Day 8: Wed 6 Nov - Dalat to Nha Trang

- November 06, 2024

15-29 deg C, rain

Ride: 35km

"Cycle downhill to Cham temples called Poklong Giarai in Phan Rang. This can be called the highlight of this trip, in which you will get an epic road biking experience: long hill climbs and descents/ winding forest roads/ wild scenery/ coastal plains/ pine forest vegetation/ rugged countryside. Transfer the rest way to Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang. Cycle: 50km+ Hotel: Balcony Hotel."

Wendy developed a cough last night, so she dosed herself up and tried hard to not cough. Unfortunately, sometimes she couldn't help herself and missed out on some sleep. Consequently, she did not ride today. This was the one day she was looking forward to as it involved a 10km climb followed by a 25km downhill. The rest of the crew left just after 7:30am and rode through the city and experienced some busy round-a-bout traffic, Vietnam style. Some said it was 'jolly' scary. The bus caught up with them just after an intersection and just parked beside the road. A morning snack was had before Wendy left on the bus and the cyclists rode away.

Morning tea was our next stop, at a small coffee shop in the middle of nowhere. The coffee was STRONG and sweet - they use condensed milk instead of real milk as it doesn't need refrigeration and provides a sugar hit as well. After mornos, everyone was back on the bus to take them to the start of the uphill ride. As it looked like rain was imminent, they all donned their rain jackets and flimsy poncho style plastic coats that the company provided. And the rain pelted down! Everyone made it to the top in one piece despite the slippery roads, low cloud and lots of buses and trucks. The bus and the truck waited for them at the top. Everyone agreed that it would not be a very good idea to attempt the descent on wet, slippery roads, with next to no visibility. So, it was back on the bus and off to the lunch venue.

Lunch was at Bến Lội Quán, an open plan restaurant with what would be fantastic views if it was not raining cats and dogs. The rain was coming down horizontally at one stage, and that was a cue for us to leave. The meals, as always, were filling, so much so, we could not eat it all.

It was about an hour's drive from lunch to our hotel at Nha Trang - Crown Hotel, which is almost on the beach front. It does offer beach views from the corner of the balcony. The weather was far too unpleasant to enjoy the balcony, maybe tomorrow?

Wendy decided to not have dinner tonight, so Greg went alone with the gang to Phở Bò Úc 5 Viên, just around the corner. Again, there was far too much food, but it was really tasty and filling.

Gearing up to leave Da Lat

A cemetery

Rice paddies almost ready to harvest

First rest-top for the day

On the road again

There are a lot of hot/green houses in the Da Lat region due to the lovely climate, they can grow vegetables all year around and not have to use pesticides/insecticides, allegedly.