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Today provides one of the toughest but most
rewarding days cycling. After a short transfer beyond the city limits of Hué, they will begin riding for 40kms along a picturesque,
very narrow peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. They will then hop on a local ferry to cross the Perfume River
estuary before joining Highway 1 at the base of the day’s three hill climbs! After the first two moderate climbs of
2-3kms a piece, Thomas and Andrena will cruise down to the stunning Lang Co Beach for a rest/swim and lunch before tackling
the final hill of the day – the Hai Van or Pass of the Ocean Clouds. Now that the new tunnel through the mountain is
nearly completed the 11kms of uphill will be on a quiet section of road. The gradient is manageable and the views are truly
breathtaking! Time permitting; they will ride to Danang along a new coastal road. They will then transfer the rest of the
way to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient town, 30kms south of Danang, lies
on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Occupied by early western traders, it was one of the major trading centres of Southeast
Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a distinct Chinese atmosphere with low, tile-roofed houses and narrow streets;
the original structure of some of these streets still remains almost intact. All the houses were made of rare wood, decorated
with lacquered boards and panels engraved with Chinese characters. Pillars were also carved with ornamental designs. Overnight
in small local hotel.
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| The very mountainous National Highway 1 |
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