Cycling legend enjoys Vietnam

The two-day race featured contrasting compelling elements. On the first day, cyclists pedalled in the Bach Ma Laguna Challenge, which took place in Bach Ma National Park.

The next day riders vied for supremacy by the Gran Fondo Hue route. After passing through some of Vietnam’s most beautiful scenery, the race concluded in Hue, in front of the city’s citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

That was Evans’ first visit to Vietnam. Then he left the country, entranced by his experiences.

“I had been looking forward to riding in Vietnam. And I have to say I was blown away by the experience,” he said. “From a rider’s perspective it is totally unique. One minute you are cycling on flat roads past rice paddies and water buffalo; the next you are climbing up mountains covered in pristine jungle. It was really exhilarating.”

What’s great about Laguna Lang Co

The cycling wasn’t the only thing Evans loves about Vietnam. Along with other competitors, he bedded down at Laguna Lang Co, a main sponsor of the Coupe De Hue. During his stay, Evans gained an appreciation for another of Vietnam’s most potent drawcards: its legendary hospitality.

“The people in Vietnam are second to none,” he said. “For anyone looking for a unique destination for a cycling holiday, I can’t recommend the place highly enough.”

Active adventure in Vietnam

Evans’ endorsement is a boost for Laguna Lang Co; as well as Coupe de Hue supporter, leading inbound adventure travel operator Indotrek as they help Central Vietnam become a mecca for active adventure in Asia.

In addition to its support to Coupe De Hue, Laguna Lang Co developed other experiences for cyclists and other adventure seekers.

About the Bach Ma Laguna Challenge

Guests can ride climbs such as the famed Hai Van Pass or enter the next Bach Ma Laguna Challenge. Alternatively there is the flat fast circuit around picturesque Lap An Lagoon Lang Co. Many non-cycling activities also also include hiking, sea kayaking, and ATV and PWC safaris.

“We were delighted by the success of this year’s Coupe de Hue,” said Les Walters, Director of Activities at Laguna Lang Co. “The fact that it went so smoothly and was such a hit with riders — including with a racing legend like Cadel Evans who knows a great cycling destination when he sees one — really helps us to promote the area and showcase its natural beauty and incredible potential for active tourism.”

“As the Coupe de Hue showcased, Central Vietnam is a real hotspot for cycling and adventure travel,” said Adam de Lancey, Brand Manager at Indotrek, which played a leading role in organizing this year’s Coupe de Hue. With tougher rides complimented by simpler rides around destinations like Hoi An and Hue, there’s something for every ability.”

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We had just arrived at the resort when we found out that it was the night for the full moon festival of Loi Krathong. Of course, we decided to have delicious Thai food instead of Vietnamese food. It was important to celebrate this annual Siamese festival.

ABOUT THE THAI FESTIVAL OF LOI KRATHONG

Thai people observe the festival of Loi Krathong to release the bad things of the year and to bring in more good luck for the next twelve months. Oftentimes, it involves discarding old clothes and other items that are not useful anymore. This is to symbolise the act of throwing out all negativity as well as releasing the things and memories that do not serve us anymore.

In hindsight, I wish I had known more about Loi Krathong before our dinner at Saffron. It was a good opportunity to think about things and situations I wished to forget. We all keep some of these things and situations in our minds, and there really is no use for these anymore.

DELICIOUS THAI FOOD AT SAFFRON AT THE BANYAN TREE LANG CO

However, the meal itself was so wonderful. So maybe this is why I completely forgot to think about the significance of Loi Krathong. Saffron is the signature restaurant of the Banyan Tree Resorts and it is famous for its delicious Thai food.

When we arrived at Saffron, a lady in a Thai dress welcomed us with wreaths of flowers for Loi Krathong. We were asked to light the candles on these wreaths.

Then we set these afloat on the pond next to the restaurant. Fortunately, at this time, I remembered to make an intention to forget the past and to make a wish for the future.

A GASTRONOMIC MEAL IN VIETNAM

Having observed Loi Krathong in our own way, we sat down for a wonderful eight-course meal of delicious Thai food. The dishes prepared by the lady chef of Saffron were the kinds not usually seen in typical Thai restaurants. Everything was special and ever so beautifully plated.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF RICE

My favourite was the main course of delicately seasoned fish. The fish was served with rice that came in clay pots in a wagon. I was at first surprised when I saw the wagon of clay pots being wheeled to our table.

Then the wait staff said: “We have six different kinds of rice for you. Please choose which ones you would like to try.” Of course, we tried everything, including a healthy rice, rice flavoured with saffron and another kind of rice flavoured with herbs.

HAPPY ENDINGS AT THE BANYAN TREE

To end the meal, we had a medley of desserts. Here, the traditional Thai dessert of mango with sticky rice was served. It was lovely, and this meal at Saffron at the Banyan Tree Lang Co was certainly a wonderful way to celebrate Loi Krathong and to bring in more good luck into my Travelife.

Read more about our adventures in central Vietnam in an upcoming issue of Travelife Magazine.

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