When we visited our client, Vietmindo, over a week ago, we stayed at a hotel in Uong Bi, a small quite mining town about 45-50 minutes from Halong Bay and Hai Phong. This town reminded so much of Karatau, Kazakhstan, my Peace Corps site.
Uong Bi, which I gave up trying to pronounce, is a very quite town. It is a place I would not mind retiring someday. Below are some relaxing photos of Uong Bi.
(View from my hotel of Uong Bi)
(Main road through Uong Bi)
(Uong Bi is a good walking city)