We arrived in Phong Nha and went straight out for some brunch a little place called Bamboo Chopsticks, a good mix of local food and quality bits of western food. Boys ate CHIPS.
Fully satiated, we went out for the day to some nearby caves. So we walked to the harbour and caught a boat to them.
First up was Paradise cave – or Hang Thien – which you access by climbing 500 stairs up the mountain. In the 40* heat.
Poor Jonathan. Doesn’t mind steps, just doesn’t like the view. Or gaps at the sides of steps, or the railings, where you might just suddenly slip down to your death.
Crickett decided this wasn’t really for her and luckily we’d brought her carrier with us (I got a preschool sized one from Vinted before we left, God send) and within being in it for 2 mins, promptly fell asleep.
Jonathan delighted in climbing the stairs – nice and high – with an extra few stone on his back.
The cave itself was pretty spectacular. Huge stalagmites and stalactites. It has a walkway carved through it and lighting to showcase all the wonders within. The kids just bolted and we didn’t really see them until the end, off exploring.
After descending the 500 stairs, we got back on our boat and off into another cave.
This was a ‘wet cave’ meaning you access it all by boat. They shut off the motors to keep it nice and peaceful (as peaceful as anything gets in SE Asia anyway) and we got rowed around the huge cavernous cave. Then we were allowed out at a little beach inside.
Crickett continued to begrudgingly make friends with everyone who found her adorable/fascinating but all the ones she wants to make friends with are shy and quiet and afraid of her.
She’s absolutely a cat. She naturally gravitates to anyone who is disinterested in her and actively tries to win them over by being super cute and fawning all over them. But hates anyone who wants to give her attention and actively ignores them or walks off. 🐈⬛
After the caves we went for a swim back at the hotel and then out for dinner, where I managed to get some more Vietnamese food down everyone. Hurrah!
Bánh xèo. You wrap it, and the veggies, in rice paper and dip it in the sauce. Hit all round.
danilovescats 