We got up early from the Hotel in Ha Long CIty to enjoy the buffet breakfast.
The conceirge helped us organise transport to the bus station.
We wanted to get to Hue but the they were trying to rip us off, telling us the printed prices on the wall were incorrect for that stop. So instead we got the much cheaper bus just to Ninh Binh.
Ninh Binh turned out to be great, quiet, a really nice break from the EXTREME tourist areas which I am seriously trying to avoid now. There wasn't much to see in town except what they call "Ha Long Bay on Land". We rented a motorbike and drove around tho see this and it was beautiful, and I love riding a motorbike any where, I completely understand the attraction to them now. Except I think if it was in Australia with all the "road rules" it just wouldn't be as fun; but in 'Nam there are no rules except wear a helmet, but the helmet can be about as thin as a hat I think. Plus if you get caught you just give the officer some money (this would seem soooo strange for me, I still can't believe it happens). I am very glad I have not had to do this at any point.
When we first hopped off the bus in Ninh Binh it was about 8:30pm and we had no accommodation booked so when the bus dropped us off somewhere random in the city we thought (we will just walk and find somewhere), but the bus driver asked us if we had accommodation so I quickly grabbed my LP (lonely planet) guide book and pointed to the cheapest hotel listed. They told us to get back on the bus and they dropped us right to the street, that was very nice of them. It is so annoying that you either meet such beautiful, nice and helpful Vietnamese, and then there are those that just want to rip you off constantly, and lie so they can get more money from you.
We checked in to the Mini Queen Hotel, directly opposite the Queen Hotel (I wondered if they were owned by the same person or if they just couldn't think of another name). We went to get something to eat and although the Mini Queen had "Restaurant" written on the door it really didn't seem like they really did, but like everything here, it is never just 1 business. Today (26 May Thursday) I saw a beauty spa/ restaurant but with no dining area just the chairs lined up that you would get a pedicure in.
Jasmin and I went for a walk just 2 metres down the street and there were 2 shop/restaurants EXACTLY the same except one had a sign that said "Good Food" and the other one had "Fast Food". Jasmin and I stood there making contemplating which one to choose and I said, "well I am in no rush and I want good food so I say the "Good Food". It was cheap and the meals where huge servings.
We either left that night or early the next morning to catch the bus to Hue.
