On Day 2, we went to Hao Lu - Tam Coc tour booked with Hanoi Guesthouse at USD39/pax (superior tour).
The tour guide is very good and informative! He told us a lot about Vietnamese life and also some tips to have a better trip.
Tips #1: it is normal that Vietnamese will bug you to buy things from them. If you don't have intention to buy, just walk straight and don't look at them. Don't ask the price etc. It's not necessary to be polite to tell them NO. Just walk straight.
Tips #2: the speed limit for vehicle in Hanoi City is 40km/h. So it won't hurt if there is accident. If you want to cross the road, just cross it but maintain your speed. Don't stop and don't turn your head left and right. You can observe the coming vehicle through corner of your eyes, but stay calm, maintain your speed and cross the road. The vehicle will avoid you naturally.
Hoa Lu is located 100 km south of Hanoi, was the capital city of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty between AD 968 and AD 980. Some of the sanctuaries and tombs have survived the countless years and can still be visited today. Apart from the historical aspects, the area is also one of astounding natural beauty with limestone peaks whose splendor is often said to surpass that of Ha Long Bay.
We departed from Hanoi City about 8am and arrived to Hoa Lu about 10am. We visited the the two temples of King Dinh and King Le that was built in 10th century.
We then continue our journey to Tam Coc, 10km from Hoa Lu.
Once arrived, we were brought to lunch at a local restaurant. Buffet style lunch.
Fried spring roll again!
Grilled lamb meat to be wrap with spring roll skin. This is so nice.
Variety of soups. Eerr...
Some of the foods available.
After lunch, we walk to nearby pier for our bamboo boat ride.
The boat was row through Hoang Long river to visit Tam Coc (three caves). Along the way, you also have chance to see the paddy field if you visit Tam Coc in April or September. The view is so nice and calming despite it is very cold!
Before the trip, friends told me, the local people that row the boat will stop at the middle of the river and requested you to buy something before they continue the journey. And a lot of local photographers taking your pictures and will print and sell to you as well. I was quite worry about this too.
And yep, it's true that there is local people with DSLR taking your pictures, print it out and sell to you at USD1. And also in the middle of the journey, they will stop their boat and sell souvenirs item to you. We were lucky our rower did not sell anything to us, perhaps due to I don't look good because I'm very cold.
Our friends on the other boat bought some souvenirs from the rower, as the price was not too expensive and it's just a token to help the local.
So, don't be too worry and enjoy your boat ride :)
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