K for Karst mountains ⛰ ⛰

Blogging isn't a walk in the park. It demands consistent posting to keep your readers engaged, which becomes even trickier when you're on the move, aiming to deliver 'top-quality content.' Time is another factor; from drafting to rewriting, editing, uploading images and videos, and formatting text, it's a process that takes a few days! And this is partially why my posts aren't as frequent as I would like them to be. Also, blogging from a tablet... not recommended!


Today's blogavaganza setup 

VIETNAM

I could list places I've visited and things I've seen, supplementing them with photos, creating yet another blog titled 'been there, done that, seen that.' Veni. Vidi. Vici. But that's not my style. Growing older (and somewhat wiser), I'm realising that travel, in terms of logistics and itinerary, is like the lid of a hot pot (to use a Vietnamese analogy). The actual travel is the dish bubbling inside - a blend of what I've seen, done, and experienced, and its impact on me. It's the internal work we do, processing new experiences and events from the past. So, to me, travelling is about processing the 'past' and enriching it with the visual, sensual, and other aspects of the travel experience - an internal journey, or, as I prefer to call it, a journey to oneself. You've probably heard the famous quote, "It's not the destination, it's the journey," and well, it's true. Every journey is made up of a thousand subgoals that, when combined, create a unique travel experience.


Lanterns at homestay in Bac Ha


Viewing point in Sapa


Boats in Ba Be Lake


Hiking around Bac Ha

Today marks my three weeks in Vietnam - three weeks of traversing the country by shaky minibuses, sleeper buses, scooters, ferries, boats, trains, bicycles, and on foot. My decade-long desire to visit Vietnam was fuelled by a favourite Vietnamese restaurant in London, always preparing delicious veggie treats for me. And I must say, the food I've tried here hasn't disappointed. On top of that, I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of veggie restaurants, whether they are traditional 'com chay' Buddhist establishments or more Western-oriented places catering to hungry vegans and vegetarians.


Pho with vermicelli noodles and tofu


Banh xeo: pancake made with rice flour. Here served with greens for summer rolls


What a feast that was! Banana flower salad, bean and mushroom dumplings, tomato tofu and lemongrass with tofu with rice


Enoki mushrooms and vegan beef skewers


My favourite version of Vietnamese coffee: salt coffee! Tastes a bit like salty caramel coffee but less sweet

Yesterday, I realised that unconsciously, I'm following the film locations route of the blockbuster Kong: Skull Island. It's a path paved by dramatic and magnificent karst mountains, and evergreen rocks that often remind me of a turtle bobbing its head and back shell out of the water. Lan Ha Bay was my first stop, where I witnessed these breathtaking karst formations. It was also my inaugural experience with kayaking, and I couldn't help but wonder why I hadn't tried it before. The idea of independent exploration by kayak truly resonates with me.


 Dreamy Lan Ha Bay






Next, there were karst mountains in Ninh Binh, a province known for its green valleys and the beautiful Van Long wetlands. I had the chance to explore a few caves by boat and visit the old capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu. Now, I find myself in Phong Nha, an area famous not only for the largest cave in the world, Son Doong, but also for the extensive cave systems that tunnel underneath the surrounding karst mountains.


Bridge leading to Hoa Lu, karst mountains present in the background


On the way to Hoa Lu, Ninh Bihn




Ninh Binh landscape


Lotus everywhere

It seems these mountains are Vietnam's landscape signature, truly picturesque and enjoyable. My next post will cover Northern Vietnam, focusing on photos of landscapes and vibrant markets. So, as always, stay tuned!



Phong Nha on this photo and all the photos below 







Comments

  1. Anonymous19 November 2023 at 06:17

    Love reading your blogs.. your analogies are so interesting! Agree actual travel is the dish brewing inside the pot bubbling with all necessary ingredients and since you are the chef it’s only you who can decide when it’s ready to be served! Look forward to see amazing pictures and analogies from north Vietnam <3

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