Normally, it is recommended to spend 2-3 full days here but as I had a lot of work and video calls to do, as well as having a really bad cold, I decided to book a private room instead of a hostel, for 6 nights. So 4 of those days were just spent working in my room.
Getting there:
You can get a bus from many different places in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Phong Nha, etc. I booked a bus from Hanoi through Bookaway which took around 2,5 hours and cost around £6, and they dropped me off at my homestay.
Where to stay:
I stayed at Hang Mua Homestay and I really liked it. The location was great, just 10 minutes walk from the Hang Mua viewpoint, plenty of restaurants nearby, and just a 20-minute cycle to Trang An. The room was clean and comfortbale, the family was friendly and helpful, and they have a swimming pool too as well as homemade food available to buy. For 6 nights, a double room with a view cost me £70 in total but you can definitely find cheaper accommodation such as hostel dorms for £3-5 per night.
What to do:
-Paddleboat tour in Trang An (250,000 VND - £8.80)
-Hang Mua Caves and Viewpoint (100,000 VND - £3.50)
-Hoa Lu Ancient Village
-Bai Dinh Pagoda
-Cuc Phuong National Park (50,000 VND - £1.70 entrance fee)
-Rent a bicycle and cycle around while enjoying the surrounding views
Where to eat (all have great vegan options)
-Chi’s Restaurant
-Tom Bop Bar
-Nha Hang Trang An 89
-Rose’s Gara Bar & Restaurant - this was my favourite place and ended up going for lucn or dinner almost every day. The owner, Rose, offered me food one night, after she had closed as there was nowhere else opened at that time, and cause she heard me coughing, she made me ginger tea. And then she drove me back to the homestay on her bike. On my last day in Nihn Bihn, she gave me a box of tea to take with me and she went to the pharmacy and got me medication for my cough! She was so helpful and kind to me, and the food was amazing with massive portions. So I would definitely recommend visiting, and if you do, tell her “hi” from me.
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