Day 5: Beating the Heat in Vietnam

• From - To: Meadow Mai Chau Homestay – Green Town Moc Chau

• Distance: 137 km, 3:00h

• Routes: CT02 – 6 CU – AH13/QL6

• Accommodation: Green Town Moc Chau, Deluxe Double Room with A/C 21 Eur per night, including breakfast

Google Maps suggests taking the fastest and shortest route via CT02 – AH13/QL6. But I would advise against it. Instead, adjust the route to include Suoi Nuoc Nong Bo Am (Suối Nước Nóng Bò Ấm) – a set of simply stunning natural thermal pools. They are reached by the narrow 6 CU road, a biker's dream – winding, empty, and flanked with picturesque rural Vietnamese landscapes. It invites a leisurely ride, with the helmet's chin guard raised, allowing you to absorb the surrounding beauty and smile as a gentle breeze brushes against your cheeks. The sound of the Winner’s engine harmoniously blended with the chirping of birds and the hum of cicadas.

The thermal pools were the day's highlight. Located just off 6 CU, they are easy to find with Google Maps. For a mere 30K VND (1.20 EUR), you can soak as long as you like in these hot springs. There are two pools: the first is hotter, while the second is a bit cooler. I immersed myself for about an hour and a half, keeping hydrated with water and Ha Noi beer, available for 20K VND (0.80 EUR) per can from a fridge, payable after bathing.

With the air temperature at 35 degrees, I initially questioned the need for thermal pools on such a hot day. Wouldn't a cold spring be more refreshing? However, I discovered something unexpected: after soaking in water hotter than the surrounding air, you stop sweating. Indeed, after emerging from the pools and getting dressed, I didn't sweat at all, even with my helmet on.

Post thermal relaxation, I continued along the serpentine 6 CU, which climbed high atop a hill, revealing a breathtaking panorama of a vast valley. I could have continued on 6 CU, but I wanted to reach Moc Chau before nightfall, and I felt I had already gathered plenty of impressions for the day. Google then directed me onto AH13/QL6. This road was shared with buses and trucks, though not overly crowded. It featured a newly laid asphalt surface, enjoyable twists and turns, and stunning views of lush green hills and valleys meticulously tended by the Vietnamese.

I arrived at Green Town Moc Chau Hotel as the sun set, coloring the sky a vivid red. I immediately dove into the pool for a refreshing swim. The hotel, which had appeared attractive on Booking, turned out to be somewhat run-down. The greenery was faded, concrete surfaces were stained, the room walls spattered, a corner showing signs of water damage, the large windows were cleaned but streaked, and the pool had a layer of plant debris, seemingly undisturbed for weeks. I had booked this hotel the previous day after canceling another hotel due to their pool being out of service. I really wanted a hotel with a pool, and it looked good in the Booking photos, but... I would not recommend it unless there’s a major uplift by the owners to revitalize what could be a fantastic hotel.

In the evening, I ventured out to explore Moc Chau. After a half-hour drive around the streets, I concluded there wasn’t much of interest. I found a highly-rated restaurant on Google, savored a large beef stir-fry with vegetables cooked in a wok, refreshed with Hoi beer, and then headed to bed. Before sleeping, I decided to rise early the next morning to visit the glass observation bridge located just 12 km from the hotel