.

    The first step was not tough, but some spots would be slippery a bit due to the moisture and small stream along the trail. Halfway was good, but the rest was more challenging because there was no clear path, and we had to climb by hands as well. Some steep slopes downward really made us carefully and slow down the pace for some times. Finally, we splitted up again, when Tung waved us to stop, we were only me, Daniel, Sunny and Monica as a leading group, the other were so slow. I asked Tung whether we should wait for the rest of team but he said there was no need because the 2 porters could lead them rightly and we were late to watch sunrise at the summit. So we had to hurry up.

    From time to time, we saw a small water pool at side of the trail, made of plastic screens to get water from rains and condensed fogs, it was very clear and cold, some one said it was drinkable. I tried once, but I was not sure about the hygiene, while I still reserved a lot of water.

    When we saw a station lit up by orange color, my guide told us that we nearly reached the summit and just 30 minutes or so and we would put our feet on the rooftop of Vietnam.

    That’s news encouraging us to keep forward excitingly.

    Final steps

    5:30 AM, we saw a little lights from the east, they divided the sky into two half: light above and dark below. Then everythings got clearer and we could turned off our flashlight while it was still possible to trek in low light condition.

    Some times we had to climb up metal ladders, which was very cold when I touched. Some times we climbed over trees growing horizontally blocking the path. It was tough a bit. When the strong sunbeams appeared, bringing us more vision, we saw cables were moving up and down, bringing staffs and stuffs, I thought so.

    When approaching 3000m in height, we saw a construction site – Fansipan legend, a tourism complex – looking like a strict fortress.

    The high we were, the less oxygen we could breath, yes, it got more and more fatigue. It was really a fight against your will and the body. I just kept going and followed the tourguide, if he could make it, so could I.

    Finally we made it. Yesss, we made it!!! We reached the complex at late 6 AM, so the sun rose just a bit higher. There’s a barrier blocking you, just passing it and we. Despite tiredness, I tried as quick as I could to climb upstairs but I had to wait again to recovery my stamina, it was really tough, and I had to touch the summit, I had to do it…

    Fansipan conquerors

    6:30AM. I was stunned by the landscape mother nature showing me then: all the clouds were staying below me, like a vast ocean that we usually enjoy at shores and right at the center, the sun was shining so bright, as it possibly blinded me but I couldn’t stand watching a sleeping beauty waking up after a long dark night.

    The sun was really like a princess attracting thousand of people to watch her getting up. Wow!

    My fingers was almost frozen, though I tried to heat them by sunbeam uselessly. It was too cold at the summit. I walked around and enjoyed my victory and thought of all the challenges I passed. Oh ops. I forgot to take a picture with that trophy – a paramid engraved with words “Fansipan – 3143m”.

    The ground was made of wood, so it look quite natural but indeed, I didn’t expect so many man-made objects at the summit, making it like a garden that you pay 600 000 vnd to touch at ease.

    I took photo for Sunny, she seemly loved the gorgeous sceneries and Daniel intentionally took photo himself – an instagram-aholic. Afterall, we had a photo together to memorize these experience. That was a moment of lifetime.

    Way back

    8AM, sun was high and shiny above the sea cloud. It was getting hotter while cable cars were bringing more visitors toward the summit. When the summit base was full of people, and we had enough rest to get back.

    But some of us chose to use cable car, including Sunny. That was the best route to save more time and stamina, but you then had to take taxi back to town.

    For the way back, it didn’t take us much time to go back because of slopes downwards. I had chance to see what I hadn’t seen when on the way to the summit due to the dark. It was really nice when you lost in fog again, sometimes alone among forest, so peaceful. And I sang my favorite, enjoyed my life so deeply. I love it, my youth, because, you only live once, so live full.

    Epilogue

    My first attempt was fascinating, I really enjoyed it. However, there are still other routes more challenging like Cat Cat village route or Sin Chai one, hopefully I had chances to trek these ones.

    Fansipan is a must-have experience, you travelers. Book a trek tour or do-it-yourself and you won’t be regretful for what you got.

    After trekking Fansipan, Biking around Sapa is also a nice choice. Rent a bike and conquer Sapa steep roads!!

  • A full Ninh Binh budget travel guide

    A full Ninh Binh budget travel guide

    The reason why I write Ninh Binh budget travel guide is a huge request of ones who have watched Kong: Skull island movie and wish to travel Ninh Binh – the background, featuring Karst scenery like Trang An, Tam Coc,..

    A secret to reveal: they are just a part of majestic Ninh Binh. There are many destinations and experience waiting for you to explore. My Ninh Binh travel budget guide will include transportation options, destination list, what to do, food and drink section also, a recommend itinerary and FAQ for more handy information.

    For my experience, Ninh Binh budget travel is really possible – buses and accommodations are cheap and well-equipped. So don’t miss it when in Vietnam

    Top destinations to go in Ninh Binh

    One of the hottest question in Sping 2017 is “WHERE WAS KONG: SKULL ISLAND FILMED (In Vietnam)?”. And the answer is among Ha Long bay, Ninh Binh and Quang Binh. So I’d recommend you visit the destinations that many scenes were filmed in Ninh Binh first.

    Trang An and Tam Coc, also known as “the Ha Long Bay on land”, is famous for boat ride with skillful locals have the ability of rowing using only their feet. These two spots are quite close to each other. They are similar somehow: A river passing through rice paddy field, mountain cliffs and caves.

    While Tam Coc is still well-preserved nature, featuring mostly rice paddy field and cliffs, Trang An is stunning because of the system of caves dug by the river. Someone says that these caves have been compromised for tourism service, so they are likely less natural than Tam Coc. The tour is also getting you to visit some pagodas. It last for 3-4 hours, depending on how long you spend in each stop.

    Bike parking fee is 10,000- 15,000vnd. The ticket for a boat ride is 120,000 – 150,000 vnd, in case some touts telling you so. They are best visited in the morning (8AM) and last rides start at 4 PM (winter) or 5:30 PM (other seasons), when the bus from Hanoi bring more visitors to fill all the boat and your photos.

    Note: Because rowers are paid minium wage and eligible for few tours/ month, so you are kindly advised to tip them or buy some souvenirs.

    The next spot that you can see in film is just a few kilometers north, a large wetland called Van Long Nature Reserve, kinda rice paddy field, caves and … monkeys, yeah! 50,000 vnd/ pax.

    For one loving top of height, then Hang Mua peak is definitely a must-visit destination. From here, you can view 360 degree entire region: rice paddy fields, mountains,… everythings are simply like a 3D google map. To reach the top, you’ll hike 486 steps, so had better train a bit your strength beforehand. And one more thing, the fee entrance is 100,000 vnd

    Bich Dong Pagoda: a old pagoda complex with three levels in a quite steep mountains side, offering nice views, including: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas. Some temples are built into caves. After reaching the highest temple, you should climb up the rocky path to the top and enjoy the view, which is really amazing.

    Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is also a choice of culture explorer, but don’t expect much to do, because the city now includes only some archway and temples of Dinh – Le emperor. 20,000 vnd/ pax for entrance.

    Phat Diem Cathedral is once a “Vatican of North Vietnam”, built since 1874 in 24 years, mixing Eastern and Western style of architectures. A really holic place for pilgrims.

    Bai Dinh pagoda complex is also a must-visit architecture, owning many labels: The biggest bell, biggest buddha bronze statue, biggest well and most La han statues in Vietnam. My experience show that: you should take a walk around here, it’s completely worthy every steps.

    Cuc Phuong national park: A chance to live among forest, seeing wild life and hiking trails. 40,000 vnd/ person for an entrance fee.

    Kenh Ga hot spring: take a bath and relax, it’s a hot spring, natual massage, a lot of mineral good for your health. Usually it cost 200,000 vnd/ person (boat transit + entrance fee + bathing). Bathing until you get bored!

    Thung Nham bird field: Birds and birds, birds everywhere, If you love bird watching, you definitely come here! 100,000 vnd/ pax. It’s costly, I know.

    Top destinations Map

    https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1sqyhTOdrZplsM1GB-oKbRRmQwkc

    Top things to do in Ninh Binh

    Taking a Boat ride: (in Trang An or Tam Coc) is an amazing experience, offering boat riding along river through paddy fields and stunning landscape of mountain cliffs, pagodas inside caves and wet caves.

    Bike trip: it’s quite flat so you could follow Trang An/ Tam coc route to explore destinations and scenery privately.

    Mountain hiking: Hang Mua is a wonderful place to check-in because of panorama view. Besides, Bich Dong pagoda is also an alternative.

    History tour: Hoa Lu ancient capital bring you a flash of Vietnamese history with some temple and archway.

    Forest hiking: Cuc Phuon national park is a great place for trail hiking and wildlife exploration.

    Bird watching: Thung Nham bird garden is a spectacular spot to view birds and other animal, as well.

    Religion tour: Both Phat Diem cathedral and Bai Dinh pagoda are must-see landmarks that every pigrim should visit once

    Comfort tour: Visit Kenh Ga hot spring and enjoy your day of comfort. It’s also booking a homestay and live a local life for 1-2 days, it’s very peaceful ambiance here.

    Food tour: Enjoy the local specialities with list of must-eat below (along with local drink).

    Recommend itinerary

    Day 1: Trang An (4h) – Hang Mua peak (2h) – Tam Coc (4) (optional) – Bich Dong pagoda (2h)

    Day 2: Phat Diem Cathedral (2h) – Thung Nham bird garden (4h)

    Day 3: Hoa Lu ancient capital (1h) – Bai Dinh pagoda (4h)

    Day 4: Van Long natural preserve (4h) – Kenh Ga hot spring (3h) – Cuc Phuong national park (overnight)

    Day 5: Cuc Phuong national park (4h)

    What to eat in Ninh Binh

    Mountain goat (de nui) meat is a local speciality. The taste is good, and it’s usually served with fried rice. Cơm cháy is another dish of rice, specificly, burnt rice at the bottom of a pot, and you eat with pork cooked with fishsauce.

    Sometimes you see duck stores, which is quite worth a try if you haven’t eaten in Hanoi. And for the last, dog meat, very popular in the Northern Vietnam. If you love animal, I don’t think you love the food, but, yeah, it’s really a weird food that you should try in Vietnam.

    Some local restaurant you should try:

    Cô Hoa – Bún Canh Riêu (79 Luong Van Tuy, Ninh Binh city): good rice noodle soup with crab top up and veggie, 15,000 vnd/ bowl, so cheap!
    De Quy 135 (Trang An str, Hoa Lu, Tam Coc area): famous for Goat dish, the cheapest dish cost only 50,000 vnd!! But the menu is in Vietnamese, and it’s hard to translate to English. Huhm
    Lac Hong restaurant (near Hang Mua peak): it seems every specialities you can eat here. Nice design, both interior and dishes. Price is 50,000-300,000 vnd, you should have a group to share a big meal, which you can eat many food at budget price per person.

    For popular local drinks, you should enjoy Bia hoi along river bank for only 5,000 vnd/ glass. A plate of snack or peanuts is also a good companion!

    A glass of sugar cane with ice is also a good pick, same as beer: 5,000 vnd. I love sweet, I do enjoy Vietnam the drink.

    First thing to do a Ninh Binh budget travel – How to get there, cheaply!

    Because the province is very close to Hanoi – Vietnam capital, it’d better depart from here.

    Open bus: The best budget vehicle is open bus at Giap Bat terminal, Hanoi, for only 70,000 vnd (3 usd). They start at early morning, takes 3-4 hours, depending on traffic situation. Because of the strict policy in bus regulation of government, you should buy ticket in the hall. You’d better write down the destination (Ninh Binh/ Tam Coc/ Trang An/…) and show driver to let them know exact destination. Vietnamese is still not popular English-speaking country.

    Taxi: Though it’s not a budget option, but taking taxi as a share ride is sometimes a good choice, because you needn’t have to transit so much, save more time. For those departure from Hanoi, it cost 65 usd/ ride and plus 15 usd if getting from Noi bai airport.

    Tips: Asking people for a share ride, a 7-seat cab for totally 6-7 travelers only cost 10 usd/ person, and no transit, which means it’s better than bus (no extended time, transit budget and stress of language barrier).

    Train: it’s good news that the railway now offer e-booking, you’d better choose cushioned seats with air-con for more relaxing, but cheapest option – wooden seats (or “market carriages” for better local experience, I always get this because it’s a quick ride (2.5-3 hours) so no reason why we don’t enjoy more local culture. Fee: 60,000-150,000 vnd. Check the official booking website [http://dsvn.vn/] for more info.

    The cart will be strolling around, which offer meals, food and drink, even sometimes specialty cake.

    Tips: there’s a canteen at the end of the train, where you could buy a cafe and enjoy landscape, too!

    And don’t forget that the new train station (used by Vietnam railway now) is 1 kilometer away from the old one (referenced by most of hostel, restaurant,…).

    There’s no airport in Ninh Binh.

    Hiring motorbike or bicycle in Ninh Binh ?

    Motorbike is the best way to enjoy the city and surrounding sceneries. 10 usd/ day/ bike, plus 70,000 vnd for fuel and (in case you want) 5 usd for a guide. It’s cheapest and most exciting vehicle.

    For quieter and more eco-friendly, a bicycle would suit you, only 3 usd/ day. And you should bring more water and energy bars.

    Though some guides saying that Ninh Binh is walkable because it’s small and the attractions are close, walking is quite annoying because taxi bikes are mostly asking you to buy their ride. (I don’t really like it).

    Where to sleep in Ninh Binh

    Dorm is quite popular in the area. You’d better stay around Tam Coc area, which is very comfortable, but there’s still some hostel in old train station (town center) good to take. I see about 7 options that you can sleep under 10 usd/ night. Private room is range from 15-20 usd/ night, double is around 30 usd/ night.

    The most beloved one is Go NinhBinh Hostel, or an old train station. The room is good, Facilities are even better: “…free computers, free hair driers, free wi-fi, free paper map, free dart board games, pool table available and free car parking,…” (wikitravel.org). I do love the design, and backpacker smell here. It makes me hungry for a new journey whenever I see it. The only shortage is the location: city center, which is nothing to do at night but drinking beer and chit-chat. 6 usd/ dorm bed. So good.

    Ninh Binh downtown backpacker: high view from dorm (great!), free breakfast (we can save some pennies), price is super good: 6 usd.

    Tam Coc Homestay: Amazing local experience, from design to surrounding landscape, price is also good, 6 usd/ night/ dorm bed. You’ll lost in rice paddy field, bare brick and bamboo walls, dried-leaves roof and (ridiculously) a duck lake (you can feed them, ahha).

    More comforts, check in Hoa lu Backpacker homestay, everything is clean, and some are free: hammock sleep, fruit picking, mountain view from 2nd-floor toward. Price is higher: 7.5 usd/ dorm night

    Tam Coc bamboo Homestay: 8 usd/ dorm night, and you are living among mountain cliffs, it’s great, room is clean, free wifi. But I don’t love the design, it’s poor.

    Tam Coc Bungalow: free break fast, wifi. Only 6 usd/ night for a dorm bed. River view, well-equipped.

    Ha Trang Hotel: ok, it’s cheaper, only 4 usd. Not beautiful, no breakfast but wifi.

    Budget tips to Ninh Binh

    A typical expense for a day in Ninh Binh

    Dorm: 6 usd

    Food: 4-20 usd (normal or specialities)

    Attraction entrance fee: 5-7 usd

    Bike: 8 usd in total and 4 usd/ person (you could share ride)

    Totally: Only 20 usd/ day minium expense. For 5 days discovering Ninh Binh, you need 100 usd to see Kong: Skull island film background landscape and other amazing sceneries. It’s such a cheap trip!

    FAQ for Ninh Binh budget travel

    Q: Where should we depart for Ninh Binh

    A: from Hanoi

    Q: Where can I rent a bike in Ninh Binh

    A: most of hotels/ hostels offer bike rental, ask the receptionist. You should ask for helmet and go to gasonline station, get full tank and explore a full day.

    Q: Where to camp in Ninh Binh

    A: Cuc Phuong national park, Thung Nham bird gardens,…

    Q: How long should I spend in Ninh Binh

    A: 5 days is a fix time to explore most of attractions. A week is more relaxing.

    Q: Where can I rent a budget accomodation in Ninh Binh

    A: Near old train station and Tam coc.

  • 10 Ninh Binh travel facts you may not know !

    10 Ninh Binh travel facts you may not know !

    Before traveling to one of the destinations where Kong: Skull island was film, 9 Ninh Binh travel facts below will help you understand more about the beautiful province in Vietnam.

     I’m at Bai Dinh main chamber yard
    1. Vietnam records pagoda: Bai Dinh is not just a normal pagoda, it’s a complex, very very large area, including so many interesting structures that you should do a slow travel to have more deep experience. There are many Vietnam records happening here: the largest pagoda, the most Arhat statues, biggest bronze bell,… Free entrance and you only pay 10,000 vnd/ bike parking fee.
    1. Rowing by feet: taking a Trang An boat tour and you’ll see artful rowers using their feet to drive the boat. (I can’t even drive a boat by hand, they are so admirable).
    1. A wildlife tour are also available here: Cuc Phuong national garden is 22,000 acre quare area, a “homestay” of 71 animals, 319 birds, 16 amphibians and so so, and you have a chance to meet them. and ticket is cheap, 40,000 vnd. Take it!
    1. An “ex” Christian capital: Phat Diem Cathedral complex was completed in 1899. Many typical structures in a mix of Western and Eastern architecture remains here. A historical site that attracts thousands of pilgrim coming every years. It’s free entrance (nice!)
    1. You can enjoy hot spring: Kenh Ga hot spring is a real relaxing experience. It’s cheap (10 usd/ person), hot water, essential minerals, natural massage therapy,… most of travelers come here the last day for rejuvenation.
     Trang An – beautiful destination that you should come once
    1. Food is cheap, unique and awesome: Cheap beer and sugar cane for only 5,000 vnd. You can survive with only 3-5 usd/ day for full of delicious food around. Variety of goat meat dishes and burnt rice are two of must-try specialities.
    1. Mountainous snails: you may heard a lot of snail in rivers, seas but on mountains, that sounds strange. It’s said that because those snails enjoy mountainous herbs and other natural elements, they are very good for your health and tasty – taste of a truly natural food.
    1. There are two Emperors used to locate the region as their capital: Dinh emperor and Le emperor located Ninh Binh as the heart of Vietnam (or “Dai Co Viet” at that time), so some ancient structures remaining in Hoa Lu district may reveal interesting historical facts. 20,000 vnd/ ticket
    1. Trang An scenic landscape area is a complex offering a dual world heritage UNESCO’s world heritage site for both cultural and natural features – a must-see destination for around-the-world nomads. Price is quite reasonable: 150,000 vnd for a 3-4 hour boat tour, very relaxing.
     Travelling to Bai Dinh pagoda is one of my greatest experience
    1. A budget travel heaven: read my Ninh Binh travel guide and you’ll see: this place offers very cheap accomodation, bike rental is only 100,000 vnd/ day and you possibly spend only 100 usd for 5 day-trip here, while checking most of the famous attractions, including ones in Kong: Skull island.
  • Backpacking Tram Chim national park – Vietnam exploration

    Backpacking Tram Chim national park – Vietnam exploration

    Tram Chim national park is a very famous spot in nature trail along Mekong delta. Located in Dong Thap province, 4 hours ride away from HCMc, the park is really a great place for bird-watching activities with dozen of species, a promising photography destination, as well. The price is affordable if travelling as a group.

    What is the best route to Tram Chim national park?

    https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1a0w53_tYBJWKopUVymrCdW5awnE

    Routes to Tram Chim national park

    • Beaten-track: stick to highway
    • Off-the-beaten-track: Go northwest, follow countryside road.

    When is the best time to visit?

    Bird homing at the beginning of rainy season (March-April) when the water level rises bring more fish for them. So it is the best time for bird watching activity.

    Floating season (or rainy time) from September to December is also a good time because the whole landscape is painted in green and brand-new smell after hundreds of rain feed the forest.

     Sua hat sen – popular drink in Dong Thap

    Food & Drink & Take-away

    “Sua hat sen” (Lotus seed drink) is quite popular in Tram Chim.

    In general, Lotus is a speciality in Dong Thap, you can buy fresh lotus seed to eat fresh, or make it as ingredient for a dish cooked at home.

    Fish and dishes are quite popular here, well-cooked with delicious taste, truly local.

    Food is a real mean to explore culture.

    Accomodation

    Few people stay overnight because it’s quiet and almost nothing to entertain at night. But if you want to rest and enjoy peaceful countryside atmosphere, there’s several choices.

    The most interesting but still very budget friendly that you can sleep in a private room right inside the park center, price ranges from 7-15$/ day. At night, you can walk around a bit, but all you see is likely darkness and sound of (con trung va coc nhai’).

    In low season, it doesn’t matter booking in advance but in bird watching season, you should do so.

    Packing

    not too far from travel hub HCMc, so there’s no need to bring a lot in your backpack, just few essential stuff: mosquito repellent, sunscreen, t-shirt, hat, slippers and swimsuit in case you’d love to swim in the river.

    Activities

     tram chim national park information center

    Study

    A wide range of bird is really ideal for anyone who wish to study nature, you can collect many information in the park center complex and a real experience on boat into the park.

    Cruising

    very exciting and peaceful. You rent a small wooden boat, order delicious food and enjoy them directly, while surfing quiet along route into forest, seeing bird, listening to wild life. It’s simply amazing.

    Kayaking

    Young and active? Rent a kayak and you can explore the national park in your own way at your own speed. Gopro is definitely a good choice for sport shooting style.

    Speedboat cruising

    Wanna a brief visiting, rent a speedboat tour and a pretty-girl tourguide will take you around, representing all interesting facts and maybe answer all your queries

    Fishing

    A big fan of fishing love Tram Chim, many kinds of fish here, and a good rob can make you rich with fish.

     I’m on a speedboat

    Photography tips

    The cruise follows a route like a triangle: the first line is grass on water, the second leads you into the Melaleuca forest and the last one is really a lotus showcase.

    Photographers had better visit Tram Chim in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is in perfect color – orange – blended with blue clear sky if you’re lucky.

    To shoot birds, arrange your trips in homing season (see When session), to see most of them flying around.

    Tele lens are the best choice, and a CP-L filter will give you more power in shooting water and also, make the color better.

    Budget tips

     Price board

    You can buy a tour “Mekong Delta exploration”, including Tram Chim national park in Bui Vien, for 50$.

    Rent a bike (5$), get fuelled (5$) and make a DIY tour for a cheap trip on day. It’s not far from HCMc.

    Group travelling is advised because there are few options for a solo traveller here. Sharing is really ideal.

    Typical expense:

    Drink: no more than 20,000vnd/ bottle

    Lotus seed: 50,000vnd/ pack

    Kayak: 50,000vnd/ hour/ 2 seats

    Entrance ticket: 5000 vnd/ adult, 2000 vnd/ child (no need if you catch a boat at the port and directly deal with boat rider)

    Bike parking fee: 5000 vnd

    Transit to rest stop inside the park (electric car): 30,000 vnd/ pax

    Combo: 150,000 vnd/ person (for a group at least 6 people)

  • Phu Quy island travel guide

    Phu Quy island travel guide

    Phu Quy travel guide provides you transportation idea, things to do, travel map and also budget information for planning trip.

    Phu Quy, an island not two far from Phan Thiet – Mui Ne, a real unbeaten-track destination, still very pure scenery. Food is delicious and cheap, fantastic landscape. Totally it costs 1,000,000 dong/ 2-day trip. You won’t regret to be here !

    Get in

    There’s only one way to reach the island: on boat. You should travel to Phan Thiet Harbour second-gate to buy the ticket and boarding. You can park your bike at a nearby house (ask local for overnight bike park), 5,000 dong/ day and 10,000 dong/ night.

    There are two options: fast-moving: 250,000 vnd/ ticket/ 3 hour surfing and 150,000 vnd/ ticket/ 6 hours. The schedule is very unusual, so it’s advised to check beforehand.

    You can contact some hosts in the island to check the schedule: Gioi (0966661052) or Cot (0937194908). If you book their homestay, they will arrange for transit from the harbor to their house.

    Though your seat is in the basement, you should stay on deck because of the spacy, airy and landscape is stunning. Sunrise, flying fishes, feelings of adventure and freedom.

    https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=10fIXHi8U9KVh6SHQp5zpsgdB6n0

    Phu Quy Travel map, zoom-in for recommended restaurants, things to do and accommodation.

    Get around

    Phu Quy is a small island, so a motorbike is ideal to move around. The rental is very easy, and you can take the bike first and pay later, refill yourself, 20,000 dong gasonline is enough.

    Actually, it takes you only one day to explore the whole island, but for better experience like sunrise – sunset watching, you should stay for 2 days.

    To explore nearby isle, you can book boat (0972031325) to Tranh isle, Den isle or Trung isle,… from 300,000-400,000 dong/ boat (depending on the number of people joining to bargain).

     Phu Quy water is clear-as-crystal

    Accomodation

    There are a lot of hostels and a few hotel in Phu Quy. As far as I know, there are merely two homestays (Gioi and Cot, the contact above). The price is 50,000 vnd/ day (Gioi) or 100,000 vnd/ day (Cot), you are served meals with the family.

     Puffer fish dish

    Food

    I think the food is one of the best experience. Taste is amazing, price is super cheap. A tall cup of Nuoc mia (sugar-cane juice) costs 5,000 vnd, a 300g moon grab is 60,000vnd, even a set of six small Banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe) costs just 15,000 vnd and really full. A set of Nem nuong Cha lui costed me 30,000 vnd.

    I came in a small restaurant and order 3 dishes and paid just 45,000 vnd.

    Vo Van Kiet is a street food hub. Banh xeo is at 256 Vo Van Kiet street.

    Ong Gia (Old man) restaurant is also a great choice of seafood with reasonable price, locates at the end of Ly Thuong Kiet street, near 27/4 street. I tasted puffer fish dish for the first time here, very delicious. (puffer fish consideredly contains poison, so it seems I’m very brave to try it *LoL*).

     Check-in sunrise in Linh Son Pagoda

    Things to do

    My Phu quy travel guide suggests some activities below:

    Sunrise watching: You’d better visit Linh Son pagoda at dawn to see gorgous landscape.

    Biking: It’s great to bike around and see local life, eat local food and explore unexplored spots.

    Eating: Yeah, why not!

    Windmills: just for photography, we can’t climb up. they locate at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai road, near lighthouse. As far as I know, there are very few island in Vietnam located windmills.

    Get to the top of the island – light-house: travel to restricted mountain, with a radar station there, so it depends on your luck to get the light-house.

     Swimming and sunbathing at Trieu Duong bay

    Whale bone exhibition: There’s a temple of Whale bone with over 100 sets of whales and turtles. It’s usually closed, there’s a contact number attached so you should call to have people open the door.

    the cliff – my favorite spot for climbing and natural-pool relax

    Sunbathing and Swimming: The east beach (Trieu Duong bay) is the best beach of the island. Nice sand, clear water and beautiful panorama, suitable for outdoor activities, even sports. In the evening, many locals gather here to swim, eat and play sports or just di jogging.

    Adventurous climb: Actually, this is what I do-it-myself experience because there’s no tour for it. There’s a cliff (Ganh Hang) at the northeast (Stone ground), you can climb there, it’s not hard but scenery is awesome.

  • Sapa Travel Guide

    Sapa Travel Guide

    First time backpacking Sapa ? My top tips providing useful and in-depth information of get-in, get-around, things to do, food to eat and accommodation tips.

    Get-in

    You can ride to Sapa, however, most of backpackers reports that it takes them at least 5-7 hours and the road is quite rough. There’s a high-speed highway, a bus take only 4-5 hour to Lao Cai city and plus 1 hour to Sapa town. So mostly people choose to take overnight bus to the town to take advantage of time.

    I took Sao Viet bus (789 Giai Phong str. – Hoang Mai, Ha Noi/ 04. 36.686.358). You should book in advance to get best bed on bus. The latest bus is 23:00, and the you’re likely to reach Lao Cai at 3:00, and Sapa at 4:00.

    Another safer choice is to take train. It’s the most safest option up to now, but the price is not cheap compared to other means of transport. Booking at the official website of Vietnam railway to get the best price. It’s supported in English at the top right corner.

    Train time table and cost

    (vietnam-railway.com) “Sapa has no railway station, it’s about 38 km (24 miles) from Lao Cai railway station and easily reached from there by bus, jeep or taxi in about 50 minutes. There are both daytime and overnight sleeper trains between Hanoi & Lao Cai, and on the sleeper trains you can choose between the normal Vietnamese railways sleepers or a whole series of privately-run sleeping-cars of a higher standard aimed at tourists.

    Get around

    The best choice for adventurous travelers are bike rental, they are everywhere, and you can rent one for few buck plus gasonline. Read my biking tips for more details.

    Another way for leisure travel plus a bit adventure, especially for a solo one, rent a bike-taxi, bargain for 100,000 – 150,000 dong/ a cluster of 4-5 close destinations (see where to visit session for more details).

    For a group of travellers, it’s best to take a taxi, there are many brands so I can’t provide a certain price, you should consult the host before take one.

    Best time to travel Sapa

    Situated at the height of 1500-1800m, Sapa is quite cool, just 15-18 Celcius degree, so it’s very enjoyable here.

    Sapa is beautiful everytime, each month the town shows its unique beauty.

    April-May: Best time to see rice terraces, they are green and well-lit by fantastic sunray, some flowers are blossoming this time. A great time for photographers.

    September – October: Rice crops, all the terraces are covered in yellow. It’s gorgeous and majestic!

    December – February: The winter, so you’re expected to see snowflakes by chance and enjoy grilled food deliciously.

    Where to go

    https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1ZWqigBGK1WytB0w81xI4ZFvahPc

    Zoom in my backpacking Sapa destination map for more detail locations

    Ham Long mountain: the highest spot in the town, I see it as a flower garden, similar to Da Lat garden. It’s usually covered by dense fog and drizzle. If you’re lucky enough, then a panoramic view including Sapa town, Muong Hoa valley and Ta Phin village.

    Stone church (Notre Dame Cathedral): Built in 1895 by French, it’s a rare historical relic remaining today. A must-visit spot in downtown. Free entrance.

    Mau son temple: A religious site for pilgrims.

    Sapa lake: Taking a slow-pace duck boat around the lake is a break you’re your destination-rush.

    Cat cat: H’mong village, a journey to explore local culture and rice terrace photography also. 40,000 dong/ pax

    Ta phin: famous for its system of caves and Red Zdao ethnic. The roadtrip through the village and taking traditional herb bath of the Red ZDao are must-do experiences. It’s very exciting and sense of adventure.

    Ta van: Zday ethnic situates here. You’re also expected to see rice terrace.

    Sin Chai: Black Zdao ethnic, less tourismization, so you can find out the most pure atmostphere and local culture here.

    Muong Hoa valley – Ancient stone field: a beautiful stream and unique engraved stones depicts ancient culture.

    Fansipan – the roof top of Indochina: The sea cloud at the summit is very gorgoues and breathtaking, a must-visit spot. You can choose to take cable car (600,000 dong/ return ticket) or hiking trail from Tram Ton station (inside Love waterfall ecotourism park).

    Silver waterfall/ Love waterfall: It’d better visit these places at the beginning and the end of rainy season, when the water flow is at its most beautiful.

    “Gate to Heaven” (O Quy Ho pass viewport): A stunning panoramic view of the famous Pass. To conquer the pass more safely, please read my useful biking tips [http://darejourney.com/sapa-biking-tips/].

    Coc San: Another system of caves, it remains the purest landscape compared to landscapes surrounding Sapa.

    Things to do

    Backpacking Sapa was one of my memorable experience, I suggest some activities to make your trips even more exciting!

    Bike trip: following 4D highway is all you need to explore most of destinations inside and around Sapa, don’t forget to ride along O Quy Ho pass.

    Food tour: Getting around downtown and try new food that you’ve never ate before.

    A visit to ethnic village: Cat cat, Ta Van, Ta phin are among great options to explore local culture.

    Terrace photography: Sapa, as well as many mountainous destinations, offer a great view of rice terrace. It’s best to visit during crop season.

    Homestay in a village: enjoy an off-the-grid experience and local culture also.

    Sunrise and sunset at Sapa: Climbing Ham Long mountain at very right time for beautiful moments.

    Trekking Fansipan: Check-in the highest spot of Indochina is a really exciting activity. Read my Fansipan adventurous story if you need a preference what the trek is look like.

    What to eat

    Sapa cuisine is what I love most, most of them are ethnic food, very unique taste and moreover, the cool ambiance make grilled food taste even more delicious. Some best food you should have when in Sapa are:

    Thang Co (cattle soup): taste very unique, especially enjoy with a cup of corn alcohol. The lowest price is 200,000 dong/ 2-3 people at A Quynh restaurant (15 Thach Son street, Sapa town).

    Salmon dish: a hot pot of the fish is such a great idea for a dinner in Sapa.

    Grilled food: I spent a lot of money on these. A variety of pork, veggie, mushroom, bamboo-wrapped rice, eggs and sweet potatos

    Smoked Pork/ buffalo meat: I ate many strings. The cheapest price I found is a small restaurant of a man located near Silver waterfall, 300,000 dong/ kg pork and 600,000 dong/ kg buffalo meat, you’d better enjoy ethnic herbs served as tea, taste is very good.

    Accomodation

    As a center of tourism, there are many choices here. I use booking platforms such as hostelworld.com, agoda.com and booking.com for accomodation research. Some tips for choosing best bed is to decide what kind of bed you want (bunk bed/ private room), then surfing these website above, use filter for ones higher 7 stars review, at the price and location you’d love to. Read some reviews for more details before deciding booking.

  • My trip to Vietnam’s easternmost point

    My trip to Vietnam’s easternmost point

    A challenge that most Vietnamese backpackers wishing to do is to check in four most points (North/South/West/ East) and a summit (Fansipan) in Vietnam. So, when I was a junior student, I and my friend made a backpacking trip to the easternmost point of Vietnam.

    Departing from Nha Trang, we biked toward the north, via Van Gia, to Dam Mon. The traffic in Vietnam was very chaos, as usual. You are likely to be frightened at first, but an adventurous traveler would be adapted very quick and love the freedom and danger are put together in the country.

    “Dare you ride” trail

    Sand trail challenge

    We reached the touch point of the very first challenge – sand trail. It was 10 o’clock and the sun was burning the ground. The beginning was nothing at all to us, which we could easily handle our bikes through soft off-road terrain, but when the sand was covered the whole surface, forcing us to step down and push manually vehicles passing it. It was, how can I say, hum, Hell on earth *LoL*

    Directly exposed to the sun in long time (at least 3-4 hours), we were heavily dehydrated. One of my friend started to get sunstroke, and we had to stop for many times to regain our health.

    Painful experience: biking on sand

    Will is a must-have but your health is also very important, some travellers challenge themselves over their limit at such a very dangerous level.

    When we were trying to get our bikes over sand, I noticed some travelers had given up and turn back. If you go solo with your bike, it’s extremely hard to manage to reach the homestay.

    Finally we passed it and felt like in heaven. “Yeahhhh, we did it, did it” – we yelled, bursting into happiness.

    The lodge “parking lot”

    Uncle Hai Lodge

    Indeed, the lodge lies below a slope which is quite steep, just 30-40 degree, so some one would park in the lot by the trail, but because no one was in charge of securing our bikes, so we decided to get them down the slope. And it was such a damn decision. But teamwork was great and another victory was made!

    The lodge was very eco-friendly, we had hammocks, roof of leaves, a view toward beautiful sea. Everything was so cool!

    You’re likely to be served lemonade at first by the hostess. To be honest, we loved first moments there. But it was quite late (we’d been stuck too long in sand trail). So we decided to take part in the night trekking at 4 PM.

    Trekking in the dark

    So we packed 3 litre of water, a tent and some personal stuff in our backpacks. It took 4 -5 hour depending greatly on group’s stamina.

    A savanna was what to face first, then a forest to cross and when we were out, it’s just a dark silence surrounding, we started to smell salty and hear sea growling gently.

    The trail was very challenging, we had to stay sharp or we would be sliding downward. It’s noted that nowadays, you can rent a boat instead of the only trekking option, but the trek is still adventurous, worthy for a travel experience, I recommend using boat in case your health is not allowed for a trek.

    We stopped and camped at a wide beach. We were separately working two group: set up camp and cooking. When the work was done, it’s dinner and I admittedly enjoyed one of the best food in my life. It’s a happiness you just feel after completing difficulties that you think you couldn’t do but finally you did it.

    It was a cold night, the fog condensed water and wet our tent. I remember when I first got my hand out, I just drew back quickly because the low-temperature outside. It’s not experience for amateur after all.

    The dawn

    Dawn at the easternmost point

    4:00 AM and we were waken up. It’s such a cold dawn but the sky was beautiful clear, filled with millions of stellars. We packed few essential stuffs and got on the way.

    There were two major difficulties: low-light condition and rock-climbing-jump was very exhausted. It took us nearly 2 hours to reach the pole. It’s a beach filled fully with rocks, small and big, stacked one another randomly. The landscape was gradually lit-up by early sunlight.

    The pyramid – a sign of easternmost pole – was put on a big rock, requiring a rope climbing. I emphasize that this is a real dangerous action because of lack of safety equipment, and if you unluckily fall off, it’s likely that you get deathly hit on your body. So be careful.

    After reaching the pyramid, we felt completely proud of ourselves, of what we had done to make the way to the pole. All the pain and fear turned into happiness. The landscape was as beautiful as heaven, and we quickly shot some photographs as memories. It’s pity that one of the team member got ankle aching and wasn’t able to climb to the pyramid.

    resting on way to return

    The return

    It’s a chance to see what we missed because of low-light trekking to see sunrise in time. The scenery was green, pure, splendid and majestic.

    We took a short break at the lodge, swimming in cool water and wished one day to return for another leisure travel, a tent, few days off-the-grid, a complete slow experience.

    The road

    Epilogue

    We’re back to the sand trail. Sunset painted every inches on the ground and scenery. I’d never seen thing like that before. It’s very stunning, a memorable moment we would put in our heart forever.

    The way back was easier than the first day, we couldn’t explain why it’d taken us so long to get over the sand trail, and we came up with an idea for the next time: it’d better leave your vehicle in local’s house (at a very reasonable parking fee ~10,000 dong/ night) and walk through sand to reach the lodge.

    The road then turned fantastic, a blend of orange and blue, tree swinging in winds, peace touch on the water, in the way boat floating, happiness in people face.

    Travel means you love every moments on road and stories to inspire yourself and people to backpack again, to enjoy your youth, challenging yourselves in new destinations with helpful friends.

  • [2017 Memories] Bobla waterfall

    [2017 Memories] Bobla waterfall

    There’re hundreds of fall in Vietnam, some turned into popular attractions, some not, some used to be. Bobla waterfall is the third.

    Established for tourism but because of the far distance from main hub – Dalat, Bobla has gradually been forgotten for years.

    There’s no service left, no maintainance, just a camping site for locals and anyone who know its existence.

    Di Linh is just a stop, not a destination. It’s mostly well-known for tea plantations and temple. Besides, I did a research and choose 3 best attractions also: Bobla waterfall, Li Liang waterfall and Kala lake. Ta Dung lake is also quite close to downtown and worth a roadtrip of exploration. 

    So why Bobla made an impression on me?

    First, I think it has a wonderful sense of exploration. Few travelers knows its existence and when you find it out after a long trip, it’s a great feeling. I’m very happy to cover it on Darejourney.

    Second, Adventurous trail is also a good reason. The first step are quite easy. Admittedly, it’s not challenge compared to Fansipan trek  or Baden night trek , but still enough for a chance.

    Bushes, strange creatures (black dragonflies), a majestic scenery (you know when you see the fall) and slippery walk over water-flowing-over stones,.etc. You won’t forget it.

    This is also a campsite, so bring some camp should be fine. It’s pity that I had none.

    One thing to note: The flow is fierce in rainy season, so be careful if you’d like to swimming.

    There’s no one working there but two local girl who usually collect recyclable trash for money. You can have them watch your vehicle and guide. I paid 10,000 dong for each work. I thought this would be a small support for their family, not merely service money.

    If you’ve come to Bobla waterfall, what do you review it?

    Bobla waterfall, Di Linh is very close to Dalat. Indeed, sunflower also blooms here in November. Check my sunflower route if you plan to see them.

  • [2017 Memories] Zoodoo Dalat – A Fanstatic Zoo to explore

    [2017 Memories] Zoodoo Dalat – A Fanstatic Zoo to explore

    Zoodoo Dalat – An Australian zoo in Vietnam? A very new attraction near Dalat. It’s very strange to the local. Sound great to explore and review for you guy.

    Zoodoo Dalat welcomed us in the rain, a bit. It seemed there’s no paid parking lot, I saw a lot of vehicle left unattendedly, I thought it was safe to leave bike there.

     road to Zoodoo among pine forest

    The zoo situates among famous pine forest, 40 kilometers away from Dalat, on the way downward Nha Trang, nearly reach Omega pass (which I used to have a memorable night camping). It’s available on google map so you can search it easily. If not, you can search Bidoup national garden entrance, Zoodoo is just four kilometers away from it.

    Booking in advance is advised or you’re possibly back because of full queue. There’s a fix visiting time-table and there’s limited number of visitors each time.

    There’s a coffee in the premise and it plays the role of ticket box as well. Just get inside, reach the counter and tell your name/ phone number (if you’ve already booked) or request booking and leave your phone number so that they call you when tickets are available. Then have a meal/ drink waiting for your call.

     ticket booth inside the cafe

    Ticket price for adult is 100,000 dong, 50,000 dong for child. Most of visitors are parents and children. I think Zoodoo is suitable for a family with little children, who mostly love oversea animal. Another kind of visitors is young travellers who haven’t touched Australian animals, so they go there to have a very first check-in before the zoo is outnumbered by tourists.

    The design and decoration of zoodoo coffee is just like many art coffee in HCMc or Dalat. I think their should add more stuffs related to their animals to have a better relevant ambiance.

    You’ll be led by a tour guide (it’s a young girl in my trip), she loves animals and have quite good representation speeches of each animal. You should purposely ask for more details to get more knowledge value, if you expect it.

    At first, the tour guide will explain the zoo regulations then selling feeding food for 10,000 dong/ piece (fresh and proceeded). It’s noted that because most of the visitors are Vietnamese, you’d better ask for foreign groups as booking to enjoy English speeches.

    The first destination is a demo house, where most of typical animals of zoodoo are available. You have a very first chance to feed and touch them.

    Then the guide lead you to preserved-animal cages, monkeys from Nha Trang to Chim Tri.

     Giving a hug to short-leg horse !

    Next, you can get inside cages of sheep, short horse, camel, birds and kangaroo, feed and touch them directly.

    You should feed all your foodstuffs at horse area because from bird cages experience then, you’re distributed a certain food by the guide.

     Bird cage real experience

    There’s a rule that if you hurt or kill birds on or not on purposes, then the fine is 500,000 dong regardless of how condition the bird is. The guide explained that because many visitors unpurposely drop food on the ground, which attracts birds landing and being stepped on to dead, leading the number of bird decreases at half. It’s pity and I was feeling very sorry for the fact. It’ very exciting as birds are almost standing on your palm and enjoy their meals.

    Kangaroos are more interesting to people who have never been to Australia – Kangaroo homeland. The guide told us that it’s proudly to have a first kangaroo baby born in Vietnam. My sense of these creatures is they’re like giant mouses

    You won’t see an adult kangaroo because their combat skills my hurt the visitors, so mostly kangaroos in Zoodoo are babies.

     Another hug <3

    Conclusion: Zoodoo Dalat is a real worthy experience, especially the local travelers.

    You can contact and read more info at Zoodoo fanpage .

    A full Zoodoo tour took me 1,5 hour. And Zoodoo is a really must- go attractions if you’re backpacking Dalat.

  • Hon Giao Pass Camping: an Awesome Story

    Hon Giao Pass Camping: an Awesome Story

    Few people camping here and if you can be one of them, I can sure that the experience is really awesome.

    Hon Giao is a famous pass. It slopes from Da Lat city downward to Nha Trang, gets by Bidoup – Nui Ba national forest. Considered one of the most beautiful and longest passes in central highland of Viet Nam, local travelers prefer “Omega”. It’s such a beautiful woman, abandoned and need you to have a talk to her at night – camping.

    https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1Y0Pfq2VYriQ2OEujJdgIe6XT-Zw

    I don’t know why people name it with the final one in Greek letters. My friends suggest that because of its top-down shape similar to the letter. Another assumption is that it’s the longest pass in Viet Nam. This is the top-down google map:

    My adventure – Hon Giao pass camping overnight

    The first time I’ve been to here, as a part of the road trip which I made with my friend, starting from Nha Trang en route through Da Lat to HCMC. It was memorable. And from time to time, my mind still remains the picture of cloudy roads stick to the sharp slopes while facing a massive landscape of breath-taking moments.

    This time, it’s second day in my trip with new friends and our itinerary was just to ride down the pass for a while, then we would be back for Da Lat night camping.

    However, at the height of 1500, we caught a big wave of cloud coming us, suddenly made every visibility zero. It was so impressive that we quickly closed a deal: we would set up a camp fire right there and right at that night. That’s when the idea of Hon Giao pass camping started.

    We went on down to the foot of the pass to refuel (one of bike was exhausted and there’s no gas station at the middle). We had 6 people while we brought along only one tent, the other was left in Da Lat for storage because our initial plan was some place around the town. So some of us had to head back to obtain it.

    After the refuel, we went together back to the appointed camp site. Then, we decided to divide into 2 groups: 2 boys (including leader) would ride back to take the tent and buy more supplies so that we had a wonderful night with delicious food and beer. The other (me and 3 girls) would be in charge of setting up camp while waiting for them back.

    It was adventurous, truly. You will soon realize that there’s no light around but a far far away beneath are lamp posts as tiny as fireflies. Sometimes trucks, cars contribute their light running on road as comets flashing in the night sky.

    For the sky, at first, we didn’t see any sign of  the stellar. But gradually, when cloud was away, left the whole clear sky. Then we realized how beautiful moments we were enjoying: somehow lonely, little under milky way. As if the night digested us and we were natural as a part of the landscape.

    The night at the middle of Omega, you can pack up a handy speaker to entertain, while cooking your meal and singing along lyrics. You can also choose to lie on rocks, look up and watch the sky, try to figure out various constellations,… . Just make your night full and wait for the gorgeous sunrise.

    It was our luck when there’s no fog or cloud in the morning next day, so we could happily enjoy the sunrise in the (quite) clear sky. Make some coffee and enjoy moments. It’s worthy.

    Pieces of advises

    Camping is great when the ground was even, and the surrounding was tall enough to play as wind-blockers. There’s no difficulty setting up tent if you’d like to make a Hon Giao pass camping. It’s cold so you should have a heat reflective layer underneath to make sure you won’t waste your warmth. It also makes your sleep more comfortable inside.

    For your vehicles, we rode bikes, so we decided to ride down a bit. So that if any thefts happens then they are likely to make noise to get the bike on road, which alarms us. You can also hide your bikes in the tall grass, it’s easier.

    It’s essential that you prepare camp fire for heat and cooking. My experience shows that you should bring along some timber to produce big flame, so that you can heat your body and clothes (if it’s wet).

    Cooking is not easy for the first time of Hon Giao pass camping, but as I learnt from other advanced trekking travelers, we successfully enjoyed our full dinner with some tips.

    You can grille bread and food cans directly on fire, just make sure you won’t let them burnt out. Make handy instant noodle and coffee is more complicating a bit. You have to make sure that the water level inside container (cup) is always higher than heat impact area. Because the temperature required to make water vaporize is lower than one to smelt container material (usually plastic), so you can cook perfectly, as long as it’s watered enough.

    There’s a little stream nearby, running every times so there’s no need to worry about water when camping there. It’s likely to be drier a bit in hot season, but in my trip, its flow was strong and full. I think you can even use it as a natural bath, but take it cautiously because if you fall off, you’ll face 1500 height immediately.

    There’s still a little 3G coverage there. I was exciting when I finished an article and submitted easily with internet, so you can live your cyber life and push social posts at camp site. Sound great!

    My last piece of advises is that if trouble comes, there’s a forester station nearby. You just ride upward Da Lat few minutes, and ask for help. I’ve never use it, so I don’t know whether officers can communicate English. I think google translate can solve it, just remember to type short sentences and the opposite work out easily.

    Another adventure I love is the trip to Vietnam easternmost point . Very natural, beautiful and challenging.

    Omega pass is very near Dalat so if you plan to stay there, don’t forget to check this top food list, it’s very useful if you’d love to explore culture through eating (well, I love eating).