Day 4 - cycle to Dalat in the Central Highlands (37 miles)

Leaving Sea Links hotel we set out on a smooth boulevard.

Pete and I both sported Garmin-wear, hat, watches and cycle computers. 'Must-have' kit for any respectable cycle bloke.

Dog and little piggy topiary adorned our exit.

Useful juice bars and laundry along the way.

Back alleys here felt safer than parts of Bristol.

Loads and loads of beauty salons, spas with foot and body massage.

Lots of nail bars too.

Coastal cycling was attractive, though sometimes facing a head wind.

A ton of coracles, often used as tenders for a fishing boat further out.

One of the many spellings for coffee.

Paddy everywhere! 

This is one of very many government buildings. Even the smaller towns seem to have multiple municipal buildings, each adorned with the communist star and hammer & sickle.

I was seen taking this photo, but discovered later that it's illegal to photograph such buildings.

Construction is happening on a massive scale. There is obvious growth and wealth in Vietnam.

It feels prosperous. Vietnam is one of south-east Asia's fastest-growing economies and has set its sights on becoming a developed nation by 2020.

Vietnam is a one-party Communist state, though neither school nor health are free despite a constitutional pledge.

Dragon fruit plants.

Young dragon fruit growing on its succulent stem.

Pretty triffid like!

On the road again.

Temperature soaring!

Piggies scurrying to avoid hurtling trucks.

Very sweet but sadly, likely to be somebody's meat.

Lots of coffee plantations in the Highlands.

Coffee drying in the sun.

Vietnam is one of the world's most competitive producer of Robusta coffee. However, many farmers are now switching to better quality Arabica.

Throughout our trip, coffee shops were everywhere!!

Day 3

Day 5