Hi everyone,
Another transition day, but this time perhaps the most dramatic change in pace.
We awoke to clear skies over Hanoi, and we enjoyed the city views during breakfast at the Larosa Hotel. Following a brief lesson on Vietnamese linguistics from our guide, we began the three-hour drive to the shores of Cat Ba Island.
Unlike yesterday’s journey from Sapa, today’s route was quite flat as we traversed the Red River delta, the busy streets of the capital replaced by smaller settlements and unending rice fields. After passing the coastal port of Hai Phong and its shipping infrastructure, we caught an initial glimpse of the rugged silhouette of Cat Ba. However, a final leg of the journey remained before we could reach our destination.
We boarded a local ferry bound for the island, and it was captivating to watch the limestone peaks grow steadily larger. Interestingly, a cable car covered the route as well (run by the same group as in Sapa). A short yet scenic bus ride along the coast took us to the Cat Ba Eco Lodge, our accommodation for the night. It was more rustic than our earlier hotels, yet everyone appreciated the warm weather and natural surroundings during an outdoor lunch break.
As the light continued to beat down, we embarked on a short hike through the forest to Butterfly Valley, whose multitude of flowers and insects certainly lived up to the name. We took a relaxing break for drinks to admire the views, and we continued to while away the afternoon after returning to the lodge. The many palm trees and mangroves of Cat Ba Island were a notable shift from the mountainous scenery of earlier days.
Soon, the sun dipped below the horizon, and the mosquitoes made a brief appearance. Dinner was succeeded by a campfire, a welcome surprise. Evening transitioned into night as we headed to our rooms and prepared for the hike that awaits us tomorrow.
