Quy Nhon to Hue

Today the drive was entirely up the coastal road as there are no real alternatives for classic cars. However, it was also one of the hardest and most dangerous of the whole event. With traffic having doubled or trebled in the last few years it was a very hard day's drive.There was small relief on Foggy Mountain, which was not foggy for a change, as the lorries take the short cut through the new tunnel. Arriving into Hue was also very busy but La Residence, is a great stopping point and we are taking a day's rest before the journey to Vinh and then into Laos.

Da Lat to Quy Nhon

The bad news was that the road we had recced for the rally had been closed due to extensive works, so we had to take the 'new road' which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was as beautiful in places, shorter by some 60km and had a great surface. Most arrived at the Life Resort in Quy Nhon in a good spirits, although the weather had turned for the worse and it was raining and stormy. Apart from the rather hard beds and pillows it was an excellent stop.

Saigon to Da Lat

After the shock of the traffic getting into Saigon it was good to have a rest day to catch our breath but nothing prepared us for the run to Da Lat. Three years ago this had been a busy road out but nothing to write home about...No, it is gridlock at all time of day. Trucks as far as the eye can see and motorbikes weaving their way in and out with alarming antics. How more don't have accidents is a mystery, It took us two hours to complete the first 50km. The early birds took about half the time while others took even longer. 

Once off the main road it was quieter but still busy most of the way to Da Lat, which is an old French hill station which was also neutral ground during the Vietnam War. The Da Lat Palace, where we stayed is a great piece of architecture in a wonderful setting overlooking the lake and further on, the golf course.

Phnom Penh to Saigon

A reasonably early start was required today as there was another border to go through. The journey to the border with Vietnam (Moc Bai) was enlivened with a short ferry crossing, otherwise the roads were busy and dusty to start with due to the roads being widened and resurfaced. Since the first Tiger Rally in 2008 not a lot of progress has been made!

Once at the border the fun started with the Cambodians not initially willing to let us through as some of the cars are right hand drive. Once convinced we have permission in Vietnam with a few dollars then things went smoothly.

On the Vietnam side we were met by Hoa, our man on the ground, who efficiently saw to our progress through the customs. Once on the road, we made our way to the Cu Chi tunnels created by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. An enlightening lesson on the cruelties of man to man before we headed to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the nine million motorbikes that awaited us int he rush hour.

Every one made it to the hotel and had a well deserved G&T.

Tiger Rally Update

Golden Triangle

Due to the late arrival of the cars we missed our rest day in Chiang Mai, however most of the rally headed to the Golden Triangle – the point where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. Our chosen otel was the Antanara which looks out over this point. The drive to the Golden Triangle was around 5 hours and in parts spectacular. Once there, it was voted the location of the rally so far. Steve and Janet were late away from Chiang Mai as their Mk2 Jaguar needed some attention. However, once on the road they made good time and were there in time to buy an early round of drinks at the bar.

The next morning the hotel brought a baby elephant to the breakfast room giving the opportunity for a few photos for those who had not seen the elephant reserve belonging to the hotel.  Here, they bring elephants that have been mistreated or are on the streets of Bangkok.

Phitsanulok

The next morning it was a long drive to Phitsanulok, although everyone made it in good time. The first part followed the Mekong river and took us over some hills and through the countryside before we joined u with Route 1 and 11 to ensure a good arrival time at the Pattara Resort hotel, a surprising oasis in the industrial town of Phitsanulok. Here, set around a lake and an excellent pool, we had an entertaining evening, with the whole group together again. It was also the point e had to bid farewell to Next and Ric who’s wife was not well.

Kirimaya

From Phitsanulok it was a good drive to Kirimaya Resort near Khorat but unfortunately the Mk 2 Jaguar hit another problem and ran its main bearings. A roadside garage did a great job trying to sort the problem but ultimately it was beyond repair and has now been sent back to Bangkok for a slow boat back to the UK.  Steve and Janet will meet us in Saigon where we have arranged for a car for them so that they can continue the journey.

Siem Reap

From Kirimaya we headed for the Thai/Cambodia border at Poi Pet and with our agents on both sides the crossing was relatively quick and painless. The road from the border to Siem Reap has now been surfaced so the potholes and dust have disappeared. From taking up to four hours in 2008, the journey time is a very reasonable hour and a half, meaning you arrive at the superb Grand Hotel d’Ankor fresh and ready for the ruins.  There were two mechanical hitches on this trip; one being the Ami which had a sticking brake drum and the other the Citroen DS of Kees which lost a locking nut on the wheel upright meaning it needed constant checking. A local garage sorted these problems out admirably.

We also had our first rest day here and very welcome it was too, providing time for a bit of temple touring and R&R by the pool. Dinner at the FCC (Foreign Correspondent’s Club) was a must, followed by a visit to Pub Street, the lively tourist centre of the town.

Phnom Penh

The following day we all headed to Phnom Penh and another rest day. Here, the main points of interest are the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. Grim but a must see.

The Bridge on the River Kwai

Kanchanaburi is the location of the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, made famous in David Lean's film. The town is incredibly moving with the War Cemetries and the superb Death Railway Museum which tells the story of the construction of the railway and the incredible deprivation experienced by the PoWs. See http://www.tbrconline.com/ for more information.

Kanchanaburi

Although the cars were delayed we decided to go to Kanchanaburi as planned but by minibus. On the way we stopped at the Jessada Technic Collection, one of the most incredible car collections in Thailand. The owner seems to have been doing a sweep of Thailand, finding everything from toy cars to amazing vehicles such as the right hand drive Tatra and the mono wheel!