Mui Ne and Dalat Beginnings, Week One, Southern Vietnam

Well, it's clear that Sim's leaving me to carry on the blog flame now that we've hit Vietnam's shores. I can see why he's hesistating - it's a bit of a stretch to describe our surrounds. Nonetheless...


We'd spent the past few days in the little town of Mui Ne on the coast of the South China Sea, some 3-4 hours drive north of Ho Chi Minh City. Mui Ne is essentially a budding village-cum-beach-resort, which was reflected in the large amount of construction around the place. Not to cite too much from the Lonely Planet, but they capture it exactly - "Despite its location... Mui Ne.. retains a rickety charm." We spent three nights staying in our own personal beach hut, only 10 steps from the white sandy beach and the sways of the South China deep. My image of Honolulu/Tahiti/Fiji combined! We've done little but swim, drink beer, read, and soak in the suns sweet rays.

Alas, all good things must come to an end.

Today we decided to head onto our third Vietnamese town, a place called Dalat - "The City of Eternal Spring." Dalat is the honeymoon capital of the Central Highlands, settled in mountains some 1500m high (so we've rugged up for the first time in months.. its about 17C outside.) Six hours on the bus, so we arrived safely late this afternoon.

We're set for lakes, waterfalls and other sights au naturale tomorrow, upon the motorbikes of the local tour guide bikies - the "Easyriders". Can't wait!