2025-01-05 Vietnam, Ninh Binh

5.1.24 Cuc Phong Park -> Thrang An, 43 km, 250hm. Today I can have breakfast at 7 AM. To do this, I dress warmly and set off about an hour later just the same. Today, I will mostly be on side roads, all of which are well-paved. Just before 10 AM, I arrive at the large semicircular parking area in front of the new Bin Dinh Temple and am initially called back as I head towards the massive stupa through an underpass. I have to park my bike for a fee and purchase one of the five different ticket packages, which range from 100,000 to 500,000 Dong. In return, I will be taken to the lower entrance by E-taxi. Apparently, the state is genuinely working to establish a new religious center here. Everything has been constructed in the last 15 years but adapted to traditional architectural styles. The concrete columns are painted to resemble thick tree trunks. In the massive stupa, there's an elevator to the 13th floor. From here, you can overlook not only the temple complex but also the steep rounded mountains behind it. The end of my sightseeing round features the old temples in the caves. After that, I take the electric vehicle back to my bike. It's not entirely easy to find the exit in this vast area. After refueling at the local eatery, I head to the hostel situated between mountains and waters. I briefly consider jumping into the pool but decide to set off for the sunset instead. However, I don't quite make it there because I have five phone calls to attend to. In between, I take a whole series of great photos, the last ones showing the view of Lying Dragon Top as the lights come on. On the way back, I buy beer and cookies and sit by the pool dictating the texts from the last three days for the blog. Then I meet Ming, my roommate. He is a programmer who works while traveling. As I sleep now, he goes out to eat and work.