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.

Day 5 - Nha Trang

Had a text off Dad this morning.They are now at Nha Trang and staying in the Asia Paradise Hotel ... normally when  see a hotel called Paradise it's far from it! However having checked this one out it looks pretty posh to me, swimming pools and close to the sea ! However on the downside it's next to the airport so it may be a bit noisy.

They've been in the mountains all day and cycling through the Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park. They've cycled around 100 kms today and only had one and half hours on the bus. Dad will be happy about that.  Looks like it was a 30 km descent from Dalat at 1500 metres which took them best part of an hour. There would have been no pedalling from me and I'd have had the brakes on the bike ALL the way down.

The bay at Nha Trang is considered to be one of the most beautiful bays in the world so hopefully he's got a few photos. Saying that Dad hasn't really moved on into the digital age and he's taken two disposable cameras with him.


Details of the itinerary from Exodus

Day 5 (Day 6 Ex London) Dalat to Nha Trang through Bidoup N.P.

Today's ride is predominantly downhill through pine forests and
paddy fields as we descend nearly 1,500m travelling through the
Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park. This area is home to rare pine forests
as well as small villages inhabited by the ethnic minority people of
the central highlands. Once we arrive at the coast, we head by bus
(approx 1.5 hours) to Nha Trang. This beachside town is idyllic, with
swaying palms, golden sands and the beautiful deep blue water of the South China Sea. Ride up to 100km according to preference.

LEJOG and raising funds for a good cause

Two years ago Dad's friends Pete and Uni had a horrific car crash.  In fact Dad was heading into the Lake District the day of the crash to visit them but instead of visiting them at home, he headed to the hospital.  Well to cut a long story short, Pete and Uni have made a remarkable recovery. Pete's life was undoubtedly saved by the air ambulance and his grandson Jacob is cycling LEJOG in order to raise funds.

So if you have a few quid spare and would like to donate to a worthy cause Jacob's justgiving page can be found https://www.justgiving.com/Jacob-Tonkin

Hopefully my Dad will be making a "guest appearance" on the ride and so will Pete.

Day 4 - Dalat

Dad had a early start this morning. Up at 6.00 am and away by 7.00 ... so I doubt there was time for an early morning swim in that posh hotel !

Today they've had four hours on the bus and cycled around 80 km and a bit of a hilly ride. They stopped off for lunch at Di Linh .

They are now in Dalat  which is 1500 metres above sea level! I wonder if they had to cycle up to it or the bus took them. Reading up about Dalat it looks it might be a bit cooler which will suit Dad. The area is well known from it's flowers and confectionery - sounds like a girls dream. 

Tonight Dad is staying in Dalat du Parc Hotel which according to Dad isn't as posh as the last hotel. It looks pretty posh to me !

Received another photo of Dad today this time from Damien. Looks like Dad is admiring the view and what a great view !

Today's itinerary from Exodus.

Day 4 (Day 5 Ex London) Cycle to Dalat

We cycle towards Dalat; the route is undulating with occasional
climbs. Along the Way we pass coffee and tea plantations as well
as flower gardens and pine forests as we reach higher altitude. We
rejoin the bus before the road climbs steeply to the mountain town
of Dalat. We spend approx 3.5 hours on the bus today. Dalat is a
pleasant hill station, formerly known as Le Petit Parisl and has been
described as the most beautiful town in Vietnam. lt was favoured by
the French for its climate` and is now a popular honeymoon resort for the Vietnamese. Ride approx. 60 km.

Day 3 - heading to Mui Ne

Had a text off Dad this morning. There are 11 people in his group, four females and seven males and all younger than Dad (I don't suppose there are many 78 year olds doing this type of trip!). Dad reckons the average age is around 30. Just one couple on the trip and two brothers. Dad is sharing a room with another bloke.

Received this group photo earlier today (thanks to Naomi!)

Cu Chi war cemetery

Today they've cycled around 50 kms and spent 3 hours on the bus ! They are now at the coast at staying at Sea Links Beach Hotel in Mui Ne. Apparently it has FOUR swimming pools ... if Dad wears his "usual" trunks he'll be in one of those on his own !  Just looked the hotel up and all I can say is "Wow" ! A bit posher than his usual standard !

Below is an extract from the Exodus itinerary.


Day 3 (Day 4 Ex London) Saigon to Mui Ne

After an early breakfast we head out of Saigon by bus and start our
cycling _towards Mui Ne on the coast. We spend approx 4-5 hours on
the bus today. We hit the backròads and head through tropical fruit
and rubber plantations. also passing some small fishing villages as
we make our way closer to the coast. We finish the ride in Mui Ne, a
tranquil white sand beach where we can enjoy a swim after the day's
riding and witness our first sunset over the South China Sea. Ride
approx. 50 km. 

 

Day 2 - Cu Chi Tunnels

Got a very brief text off Dad early this morning to say they'd cycled 20 miles to the Cu Chi tunnels. It was followed up a few hours later by another to say, sorry for the short text I was on the bus! To me an ideal opportunity to be texting. 

The Cu Chi tunnels  are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located under part of Siagon.  My Dad did say I'd of hated them. Very small and loads of bats! My worst nightmare. 

Found a photo on Wikipedia of the tunnels.

Cu Chi Tunnels - Niels Aage

Weather is hot at 30 degrees. I text him back to say it's very cold here!

Below is the itinerary for the day from Exodus which gives a bit more detail than Dad's 140 character text.


Day 2 (Day 3 Ex London) Ride to Cu Chi Tunnels

This morning we drive out of the city, before riding to the Cu Chi
Tunnels. This offers a great introduction to cycling in Vietnam and a
chance to fine tune the bikes. The tunnels were Vietcong sanctuaries,
used by the guerrillas as living quarters and escape routes, the
network covers 3 levels and approximately 240 kms of tunnels.
Although originally very narrow, some parts have been widened for
tourists, but even so it is still necessary to crawl on hands and knees.
Claustrophobes may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine! lf you
prefer not to visit the tunnels you can have an unguided free day in
Saigon. Places of interest include: the Emperor of Jade and Giac Lam
pagodas, the former Presidential Palace (now the Reunificatíon Hall),
Ben Thanh market and the War Remnants Museum. Ride approx. 35
km.

He's arrived !

Got a text off Dad this morning at 6.00 am - thankfully phone was downstairs so it didn't wake me ! He's arrived after a 12 hour journey (or as Dad text "jerny"). He did manage to get some sleep on the way though. Dad has got his luggage but some in the party haven't but apparently that not unusual ! I wonder if Dad will be dishing out his smalls :)

They are staying in a hotel called Huong Sen in Ho Chi Minh City (or Siagon) which Dad says is great. Just looked it up on Trip Advisor and it looks pretty decent. He was off for a kip now.

Hopefully get and update later but this trip we are limited to texts only and Dad is the SLOWEST texter EVER ! It's good to know his Asda mobile works though. Hotel has free internet but Dad's basic phone doesn't have the capability. It would have been cheaper though.