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The Grand Adventure
  • Helene Rimberg
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  • Helene Rimberg

The Grand Adventure

A bike trip with no end Leggi altro
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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Morning in Nha Trang
    Prettiest water we have seen in a long timeSurrounded by mountainsOn da beach

    Along the sunny coast

    30 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    A bit of a rough night sleep wise. Though “beds” were relatively comfy, we seemed to go on very rough roads making for a lot of bumping. Arrive in Nha Trang quite early and make for a coffee shop. Wind our way out of town through resort areas and along a very pretty coastline. Strong tailwind keeps us moving. Arrive on the beach near Phang Rang, get a hotel and check out the beach. Lack of sleep catches up with us so order in.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Dog guardian by one end of Japanese bridge
    View out from Japanese bridgeMonkey guardian at other sideQuite murky but still prettyUsed to cook traditional medicineMaking silk threadLarge hanging incense basketsView from rooftop coffee bar2Egg coffeeOne of the many bridgesSettling in for the night

    Taking in the culture of Hoi An

    29 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Spend our last day in Hoi An poking around the historic sights. But first taken our bikes to the car wash where they get the grand treatment. Leave them and our packs at the hotel while we walk around. Cross the Japanese bridge, walk through the Museum of Traditional Medicine and attend a dance and music performance. Take a nice walk by the water before picking up our bikes and riding to the bus stop. Have a good vegan dinner before boarding our 9 hour bus to Nha Trang.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    The call these coconut boats. Used for fishing and for tourists
    Pretty empty beach.Seems to require a special skill set to spin back to shoreTourists riding coconut boatsSo many different types of greens

    Cloudy beach time

    28 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    A short spin on our bikes gets us to the local beach, AnBang. First grab lunch - grilled cheese sandwich on delicious sourdough. Lots of beach erosion and reconstruction. Must be an annual process following the rainy season. Too chilly to swim but it’s nice to be on sand and listen to the waves. Ride though the fields, including a humongous vegetable garden. Out for very good Indian food.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Beautiful old buildings
    Produce of all kinds at market by the riverAn old templeOld buildings restored into snazzy restaurantsThe streets come alive with lantern lightsAs does the riverThe colors are amazing. And hand paintedJapanese bridge

    Hoi An

    27 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 23 °C

    A very short ride south to Hoi An. Though skies seem a bit threatening, we do stay dry. Divert off of big road to ride through fields. Able to check-in upon arrival. Walk to secure bus tickets and then check out the very touristy, yet pretty Old Town. Nice dinner then wander around amongst the beautiful lightsLeggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    2
    Many types of statues amongst the gardens1View of Da Nang from "Heaven's Gate"The other Karst hillsShrine inside one of the cavesOne of the quieter areas1Find Dougie!He spans the entire bridgeWe felt the heat from where we wereAnd then there is the water

    Marble Mountain

    26 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    With no view to the outside world, end up sleeping in. Also it is raining so no rush to get anywhere. Food motivates, and continue our Western eating - bagels. Catch a Grab to Marble Mountain, a complex of caves and shrines amongst the Karst hills. Quite crowded. It does stay dry which is a welcome change. Return to the city and check out the festive riverfront. Return at night for the “fire show”.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Oh what fun it is ....
    FuelNice beach ... maybe?Up, up, up we goOrganized bike tour passes usA few hairpin turnsFortress on topGreat views?!Down we goChristmas bevies2Christmas dinner1

    A Christmas Day climb

    25 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    As predicted, we are greeted with a rainy day. Try to catch a catch a dry window, but the rain quickly starts again in earnest. Deviate off the man road (thankfully) and begin our ascent of Hai Van pass. Generally a pretty gradual climb with some steep sections. Rain does taper off affording a few views. Clouds settle in as we approach the top. Zip on down and have a city slog to get to our hotel in Da Nang. Get separated again but both arrive safely. Check in as it pours again. Spend the rest of the day in hotel, venturing out for Christmas dinner.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Middle door is for emperor stays closedHe is 9 meters underneath. Special numberFive levels. Also special numberClearish water inside bayHo ho ho2

    A frazzling ride to Lang Co

    24 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Leaving Hue is a bit hectic and we quickly loose each other. Finally meet back up (how would we do that without GPS) and ride side roads to Khai Dinh Mausoleum. Quite impressive structure. Our time on little roads ends and we meet back up with the highway (AH1). So many trucks and buses). Though the day is sunny, visions of hopping on a bus enter my mind. Two tunnels to navigate - fortunately able to walk along raised walkway but still so loud. Arrive in Lane Co, at the base of tomorrow’s climb. Out for Xmas Eve seafood dinner. Just us in huge restaurant.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Presumably war memorial
    Lots of waterLots of interesting cemeteriesLots of temples/shrinesVery festiveThere seemed to be Asian spots and Westerner spotsOpera cakeTiramisu

    A long ride to Hue

    22 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Weighing our options, set our sights on the popular town of Hue, though it’s more than 100 KMs away. Morning rain gives way to patchy sunshine. Spy the sea as we cross over many bridges. Unfortunately, wind is not in our favor. Although we see no evidence of it, do cross through the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone); once separating the North and South. Enter Hue’s OldTown and confidently enter the fray of vehicles. A tad bit nerve wracking. Check into nice hotel which is strategically near a laundromat. Nice dinner out in the bustling tourist area and then reward ourselves with chocolate!Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    On the shortest day of the year ….

    21 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    ….. we ride 110 KMs. It’s a somewhat rainy day but not much to see anyway on this stretch of road. Manage to stay mostly off the big road, even having a brand new road mostly to ourselves. Wind is at our back for much of the time making for fast riding. Though we are close to the sea, don’t see it though sand dunes abound. Find a hotel in Vinh Linh; very cheap, a bit dirty, but they have a locked garage just for our bikes. Venture out for food, settling on what is closest.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Cruising down the riverCave entranceThough most of the cave was very spacious, some spots had low ceilings1Are we under water or on Mars?Cavernous sectionView walking up to Tien SonSkinny passagewayClay pot dishes

    Phong Nha and Tien Son Caves

    20 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Dry but cloudy day, perfect for exploring caves. Walk to the boat dock and round up a few others to fill our boat. Motor down the river until it ends at Phong Nha Cave. As the cave is wet (always filled with water) take the boat into the cave. Our female crew paddles us into the back of the cave and then drops us off so we can explore a bit on land. Crazy cave features - very other worldly. Walk up to the smaller, Tien Son cave - walking amongst huge and colorful stalactites and stalagmites. Return via boat and again have a relaxing afternoon at our hotel. Out for a very good dinner: a set menu allowing us small tastes of a lot of things.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Beginning of sketchy boulderingCentury old treeVery cool vineSlippery and steepUp, up, up we go!

    “Botanical Gardens” aka jungle scramble

    19 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Though morning clouds linger on the hills, they quickly dissipate yielding another sunny day. Fuel up on banana pancakes and ride into the national park. Up a short but steep hill and we are at the Botanical Gardens. Actually a misnomer as no gardens - just a jungle and waterfall. Lots of clambering up and down boulders, at times next to lovely flowing water. Great waterfall at the end! Dunk feet and legs before heading out. Hear a few monkeys in the trees on our way down. Chill for a few hours before finding dinner.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    View from bridge over inlet
    Tad bit sketchy bridge1Sketchier bridgeKarst hills and boats to transport to caveReally, we haven't had any yet

    A sunnier disposition

    18 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    An odd sight greets us in the morning - blue sky! Short day ahead to get to Phong Nha National Park. Stay on small roads as long as we can - until we hit a muddy construction site that we can’t go through. Zip down the main road, crossing a few tall bridges. Turn off and enter the hills. Quite a bit of undulation; especially compared to what we have been riding lately. Bridges get smaller as well! Make it to the touristy town of Phong Nha. Grab some lunch, check into our hotel and do a wee walk about. Karst hills look much better with clear skies around. Short walk for mediocre pizza.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Rough seas

    A soggy one

    17 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Rain and wind greet us this morning. Continue our journey south at times having wind at our back. Not most scenic ride as nearby hills are covered in clouds. Witness a cow vs. motorbike accident - cow ran away but the kids on bikes did not. Though helmets are mandatory many people don’t wear them. After about 40 miles we had had enough so checked into a hotel. Quick walk down the road for cheap fried chicken dinner.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Local fisher people selling their catchBeach at Thien CamGetting decked out

    Thien Cam

    16 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Check out beach before packing up. The hotel staff are, again, incredibly helpful; insisting on carrying bags and holding bikes. Another flat and relatively quiet ride. Day stays cloudy but no rain until we arrive at Thien Cam - our destination. Lots of construction or reconstruction going on throughout the town. Continue to draw a lot of attention- even off bikes. Definitely not in a touristy part of the country.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    One of many churches seen todaySo many cropsFun boats along the seaVery big bridge over wide inletVery desertedView from our balcony. Not ideal swimming weather

    To the South China Sea

    15 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Still cool but the air has improved and it’s not raining. Stop for coffee and breakfast before winding our way through back alleys on our way to the sea. A few detours are needed before arriving at the sea. Wavy and grey. Very quiet roads along the coastline. It definitely seems to be off season. Opt to stay along the coastline rather than going into Vinh. Checked into a huge and deserted hotel. Get great service though.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Path amongst the crops

    Head down and ride

    14 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    A cool and rainy morning. Get a late start, trying to let the rain pass. Riding split between some quiet roads and busy main roads - though traffic seems lighter (Sunday?). Pass through small nondescript towns before stopping for the day. Find a small and cheap hotel a bit away from noisy road. Wind up in a restaurant that only serves goat. Not bad.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Lots of limestone around

    Southward

    13 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 23 °C

    Our journey south continues. Day is both cloudy and smoggy. Leave the karst hills behind and hit the busier roads. Sprinkles keep us moving quickly. Rain begins around noon as promised. Get to Thanh Hoa and hit a bit of inhospitableness. Not sure if it’s our bikes out that we look like dirty drenched rats. Finally find a fine hotel. Hunker down for the rest of the day, not even venturing out for dinner (delivery instead). Too rainy.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    1
    2Anciet palaceNeed one of these watch dogsThere are over 500 of these over 1+ kmVery cool doorBuddha under Bodhi tree1Ceiling inside tall pagoda

    Ruins and temples

    12 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    After another round of bike repairs at a fantastic shop in town, we headed in the opposite direction from yesterday- towards Trang An. Road along the river amongst the “hills” winding our way past local homes and ‘resorts’. Came to Hoa Lua, ancient palace site. Lots of tourists on bikes wandering amongst the narrow paths. More riding along the river and arrive at a very quiet Bai Dinh, a recently finished temple complex. Took an electric bus to enter the massive grounds. Polluted air continues to mar distant views but structures are beautiful. Another dash back before sunset.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Village street
    Local cemeteryLove the bonsaiSo many ducks aroundLotus lake from aboveMonument on topWee little boats belowAnd higher upTiger cave1First egg coffeeIncense garden1So many fun topiaries

    Adventures amongst the Karst

    11 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    After a morning of bike repairs and organizing, venture off on a walk amongst the Karst hills. Air continues to be bad, minimizing views. Head off on bikes to Hang Mua. Drizzle begins as we climb up the steps, making for some slippery rocks. Though visibility is poor, still appreciate what we can see. Continue on bikes to Thung Nham Ecotourism park. With limited daylight remaining, only do a cursory tour. Zoom back to
    room before sunset. Another good dinner in town.    Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Hazy sunrise
    And she's ready!Lots of water surrounding HanoiOne of a few big cathedrals seen todayLovely side roadsVery fancy building. No idea what forEntering Ninh Bin

    Ninh Binh

    10 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Catch a ride to where our bikes have been safely stored and load them up. After a quick breakfast, tackle the Hanoi traffic. Maneuver through a few sketchy intersections and find ourselves on quiet side roads, mostly free of car traffic. The air quality is horrible, muting all views. Decide to push on to Ninh Binh, and check into a quiet “homestay”. Clean up and walk into town for dinner.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Kind of creepy wooden sculptureLacquer engravingSilk artFirst COVID art I have seen

    Art and healing

    9 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Enjoy a nice breakfast before wandering to National Museum of Fine Arts. Nice collection, showcasing the unique style of Vietnamese art. Interesting how central the war is in late 20th century art. Head back to spa for a therapeutic (ie .painful) massage to heal sciatic pain. Try one last restaurant - another good one.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Fun airport decorations

    Hello Hanoi

    8 dicembre 2025, Vietnam ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    Up early to return to the airport. Very chilly morning (32F). Navigate Seoul’s large and busy airport and board our last plane. 4+ hours later we arrive in Hanoi. Return to the hotel we had stayed at before, though a bigger room. Meander around, enjoying a photography display along the lake. Have a nice dinner - sans rice!Leggi altro

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