We left Hanoi after a coffee over the road and some Banh Mi from the stall outside our Airbnb building. It was straight into the morning chaos and ilwe didn’t stop until we’d cleared the city and found some traffic lights.
It was fun, loved it all the way. People who complain about the drivers in SE Asia simply don’t understand how considerate they are.
After escaping the city, we settled into a quiet road beside the main one then stopped for coffee at one of the strangest cafes of the trip. The courtyard area was populated by Italianesque statues. Michael Angelo’s David was there in miniature. We had a good coffee amongst the stone Italians and headed off.
Just up the road was a Love Hotel. I’ve heard of them but never seen one. They’re rented by the hour. I knew it was a Love Hotel because it was called “Love Hotel”. Good catch there John.
Further on, we had the opportunity to ride on the road atop a levy bank. It was perfect. It afforded us views of the whole area and had only light traffic. We went off route just to stay on this road all the way into Son Tay.
In Son Tay, there’s an interesting Citadel with two old fighter jets and an old helicopter. Mandatory for any Citadel in my opinion. How strange ?
On our way to the Citadel, Miles found a great sit-outside restaurant where we had a Bun Cha. He’s definitely the restaurant whisperer. He can find a good one anywhere.
With full stomachs, we hit the Citadel and checked out the aviation display. All very interesting.
However it seemed like not much was open in Son Tay and as we left town, we noticed most of the shops and houses had an altar with offerings of fruit, drinks biscuits etc. it was clearly a religious festival or special day but I was sorely tempted to swipe a mango on the way through. They looked delicious.
We made it to our planned stop quite early and over màngo smoothies, decided to push on to the next town, Tam Nong where there were a few accom options.
We later rejoined a road on another levy which made it an unexpected great day of cycling.
It turns out that the hotels in Tam Nong aren’t brilliant. We looked at one and moved on to the next but as we approached, a busload of army guys filed out and into the now fully booked hotel. Ok, back to town and onto the third place which wasn’t great but I wasn’t going to look at any more.
Dinner in town was pancakes, skewers and DIY rice paper rolls served by some great people who seemed chuffed that we were there – judging by all of the photos.