An early start, with the morning alarm going off at 6.15am. After a swift breakfast, we were soon on a coach heading out of Hanoi and into the hilly countryside.
The drive took the best part of 3hrs and just before entering Mai Chau we stopped at a hillside viewing point to look down on the area below.
The hillside pass meant that we looked down on the town as though in an airplane such was the height.
As the photo sign says below it was a Top View.
Once out of the coach it was clear today was going to be a sunny hot day and out came the sunblock in readiness for the afternoons cycle around the area.
The valley below was so very flat, which was good news for the cycling that was to come post our early lunch.
After arriving at the destination, we started with a very impressive lunch with various dishes all from local produce. It’s fair to say we haven’t ate so well for lunch in a good while. So impressive and very healthy.
Behind the restaurant we went in search of our bikes and had to navigate around one of the families animals resting in the field.
Around the homestay starting point, were fields upon fields of paddy fields with the second rice crop of the year just starting to become established.
Our bikes for the tour around the area were a little makeshift, but after getting used to the basic features we were soon on our way.
This part of Vietnam is so beautiful and unspoilt. August is the hottest time of the year and is the low season for tourists. There were very other people around, so we could cycle freely along the quiet lanes, soaking in the wonderful views.
Our first stop was at a local families house where the lady has been weaving and selling her wares for over 60yrs. She was so lovely and keen to share her skills and we felt privileged to be able to hear her story.
After watching the lady, Michelle got in on the act and tried her hand at weaving. our daughter Amelia would have been so impressed, as she weaves on her University course doing Textiles and Design.
Then it was Andy’s turn, not as skilled as Michelle but a trier all the same!
After walking around her shop/home Michelle decided to purchase a silk scarf and we got a photo with the lady who made it.
We were then off again, cycling through the paddy fields to a nearby village to see other local craft products.
After a hour or so on the bike, Michelle was starting to enjoy the ride and had got to grips with the bikes dodgy brakes and bike stand.
As the heat of the day continued to rise, we stopped for an ice lolly to help with the dehydration.
Before we knew it the 2.5hr cycle ride had come to an end and it was time to re-board the coach for the return journey to Hanoi.
We had some fun on the bikes and met a lovely family from Singapore, who were enjoying a break with their two adult daughters. Great to hear about their lives and how they met. By coincidence they got married only a month before we did!
Once back on the road, it was soon snoozing time, as we drove for a couple of hours through driving rain before we hit the outskirts of Hanoi. After navigating through the rush hour of the city, our driver dropped us back at our hotel just after 6pm and it was time to relax.
@travellingwiththeateam 