Finding a decent breakfast was top priority - considering I had skipped supper the night before. I was heading north following the beautiful coastal road towards the very popular seaside resort Nha Trang. After a few kilometers I saw a sign next to the road PHI Kite School. Having not had a proper conversation with anyone for a few days, I thought I might find a few English speaking people there to chat to. Turned out to be a great stop. A British guy was running the business, including a small restaurant right on the beach. Before long I was drinking iced coffee and digging into a delicious omelette and baguette.

Nha Trang reminded me of Durban (South Africa) beachfront, with high rise hotels side by side on a palm tree fringed boulevard. I also saw a sprinkling of foreigners on the beach, and had an informative chat with a store manager. Hardworking people the Vietnamese! He worked 8 hours, 7 days a week in the store and another 6 hours every evening driving a Grab (Uber) scooter. You can't rent a car in Vietnam, except with a designated driver. The Grab scooter rentals are extremely popular, and you see the green helmeted Grab guys everywhere in the larger towns and cities - hauling a passenger or two or a guy needing to go somewhere with 10 wooden planks.

When you are planning to drive around 6.000 km, the cost of fuel is a consideration. Fortunately, it's pretty reasonable here - around $ 0,90 per liter. After 4 days on the bike and approximately 800 km, I have found the little Honda extremely frugal - 45 km/l. Incredible!

Even after 4 days on the bike, the traffic continues to confound me. As I was heading inland from the coast, I had two episodes with big trucks. They overtake anywhere, and at one point two trucks -  side by side - came hurtling towards me on the narrow road. First I couldn't believe what I was seeing, pulled out on the narrow slice of road left for me, and slammed on the brakes. The next episode was identical, but this time I pulled out immediately - no point in guessing whether there is enough room for 2 trucks and little me on the tar!

I am now in rural Vietnam, on minor roads with rice paddies everywhere, and cattle, goats and sheep meandering around on the roads. Very little traffic on these roads - a few motorcycles but hardly any cars and trucks.

Sleeping in a small village tonight, with no hotels, but a couple of local Nhà Nghí. I will introduce you to the Nhà Nghí concept tomorrow.