Khe Sanh to Phong Nha

Khe Sanh to Phong Nha. Phong Nha is right in the center of some of the best riding on the Ho Chi Minh road. This section is very remote and mountainous. It is so remote that our small tanks were barely enough to make it between petrol stations so we had to carry coke bottles full of gasoline to bridge the gaps. Look for the bottles bungeed to the backs of our racks in the photos. The road is mainly one lane concrete and skirts the Lao border most of the way. People see very few foreigners here and most of the kids waved excitedly as we passed by. The way is absolutely gorgeous as rises and falls through mountain passes and unbelievably verdant valleys. Seemed like every turn brought another breathtaking view.

Here are a some links to short videos of the day's ride:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dGR7RzobCPcHAy337
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZBSM25FrhEmWfAoGA
https://photos.app.goo.gl/B7WBgUxnQniYH5Ne8

Along the way we saw pigs, ducks, chickens, water buffalo, cows, cats, and dogs in the road. In these indigenous mountain villages no protein source is left off the table. I'm afraid Augie and I have eaten some suspect banh mi in the last couple of days.
Also, as in most places in Vietnam, the seating is child sized. (see last photo)

The route was so beautiful I've also included a link to the day's photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/5AbXqZS4N5N2jFvZARead more