Chapter 5.7 - Paradise Cave & Departure

24.2.

11:11am

I hurriedly left my room, thinking I had until 12pm. But it was only until 11am. I packed my things and took another shower. Now I'm sitting next door and treating myself to an English breakfast and a plate of fruits. I also have Ca Phe Sua Da. Afterward, I'll go to Paradise Cave with my scooter in a relaxed manner. It will be my last trip in Phong Nha. I should be in the lobby at 9pm. The bus to Ninh Binh will depart at 9:30pm.

3:11pm

I'm sitting in the restaurant at the parking lot of Paradise Cave. It was simply insane. I had to walk quite a few meters just to get to the cave, including uphill through a jungle. The cave is 3km deep, I think. You can explore 1km of it. The pictures speak for themselves. The €10 entrance fee was worth it. Now I'm having grilled pork belly with rice and vegetables and a coffee for 220k. It's a bit more expensive, but I'm hungry. After that, I'll drive back to the homestay. If it doesn't rain, I'll sit by the water again for a coffee. I have to kill a few hours until the 9:30pm departure.

5:01pm

I'm back in the hood. Unfortunately, the rain caught up with me. That means no more riding around and enjoying the motorbike today. 100% boredom. I don't know what to do for the next 3 hours. I'll have dinner at 8pm, then spend an hour in the homestay lobby, and then it's pickup time... Tomorrow, the weather in Phong Nha will be really cold. Luckily, Ninh Binh has better prospects.

8:27pm

I'm back at the Indian restaurant. Happy and full, I'm still sipping on the mango lassi. I've been watching a rat run through the restaurant the whole time. I think my saffron rice is attracting it. It's kind of funny. I guess many people would be disgusted :D She just knows what's good... I'll sit here for a while longer and then go back to the hostel. That's where my things are. I've paid a total of nearly 1.5mio for 3 nights in the hostel, 3 days of scooter rental, and the bus ride to Ninh Binh.

9:30pm

Middle aisle, second floor of the night bus. The first time I can lie completely stretched out. Fantastic. Picked up right in front of the homestay. It's really tight around the upper body again, but the leg space is fantastic. Goodnight, friends, and goodbye Phong Nha. *Inflating neck pillow*

Next Stop

Ninh Binh