Day: 12 February 2024

This iincreasingly famous cave system stretches for many km underground, discovered by the French and further developed by local and British cavers it is an easy (few bending over sections) way for all to see. We opted for the recently opened out and back trip of 3km, easy going with a few climbs and scrambles. Having donned our beach shoes for safety! Clutching our oversized but bright headlamps off we went. Three couples, cop the leather hotpants, one toddler in arms and an amplified garrulous guide we stepped forth.

There were many magnificent structures but I never worked out the camel shape

Midway was a bamboo punt Ms Giang almost fell in whilst stood posing without seeing the abrupt stop I sped up towards

The route stopped at the surface but the outside walk back included two large hills so rather than taking the long way home we all went back whence we’d came. Picking up an ever increasing number of VN who had only paid 45k vnd for the short trip not the vip rate of 195k vnd.

We’re right on the Border with China, in fact it’s on the other side of the spectacular waterfalls.

The Chinese side was absolutely teeming, they were queueing up for a short trip on the numerous motor boats that take them close to both the falls AND the marauding VN locals who punt UP to them, throw grappling irons and then try to sell souvenirs and ciggies etc.

I was fortunate to be invited by the locals for a beer under a tree root while they waited their turn to punt. They also gave me a share of their roast pork and a few shots of their local whisky. The Chinese Liquan beer 6% was rather good.

A charming lady punter appeared who seemed to take a shine to me, and gave me some happy (new year) money and seemed keen to get her money’s worth. Much to the amusement of her colleagues, may of whom have bee plying this trade for ten years.

Then it was time for lunch – bbq pork with the freshest chestnuts I’ve ever had. The nut ladies were amazed I preferred them uncooked, Cao Bang is the chestnut province of VN. The numerous roasting machines were all running at full tilt.

On the way out, under a huge bamboo bush we met the charming husband n wife Tinh players (3 string pumpkin guitar) the frets were testament to his many years of playing.

various stall on the way back and then a trip up the steep hill to a new pagoda to enjoy the sunset views in this beautiful part of N Vietnam. Then back to our cave bedroom suite.

so much for the diet. Every house we visit they have a supply of nuts my favourite. New years day visit local family, next day they tend to visit the wife’s parents as its common for the woman to move to the husbands area. We saw many family groups of 3 or 4 heading out on the ubiquitous smallmotor bikes, babies, live chickens and sacks of various presents attached.