CYCLING VIET NAM

We are revamping our Central Coast of Viet Nam offerings to match the desires of our cyclists.

At present, we offer the central coastal towns of Phan Thiet as our gateway into the Central Highlands, Ca Na after our descent from the Central Highlands, the little known Dien Khanh valley behind the well-known Nha Trang, and quiet Tuy Hoa, the capital of rarely visited Phu Yen province, 126 km. north of Nha Trang.

Phan Thiet offers sand dunes and lotus ponds beyond the city for our morning departures. They are beyond the crowded tourist beach resort of Mui Ne, which we pass through on our way to the lovely natural areas.

But most importantly, Phan Thiet is the gateway to the Central Highlands town of Bao Loc, 850 m. elevation, 110 km. away.

This is one of 3 ways up to highlands and is the least travelled. It has the smallest road. It does, however, have its rigor in spots. But the van can carry us over those spots so we can enjoy the entire lovely transition from the city, cycle into an irrigated valley, on to a dry deciduous narrow valley, have a picnic under the cashews by the river, up to the first plateau of cashew trees and villages, and then up to the Central Highlands plateau itself.

Ca Na is our most lovely Cental Coastal visit for swimming and snorkeling in the driest area in Viet Nam that looks like Baja California in Mexico! We stay in charming beach cabins with airconditioning and dine on some of the best fresh seafood Viet Nam has to offer.

Just a few local people in the late-afternoon sun on the beach at Ca Na, steps away from the cottages.

From Ca Na, it is 131 km. to Nha Trang, the well-known touristy beach resort town. But few people know of the Song Cai River and its valley, which makes for a lovely cycling trip into the rice fields, sugar cane fields and fruit orchards that extend out from the river to the background of mountains on both sides.

At night, we can optionally relax at Tam's Zippo Bar in town, with the first round of Saigon beer on ole Rich. Rick O'Shay sometimes plays guitar and sings some Country and Western songs, and Tam plays and sings some neat songs too. Pool, table football and just plain relaxation are in store. There are onward rail, bus and air connections from there.

The Zippo's motto, created and painted by Tam, the owner, speaks for itself! Photo taken by visiting tourist in 2006

From Nha Trang, it is 126 km. to Tuy Hoa, where Tam is from. We can visit a Cham Temple on a hill in town, and on a day trip, can hire a boat and go out in Vung Ro Bay with its islands and pleasant atmosphere. If there's time, we can pop in on some local folks there and say hi! to some really friendly small-town people. There are onward rail, bus and air connections from there.

We are looking into more Central Viet Nam destinations that fit within cycling and being interesting for those wishing to stay off the beaten track. Route 1, the main and only road north and south, is heavily trafficked, and the distance between towns after Tuy Hoa makes those areas out of our reach at the moment.

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