Day 15 and 16 - Tam Coc - Ninh Binh - the dry Ha Long Bay

We are excited! Here in Tam Coc between endless rice fields and karst rocks we are really happy. This is how we imagined Vietnam. Our homestay is wonderful, the people are friendly and uncomplicated. The pool with terrace opens directly onto the rice fields. We have free bicycles with us and these old saddlebags are the perfect way to explore the surrounding area. On the first afternoon we took the boat tour in Tam Coc. Costs 250 TDong, i.e. 10 euros per person. You'll find your mouth hanging open with so much scenic beauty. Our boatwoman was about 45 years old and rowed with her feet. In the evening we ate half a duck from the grill for 6 euros and drank local beer for 0.30 euros (7k).

Today we rented a scooter and drove to Trang An and the huge Bai Dinh Pagoda temple complex. Riding a scooter with two people is easy. Frank drove, I navigated. Trang An was like Disneyland, it is one of the top attractions in Vietnam. Perfectly organized and endless people. But it was worth it, the longest cave and wonderful green landscapes by the river again. The temple complex was equally impressive. It is the largest facility in all of Vietnam at 8 km2. You had to park far away for ages and were then driven to the complex in electric cars. Entry free. Incredibly well maintained and a total of 18 temples and pagodas. The largest Buddha is 10 meters high, weighs 30 tons and is made of solid bronze completely covered in gold. We drove back to Tam Coc in the dark with a beautiful view of the illuminated temples and fell happily into bed.