Tràng An grottoes

The Trang An grottoes in Ninh Binh province are a 2-3 hour drive away from Hanoi. It is called "Ha Long Bay on land", because of its stunning scenery of limestone rocks rising out of a river. This place is more popular with Vietnamese tourists than foreign ones, and is slightly less commercialized. I did a 3 hour boat ride here.

The crane standing on a turtle and holding a lotus symbolizes: "May you be remembered for one thousand years, and may your cult endure for ten thousand years."

Country flags welcome you at the starting point

Lotus, the flower of the dawn, is the national flower of Vietnam

Local boats

Limestone rocks on either side of the path taken by the boat

Going into and out of a grotto

Emerging from a grotto, this stunning, pristine scenery was a treat to the eyes!

Chinese temple by the river

We alighted at the temple for a few minutes, some to make offerings, and some to enjoy the serenity

Feng Shui stone turtle; such stones are abundant near temples

Tropical mist

Lights and lanterns at Hội An

The ancient town of Hội An in Vietnam was a trading port in the 15th - 19th century. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site; with its houses, streets and shops preserved over the centuries. The architectural and other influences combine mostly Chinese and Japanese styles. The Thu Bồn river runs through the town.

In the olden days, the town traded in spices and silks and was home to wealthy merchants. Now-a-days, it caters to tourists and is filled with cafes and tailoring shops. Colourful handcrafted lanterns are everywhere, lending an air of tranquility and romance.

Inside a Chinese temple

Streets of Hội An are filled with shops, cafes and tourists on cycles

There are many Chinese temples and other attractions. A 1-day 5$ pass lets you visit any 5 attractions.

Painting inside a temple

Spiral incense sticks can be bought outside the temples for offerings

Narrow streets between houses

A well-preserved town

The "Japanese Bridge" originally separated the Japanese houses from the Cantonese ones. It still remains a unique structure, that has a Buddhist temple on one side of it.

Cycles lined up against a Japanese house

An old house of Hội An

A holder for incense sticks

A little space in the town centre, where traditional Vietnamese dramas and music are performed in the evenings

The riverfront

Some of the ships have been converted into tourist boats and floating restaurants

Tourists can take a boat ride up and down the river to see the town, and to float candles on the river

Cheap food and drinks at a floating restaurant

Cute Vietnamese children selling candles, which can be floated on the river

The lights and lanterns come alive at night, giving the town a fairy tale appearance!

Cycling around the Hội An countryside

The countryside around Hội An is scenic, green and beautiful! I rented a cycle from my hotel (1$ a day) to explore the area around the town. There is lots to see to keep you busy for an entire day - rice fields, small villages and the Tra Que vegetable gardens. Helpful locals will point you towards the beach or the gardens along the way.

The road from Hội An passes through villages, fields and runs close to the river 

Your eyes won't have enough of the green!

A woman in a Vietnamese traditional dress in a photo shoot

A friendly local happy to guide me in the right direction, and even keener to pose for a pic!

Going deeper into the villages

While cycling, I took a wrong turn and ended up near this beautiful temple

Gates of a Chinese temple

Quiet and peaceful countryside

There is no dearth of dogs, ducks and farm animals here!

Tra Que vegetable gardens are a beautiful sight!

Men and women working in the gardens

My reliable and very cheaply-rented cycle!

Coming back to Hội An town

And cycling by the Thu Bon river