day 55 - Ninh Binh to Hanoi

Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Today we arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city. We have now also cycled more than 2000km. When we woke up this morning we didn't intend to reach Hanoi today but after speaking to the owner of the guest house at Ninh Binh, it seemed like there wouldn't be much to see along the way so we decided to ride 30km to Phu Ly where we would have lunch and then make a decision as to whether we would go on or not. 

At breakfast in the guest house, we met Paul and Joseph, from Sydney, who set out yesterday to cycle from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. They are experienced cyclists, having rode through Thailand, Laos, Malaysia and Cambodia on previous occasions. It was lovely to chat to them and to hear about their experiences so far. They were planning to spend the day cycling around the sights on the outskirts of Ninh Binh so we went out to wave them off... and to have a look at how their bikes were set up. 

(Paul and Joseph from Sydney)

We set off from Ninh Binh around mid morning. We had a head wind and some poor roads heading out of the city but 15km into the ride, the conditions improved and we had a good flat surface to Phu Ly. As usual, the people and the general goings on along the side of the road were pretty interesting. 

(Ninh Binh looking particularly colourful as we set off this morning)

(Two arm chairs and a two-seater sofa on three wheels)

(Grand and unusual buildings going up)

(There isn't much they can't carry on a motorbike)

At Phu Ly, we had lunch served by two young girls who were very friendly and wished us good luck as we set off again. We only had 60km to go and on the flat road, we knew we could cover the distance at a good pace so we decided to press on to Hanoi. 

As we approached the outskirts of Hanoi, the traffic began to get heavier with vehicles coming at us from every direction. People came flying out of side streets on motorbikes and huge coaches overtook other vehicles with inches to spare. At times, it seems like organised chaos - but mostly it's just chaos. But we got through unscathed and not too frazzled. Our route from the highway to the Old Quarter was quite direct and we found a hotel without too much trouble. 

(Approaching Hanoi)

(Cozying up with the locals at the lights)

Once cleaned up, we headed out for dinner and to get a bit of a feel for what the Old Quarter is like. At first appearances, it is colourful and loud. There are people everywhere, Vietnamese and tourists. Food vendors line the streets, each offering their own specialty. Men tout rick shaw or 'cyclo' rides and shops sell everything from souvenirs and tours to massages and manicures. Down a quiet lane we found a small noodle shop that seemed popular with locals which we plan to go back to. In the same lane we found the hotel we're booked to stay in for the coming nights - the Calypso Suites Hotel. We went in to ask some questions and were happy to meet such friendly staff.

Tomorrow we will relocate to the Calypso Suites and then go about arming ourselves with all the information we need to create an action packed itinerary for our time here with Nicky's Dad. 

(Dinner at a festive restaurant in the Old Quarter)