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.