#Vietnam – CatBa Island

Rise and shine, we had to wake up bright and early as we looked for a taxi to take us into town, and catch the 8 am bus. Our taxi driver was efficient but impatient as he zipped through traffic, hand on the horn beeping whilst switching lanes whenever he spotted a gap. Destination Hanoi Old Quater to catch the Cat Ba Express as we headed for a short getaway to explore the Island with my parents, visiting from South Africa.

It’s a 2-hour comfortable bus ride to Hai Phong dock to catch a speed boat to the Island. We were all expecting a fast ride across the bay, but it didn’t materialise. Aiden was bitterly disappointed as the tug boat slowly chugged along as it crossed to the other side, where the next bus was waiting to take us to our accommodation at Cat Ba Sunrise resort.

We were warmly greeted at the door and ushered into the aircon lounge for welcome drinks, and cooling towels. The staff were friendly and helpful, organising our 1st night’s meal, before showing us where to find all the hotel amenities and taking us to our rooms. Our rooms were clean and comfortable with mini bar, aircon, free wifi and views over the pool and beach.

Naturally, after check-in, the children had to try out the resort pool and beach, whilst the adults relaxed at the beach bar to take in the view.

Kids revitalised and cooled after their well-deserved swim; we took a stroll down the hill to explore the town. If you don’t want to walk, you can wait for the CatBa shuttle service running along the main road for $0.45 per person. The town is as expected with many restaurants, bar and shops selling souvenirs, t-shirts, and more, but for me, it was all about the view over the bay! We tried a few restaurants during our stay, and unfortunately, we didn’t find anything exceptional, and their prices were over-inflated as expected due to being a popular tourist destination. Thankfully we were in CatBa to explore nature and not the food.

I woke up early, dreaming about the buffet breakfast, and CatBa Sunrise Resort didn’t disappoint. There was something for everyone, from eggs, bacon, pastry selection to traditional Vietnamese Pho, everyone left the breakfast bar with full tummies. Now we’re ready to explore CatBa National Park. I wanted to walk into the forest, find some interesting critters, birds and plants. As we weren’t planning to walk to the busy view point, they advised us to take a guide to explore a quieter part of the forest, not sure why, but we obliged, didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks with my parents.

The forest was alive, buzzing with energy. We saw spiders, bugs and mushrooms everywhere; it was difficult to spot any birds, nor did we spot the rare monkey. None the less I am glad we explore even a small portion of the forest.

This spider was massive, the size of my hand. I accidentally walked straight into the edge of his web, lucky for him it was a strong web the spider no damage done, but I might have done a little freaked-out dance trying to shake off any possible spiders sitting on me.

Next stop Trung Trang Cave. Essential to note CatBa National Parks entry fee includes free entry to the cave. Once you have paid It will take about 30 minutes to navigate through the cave; some areas could be difficult as the cave roof is low and you are required to bend your knees and shuffle through the channels. You can expect to see some beautiful stalactites and stalagmites which glisten in the light.

We had worked up a sweat thanks to the high humidity; we were ready to head back to the resort and relax by the pool before heading out for an evening meal.

I was up early with the sparrows, as I wasn’t going to skip breakfast that I didn’t have to make. We had an early start to catch a boat for our one-day boat trip around Lan Ha Bay, featuring over 2000 limestone karsts in various shapes and sizes topped by rain forest as well as many little secluded beaches and coves.

The boat trip was relaxing, but the weather had other ideas, it rained on and off, and the clouds made it challenging to capture the bays true beauty. We visited a floating fishing village, stopping at a family’s fishing farm, where he proudly showed off his prized catch. The fishermen always keep their biggest prized fish for good luck; he won’t part with it unless he catches something bigger. The other holding ponds contain the fish they sell at the market.

After the farm, we cruised around some more before throwing down the anchor ready for lunch. Some brave soles dived off the boat into the calm emerald water while the rest relaxed on the deck. Once everyone had a chance to swim, we headed off to rent some kayaks to venture through some caves where boats were unable to go. If only I had a waterproof case I could have taken my phone; there were plenty of photo opportunities that I missed.

The fishermen keep dogs to help protect the fish from Hawk’s and sea birds trying to feed on their catch.

It was a relaxing day out and a perfect way to end our holiday. Bags packed we caught the bus back to Hanoi.

CatBa Island and Lan Ha Bay should be on your bucket list when visiting Vietnam. For more pictures https://www.instagram.com/tv/Bzn6mbdnJx6/?igshid=84e01ega8mvc

#Vietnam – SaPa

Too excited to sleep, I stayed up wondering how our first travel adventure in Vietnam would be? Would everything be open as it was the TET holidays on the 5th of February 2019, or should I say Vietnamese Lunar New Year? I managed to drift off for a few hours before my alarm woke me up. A work colleague organised a private car to take us to the Green Bus pick up point in Hanoi. We booked a sleeping bus, whatever that meant, but it sounded good!

Well, it turns out our sleeping bus was more than I expected. When you enter the bus, the staff provided a plastic bag to store your shoes. With your shoes off, the staff usher you to your seat. The sleeping bus has three columns of double-decked beds. The children were ecstatic, the first-time adventure on a sleeping bus, never seen one before. If you have long legs, it does feel a bit cramped, especially trying to get into the top deck bed. Thankfully we were all seated on the lower level and settled down for the 6-hour drive to SaPa. I do like a road trip, taking in all the scenery as you drive by. The road was a bit hairy after it left the motorway and the bus snaked around numerous tight bends sometimes taking up the entire road to make the turns. But oh, wow! The scenery was breathtaking.

Our return journey, the bus seemed more spacious and more comfortable

Finally, we made it. The bus dropped us off at the entrance to the town. Armed with Google maps, we pulled our suitcases along to find our accommodation. Down tight streets and alleyways to reach, The View Hotel. We arrived at our hotel, but it was closed? I was a bit disappointed as it was not what I expected. We dialled all the numbers on the door and waited for someone to arrive and check-in. Funny story, we were at the wrong hotel 🙈 this was Sapa View Hotel, but, we were booked at The View Hotel. Easy mistake. Poor staff, we disturbed them on their holiday 😂😂. Red-faced and embarrassed, we laughed and giggled as we made it down the last few streets and check-in at The View Hotel.

It was a fair walk, thankfully down-hill, but we were glad to settle into our room and drop our bags. The room was spotlessly clean, with everything we would need, including free wifi, aircon and mini bar fridge to store some food we brought for my fussy son.

Staff at The View Hotel organised a taxi to take us on a tour of the mountains and wait for us to explore before continuing onto the next place. It was surprisingly affordable considering he spent the whole afternoon driving and waiting for us.

First, stop Heaven’s gate a 15 km Drive along the Tram Ton Pass from the hotel. It’s like you are on top of the world with spectacular views of Hoang Lien Son mountain range situated about 2047m above sea level, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam.

Heaven Gate, you are on top of the world.

We turned around and headed back towards SaPa stopping at Love Falls about a 2km Drive from Heavens Gate. To reach the falls, it’s an easy 30-minute walk on a well-paved path from the entrance. It was great to see crystal clear water, unlike Hanoi dirty, polluted streams.

Our last stop Silver Waterfalls, you need your walking shoes to tackle the steps it goes up, up and up!
Silver Waterfalls is 3km from Love falls. Regardless of all the steep steps, it was well worth the view. Feeling rejuvenated back in a familiar happy place, surrounded by fresh air, mountains and waterfalls, reminded me of South Africa.

Weary, and tired the taxi driver dropped us off at the Skyview Bar and Restaurant, he must have thought these passengers need a drink! We enjoyed a cocktail on the deck overlooking the town and mountains before heading inside for a well-deserved meal.

Vietnamese Lunar New Year, we spent the day at Sun World Legend exploring Fansipans spiritual sites. From the town centre, we caught the funicular to the Cable car station. Then hopped on a cable car taking us over the mountains, valleys and rice paddies to the reach the top of Hoang Lien, Son mountain, commonly referred to as the “Roof of Indochina.”
From there we visited Bich Van Thien Tu and Thanh Van Dac Lo, admire the gardens and took in the breathtaking views.

The View Hotel Staff invited us to join them at midnight to bring in the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, the year of the Pig! I am glad we joined their festivities. It was an excellent way to learn a little more about their culture and traditions, as strangers sat and cheered each sip, whilst explaining how they usually have the whole family come together. It’s always a happy time; no family disagreements take place on the last day of the year. The head of the family conducts a 10-minute meeting at 11.50 pm to discuss the past year and hopes for the new year. They treated us to some of their traditional snacks and drinks, and the hotel owner gifted the children with ‘Lucky money’. The money placed in little decorative envelops and opened the next morning—an eye-opening and enjoyable night.

Last day in SaPa we ambled down the road to find Cat-Cat Village nestled at the bottom of valley only 3km from SaPa Town. I enjoying the walk downhill taking in the beautiful mountains, terraced rice paddies and watched the grazing water buffalo as we passed. Cat-Cat Cultural Village was formed in the 19th century. It was suppose to offers tourists a glimpse into the daily life of local ethnic people. Learn about their traditions, watch them weave beautiful fabrics and purchase some traditional souvenirs and handmade items. I think you need to do this with a guide and not alone as we had no information available. I would definitely revisit the village with a guide as it was fascinating and I would love an inside view into the villagers ways of life.

Blessed with unseasonably warm weather on our trip to SaPa; we had a wonderful time, a great start to our Vietnam adventures to come.

SaPa should be on the everyone bucket list when visiting Vietnam; you won’t be disappointed.

#Vietnam – Ba Vi

#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.

Well maintained footpath to the waterfall

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.