#Vietnam bike tours

[pnguyenst]

Get Package Tours for Every Traveler for Vietnam

Experience the richness and convenience of Vietnam package tours that include the highlights of the beautiful country. Explore the outdoor adventures to cultural excursions which provide a seamless exploration of the destination.

[travelutionss]

Mountain Bike Tours in Vietnam

Vietnam is the ideal destination for a cycling tour holiday, with everything from gorgeous coastlines to majestic mountains, coffee plantations, and dynamic cities. Cycle the coast of bike tours in Vietnam explore the Mekong Delta by bike and boat, spend time with warm and friendly locals, taste the local food, and discover the true beauty of Vietnam on a bicycle tour.

We have taken one of our best selling tours and made an even better version! Using the game-changing technology of pedal assist e-bikes we take you from Dalat in the highlands of Vietnam, along the coast through famous beaches like Nha Trang and Quy Nhon, all the way to the heritage-listed town of Hoi An. 

This is the grand tour of central Vietnam made possible with e-bikes.

Using e-bikes for touring, we can cover a satisfying distance in the mornings, then spend the afternoon on other activities and making the most of the destinations. Enjoying a swim at Nha Trang, or a craft beer overlooking the surf. Visiting Nga's center for the disabled in Quy Nhon or taking a long stroll up the endless, mostly deserted beach of Tam Tanh. Visit the ruins left behind by the Champa Kingdom and pay your respects to the lost souls of the My Lai Massacre at the memorial.

The geography of Vietnam is endlessly stunning. From the fertile green hills to the picturesque rice growing lowlands and the jagged rocky coastlines that gives way to beaches and fishing villages for thousands of kilometers. It's a place that will stay with you long after you have ridden it.

Vietnamese people are some of the most engaging and sophisticated in the region. A rich history and culture, combined with a modern history that has shaped the current national psyche, has created a society that is likely not what you expected. The pace at which the country and its people are advancing is unparalleled in Southeast Asia. You will get to experience all of this first hand and we won't be at all surprised if it makes you want to return again and again.

Breathtaking scenery blends with rich cultural traditions on the Vietnam Essentials Bike Tour. This cycling adventure takes in bustling Saigon, the vibrant Mekong Delta, the ancient imperial capital of Hue and concludes in Asia’s most desired colonial town, Hoi An. Bike touring here opens you to a deeper appreciation of the country's history, challenges you with a spectacular scenic climb and ultimately rewards you with a rich, authentic travel experience.

This unique cycle route will introduce you to the cultural, scenic and culinary tour de force that is coastal Vietnam bike tours. Starting from the historic city of Hue, you’ll begin your cycling adventure along the coast. Pedal to the Cau Hai Lagoon, onto Hoi An for a countryside exploration and visit to the My Son ruins or just some time to rest in this UNESCO favorite city. You’ll continue on to some lesser-known beach towns as you ride through seaside villages past bustling fishing ports and cruise the fertile coastal plains. With minimal traffic plus friendly and inquisitive locals at every turn, this is a ride to truly savor and enjoy. With the help of our app and navigation system, you’ll be able to craft your own adventure while following our recommendation. Maybe you’ll learn a few words of Vietnamese with our language guide so you can connect with locals! This will be a scenic and unforgettable cycling exploration of Vietnam’s coast.

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[hsmagazine254]

Unveiling the Charms of Hanoi: A Journey through History, Culture, and Delights

Live Fully in Vietnam: Explore, Relax, Play   Exploring the Vibrant Capital of Vietnam Hanoi, the bustling capital city of Vietnam, beckons adventurers with its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. From ancient temples and colonial architecture to bustling markets and serene lakes, Hanoi offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. In this travel guide, we invite you…

[trafficbay]

Bike Tours in Vietnam

MTB Vietnam provides both guided and independent Bike Tours in Vietnam. Book your road cycling or mountain biking trip today!

For more details, visit: www.mtbvietnam.com

[jynzandtonic]

Ooooo how would any/all of the boys react to turning 40???

*Sigh* 40 is a damn fine age. Please accept these snaccs:

Charlie Barber: Henry's all set up to stay with his cousins for the week so you two can get away to the little villa he's booked in Tuscany for the two of you. You'll have the whole time to drink red wine, make homemade pasta, and fuck in the sunshine on the deck off the master bedroom.

Clyde Logan: He feels so damn lucky to be alive, to be with you. Growin' up with Jimmy, two tours in Iraq, all his adventures and misadventures, and he's finally settled down with you and happy as can be. All he wants is to sit with ya on the porch swing and watch the sunset with a beer in hand—but he won't say no to the butterscotch cake ya baked him.

Adam Sackler: Can't really believe he's fuckin' forty. He promises to put some of his commercial money in an IRA and take enough of a break from acting for a little staycation to fuck on every surface of your apartment together.

Flip Zimmerman: You sure you don't want to have a baby, sugar?

Phillip Altman: Perpetual man child. He offers to get matching cougar tattoos with you.

Rick Smolan: Motorcycle tour of Vietnam together, letting you take photos on his DSLR while you ride on the back of his bike.

Ronnie Peterson: Cabo San Lucas with you and all your friends. He wants to drink daiquiris, sing karaoke, and maybe get a sunburn at a nude beach!

[justforbooks]

Long before Dave Myers, one half of the TV duo the Hairy Bikers, was hairy, or a biker, he was a cook. While still a child, he prepared family meals when his mother, a former shipyard crane driver, became so debilitated by multiple sclerosis she was scarcely able to leave her bed. “Dad and I became Mam’s carers, muddling through each day,” said Myers, who has died aged 66. “Sometimes I got out a cookbook and made a pie or a stew out of whatever ingredients we had in.”

His mother had been “a fabulous cook and was often preparing food while I played at her feet”. His father, the foreman of a local paper mill, would put little Dave on the saddle of his motorbike so he could pretend to ride. “I loved the smell of oil and machinery and rubber; just one whiff would set my pulse racing.”

But it was only half a lifetime later that Myers, after many years of working as a television makeup artist, managed to make an onscreen career by combining these two childhood passions. In 2004, when he was 45, Myers and his friend Simon King, a locations manager on the Harry Potter films, pitched their idea for a TV show focusing on motorbikes and food to the BBC. “It was midlife crisis time and you can’t have more of a midlife crisis than going off on a motorbike,” said Myers.

The show’s premise was that two burly, hirsute motorcyclists would visit foreign locales, often getting off their bikes to cook by the roadside. In the first episode of The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook (2006), the pair motored through Namibia, stopping off to cook crocodile satay and oryx rolls.

This culinary travelogue ran across three series, taking them to Portugal, Vietnam, Turkey and Mexico, and became such a hit with the viewers that a memo circulated the BBC praising the two men for winning over “a difficult-to-reach audience”. “Basically a ‘difficult-to-reach audience’ translates as ‘normal people’,” said King.

The two self-taught cooks had a disarmingly unpretentious love of food and easy on-screen banter redolent of Keith Floyd, if less bibulous, or Clarissa Dickson Wright and Jennifer Paterson, if less posh. In a sense, Myers and King were the male northern riposte to the Two Fat Ladies. What’s more, their two fat lads were refreshing fare in the age of telegenic cooks such as Nigella Lawson or angry chefs like Gordon Ramsay.

Spin-off shows followed, including The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain (2009), The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best (2010), The Hairy Bikers’ Mississippi Adventure (2012) and The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure (2014), along with allied cookbooks and a 2015 memoir, The Hairy Bikers Blood, Sweat and Tyres.

What was the secret of their success? “We are mates, it’s not something that’s been manufactured,” said Myers. “We’re not snobby about food. We’re very happy with egg and chips, as long as it’s very good-quality eggs and good-quality potatoes. About 95% of good cooking is good shopping.”

They met by chance in a Newcastle pub in the 1990s when Myers was working there as makeup artist and prosthetics technician on an adaptation of Catherine Cookson’s The Gambling Man starring Robson Green. King, an assistant director on the project, was at the bar ordering a curry. The barman told King that if he ordered two curries he would qualify for a special offer: four poppadoms instead of one. “I just stepped up and said, ‘I’ll have the other curry’,” Myers said.

The pair cemented their friendship with road trips up the west coast of Scotland, travelling with a pan, a single-burner stove, some butter, a lemon and some brown bread. “We’d go up round Loch Assynt, up by Lochinver, and catch wild brown trout.” The idea for the television series was born from these trips.

But, while the Hairy Bikers became celebrated and their cookbooks successful, some worried that their recipes were unhealthy. Their banana French toast recipe, consisting of brioche, bananas, peanut butter and cream, was ominously dedicated to Elvis Presley. One critic suggested that their full-English shakshuka, featuring sausages, lardons and black pudding, “looks as if it should come with a diagram on how to administer CPR”.

Indeed, as their fame expanded, so did their waistbands. By 2012, Myers recalled, he was taking tablets for high blood pressure and to lower his cholesterol, and both he and King were diagnosed as being morbidly obese during a medical. He weighed 17st 12lb, with a 49in waist, while King weighed in at 19st 6lb, with a 50in waistline. “I was prediabetic; human foie gras, basically,” Myers said.

The diagnoses pushed them to make the series The Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight. Both men lost 3st 7lb during filming and published their most successful series of books afterwards under the general title Hairy Dieters. “Doing it publicly was the thing that encouraged us to make it work. People admired the honesty. We sold about 1.3m copies of our first book. We learned an awful lot from it.”

The following year, 2013, Myers appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, performing a “Tartan tango” to the tune of The Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) with his dance partner, Karen Hauer, and becoming, in the words of the show’s judge Len Goodman, “the people’s champion”, winning the weekly popular vote despite sometimes low marks from judges and armchair critics deriding his “ungainly boogying”. He didn’t win, but the Hairy Biker received the longest standing ovation for, fittingly enough, a Meat Loaf-themed paso doble.

Myers, the only child of Jim and Margaret, was born in Barrow-in-Furness ( then in Lancashire but now in Cumbria) and attended the town’s grammar school for boys, where an inspirational teacher, Mr Eaton, encouraged him to develop his artistic skills. He took a fine art degree at Goldsmiths, University of London and a master’s degree in art history.

His first job was as a trainee makeup artist at the BBC. He worked there for 23 years, including a stint on Top of the Pops, before the Hairy Bikers got together. While filming the show in Romania, Myers met Liliana Orzac. “In our hotel there was a striking woman on reception. Nudging Si, I whispered: ‘I fancy her!’” They married in 2011.

In 2022, Myers announced on the podcast Hairy Bikers – Agony Uncles that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He and King made a moving return to the screen in The Hairy Bikers: Coming Home for Christmas in December 2023, in which they discussed his illness and treatment; and had filmed a new series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, which is currently screening on BBC Two, and which King described as “a celebration of a joyous and creative friendship”.

Myers is survived by Liliana and her children, Iza and Sergiu.

🔔 David James Myers, chef and television presenter, born 8 September 1957; died 28 February 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[gogetyrshovel]

hello i am visiting chicago for the first time in march and have no clue what to do do you have suggestions …

YES !!!

feel free to PM me with specifics if u want (neighborhood you're staying in, dietary restrictions, interests) so i can make better recs but here are some general must dos

Attractions:

The Art Institute of Chicago is beautiful, huge, and world class and so you will not see everything but they have an app-guided tour that will take you around to some of the most famous works in their collection

The Museum of Science and Industry is a childhood fave but the interactive exhibits still hold up tbh. You can look at anatomical slices of real human bodies and simulate a tornado!

The Shedd Aquarium is amazing but pretty $$ ($40!!) so would recommend if you're super interested but maybe save your money if it doesnt seem worth it to you.

Millenium Park is a must see--weather is kinda touch and go in March but if you get a warm/sunny day I recommend renting a Divvy bike and checking out the Lakefront Trail (side note: Lake Michigan is way bigger than u think it is)

Navy Pier is largely a tourist trap and nothing special I would skip it LOL 1

The Architecture Tours are also amazing and worth it !! Plus the views from the river are unmatched.

Neighborhoods to check out/Food to eat:

(I'm assuming you're staying in the loop but if not I can give you more suggestions based on where you're staying/what's accessible via transit)

Wicker Park/Logan Square

Cool bookstores, record stores, thrifting, good breakfast/brunch, coffee shops up the wazoo. Easily accessible via the blue line (more on transit later), one of my favorite meals ever is the Chicken Fried Chicken from Dove's Luncheonette.

Chinatown

The Chinese American Museum is pretty interesting if you're into history, but the biggest draw of Chinatown is the food. Chiu Quon Bakery has delicious pork buns and egg tarts that are ridiculously affordable, Hing Kee's soup dumplings are top tier. Go4Food is another local favorite and I recommend Happy Lamb if you're looking for hot pot.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park Zoo is free!! Check out the lily ponds and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The coffee and baked goods at Verzenay are a little $$ but totally worth it.

Andersonville:

My biggest pet peeve is when people tell queer tourists to go to Boystown just cuz they have the gay bars and rainbow sidewalks. Andersonville doesn't have as many lesbians as it used to, but the vibes are a lot more inclusive and it feels way less yuppie gay white guy in my humble lesbian opinion. Lots of cute boutiques and good food. Kopi Cafe is unique and has really great vegetarian/pescatarian sandwiches and snacks. Not too far from Little Vietnam either, get a big bowl of pho or a banh mi at Pho 888.

Getting around:

I will wax poetic about the CTA, but it can definitely be intimidating if you're not familiar with it! You can get the Ventra app on your phone and tap it at the turnstiles/on buses --any chip card will work too. The best bang for your buck is to get a 3-day pass or a 5-day pass depending on how long you'll be here, because those give you unlimited rides and you'll probably be doing a lot of running around. The L (for elevated trains) is generally faster than the buses and are named by color (e.g. the red line, blue line, green line etc). Buses are numbered and sometimes have letters too. Google Maps' transit directions are usually solid but estimated arrival times are more accurate on the Ventra app itself.

[plenilune]

tagged by @endquestionmark an age and a half ago but I lost it in a tab. however I love to do a little Survey like it's 2004 on Xanga.

relationship status: ecstatically partnered, but non-monogamous

favorite color: the specific pale green smoothing to black of oxidised copper, and the dark dark pine green that is its companion.

favorite food: god I love food. favourite categories include: inventive sandwiches with many layers, very simple and perfect sandwiches (peanut butter, nice salami, ham on brioche with kewpie mayo, tamago sando, the old American man version of tamago sando which is very mustardy egg salad on toasted pumpernickel), tomato soup, buttered toast, ramens and stir fries, anything of the put an egg on it variety, Corey's chicken cooked in herbs and butter and white wine, Corey's strip steak, hot dogs from the roller grill at Speedway, anything you can order at a diner at 3am, Fancy Pizza, anything that goes in a fry-up, quiche, marble rye, beer bread, fresh baguette with cheddar, rosemary bread, focaccia, savoury scones, sourdough, bread, also bread, other bread, more bread,

song stuck in my head: perpetually the main riff from Charles Mingus' "Moanin'" (specifically this version), a tune which Corey and I have decided is just the soundtrack to an easily imagined animated piece about small terriers getting into Trouble. thus it has become the melody to at least a third of the little songs we sing to and about our small terrier when he is, getting himself into Trouble.

last thing i googled: kdjsshjkghs. well. it was "bicycle in tenebrae" because I watched the opening to Argento's Tenebrae last night and discovered the protagonist spends the first scene riding a MOTHERFUCKING CELESTE BIANCHI to the JFK airport and I needed to know if any other bicycle enthusiasts were talking about this. (a Bianchi is a very iconic Italian racing bicycle, often painted a highly recognisable shade of oxidised-copper blue-green called Celeste. anyway I happen to have one from the mid-80s because Corey, who works as a bike mechanic and salesperson at a terrible little bike shop that is absolutely exploiting them, scored a frame in perfect condition in my exact size and has been refurbishing her since like, August, and she is my pride and joy and the fastest and most beautiful bicycle in the WORLD.) the most ABSURD special-interest collision I've had in months. anyway Corey was able to identify the bike in the film down to the model and the approximate model year, which I thought was very sexy of them.

local time: 5:19 pm

dream trip: I want to show Corey (and everyone else I love) New York, the city I fell in love with, and Corey wants to show me London, which they fell in love with as a teenager, and we both want terribly to spend a month in Scotland, walking Edinburgh for hours and bicycling through the otherworldly green hills. I want to go back to Boston. I want to go back to West Virginia. I want to go back to Nova Scotia, and explore the plains of Canada as well, and I want to drive up the entire west coast and get my head lost on those long strange highways. I want to see Prague, and Tokyo, and Berlin, and Vienna, and Mumbai, and Sao Paolo, and Paris, and Beijing, and, everywhere that's a city that has become a myth of a city. I want to see places I'd never considered and fall in love with the unexpectedness of them. I want to take every single subway in the world. I want to go on a food tour of Italy, and Vietnam, and Turkey, and Morocco. I want to see forests that are older than any building I've ever touched. I want to see Australia, and Galapagos, and I want to get stoned as fuck with Rebecca and Britt in Atlanta and then go hiking, and for Corey and Rowan and Dylan and I to all cook a big meal together and then scream about tv, and go thrifting with JD in Texas, and have Kater show me her best weird secondhand shops in upstate New York, and Avery I want to lie on the floor with you and the record player and get so fucking lost, and I want all the people I love best to show me the places they love best, and tell me why it matters to them and try to see the ways in which they love that place and if I can get it inside of me, too. I want to see so much. I want to see everything.

[canonicallyobserving911]

Buck & Eddie: CANON Songs of Their Love Story continues…6x4

Their LOVE story is continuing to be told in CANON by the songs included in their scenes. The links to previous posts have been included below:  

Seasons 2 through 5

6x1 Let the Games Begin

6x2 Crash and Learn

Separate posts for each episode will be uploaded weekly provided there were any songs that pertain to their story included in that week’s episode.  There was 1 song in 6x4 that related to Buck and Eddie’s CANON love story.

6x4 “Animal Instincts”

Scene: The 118 responded to a car vs. bicycle accident

Song: Bicycle by Queen

Lyrics: 

Chorus: Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle. I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like.  

Verse: You say black, I say white, You say bark, I say bite, You say shark, I say hey man, Jaws was never my scene, And I don't like Star Wars, You say Rolls, I say Royce, You say God give me a choice, You say Lord, I say Christ, I don't believe in Peter Pan, Frankenstein or Superman, All I wanna do is,

Chorus: Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle. I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle.

Verse: races are coming your way, So forget all your duties, oh yeah. Fat bottomed girls, they'll be riding today. So look out for those beauties, oh yeah. On your marks, get set, go.

Chorus: Bicycle race, bicycle race, bicycle race, Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, (I want a) bicycle race.

Verse: You say coke, I say 'caine, You say John, I say Wayne, Hot dog, I say cool it man, I don't wanna be the President of America, You say smile, I say cheese, Cartier, I say please, Income tax, I say Jesus, I don't wanna be a candidate, For Vietnam or Watergate, 'Cause all I want to do is

Chorus: Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle (c'mon), bicycle, I want to ride my, bicycle, I want to ride my bike, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like.”

Freddie Mercury was the lead singer of Queen and he wrote the song “Bicycle”. He was quoted as saying he wrote it after watching the Tour de France bicycle race in 1978.  Even though the word “bicycle” and the lyric “I want to ride my bicycle” are mentioned several times throughout the song, it’s important to note the song is not about bicycles; it’s actually about one’s “personal freedom”.  When translated the song is about a person “living their life the way they choose to live it” not the way they believe they are “supposed to” or the way people expect for them to live it.

The song starts with Queen singing, “Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle!” right after Eddie says, “Buck, where the he!! you going?” and Buck sped past him riding the victim’s bicycle. 

Buck was following the drunk driver because Chimney was trapped inside of the car with him but it’s important to note that Buck did not follow the police during the high-speed chase.

He followed his own path and by doing so he was able to stop the car without anyone being injured before the police arrived.  Therefore Buck’s actions allowed him to do exactly what the lyrics in Queen’s song “Bicycle” alludes to because Buck followed his instincts and made his own personal choices during that car chase instead of doing what everyone thought he should do.

The meaning of the song “Bicycle” correlates with the conversations Buck had with three older men right before all of them died; Thomas in 2x8 “Buck Actually”, Red in 3x16 “The One that Got Away” and Lev in 6x2 “Crash and Learn”. They all imparted wisdom to Buck during their conversations with him and the things Buck should have learned from those talks all revolve around him living his life the way he wants to live it instead of living it the way society and other people expect or want him to live it. Buck is supposed to make his own choices so that he can experience his own personal freedoms. Thomas told Buck how he and Mitchell lived their lives the way they wanted to because they loved each other and they didn’t allow other people to dictate the way they chose to live.  He also told Buck the meaning of love was to “make it” which meant he could fall in love with whomever he chooses to and that he can build a life and a family with that person.  Red told Buck if he kept putting his job as a firefighter first while continuing to neglect building a life and family of his own, he would end up dying alone with regrets just like Red did.  Lev told Buck that he spent 40 years living his life the way people thought he was “supposed to” live it but he wasn’t happy. He didn’t realize until right before he died that he could have been happy a long time ago if he had chosen to live his life the way he wanted to instead of the way people told him to.  All three of them told Buck about living his life on his own terms instead of doing the expected things that other people do but he is continuing to misunderstand the assignment.  He’s still searching for happiness in all the wrong places instead of looking right in front of him for the family he built with Eddie more than four years ago.

Currently Buck is doing the exact opposite of living his life the way he wants to since he’s continuing to allow people like Connor to manipulate him.  Being a sperm donor for someone when Buck knows in his heart that he wants a family of his own is not emotionally or mentally healthy for him (related post). He’s been manipulated by so many people in the past that he doesn’t see how the life and family he already built with Eddie and Christopher are right there and have been for a long time (related GIF set).  Eddie and Christopher have been and continue to wait for Buck to realize they are his family but it appears the show is going to keep Buck on a path of self-destruction until he has a mental breakdown like Eddie did in 5x13 “Fear-O-Phobia”.

In previous seasons and in episode 6x1, all the songs’ lyrics were in sync with Buck and Eddie’s conversations and mannerisms; but the song in 6x4 is similar to those that were in 6x2 because it was used to foreshadow things that are set to happen in the near future for them as a couple and for Buck as an individual. As season 6 continues, 9-1-1 has shown the audience that they will continue to be VERY LOUD regarding their plan of making Buck and Eddie a CANON couple.

[bikeit]

Packing: Van-Supported + Hotel Tour

(part 3 of 5) I'm gradually going through past trip notebooks and jotting down all my packing lists down in one place. I'm writing out my packing list for an upcoming trip now so I figured I might as well copy and paste it onto the blog as well...

In 2022 I went on a multi-week vehicle-supported stay-in-hotels tour: a ~1200 mile ride through Vietnam and Cambodia with TdA Global Cycling. Typically for this type of trip there’s a support van that transports one large duffel bag to the next night’s hotel for you, freeing you to just carry daily essentials on the bike.

The extra capacity combined with our more remote travel including gravel/dirt roads led me to pack heavier. My packing list for this type, climate, and length of trip (retroactively revised based on what I wished I’d had, or brought but didn’t use):

Clothes:

In general, I packed enough clothes to do laundry every six days (this bike tour was organized so we’d ride at most five full days in a row between days off), plus overnight hotel-room-sink laundry for crucial fast-drying items, and wool Ts I can wear multiple days.

Bike clothes:

(3-4x) padded bike shorts [two pairs is enough if washing in the sink each night, but when it’s raining or there isn’t an easy place to hang it to dry it’s nice to be able to take a day off laundry]

(6x) socks

(2x) shorts with pockets (“mountain bike style”) to wear over padded shorts, also fine to walk around town in

(2x) light merino wool t-shirts to both bike and walk around in

(1x) synthetic souvenir jersey from some past trip (conversation starter!)

mesh t-shirt to bike in on the hottest days (there isn't much I find comfortable to bike in on 90-100F sunny + humid days, but the AeroTech Delta Cooling T-shirt was pretty good)

lightweight cycle cap

bandana (can soak in water to cool down on the hottest days)

sun sleeves

arm warmers, leg warmers, leg sun shields [never needed, omit in this climate]

fingerless gloves

[tbd future] full finger waterproof gloves– there was one cold and rainy day at elevation they would have been appreciated

general-purpose bike-and-walk shoes

backup pair of shoes (in case first get wet and don’t dry by the next day)-- this only came up twice after very rainy days, but I was glad to have them. I save an ancient worn-out pair of shoes just for this.

flip-flops / crocs

[tbd future] hiking shoes with better arch support, or insoles [would be bulky, but on one many-hour hike on a rest day I was wishing I had these]

[tbd future] bike helmet brim (e.g. Da Brim) [wished I had more of a helmet visor some days, and this was great on the past Utah MTB dirt tour – on the other hands, it also catches the wind if biking faster]

[tbd future] hi-vis biking vest, especially for days with some dark road tunnels

Other Clothes:

gym shorts to change into after ride

(2x) long pants (one lpermethrin treated since I was in a malaria zone)

(3x) light t-shirts

(2x) long sleeve button up shirt (one quick-dry hiking style, one ‘dressy’)

bathing suit

brimmed hat

light pack towel in case of roadside swimming holes [didn’t end up carrying daily or using, may omit]

Wet Weather Gear

hi-vis yellow rain coat

[tbd future] loose rain poncho for rain in hot + humid weather, instead

rain pants and shoe covers [ineffective and sweaty after hours of riding, getting wet in a warm climate is OK, omitting]

Documents + Paper:

photocopies of passport ID page, visas, vaccination cards, travel insurance in a ziploc bag (I carry copies on me, leave originals in hotel bag)

high-level maps for the regions I’m going through

pocket phrase guide or one-page printout of common phrases and menu items

local travel guide

books / kindle

notebooks and pens

Medical + Hygiene

toiletries kit

on-bike travel medkit (including moleskin pads, ibuprofen, immodium)

antimalarials

antibiotic prescription

a few rapid Covid tests

masks

dry soap sheets

toilet paper + wet wipes in a ziploc bag

(2x) sunscreen

(2x) chamois cream

DEET

Basic Bike Tools

As per my standard “on the bike” list:

travel pump

patch kit

spare tube

tire levers

multitool including chain break and master link

grease-cutting hand wipes

More Bicycle Spare Parts and Tools

Since we’d be out in rural areas without easy access to bike shops, I packed additional parts in my hotel bag, as on a supported tour there was an emergency vehicle in case of a major breakdown):

(2x) spare tires (I did end up using one of them, when one tire accumulated multiple larger punctures)

(5x) spare tubes (managed to use 3 plus some patches on a month-long tour with moderately rough roads)

bicycle lube (Boeshield T-9 or other), double-bagged in two ziplocs in case of leak (the bottle did leak once-- I'm glad I bagged it)

rag for chain

(2x) spare brake cables and housings

(2x) spare shift cables and housings

(2x pairs) brake pads

(1x) spare set of pedals (likely unnecessary, omit next time)

(4x) spare spokes (the right length for the front wheel and drive and non-drive sides of the rear wheel– I had to chat with the original bike manufacturer to double-check these)

8mm allen L-key (stiffer than multitool, for pedals / seat during bike unpacking)

spare chain and master link

extra moist towelettes

zip ties

duct tape

Food 

This kind of supported tour generally offers a midday lunch / snack popup by the side of the road, and periodic towns where we could buy snacks, but I packed about one snack for every two days just to have some familiar options (peanut butter and dried pineapple) as well as some hydration salts.

Electronics:

(2x) outlet adapters

(2x) USB chargers

cables

small USB battery pack (enough to charge everything for one night-- occasionally a hotel didn't have enough working plugs)

bike computer / GPS

backup distance-only bike computer [didn't use, the phone is already my backup for my GPS, omit]

bright daylight-visible taillight (I like the Cygolite Hotshot Pro series)

bike headling

headlamp [somewhat redundant with headlight and phone, may omit]

waterproof camera [nice for taking photos on rainy days while keeping phone tucked away in a plastic bag, but may omit next time]

[tbd future] ipad or tiny laptop, if part of a longer trip where I may want to do some work or writing

Bags:

duffel bag (I've been happy with my 100L Patagonia Black Hole)

hip pack (for extra water (Evoc Hip Pack Pro = 1.5L), snacks, toiletries on bike [may omit now that I have a small frame bag]

day pack for hikes (don't need both this and hip pack)

single pannier for carrying clothing on rainy or cold days (usually not needed) or if going on a DIY side trip -- omit on next trip to simplify and allow me to remove bike rear rack as well

stem bag (for sunglasses, sunscreen, extra water)

top tube bag (snacks)

Other Misc

backup pair of glasses

glasses wipes

sunglasses

[tbd future] clothesline for hotel room / balcony: paracord + binder clips + two carabiners

[tbd future] ultralight sleeping bag liner (for a niche problem: there were a few days when it was too hot to sleep under a comforter, but the hotel didn’t provide a top sheet, and bugs or aggressive breeze from the hotel fan on my skin were distracting when trying to sleep, maybe this would help)

Weight:

Not counting the bike and helmet or the clothes I wore onto the plane, the original version of this packlist came to about 48lbs (22 kg) in the duffel bag. Once I was riding with some of it on the bike (hip pack, bike bags, tools, snack bars, and so on), the duffel that was transferred between hotels weighed about 40lbs (18kg).

The revised version of this packlist for a future trip (removing the strikeout items and adding most of the "tbd future" items) also came to about 48 lbs as checked on the plane total including the bike bags, or about 43 lbs / 19.5 kg once some items were carried on the bike. Not quite at my goal of 18kg but close... I could pack lighter and with fewer separate sub-bags, but I like being organized and bringing a few new pieces of clothing/gear to try each trip.

[mtbvietnamsblog]

Bike Tours In Vietnam

MTB Vietnam provides both guided and independent Bike Tours In Vietnam. Book your road cycling or mountain biking trip today! https://mtbvietnam.com/

[pnguyenst]

Scenic routes on Mekong cycling tours unveil the unique mixture of cultural richness and lush green landscapes. A cycling tour that offers an amazing experience and takes you to the charming villages along the mighty river.

[rashmi-rattan]

Exploring Mui Ne, Vietnam: A Paradise of Natural Wonders and Cultural Riches

Mui Ne, Vietnam, a coastal haven in the southeastern part of the country, offers an enchanting blend of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. This tranquil beach town, part of the larger Phan Thiet city in Binh Thuan Province, has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations. With its pristine beaches, unique sand dunes, and a plethora of attractions, Mui Ne promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. If you are planning a trip, here are some of the top places to visit in Mui Ne and things to do in Mui Ne.

Places to Visit in Mui Ne

1. The White Sand Dunes (Bau Trang)

One of the most iconic landmarks in Mui Ne, the White Sand Dunes, also known as Bau Trang, resemble a miniature Sahara Desert. These vast, rolling dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Visitors can rent quad bikes or take a jeep tour to explore the dunes or simply enjoy a peaceful walk while marveling at the shifting sands. Sunrise and sunset here are particularly spectacular, casting a golden glow over the landscape.

2. The Red Sand Dunes

Located closer to the center of Mui Ne, the Red Sand Dunes are smaller but equally captivating. The reddish-brown hue of the sand provides a striking contrast to the blue sky and sea. This spot is popular for sand sledding, an exhilarating activity enjoyed by both locals and tourists. The Red Sand Dunes are also a great place to capture stunning photographs, especially during the golden hours of dawn and dusk.

3. Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien)

Fairy Stream is a hidden gem that offers a serene and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. This shallow stream, surrounded by dramatic red and white limestone formations, flows through a lush tropical landscape. Walking barefoot through the cool water while admiring the natural beauty around is a unique and refreshing experience. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the striking contrasts and vivid colors of this enchanting spot.

4. Mui Ne Fishing Village

For a glimpse into the local life, visit the Mui Ne Fishing Village. Here, you can observe traditional fishing practices and see colorful boats bobbing in the water. The village is particularly lively in the early morning when fishermen return with their catch. The sight of the bustling market, where fresh seafood is sold and traded, provides an authentic taste of coastal Vietnamese culture.

5. Po Sah Inu Cham Towers

Perched on a hill overlooking Phan Thiet, the Po Sah Inu Cham Towers are ancient remnants of the Cham civilization that once flourished in this region. Dating back to the 8th century, these towers are an important cultural and historical site. The architecture is impressive, and the views from the hilltop are breathtaking. A visit here offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam's rich heritage and the Cham people's history.

Things to Do in Mui Ne

1. Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Mui Ne is renowned for its excellent wind conditions, making it one of the best places in Asia for kitesurfing and windsurfing. With strong and consistent winds, especially from November to April, the town attracts enthusiasts from around the world. Several schools and rental shops along the beach offer lessons and equipment for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

2. Beach Hopping

Mui Ne's coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, each with its own charm. From the bustling main beach lined with resorts and restaurants to more secluded spots like Suoi Nuoc Beach, there's a beach for every preference. Spend your days swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing on the soft sand while enjoying the tropical atmosphere.

3. Exploring Local Cuisine

A visit to Mui Ne would be incomplete without indulging in the local cuisine. Fresh seafood is a highlight, with dishes like grilled scallops, squid, and shrimp being local favorites. Additionally, don't miss out on trying Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake) and fresh spring rolls. For a unique dining experience, visit the Mui Ne Night Market, where you can sample a variety of street food while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

4. Visiting the Lotus Lake (Bau Sen)

Located near the White Sand Dunes, the Lotus Lake, or Bau Sen, is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery and blooming lotus flowers. The contrast between the serene lake and the sandy dunes creates a picturesque setting. It's an ideal spot for picnicking, photography, or simply unwinding in nature's embrace.

5. Spa and Wellness

After a day of exploration, treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa session. Many resorts and spas in Mui Ne offer traditional Vietnamese massages, aromatherapy, and other wellness treatments. This is a perfect way to relax and recharge, ensuring you leave Mui Ne feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Conclusion

Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a cultural enthusiast, Mui Ne has something to offer. The combination of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a variety of activities ensures that every visitor can find something to enjoy. From the enchanting sand dunes and tranquil streams to the vibrant fishing village and historical sites, Mui Ne is a destination that promises lasting memories. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the many wonders of Mui Ne, Vietnam.

[maxhunt0616]

Vietnam in Summer: An Unforgettable Adventure

Vietnam in summer offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures. From the bustling cities to serene beaches, and from ancient temples to vibrant nightlife, Vietnam has something for everyone. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a solo backpacking trip, or a romantic honeymoon, this guide will help you discover the best of Vietnam in summer.

Vietnam in Summer

Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is a country with diverse landscapes and a fascinating history. Summer, spanning from May to August, is a great time to visit as the weather is warm and the scenery is lush and vibrant. This season is ideal for exploring the country’s natural beauty, indulging in adventure activities, and experiencing the local culture.

Adventure Activities in Vietnam

Vietnam is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. The country offers a variety of activities that cater to different levels of thrill-seekers.

Trekking and Hiking: Northern Vietnam, particularly Sapa, is famous for its terraced rice fields and ethnic hill tribes. Trekking through these landscapes provides breathtaking views and an opportunity to interact with local communities.

Caving: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to some of the world's largest and most spectacular caves, including Son Doong, the largest cave in the world. Exploring these caves is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Biking: The scenic countryside and coastal roads of Vietnam are perfect for biking tours. From the Mekong Delta to the mountains of the north, biking offers a unique perspective of the country.

Water Sports: Vietnam’s coastline and rivers provide ample opportunities for water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

Beaches in Vietnam

Vietnam boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. The summer season is perfect for beach lovers.

Nha Trang: Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Nha Trang is a top destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Da Nang: This coastal city offers a long stretch of sandy beach and is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports. The nearby Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills add to the appeal.

Phu Quoc: An island paradise, Phu Quoc is famous for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and luxury resorts. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxing family vacation.

Mui Ne: Known for its unique sand dunes, Mui Ne is a great spot for windsurfing and kite surfing.

Vietnam Nightlife

Vietnam’s nightlife is as vibrant and diverse as its culture. Each city offers a unique experience.

Hanoi: The capital city is known for its bustling night markets, street food stalls, and vibrant bars in the Old Quarter. Don’t miss the famous Bia Hoi Junction for a taste of local draft beer.

Ho Chi Minh City: The city never sleeps and offers everything from rooftop bars and nightclubs to night markets and cultural shows. The Bui Vien Street is the heart of the nightlife scene.

Da Nang: This city offers a more laid-back nightlife with beachside bars and night markets. The Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire on weekends, is a must-see attraction.

Restaurants in Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and diverse dishes. Summer is the perfect time to indulge in the local cuisine.

Hanoi: Try the famous Pho (noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), and Egg Coffee at local eateries.

Ho Chi Minh City: The city offers a wide range of culinary delights from street food to fine dining. Don’t miss the Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) and Com Tam (broken rice).

Hoi An: Known for its ancient town and culinary heritage, Hoi An is the place to try dishes like Cao Lau (noodles with pork and greens) and White Rose Dumplings.

Festivals in Vietnam

Summer in Vietnam is marked by several vibrant festivals that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural traditions.

Buddha’s Birthday: Celebrated in May, this festival involves colorful parades, religious ceremonies, and lantern displays, particularly in cities like Hue and Hoi An.

Tet Doan Ngo: Also known as the Mid-year Festival, this celebration in June involves rituals to ward off pests and diseases. Traditional foods like sticky rice and fermented fruits are enjoyed.

National Day: Although celebrated on September 2nd, preparations begin in summer. This day marks Vietnam’s independence with parades, fireworks, and cultural performances across the country.

River Rafting in Vietnam

Vietnam’s rivers offer exciting opportunities for river rafting, especially during the summer when water levels are high.

Sapa: The northern region offers thrilling rafting experiences through scenic landscapes and traditional villages.

Phong Nha: The rivers in this area flow through stunning caves and lush forests, providing an adventurous rafting experience.

Honeymoon Destinations in Vietnam

Vietnam is an excellent choice for honeymooners, offering romantic getaways and luxurious experiences.

Halong Bay: Known for its emerald waters and limestone islands, Halong Bay is perfect for a romantic cruise. Enjoy kayaking, cave explorations, and breathtaking sunsets.

Da Lat: Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Da Lat offers a cool climate, beautiful gardens, and charming French architecture. It’s ideal for a romantic escape.

Hoi An: This ancient town offers a romantic ambiance with its lantern-lit streets, riverside restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

Conclusion

Vietnam in summer is a destination that promises diverse experiences, from thrilling adventure activities and serene beaches to vibrant nightlife and rich cultural festivals. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a foodie, or someone looking for a relaxing beach holiday, Vietnam has something to offer. With its warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, Vietnam is a must-visit destination. Book your Vietnam tour now and embark on an unforgettable journey that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

[roadie1963]

Bike Anywhere in Europe or Asia with Freedom Treks

Image By Samuel Vogl from Pexels.com What place on earth have you maybe thought about doing a cycling trip but didn’t think it was possible or available? What about in Asia? Have you ever wanted to do a fully supported tour through Cambodia, Japan, or Vietnam? Freedom Treks makes that possible. Who is Freedom Treks? Based in the United Kingdom, Freedom Treks is led by Catherine Gray. The…