Hey guys,

No sooner then we got back from Halong bay, we were off again to see another amazing part of Vietnam. We headed 100km from Hanoi to Cuc Phong National Park and surrounding areas. We were collected from our Hotel early in the morning and were lucky again to be the only people in our group with our own 7 seater Jeep and personal Guide. After a 2 1/2 hour drive we ascended into the park through a gateway reminiscent of the opening scene of Jurassic Park. On stepping out of the Jeep we were surrounded by the sounds of animals and insects we had never the likes of before. We began our tour with a walk around the endangered primate rescue center were we saw many different monkeys which were beginning their rehabilitation back to the wild.

Following a typical Vietnamese lunch we drove to the center of the park were we trekked for 2 1/2 hours through the rain forest following a small rocky pathway up and down a mountain with a humidity of 89%. Along the way we spotted some of local wildlife, this included fresh water land dwelling crabs, lizards, butterflies in every colour, millipedes, and spiders the size of my fist! Unfortunately we didn’t manage to see some of the shyer wildlife such as snakes, bears and leopards. At the top of the mountain we found the 1,000 year old tree were we were able to get some much needed rest and take a few photos. The journey back down the mountain proved to be more difficult then the way up but it was worth it when we got back to the air conditioned jeep.

As we drove to Tam Cuc (I think thats what it was called) where we would stay for the night we stopped to visit a cave were remains of prehistoric man were found including their burial. We entered the cave which we navigated using our guides mobile phone and Conor’s small maglite. As we journeyed deeper into the cave the roof became lower and lower till we were on all fours with bats screeching just above our heads. After a packed day we arrived in Tam Cuc were we spent the night resting are weary limbs.

After brekkie at 8.00 we went out on corn river (literal translation) to visit three caves made through the limestone mountains by the river. We got into a small tin boat rowed by a Vietnamese women who when her arms got tired did the natural thing and rowed with her feet.

Anyway after another eventful two days we are back in our adopted home of Hanoi and chilling out after a little bit of shopping. Thank you so much for all your comments we gratefully appreciate them so keep them coming and we will continue to try and keep you updated on everything that we experience.

xx Claire