Sixth Stop: Quy Nhon

April 25. Buon Ma Thuot to Quy Nhon. 280km.

The ride to Quy Nhon was both the most exhausting and most eventful ride to date.

The six of us set off together for Quy Nhon at 6am, after a 4:30am wake up.

Shortly after leaving we lost Ellie and Aaron to later hear that Ellie had issues with her bike and needed a mechanic - the four of us continued without them.

We took the same road we came in on for around 60km before taking a left to head north towards Quy Nhon. From here the road grew a little worse.. Well, a lot worse.

Around 20km of bumpy, pothole filled, semi-gravel roads to traverse.

At least there were some nice views along the way... this country is just simply stunning, anywhere you go.

We reached a point in the road that was totally swamped with water, with no idea of the depth. Scott got a bit gung ho at this point and decided to try to ride around it on the edge. He managed to lose the back end of the bike and go flying over the handlebars. He got away unscathed, but managed to damage his clutch lever.

The road eventually turned nice again; a smooth paved way - always a welcomed sight.

We continued on to the next town, stopping to try to find a mechanic for Scott's bike. While he was off looking the rest of us stopped for a drink on the main town road. School must have just finished because before too long about thirty school kids were in the area - every single one of them stopping to stare at the alien white guys.

First one boy, about 12 at a guess, asked me for a photo - I assume from being the tallest of the lot. After that a crowd seemed to grow around us, with more kids very timidly coming up to ask for photos. I have never experienced such astonishment at just being in a foreign place before - it was .. Interesting.

After our photoshoot and the bike on the mend we continued on. All of a sudden, we crossed an intersection and the road just opened up - about six lanes wide with no cars and no painted line. Needless to say we made good progress on this stretch of road.

We eventually hit Highway 1 which we'd take north to Quy Nhon. After ten minutes of riding we saw Ellie and Aaron pulled over on the side of the road - somehow making their way ahead of us. Turns out they took a faster route, getting onto the Highway at a different point.

From here, the reunited group continued the 60km or so to Quy Nhon, amidst the traffic and chaos that is the Highway 1. The road is in constant state of roadwork, with trucks and buses are everywhere.

After what felt like an eternity, we made it to Quy Nhon. Ten hours after we left.

The beer I enjoyed on arrival was the most well deserved one of this trip I think!

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Staying at the Life's a Beach Resort in Quy Nhon was a great chance to unwind for a few days. Its owned and run by a couple of pom's and has only been open for around six months. 

It is situated a 15 minute ride south of the main town centre - far enough away to be out of the way but close by to the main district if you need any supplies.

While here, a few of us went to the cinema to catch up on the latest Western flicks; The Avengers sequel and Fast and Furious 7. It's great every now and again to do what you would back home - after now three months away I did need it.

The area has an incredible view at night. Looking out to the sea you can tens of thousands of little squid fishing boats with their lights on. It is like a reflection of the stars in the sea.