Photos taken by Ryan Teo. Words by Rachel.
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With a glance at these pictures, we were able to feel the coolness of the fresh air – a luxury for many urban dwellers in this time and age. The two-dimensional snaps showed layers upon layers of mountains, clouds, and trees that swayed us to partake in the journey through Central Vietnam to the border of China.
Acquainted with the country through Anthony Bourdain’s documentaries, our avid traveler, hiker, and occasional diver friend, Ryan was compelled to explore Vietnam for the fourth time. He penned down three objectives which are; a culinary adventure in Hue, indulging in the scenic treat of Ninh Binh, and a 4-day motorbike route into the mountains in Ha Giang Loop that was highly raved about online.
Hue was the old capital of Vietnam, hailing some of the best-known culinary gifts of the country. To reach Hue, one could travel from Da Nang and pass the scenic highway called Hai Van Pass. Hue’s accessibility to hawker foods and online transport can be a huge help in keeping the expenses of this trip considerably low. “On average, I would probably have spent USD 30-50 a day; certain days I definitely go much lower and some days higher,” described Ryan about his entire Vietnam trip.
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Ninh Binh–reached by an overnight bus from Hue–is also known as “Ha Long Bay on land” for its emerald valleys and winding rivers. The snapshots you are seeing in this post are a testament of how the landscape has magnetized many photographers, nature lovers, and outdoors experience seekers.
However, the pleasure of Ninh Binh also comes with a price. Among other places Ryan visited, Ninh Binh’s routes are challenging to navigate. Without online transportation bookings, Ninh Binh requires travelers to ride on bikes or scooters to get around. If you’re up for a physical challenge, cycling through the rough terrain of Ninh Binh might be your cup of tea. Be advised that tourist attractions at Ninh Binh can be about an hour away from each other–practically a workout–and roads are best traveled in the daytime as it gets really dark at night.
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“The great thing about Vietnam is that there are so many great backpacker hostels that can give you resources on how to get to places or find friends to share transportation with. They even organize tours from the hostel.” – Ryan
After a short stop at Ha Noi, this journey continued to the coveted Ha Giang Loop where a private motorbike tour is due. The view was best described as phenomenal, although words couldn’t do it justice. Ha Giang offers the type of picturesqueness that instantly compels you to book another trip to come back.
Enclosing this trip was a bus ride to Ha Noi, booked together with the hostel at Ha Giang–another perk of accessibility offered by this trip.
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In an age inundated with travel destination options, Vietnam is a very tempting option. This particular route our friend took entails a relatively affordable and accessible itinerary. With the exception of Ha Giang Loop, the trip offers easy transportation, affordable food and drinks, internet access, and a variety of activities for different interests suitable for novice travelers.
Also, a friendly place for solo travelers, “the great thing about Vietnam is that there are so many great backpacker hostels that can give you resources on how to get to places or find friends to share transportation with. They even organize tours from the hostel.”
If you are new to the world of traveling, the biggest hurdle you may face is the language barrier as not many inhabitants of these destinations speak English. Keep an eye out for scams and translation devices next to you!
Here is a list of tips that Ryan recommends for traveling to these Vietnam spots:
1.Get a SIM card – “go for Viettel, they have the best connectivity”
2.Get a good hostel – ask for recommendations from hostel staffs and make friends with fellow travelers!
3.Get craft beers
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At last, Ryan closed this story with the word “sensory overload” to describe the entire experience. Through the pictures, we, too, can feel warm sunlight tint, frosty mist, deep green-blue, and lush greeneries brightening up our days.
Vietnam has so much to offer from the best coffee to the best views. The beautiful hues of green, blue sky, and bundles of clouds in the pictures shared by our friend, Ryan, made us think about how the word “picturesque” was coined. Vietnam’s landscapes in these shots reminded us that the most magnificent paintings of the outdoors are just a reflection of what is true and real.
