#travelingasia #vietnam🇻🇳

If you are looking for a weekend getaway from the city, I think we have just found a hidden gem.  Ba Vi National park is only 60km drive from Hanoi. 

Our family found comfortable accommodation using “Bookings.com” and checked into the self-catering Ba Vi Rose Villas for a short getaway. The rascals we’re extra excited because their fur babies could join as it’s a pet-friendly venue. This perfect little two-bedroom self-catering pad is ideal for the family and includes aircon, fans, free wifi, fridge/freezer, few glasses, bowls, spoons and chopsticks.  There was a small garden with a patio, and we hired a bbq for our stay—the only thing missing was the kitchen sink. I did see a tap in the yard with a concrete slab, guess that’s where I was going to wash the dishes for our stay.

We had to be a bit clever with our packing being it’s self-catering, but as we don’t have a car to cart all the bits and bobs one would need, like food/drink, plates, utensils, fur baby must-haves and clothes and fishing gear, we had to be practical and find a way to fit our stuff into a taxi.  Don’t worry, as South Africa saying “Boer maak a plan”.  I filled my large roller bag with all food /drink, utensils and plates, had a tog bag for clothes, and carry a bag filled with water and fishing gear. I surprised myself at how small I managed to pack, compared to my regular South African getaways where the boot could hardly close.   

Once we settled in and unpacked, everyone was dying for a swim.  The pool was cool and refreshing, offering some fantastic views and “selfie opportunities” if you fancy a selfie.

The only thing left to do was find the perfect fishing spot before the sunset.  I must be honest and admit, we have had zero luck in catching fish in Vietnam.  We have landed some beauties around South Africa but two years here and we have not seen one.  Everyone was determined to hook and land a fish and end our dry spell.  Hallelujah we finally caught one, regardless of how small it was, it was a fish, and the kids were ecstatic. The little fish was released and will live another day. 

All the fishing done, everyone was hungry, especially knowing we would finally be having our very 1st braai “BBQ” in Vietnam. It’s been almost two years since our last South African Braai. I was lucky to find some delicious boerewors and steak. I also made an improvised version of “Woolworths” sweet chilli skewers, garlic bread and carrot salad. Finishing the meal off with toasted marshmallows and ready for bed.

Ba Vi Rose Villas organise a driver to take us round “Ba Vi National Park” he picked us up bright and early and we headed out to the forest.  1st stop The  Cactus Garden, oh my, what a disappointment! I bet it looked beautiful when the dome first opened.   Aiden thought it was very spooky and run-down. Just needed some dinosaurs and it would look like an authentic Jurassic World.  Thankfully the view over the dam made the uphill walk in the scorching sun worthwhile.

The next stop, visiting several French ruins from the 19th century and starting at the French Summer Camp where we saw two derelict structures off the path.  It’s good to explore but doesn’t come close to the Old Church. Wow, a must stop and explore every inch of the church covered in green moss, adding to the drama and offering epic photo opportunities.  Our driver was very kind and drove us up to the Church,  it is a steep road to climb, and we were saving our energy to explore a waterfall.  We didn’t make it to the French Military Zone.

It didn’t feel right going into the national park without a proper forest walk and visiting a waterfall. Of course, everyone moaned, it’s too hot, too many stairs, why do we have to walk? No More, can we turn around!  It wasn’t a long walk, only 4km round trip. The walk was relatively easy, other than the extreme heat and all the ups and downs, but anyone can manage it, no matter your fitness level. Due to an unseasonably dry spell, the waterfall was not as impressive as it could have been. We were relieved to know that there was an open Kiosk selling refreshments at the parking lot. You can grab some refreshments from the kiosk before or after your walk to cool off and take a minute to catch your breath. All in all its a beautiful forest and glad we explored a small portion of it.

Our family thoroughly enjoyed the time away from the city, spending quality time together, making memories. We are blessed to have the opportunity to explore a small portion of what the world has to offer.