Day 12 - Hanoi

Had another early morning text from Dad. They arrived at Hanoi at 5.30 am. Took a bus to the hotel. They are now at the Thien Thai, which is apparently the best boutique hotel in Hanoi. Not actually sure what a boutique hotel is ... but it sounds impressive and the blurb reads "With its French-inspired architecture and sensually rich decor, the Thien Thai Hotel will seduce and pamper you, allow you to indulge your senses". They've not had much time for seducing, pampering or indulging as no sooner had they arrived they were off again to Ha long Bay were they have caught a boat for an overnight stay. Dad said food and weather were great ! Ha long Bay is a World Heritage site and features thousands of limestone karsts.

Found this photo of the bay and the karsts. I'm sure Dad will forgo a couple of days on the bike to be cruising around these !

Details of the itinerary from Exodus

Day 12 (Day 13 Ex London) Hanoi to Halong Bay and cruise

We usually arrive in Hanoi in the early morning and stop for a local breakfast and a stretch of the legs, before we are met by our bus for an approximately 4 hour drive to Halong Bay. This is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with around 3000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise amongst this amazing karst scenery, stopping to swim and kayak in the sea, allowing us to get to places inaccessible by boat (weather permitting) and enjoy a seafood lunch on board.

Day 11 - overnight train to Hanoi

Got an early morning text off Dad. They've spent the day in Hue.  They've visited the tombs and Nguyen dynasty, the Imperial City, the Citadel and finished off with a boat trip on Huong River (Perfume River).  Found this great photo of the river at sunset.

Perfume river

It was then back to hotel to pack their bags as they were catching the overnight train - Reunification Express to Hanoi

Details of the itinerary from Exodus

Day 1l (Day 12 Ex London) Hue to Hanoi

Hue claims to be the cultural and historic centre of Vietnam| and there is plenty to see. We take a guided tour of the city and surrounding tombs. The most memorable site is the Citadel, with walls six miles in length: inside are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City. where only the emperor and his eunuchs and concubines were allowed. Then we take a boat along the Perfume River to the elaborate tombs of the Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from Hue. Tu Duc's Tomb is very elaborate and set in beautiful gardens, along the way we will visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda. The pagoda was a centre for anti-government protest in the early 19605 and it houses the Austin car that transported a monk, Thich Quang Duc, to Saigon in 1963 where he burned himself as a protest against the president. The photograph of his self-immolation
was printed in newspapers all around the world.

In the afternoon we will board the,Reunification Express for the overnight ride to Hanoi, 600km to the north. Ride approx. 25 km

Day 10 - Hue

Dad text this morning to say they are now in Hue City and are staying at the Gold Hotel. Just looked the hotel up and it looks pretty impressive. They've cycled around 40 kms today and 10 kms of that was climbing up Hai Van pass which is 487 metres about sea level. Fastest to the top was 35 minutes and bringing up the rear was Dad at one hour.  On arrival at the top Dad received rapturous applause from all the coach parties. Thanks to Naomi for this action shot of Dad arriving at the top.

After lunch there was a further 20 kms ride in the wet. Not sure from Dad's text if he's been on the bus today.

Details of itinerary from Exodus

Day 10 (Day 11 Ex London) Hai Van Pass to Hue

Today we turn north again for the drive/cycle to Hue. The route passes over the spectacular Hai Van Pass the 'Pass of the Ocean Clouds'; the views are stunning though those who prefer to avoid the 580m climb can always take a lift in the support vehicle. Once at the top it will all seem worth it as you plummet back to the ocean, then continue through small villages and timeless rural scenes to the outskirts of Hue, from where we transfer to our city centre hotel. Approx 2.5 hours ín the bus today.

Day 9 - rest day in Hoi An

To make up for the fact that Dad didn't text me back yesterday, today he's sent me a couple of texts! Yesterday then had a stop at My Lai Memorial was was the site of the My Lai Massacre. Following that they had a 5 hours on the bus along Highway One - I'm sure Dad would have preferred to have cycled along it ! I found this map of the highway.

Monsoon rain accompanied last night's evening meal and they were given free ponchos to get back to the hotel. That'll be in Dad's bike bag for future use!  A few in the group also went to be measured for suits and dresses .... Dad must have declined. As he says there is still plenty of use in the suit he has and it does keep coming back into fashion !

Today has been a rest day, but a very wet rest day with lots of flooded areas. They've cycled approx 20 km around the local area. Some of the group have been for water buffalo rides, which apparently were good fun.They've also been and collected the dresses and suits there were measured up for last night. I wonder if they'll put on a fashion show.



Details of the itinerary from Exodus

Day 9 (Day 10 Ex London) Relaxing in Hoi An

This morning we take a guided walking tour of Hoi An to explore some of the structures of historical significance in the Old Town, including bridgesl temples, wells and houses. Those less interested
in architecture can cycle the 5km to the lovely Cua Dai beach or cycle to the Marble Mountains, which are 19 km from town. These five marble hills, formerly islandsI contain many caves, some of which were used as Buddhist (and Vietcong) sanctuaries. Also nearby is China beach, a famous US  spot in the war, and Danang where there is a Cham Museum, which despite being in poor condition, is very interesting. It is also possible to visit My Sonl one of the most important Cham temple sites in Vietnam where Cham kings were buried as early as the fourth century. Although wartime bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are a number of interesting stone towers and sanctuaries.

Day 8 Hoi An

Got a quick text off Dad this morning that said ... "just a quick one, we are out for a evening meal soon. We are now in Hoi An and staying at the Hoi An hotel. Cycled just 30 kms today and had around 7 hours on the coach". It finished off - will text later .... and I've not heard anything since.

Just checked out the hotel ... he's probably signed up for one of the Cooking Classes :)

However I did receive the following photo from Damien taken on the Nhon Hoi bridge across the Thi Nai peninsular. It is the longest sea bridge in Vietnam with a length of 2477.3 metres (not as long as The Golden Gate Bridge he cycled over though.)

Damien and Dad

The following is the itinerary from Exodus

Day 8 (Day 9 Ex London) Quy Nhon to Hoi An

Leaving Quy Nhon we travel through a new economic zone over the
Thi Nai Peninsula and Nhon Hoi Bridge, the longest sea bridge in
Vietnam. Getting off our bikes we will visit a market, where its not
unusual to be pulled aside for a photo as this part of the country does
not see many western tourists. The coast line features secluded bays` sand dunes and beaches with colourful fishing boats bobbing on the
South China Sea. We will cycle until we arrive at Phu Ly and then drive to Hoi An. If time permits, we will cycle the last 12 km once we turn
off Highway 1 into Hoi An.

Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back
to the mid-sixteenth century is now a living museum, with attractive
wooden merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese,
Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also a marvellous place to wander around and enjoy the thriving riverside
market. We spend two nights in Hoi An which is also a fantastic place
to buy local art or have some clothes tailor-made for you. Its best to
bring a picture or a sample of what you want made. Approx 6 hour in
the bus today. Ride approx. 50 km.

Day 7 - Quy Nhon

Got a text off Dad late morning. They are now in Quy Nhon staying at another posh hotel - the Seagull Hotel. This morning they had a 7.00 am start from the hotel in Nha Trang and headed off on their bikes. Cycled around 30 kms and then took the bus for 3 hours. After lunch they cycled another 53 kms through small lanes and villages. Lots of children around wanting to do high fives !

One week down and the total miles cycled so far is 208.

Received the following photo from Naomi - check out Dad's bike !

Nha Trang Bay

Detail of the itinerary from Exodus


Day 7 (Day 8 Ex London) Nha Trang to Quy Nhon

We set off early in the morning for the ride to the beautiful fishing
village of Dai Lanh. A short transfer out of town past the Po Nagar
Cham towers brings us to a high point and from here today's ride is
predominantly flat. The beautiful beach at Dai Lanh ls a perfect place
to stop for a swim and lunch before continuing by bus around the
spectacular coastal cliff road towards the town of Tuy Hoa and on
to Quy Nhon. (Approx 4 hours in the bus today). Ride up to 90 km
according to preference.

Day 6 - Rest Day in Nha Trang

Received a text off Dad this morning. Today is a rest day. They've been on a boat trip around the islands, been swimming and snorkeling. They had a good meal on the boat (I feel sea-sick even thinking about it !!).  He also said there are a lot Russians holidaying along the coast.

Many thanks to Damien for this photo of Dad following their evening meal on the beach.

Extract from Exodus itinerary

Day 6 (Day 7 Ex London) In Nha Trang and cruise around islands

Having a rest from the bikes today, we take a boat trip around the
islands offering a chance to swim and snorkel around the many reefs.
This is a wonderful experience with stunning views of the mountainous
coastline that lies to the north of Nha Trang and an opportunity to eat
some of the freshest seafood available. Those not fancying the boat
trip can relax on the beach, have a massage, go scuba diving or ride
off to other nearby beaches such as Hon Chong, a fishing village lined
with coconut palms, mango and banana plantations.