| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 66km (total ride 100km) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Downhill then gently rolling |
| Blog | 17th Jan - Different strokes |
The journey
See the ride to the border in Laos. Once in Vietnam, it was generally downhill for 25km on a very winding, steep road to Tay Son. The road was in good condition except for a short stretch which was under construction and very muddy, but it was raining heavily and visibility was very poor. There were a couple of restaurants on the way to Tay Son. It's busy with traffic - mostly bicycles and scooters but some big trucks and buses - and much more populated; it's altogether different to Laos. We caught a train from Yên Trung into Vinh which cost Ð8000 per person, Ð4000 per bike.Vinh's not worth hanging around in, you might as well catch the night train to Hanoi. There are lots of big hotels in town, including one very close to the station. The bus station is on Le Loi street; we were quoted $10 per person and $2 per bike on a 24 seater bus to Hanoi by a guy who was based at the Hong Ngoc Hotel, 24 Le Loi street and spoke very good English.
The only train we could take bikes on was the NA2, departing 9pm and arriving in Hanoi at 5am. A hard sleeper in a cabin of six was Ð132,000 per person, Ð32,000 per bike and more comfortable and quiet than you'd expect. Watch out for poo while crossing the tracks! In Hanoi, the cafés opposite the station were open for hot drinks. We bought a town map for $1 from a street vendor. The street lights went out at 5.30am even though it was still dark. There wasn't too much traffic at that time and we rode into the Old Quarter to find a hostel. Many were closed that early in the morning, or didn't know if they'd have rooms available until the guests had woken up and checked out, so it's worth booking ahead so you've got somewhere to go.
The rooms
Hai Au HotelLe Loi, Vinh
Ð120,000 for a double room, bathroom with hot water, TV with Star movies.
Average standard. Restaurants nearby, opposite a Maxi Mark and a couple of doors away from a bakery.