Sunday 14 August 2011

Saigon to Monkey Island and beach (Opposite Vung Tau)

"This was not one of the greatest rides I've ever done - however the beach at the end was an interesting point to note after a fairly un-interesting journey".

After a 5.40am departure from Thao Dien we negotiated our way out of D2, over the Phu My Bridge and onto the ferry at Binh Khanh to find ourselves on a desolate road which cuts its way through miles of mangrove forrest. Apart from a limited number of fruit sellers and drink stand proprietors calling us in to purchase thier goods the only sounds we heard (but never saw) were that of wild monkeys which populate the area. Infact a turn off to 'Monkey Island" just a few kms from our destination promised thousands of monkeys all over the road ready to accept your candy or fruit gifts - weather you offer them or not! We road on with out falling to the monkey temptation and arrived at the 'interesting' cua can' beach boardwalk at exactly 9.15am. I likened it to a 'warm blackpool' to which our english member of the group seemed to accept. Black beach, brown water, over crowded, tents and deck chairs for rent, extended family groups carrying bags of beers and fatty snacks... I rest my case.  However a quick sideways look we discovered a beach side eatery which served excellent noodle soup (mine with prawns) and the obligatory cafe da.  Fuelled up and feeling fine we saddled up and made the return run in around 3 hours - arriving home just prior to 1pm.

Total distance = 130km...door to door.(Including 2 x ferry crossings)
Average = 22km/hr + stops

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