Day 9: Thu 7 Nov - Nha Trang

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24 - 28deg
Walk: 8km

"A day with boat trip to islands. Experience the coast of Nha Trang aboard a boat as we set out in the morning, for our first stop at the aquarium. We then head out to Hon Mun Island where we have the chance for swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters. From here we continue to Hon Tam Island where you have the choice of relaxing on the beach or for the energetic – there is a choice of water sports. Our lunch stop is at the fishing village of Lang Chai where we have time to explore before boarding our boat back to Nha Trang harbor. Overnight in Nha Trang. Cycle: 0km."

Unfortunately Wendy was not up to getting out of bed today due to a rather nasty lurgy. We're hoping that a day of complete rest will help her recover. After breakfast the remaining nine met in the foyer to decide if the weather was good enough for a boat trip. We decided to take the chance, which turned out to be correct.

So it was onto the bus for a short ride to the harbour. We had our own boat which was a nice touch. The harbour was full of recreational boats and a huge fishing fleet. After getting the necessary clearance from the authorities we headed out to an island where the crew parked out of the wind. We all ended up having a swim, some also snorkelled, but due to the cloudy conditions and recent rain it wasn't that clear under the water. After an hour or so everyone had had enough so the boat took us to Bai Tranh Island for some coffee, ice-cream and/or relaxing. There were plenty of locals in attendance participating in all sorts of water sports, or just relaxing.  

Pretty soon it was time for more food, and after the swim, we were all pretty ready for it. So it was back onto the boat and off to a floating fish farm/restaurant. The food was great, mainly seafood (lucky Wendy wasn't there) but with the usual veg, noodles and rice dishes. In fact we could have fed a small army; again.  

Back at the harbour a few of us decided we needed to walk off the rather substantial lunch, so we got the bus driver to drop us off at the nearby chairlift station. It also happens to be a very flash hotel, a convention centre and a check-in point for most of the off-shore islands. Upon having a look around we spied a very nice looking coffee shop, which also did smoothies etc. We just had to support the local economy; see below. After that it was a waddle for about 3km back to the hotel for a rest.

About 4pm Greg received a message from Bob about a walk. Having spent far too long on his back Greg welcomed the call. We walked towards the city to discover a whole new, upmarket area full of European tourists. The shops and the hotels were a few stars above the one we are staying in, which is nice enough for us anyway.

The bus picked us up at 6:30pm for dinner. As usual it was substantial, Vietnamese and very tasty. 

The Crew

Our cute little boat

Snorkelling

One of 100s of fishing boats

Bai Tranh Island

The scuba school on Bai Tranh

Having a well-earned rest on Bai Tranh

Some locals enjoying a snorkel off the boat next door
Boat next door


Bai Tranh

Brew House craft beer

Colourful fruit

Dinner

Bright lights of Vin Pearl on an island off the coast across from the hotel








 

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