A Memorable Trip to Thai Nguyen Province
It was a lovely and very adventurous trip with one of my most favourite friends. We love riding our scooters and Thai Nguyen Province is one of the lesser known provinces in the North of Vietnam, yet within easy reach from Hanoi. We arrived at Thai Nguyen City at noon after about 2 hours and checked into our comfortable accommodation.
To begin our two-day adventure away from Hanoi, we went on to try some fresh seafood (taken by staff straight from the aquarium), excitedly hopping on our scooters to explore Thai Nguyen's picturesque tea plantations. And yes, right there in a tea field, we met a lovely group of boys and girls dressed in traditional costumes posing for a professional photo shoot, who waved at us smilingly.
Thai Nguyen province is famous for its Nui Coc Lake, a peaceful lake created in the 1970s, with 86 islets. For the sunset, we decided to stop for a few drinks at a small, humble café at a prime location. There, we enjoyed the fantastic view with a couple of sun-downers – whilst philosophising about our shared passions, including biking, innovative technologies, electronic 'toys' and other gadgets; the development potential of the area, the history of the lake, the dog, and the purpose of life…
Although deep in the country, returning to the city, we were able to find a delicious local Sushi Bar with courteous staff and great service. In search of nightlife and potential excitement options in this rather sleepy provincial capital, we went on to the city’s only pub, Martini Pub - to enjoy a couple of Mai Tais. Whilst we seemed to be the only foreigners in town, we were not the only ones to appreciate the pleasant atmosphere of this pretty, little pub. A large group of local visitors, which must have been drinking for some five hours, was present, drowning the somewhat softer tones of the pub’s reggae music.
Exhausted from the day, we fell asleep quickly until a ‘romantic’ stone saw softly woke me up in the morning. The Café across the road did not offer any breakfast (who knows why cafes in Vietnam so often do not offer any food?), so I went without – these are the downsides of being away from the capital, however, good for me for saving some calories !
In search of the large golden Buddha statue, we set off to Nui Coc Lake, about half an hour west of the city. Unfortunately, at that time, only a glimpse at the back of the giant statue was possible. As we could not find a way to get to the foot of the golden statue, we just decided to fly the drone to possibly catch the front of the statue, which was indeed successful (see pic).
After a refreshing lunch of buffalo meat and local beer, we returned to the lake to further explore where the tourist boats would stop to pick up adventure-seeking people like ourselves.
After a refreshing lunch of buffalo meat and local beer, we returned to the lake to further explore where the tourist boats would stop to pick up adventure-seeking people like ourselves.
However, not on the internet or in reality, a pier was nowhere to be found. Adventurous as we both are, we eventually found ourselves on a long-winding, lonely road, leading downwards to an equally lonely but very beautiful, seemingly abandoned beach - where we arrived just in time for a truly spectacular sunset.
Whilst I was mixing some fantastic cocktails in the top box bar of my scooter (there were no cafes or restaurants around), my companion flew his drone over the mesmerising landscape, which with ease explored the entire area, which we had been unable to admire – as the sun set, beautifully reflecting on the lake’s water surface.
Unfortunately, after so many exciting moments and experiences, it was time to ride back home to Hanoi, but not without exploring a short cut, via a remote, little used road through rice fields, where we never know where we could end up.
Unfortunately, after so many exciting moments and experiences, it was time to ride back home to Hanoi, but not without exploring a short cut, via a remote, little used road through rice fields, where we never know where we could end up.
At times, such narrow paths can lead to nowhere or can lead to adrenaline-raising, fragile bamboo bridges that need to be crossed – however, sadly, this wasn't the case this particular time. A short story about the sudden emergence of fragile bamboo bridges on our trips in Vietnam will follow soon...
The journey back was long and dangerous, as numerous large trucks were racing in the dark, and endangering us a little. However, as we approach and view the changing colours of Hanoi’s beautiful Nhat Tan Bridge – a fascinating spectacle arranged every night by Hanoi City, we know we are home soon.
The moment, I turned into my little lane, the long awaited storm started pouring down, which thankfully, we had been able to escape during the entire memorable trip to Thai Nguyen province.
Hanoi, May 2018
Hanoi, May 2018