Vietnam 2008

Thursday20November

We leave Cuc Phuong Park early in the morning and after 1h30 of mini bus, we arrive in the small town of Tam Coc. Illico presto, we embark for a small boat trip (or sampan) on the Ngo Dong river.

Small google translation of the sign:
chú ý. Attention.
- không v?t rác th?i xu?ng sông.Do not throw waste from the river.
- trên thuy?n ch? khách dã có thùng rác.On the boat to have garbage.
xin c?m on.Thank you.

Move over madam, we take control!!!

Uhhhh, well finally you manage much better than us even with your feet!!! 

The river passes through three small caves like this one.

We started out as three, but by a prompt reinforcement, we saw ourselves as five upon arriving at the port... 

After 1h30, back on dry land

The afternoon will be by bike!

The Bich Dong Pagoda. This 13th-15th century pagoda was built into the rock on three levels.

This Buddha has the swastika on his chest, the symbol of eternity

(and yes, it is also the swastika (but inverted) that sadly the Nazis appropriated).

Rico and Carole assaulted by the group of students! Everyone wants their picture with the tall French guy!

We arrive at Hoa Lu to visit the temple of King Dinh built in the 17th century entirely in ironwood

A few steps (way too many for me!)  to reach the tomb of Dinh Tien Hoang.

Back in Tam Coc, we discover a traditional music group that has set up on the square opposite the hotel. They celebrate the return of the remains of a soldier who died during the Vietnam War.

These are small spring rolls that everyone makes with a rice sheet, fish, vegetables and a mint leaf.