Day 6 Nam Dinh to Ninh Binh

 Nam Dinh to Nimh Binh has a certain ring to it, don’t you think. Or does it sound like teletubby talk. A late start to the day as there was no rushing needed. We couldn’t check in till 2pm and only had 27 miles to do. The hotel did not serve breakfast so a cup of tea sufficed. After last night’s meal in a very basic cafe near the hotel, we were cautious of putting anything down our gullet. We had asked for noodles and veg, no meat and we were recommended Oc To. Presumably the Vietnamese do not consider snails to be meat!!!

We left the hotel and the anticipated forecast of rain had not materialised, so a dry start was most welcome. The busy town was pleasant and far less manic and frenzied. After a very short distance we fell upon a street vendor selling pastries and other delights. This was just too tempting- we had to stop. Jen came back with 4 healthy looking donuts and all for 40p- after our suspicion of Vietnamese food evaporated in an instant as these delights were devoured vociferously. So so good.

So on with the journey with Komoot (the cycling/hiking app we’ve been using) navigating and taking us down tracks and back streets one would never venture down or even find . The route was sublime and the sat nav device Wahoo, was spot on at directing us, much more accomplished than the rider using it! We passed churches, towers and grave yards as well lots of agricultural workers in their paddy fields working the land. 

We arrived in Nihm Binh and bought some provisions as we didn’t know what amenities we could expect.and what to expect from our bungalow accommodation located a few miles from the town. The settlement is a little touristy with very manicured westerners exploring the beautiful scenery that this national park boast. It took us some time to locate our digs as it was nowhere near the Google map end point and eventually Jen had  to use the old fashioned method- ask a few locals! After two ask and the rain now falling with a vengeance we raced (at least Jen did) to our beautiful hut nestling amongst the rocky outcrops that characterise this area. 

Two donuts, as tasty as they were are not sufficient for any cyclist, so food had to be got. Having always been a tad sniffy about pot noodles, we tried some Vietnam style and do you know what, I’m a convert- loved them. So that in essence was our day apart from the showered and washing of very muddy wet clothes and bicycle maintenance. My suspension forks are now rigid- they’ve stopped working, but better stiff than floppy that’s what I say!!!