Da Lat Bound …

Our last day in Cat Tien and I woke early, around 5am, to the sound of the forest and the Gibbons, calling from further up the river. So I got up and soaked in the smells and sounds of the early morning forest. Very special.

By 6 the kids were awake, so up they got and out to the local market we went. In this part of Vietnam, like many it appears, “white people” aren’t that common so whilst we were at the market, we were just and item of interest for the locals. A number of people, especially older woman, came up and shook hands with the kids, or kissed them or gave them fruit. It’s happened a lot now, so the kids are learning to deal with it graciously! We think it’s partly because Vietnamese don’t like to be dark, the fairer you are the “richer” you are. And blond hair …

Then back to the lodge for breakfast and packing. We also met the owner, Vung, which was quite interesting. Quite young, and from the north, he moved here around 7 years ago. Worked for the park for 4 years, then became disillusioned that the park and government weren’t interested in conservation, or the animals. So he left and decided to start his own businesses. He wasn’t allowed to guide inside the park, so accommodation and services her went into, now owning several lodges, buying and building more as money allows. Interestingly, only around 25 000 visitors a year to the park, 20 000 local, the rest Westerners. Then a final set of goodbyes and photos (this is a photo of Men and Hannah), and we were off to Da Lat with our driver Bay (pronounced “Bye”).

Now Da Lat was only 175 km, but we left at 9.30 and arrived at 3.30 … yes, the traffic and roads are very slow! Bay was an excellent driver and a fount, coupled with reasonable English. But you still have to listen hard!

The usual chaotic traffic and so many interesting sights, and knowledge along the way, and a couple of stops. One was to view cashew nut trees. So interesting, one big fruit, with the nut underneath … Another was to Tam Chau, one of the largest tea factories. Lunch and then tea tastings. All so good, and the obligatory purchase of coffee, green tea and oolong tea … some will make it back to NZ.

Made it to Del Lat finally at 3.30 and what an interesting city, Around 250 000 people, located at 1500m, so it’s cool compared to where we’ve come from. But still busy. Bay took us to the hotel he’d booked us into … we’ll a little average, but fine. Street side, so very noisy, but that’s part of the fun and adventure And at 450 000 dong, around $25, very cheap!

Several beers watching the traffic and some relaxing (checking emails) then back out onto the street, in search of food. Bay had recommended a restaurant for a hotpot, very local, but he assured us clean and safe. Interesting the hotpot wasn’t the claypot we expected, but more like a steamboat where you cooked at your table. Not cheap, 360 000 dong ($20 – although that was for 4 – haha)

Then out to the night markets, for which Da Lat is well known. People and vendors everywhere and a few small purchases made. Lots of fun.

Back to the hotel via the bakery and the wine shop, so we can try the local fare. Sorry to say they didn’t help the sleep, the bikes and karaoke definitely reminded us we were in the city!