Hoi An, you stole a piece of my heart. Three days were simply not enough to soak in all the magic this ancient town has to offer. From the moment I stepped off the train to reach one of the most romantic places on earth, I knew I was in for an unforgettable adventure.
My first evening was a whirlwind of firsts. Lantern Town, all aglow, was a spectacle that took my breath away. Exploring it with my couch surfing host, who became a friend in a matter of hours, made the experience even more special. The local cuisine, a tantalizing blend of sweet, sour, and spicy, was a delightful surprise.
The cutest lantern shop owner
Day two was a rollercoaster of experiences. I traded my camera for a cleaver in a thrilling cooking class, learning the secrets of Vietnamese flavors. I attempted to cook fish for the first time. Let’s just say, a pan on fire is not something you forget easily!
Learnings from the cooking class Master chef’s squad
The afternoon brought unexpected thrills. A crazily rotating coconut boat ride through the backwaters was followed by a hilarious attempt at crab catching. The day took a blissful turn as later, armed with a cycle, I ventured into the heart of the city.
Crazy coconut boat rideCycling through old town
As the sun began its descent, I found myself wandering through the local market with my host, bargaining for souvenirs and immersing myself in the vibrant local life. The evening ended on a magical note, with lantern-lit lanes and the soothing sounds of live music.
My final day was a leisurely affair. I savored the peace before my departure, exploring the town one last time. As I made my way to the airport, I was treated to a breathtaking moonrise over the beach. It was a perfect ending to an unforgettable journey.
Moonrise from Hoi An beach
Hoi An, with its charming old town, warm-hearted people, and delicious food, has captured my soul. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and every moment is filled with wonder. I can’t wait to return and explore more of this enchanting city. Until then, the memories of lantern-lit nights, mouth-watering flavors, and incredible experiences with my host will keep me company.
So when are you planning your trip to Hoi An? Share your experiences in the comments below!
October 2023, I embarked on a journey that took me deep into the heart of Vietnam’s natural splendor. Nestled within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park lies the Ruc Mon Cave, a hidden gem that offers an authentic trekking experience unlike any other.
The Ruc Mon Cave is considered the 3rd largest cave in Phong Nha Ke Bang, with a length of 12km, a height of up to 70m, and a width of 40m. The cave features magnificent formations including towering stalagmites, stalactites, sparkling rocks, flow stones, and cave pearls. It’s an unbeatable experience for those who love nature and adventure.
How to reach?
Phong Nha is connected with the major cities in Vietnam by bus. But if you wish to travel by train like I did, you can reach Dong Hoi and then take a local taxi to your hostel in Phong Nha. It was a heavy rainfall season that time and accidentally the cave tour I booked got cancelled due to rising water level inside the cave. I sincerely thank my hostel owner who helped me plan another cave tour which is pretty safe and equally adventurous. I will provide links to everything in the end.
My experience
## The Prelude to Discovery
Our journey commenced with a symphony of nature’s calls as we hiked through the verdant jungle. Each step was a conversation with the earth, each breath mingling with the wild air. The path, a tapestry of biodiversity, unfurled before us, leading to the cavernous maw of Ruc Mon.
## Monsoon’s Serendipity
The monsoon season, with its life-giving rains, had transformed the landscape, gifting us with rivers where there were none. The crossings were a dance with the elements, a test of will against the playful torrents.
## The Cave’s Grandeur Unveiled
Before delving into the abyss, we feasted on a BBQ spread that seemed to honor the cave’s majesty. And then, we stepped into the embrace of Ruc Mon. The cave’s grand chambers, adorned with geological masterpieces, spoke in silent awe. Stalagmites rose like ancient pillars, stalactites dripped from the ceiling like nature’s chandeliers, and the glint of flow stones and cave pearls added a celestial touch to our subterranean ballet.
## A Subterranean Wonderland
Inside, the Ruc Mon Cave revealed its true magnificence. Towering stalagmites and delicate stalactites adorned the caverns, while sparkling rocks and flow stones added a touch of magic to the surroundings. The cave’s sheer size was awe-inspiring, which we explored for a couple of hours. The darkness, the silence, the mystery.
## The Grand Finale
As the journey neared its end, the pièce de résistance awaited – the swim from darkness into light. We had to jump from nearly 30 ft into the river that flows out from the cave mouth. The waters, cool and liberating, carried us from the cave’s heart back to the world above. It was a swim that felt like rebirth, a triumphant return from the depths of the earth. I have no picture to explain but when I saw tiny droplets falling from the ceiling as I float, it felt like a core memory unlocked.
This is the biggest advice for anyone planning to go to Vietnam, you must experience at least one day inside the largest cave ecosystem. A worthy adventure and it’ll make you connected to nature on the next level.
Thank you for reading my blog post. I hope you enjoyed it and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you. Until next time, happy travels!
Hello, everyone! Today I want to share with you my amazing experience of taking a Cat Ba island day cruise. Cat Ba island is the largest and most beautiful island in Han La Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Vietnam. When I was researching for the places to visit on my first international trip, I came across this hidden gem which has stunning landscapes.
How to reach Catba Island from Hanoi
There are several ways to get to Cat Ba island from Hanoi, but I chose the most convenient and fastest option: taking a tourist bus and ferry combo (booking available online). One thing to keep in mind is that most of the buses operate during the day as the ferry timing is limited. So, I decided to reach the island one day before my cruise. The bus service picked me up from my hostel in Hanoi and drove through one of the most scenic views of north Vietnam. They dropped me directly at the Catba hostel which was so pretty and artistic (10/10 recommended). I have added all the useful links at the end of this blog.
My Amazing Cat Ba Island Day Cruise Experience.
Cat Ba Island day cruise itinerary
– 9:00 am: Departed from Cat Ba town by boat and cruised through Lan Ha Bay, the southern part of Ha Long Bay. Lan Ha Bay is less crowded and more pristine than the main Ha Long Bay area, and it offers many hidden gems to explore. – 10:00 am: We were briefed about the whole tour and the guide provided many interesting facts on the whole Bay. The biodiversity, the volcano history and all the monkey jokes. He was pretty fluent in English and humour. – 10:30 am: The cruise stopped for the first activity, KAYAKING!! We were guided through the small islets to reach a couple of caves and to our surprise, we had to kayak under them. It was a one-of-its-kind experience. I have kayaked so many lakes and streams but never like this before. – 11:00 am: Back to the cruise to explore more islets. Peach island. Hammer island. Turtle island. These were some of the most beautiful and secluded spots in Lan Ha Bay with clear water and white sand. When our cruise passed them, it almost felt like I was in paradise. – 12:30 pm: Enjoyed a delicious seafood lunch on board with fresh and local ingredients. The food was cooked by the boat crew. It was very tasty and satisfying. They put up separate tables for vegan and non-vegetarian food. I especially liked the grilled fish and the spring rolls. I also had some fresh fruits and drinks to refresh myself. – 1:30 pm: Cruised to a relaxing spot for sunbathing and deck jumping. Everyone got so excited and switched their outfits to swimsuits. They had life jackets and those who knew swimming could do all the stunts they wanted to. I did multiple jumps and swam for around one hour. – 3:00 pm: Stopped at a floating fishing village and learn about the local culture and lifestyle. The villagers live in harmony with nature and make a living from fishing and aquaculture. – 4:00 pm: Returned to the boat and cruised back to Cat Ba town, passing by some more stunning landscapes and rock formations. Enjoyed the sunset with drinks and danced to music. The whole cruise turned into a party floor.
My experience
I took many photos and videos along the way, and I also chatted with my guide and my new friends. I had a great time and learned a lot from them.
The inside of the cruise; the dining area.One of the islets with a sandy beach.My favourite click of a pillar islet.Vegan food served during the cruise.Cruise near the fish floating farm.
Since the bus I booked for Hanoi was supposed to depart before this cruise tour ended, I had to skip the fish farm and sunset party. So, I was transferred to the pickup point by a local boat. This turned out to be an exclusive experience on its own.
My Cat Ba island day cruise was one of the best experiences of my life. I had a wonderful time exploring the natural beauty and the cultural diversity of this place. I was impressed by the professionalism and the friendliness of the staff and the guide, and I felt safe and comfortable throughout the trip. I also met some awesome people and made some new friends. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to visit Cat Ba island and skip the busy Ha Long Bay. It is worth every penny and every minute.
Thank you for reading my blog post. I hope you enjoyed it and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you. Until next time, happy travels!
Welcome to my blogpost. In this article I will be talking about my favourite beach destination in Kerala. Imagine long clean beaches, fancy cafes on a cliff, beautiful backwaters and out of the world sunsets? This is Varkala. The place was not known to many until recent times when people started posting about it over social media platforms. Now it has become an attraction to everyone who plans their trip to Kerala, I will talk about all the amazing things you could do while enjoying this beach town.
Varkala is mainly setup on a cliff, dividing the whole area into north and south. As you explore the north side, you will find cafes of all kinds of budget. Some with live music and a lot of them with fancy setups facing the sea. There are a few exits from the cliff downstairs to the beach which makes it easily accessible. All the major hostels are on the north cliff while the south side is a hub of hotels and properties with their own private beaches. Some of these are dreamy locations and you can totally check their setups by being a guest visitor. Head to my recommendations for more details. Also, don’t forget to check the black sand beach when you are around the north cliff.
CYCLING TO KAPPIL BEACH
As soon as you check-in to your hotel/hostel, you will find contact details of many who provide scooters and bicycles for rent. The best thing to do is rent a bicycle for a couple of hours and ride along the beach towards Kappil which is hardly 7km north of Varkala. This will lead you to a road with Arabian sea on one side and backwaters on the other, making it a perfect scene for your sunrise adventure. The cycle rent would not be more than 150 INR per hour and it’s better to book it one night before so that you wont be losing any minute before the sunrise. In case you miss the morning view, you can cycle on this track anytime on a pleasant day. It’s always better to go in a group and keep yourself hydrated.
TAKE SURFING CLASSES
First thing I got to know that I should definetely try in Varkala was surfing. There were people in hostel who were taking these classes and that just inspired me to try it atleast once. So if you know basic swimming and can wake up early in the morning, there are a few surfing schools which provide 3 to 7 days of training. Although knowledge of swimming is not mandatory, but going into the water for the first time could be a little uncomfortable if you don’t know swimming. Here, I am sharing a few contacts of professional coaches. This will definitely make your experience worth remembering. Every session is of one hour and can cost between 1200-1800 INR.
Kerala is famous for its backwaters and if you are in Varkala, you just can’t miss this experience of kayaking through the dense mangrove forest. The location is only 15km north of Varkala and gives all the essence of nature’s beauty. There are guided sunrise and sunset tours which could go upto 3 hours. Although kayaking is a little tiring, you will definitely be happy after this experience. Just make sure to keep some source of calories with you. Also pack an extra pair of clothes as you are certain to get drentched even without any intention. The whole tour could cost you around 750 INR. Apart from the contacts from your hotel, you can try the below mentioned ones as well.
The golden island is unlike any other backwaters. It is actually a 100 years old temple which is easily accessible by local boats. The island is 7km south of Varkala and a perfect outing for a sunset trip. The place is not well developed and you might not find many shops, so it’s better to carry your own water and snacks. Remember it’s inside a village with a very less plastic dumping, hence it is advisable to carry bags for your garbage. The boating here is the cheapest of all other places near Varkala and to be honest, I loved this one the most because the place is so raw.
Credit to the creator
EXPERIENCE AYURVEDIC MASSAGE
Ayurvedic massage in Kerala is one of its kind. This one thing you may find at a lot of places on the cliff. There are many centres in Varkala who offer the spa and massage treatments. Some of them even have a month long course, but for starters, you can always try their full body basic massage that would cost you around 1200-1500 INR for an hour session. It’s recommended to do it with empty stomach in the morning and feel rejuvinated for the rest of your day as you witnessing the sea. Here are some of my picks.
Instead of writing about what bioluminescence is and going into deep explainations of this phenomenon, it’s better to observe it and experience the magic in Varkala. Also known as sea sparkle, it’s a rare occurance that can be seen during the summer season of Kerala i.e., December to April. These shining algae have been witnessed in many backwaters of Kerala but one really can’t guarantee if they would be there on the next Varkala trip. Ideal situation for it to occur is on a clear sky night. The hotter the day, the more the chances of you seeing a beautiful layer of bluish-green blanket on the shore. Wait for the night to get a little dark, and head to any of the beaches in Varkala, just make sure to keep yourself safe from crabs and jellyfishes.
CANOEING IN MUNROE ISLAND
Ashtamudi Lake contains a cluster of 8 islands and it is a hidden gem of Kerala with backwaters and green covers all around. It is also known as Munroe Island. This place is a dream location where one gets on a boat and spends early morning soaking into the bliss of nature. The canoe is also available for sunset tour but the locals recommend a sunrise tour. The place is actually not in Varkala but 30km north of it, in Kollam. As soon as you reach nearby, it’s very easy to spot canoe and you can also rely on locals for directions. There are no branded shops or outlets, everything is run by locals, be it the boats or tea shops. After the boating you can have a south indian breakfast from any joint nearby. Munroe Island is visited by many but only a few stop and try to know the villagers’ life there. The islands are sinking due to climate change making people’s daily working even more difficult. If your presence can bring a smile on their face, make it count by spending a day with them, helping them with their routine.
JATAYU EARTH CENTRE
World’s largest bird sculpture, known for women safety, Jatayu rock has gained popularity among the tourists and keralites as well. The place is located 30km east of Varkala and the premesis is well managed. There are cable cars available else you can also do a little hicking for 800 steps. The entry ticket is 250 INR and for cable car, it is 200 INR. The place is an absolute beauty with a 360 degree view from the height. Timings for entry are 10am to 5.30pm. The sunset view here is ecstatic. So, reach there by 4pm, take a tour and stay till the sky becomes a colorful shade of orange. There are many other activities that are still under process but you can easily find a few snack points inside.
MY PICKS
I have done solo travel to Varkala thrice and believe me, it was different everytime. I stayed in different hostels, spent time with various kind of people eating at every kind of cafe. I remember the first time I went there, it was my first solo trip since I moved to Kerala in sept 2021. I met a group of architecture students and we enjoyed our time exploring cafes and playing games all night in the hostel. Second time, I met an old friend of mine who was there with his physics Ph.D students. And the last time I went there, in July 2022, I made a friend from Germany. Everytime I was in Varkala, I didn’t plan my trip. Rather let the universe decide the way. Interesting things came to me and with enough experience I have written this blog post hoping to make your trip worthwhile and memorable.
Check-in to your hotel. Walk on the north and south cliff, exploring all the fancy cafes. Plan sunset trip to Golden Island and come back for dinner with live music.
Day 2:
Take your cycle for the kappil beach ride in the morning. Rest during the day and prepare for the kayaking through mangrove forest to witness the sunset.
Day 3:
Spend your sunrise time relaxing on a canoe in muroe island and don’t miss the sunset from the top of jatayu earth centre before leaving varkala.
Ps. You can add ayurvedic massage and surfing classes if your trip is for more than 3 days. Also, Varkala black beach sunset and Bioluminescence are a must to be in your plan. Make sure to enjoy the serenity of nature instead of rushing from point A to point B. If no plan works, the ocean is always there to calm your soul.
Hello everyone! This is my blog page about my travels in Kerala and around. In this post, I will be sharing all the insightful details about this beautiful place called Kovalam, which is one of the prettiest beaches in India. Kovalam is famous for the lighthouse surrounded by coconut trees and a long stretch of cafes offering sunset view from the beach. November to February is the best time to visit as the weather is pleasant. It’s recommended to avoid travelling here during monsoon or summer season. Apart from Kovalam, I will also mention about the nearby locations you can travel to and explore Kerala a little. All the details about budget and itinerary have been included.
MAIN
Kovalam beach is 20km from Trivandrum railway station and roughly the same from the airport. Now if you are on a Kerala tour, there are several ways to travel to Kovalam from the city. I personally took KSRTC bus from East Fort bus stand where I found a direct bus to Kovalam. The bus took around 1 hour and dropped me 500m from the beach. There I walked to the main stretch where all the cafes were waiting for me to watch the sunset from their windows. From one side where I was standing, the view was amazing as it covered the whole beach and the lighthouse on the other side. A slight hue of sunset started to appear and made everything even more ecstatic. Then I walked till the lighthouse and bought a ticket for the view upstairs. The wind was so strong at the top of the lighthouse and believe me, it was the best view. I walked to get the 360 degree view of the whole area which was breath taking. Soon it was the moment when the colorful clouds painted my first beach sunset experience in Kerala. As it got dark pretty quickly, I had to walk to the main highway which was 1.5km from the lighthouse and wait for the bus to Trivandrum. The direct bus wasn’t available, though the frequency of other buses were good (15 mins waiting).
Azhimala Shiva Statue
So, that was about Kovalam. But wait, the blog isn’t over yet! When I decided to write this blog, I not only thought of writing about this major destination but all other hidden spots it carries. First, I will be talking about the places you can visit while in Kovalam and later I will mention the budget which will help you plan your itinerary. 8km to the south of Kovalam is a huge statue of lord Shiva placed in Azhimala Shiva Temple. This place should definetely be in your list as the structure is worth visiting. Right next to the temple is a small beach called Chowara beach. If you cross that beach, you will come across some rocks, next to which you will find a completely untouched beauty. Why am I calling it untouched? That’s because once you walk through that beach, you will find it full of variety of seashells in some unique designs. Plus there won’t be much crowd and thus no garbage. I am writing about such undiscovered location for mere purpose of enjoying the nature and not exploiting it. Be a responsible human, take a pleadge with me to always preserve the nature.
Sunset at Poovar
Moving on to the next part, I am going to talk about this backwaters which you can’t miss when you are around Kovalam. Imagine a set of islands with floating resorts and boat across a mangrove forest. Sounds amazing, right? Well you can find all this in Poovar, which is the last stop of Kerala. There you can spot the border shared with Tamil Nadu from really close. Poovar is famous for the golden sand beach, which is divided by the backwaters and Arabian Sea. In a nutshell, it’s a perfect getaway for anyone who would love to chill and enjoy the vibe of Kerala. Poovar is another 12km south to Azhimala Temple and all these three locations deserve to be on your next trip. To reach Poovar there is a direct bus from East Fort in Trivandrum that goes via Kovalam and Azhimala Temple. But for any of these locations, there is a minimum 1km walk from the drop point.
Way to Chowara beach
BUDGET
Now there are different scenarios for different kind of travelers. Like for me, who lives in Trivandrum, the budget would be entirely different compared to someone who is on an All-Kerala-Tour. So I will go step by step here. Firstly, if you are staying in Trivandrum, you can take the always available option, KSRTC bus. But let me warn your about the crowded buses and long waits in advance. I used this option because I didn’t have a vehicle at that time. You need atleast 3 days of planning to cover everything and it will cost you around 300 INR for the bus rides, 50 INR for the lighthouse and 2000 INR for the boat at Poovar (these boats have capacity of 7 people, so travelling in a group is better).
View of Kovalam Lighthouse
An alternate way is to hire an auto rikshaw for a combined tour. You can start your day from the lighthouse, followed by the shiva temple and then do the backwaters boating. The auto driver can charge you anything between 500-800 INR depending on your bargaining skills. Just make sure you keep the communication clear. In this case your total expenditure will be around 800 INR per head (assuming a group of 3).
Hidden beach near Azhimala Temple
The best way to reach is by a private vehicle. You can easily rent a two wheeler through Royal Brothers from Trivandrum or look online for agencies who rent a car. If you have booked your stay in Kovalam, you are all sorted for the next 2 days. Simply use the itinerary provided in the next header to plan. Reservation amount for hotels vary as there are budget stays as well as super luxury hotels. Alternatively, you can check the floating resorts in Poovar if you have an additional day in hand. There are a few options for hostels in Kovalam and there are some guest houses and homestays as well that offer pocket friendly stays. Don’t forget to call them personally to ask for discounts before booking online. Budget for this case is mentioned in the itinerary provided with details. I have also mentioned a few cafes I really liked in Kovalam but for other locations you have to rely on the local food joints offering South Indian meal and snacks.
Boat in the backwater of Poovar Island
ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Reach Trivandrum and hire a vehicle to reach the hotel in Kovalam.
Check-in. After taking rest, head to Azhimala Shiva temple. Chances are the temple would be closed but the path to the statue is generally open.
Enjoy the Chowara beach and walk through the seashells beach.
Head to Poovar Island and enquire about the boats available.
Take the amazing 2 hours boat ride in the backwaters. You can stay at the golden sand beach for the sunset or head back to Kovalam.
Take a walk for cafe-hopping in Kovalam for dinner. You can try German bakery, Beatles cafe, Abc cafe, Swiss cafe on the main beach.
DAY 2:
Walk to the light house after your breakfast as soon as it open at 10am.
The lighthouse is generally crowded in the evening, so it’s better to go there in the morning. Don’t forget to carry sunscreen and umbrella for your trip as the weather in Kerala is uncertain.
Check-out. Head back to return the vehicle. There are some interesting cafes in Trivandrum which you can check if you have some time left before your train/flight. Check eat-at-tvm for awesome recommedations.
You can extend the trip or reorder the itinerary according to your preference. If you wish to add another day, make sure to check the stay at any floating resort in Poovar.
OUTRO
Hope you liked my first blog. That was all about Kovalam and its beaches. I have explored more than half of the famous locations in Kerala after staying here for 10 months. I keep looking for hidden or lesser known places, you will definitely find their mention along with well sorted plans in my coming blogs. If there is anything you wish to enquire or comment, please write to me. I will be happy to talk more about it. This is the closure of my blog on Kovalam and the beautiful places it contains. Happy travelling.
Nikhil Dhingra 