We eventually found accommodation and relaxed for the morning in the hotel room. For the afternoon, we hired a scooter and visited the famous Thap Ba thermal mud baths. We first took a mud bath in our own wooden tub.
We didn't get a photo, but this is an artists impression gives an idea. The mud bath was filled by tap; the mud was lovely and warm and it was poured after we were seated in it. After a relaxing muddy soak, we washed off and relaxed in the thermal (water) hot pools onsite.
After our thorough soaking, we finished the afternoon cruising the city on our scooter.
Nha Trang has a large fishing industry visible in the harbour, in addition to its glitzy foreshore. We scootered around the city and along the coast, managing to get lost somewhere south of the city. No problems, just find and follow the coastline...
The next day we were feeling more adventurous, so we made a plan to visit Hon Lao Island, 30km north of Nha Trang. We scootered north along the coastline for about an hour, looking at the beautiful countryside. The coastline is dotted with of fishing vessels, more evidence of how large the industry is here.
This is pier for the ferry to Hon Lao Island, famous for its large monkey population left over from science experiments conducted by the former Soviet Union.
We got on the ferry and took the 20 minute ride out. It was just us and an Canadian girl also interested in visiting "monkey island".
On arrival, it was clear that this island also functioned as a tourist resort. We looked at the map to find the monkeys. They inhabit the whole left side of the island as seen in dark green on the map.
We had arrived in the off season, so pretty much everything was closed. No problem, we can have fun without go karts, mini golf and tennis.
Turns out that it wouldn't be too hard to find the monkeys - they roam the whole island!
This is the sign that marks their side. The monkeys don't respect the sign, and they roam over the whole island looking for mischief.
Princess making a few new friends. We had to be a little careful as these guys are quick and cheeky and might go for the bag zip; or a nice ponamu necklace ....
Toolman having a chat with the monkeys.
That one is considering swiping your glasses, Toolman.
A cheeky monkey with something in his mouth. We heard stories of monkey throwing fruit and things at people, which can hurt.
In this shop we were able to get some food to feed the monkeys...
and it didn't take long to realise why they locked the door behind us. These monkeys all know where the food comes from!
Although we were warned and told to guard the food very carefully, within 30 seconds both the girls had their entire foodbags ripped out of their hands and scattered everywhere. Quite a monkey scramble was had, and the girls got a big scare. Our Canadian friend even got bitten!
Toolman managed to hang on and get his packet out. It took lots of threats and angry faces to keep the monkeys away. The above pic is just after the feed was scattered, lolly scramble style.
The monkeys are everywhere, relaxing and grooming in the shrubbery.
Toolman managed to hang on and get his packet out. It took lots of threats and angry faces to keep the monkeys away. The above pic is just after the feed was scattered, lolly scramble style.
The monkeys are everywhere, relaxing and grooming in the shrubbery.
This guy is self-grooming.
They are cute in small numbers, but once a large pack has gathered, it can be scary.
We spent time messing around with the more curious monkeys. They are used to humans and are quite comfortable with us around it seemed.
"Can I see your ticket please?"
Here we see Princess trying to exit the toilet, while being harassed by a couple of scary monkeys.
Toolman had to step in and out-scare them. Grrrr!
After a good look around the island, we headed back to the pier. All sorts of stuff washes up on the shore, and the monkeys love to scavenge.
We sat on the beach waiting for the ferry, watching the monkeys scavenging and playing in the water.
On the way back, we saw a Vietnamese Coracle - a hemispherical weaved boat that looks like a bumper boat with no motor.
Commonly used by local fishermen, it looks hard to control, but at least its easy to turn around in.
Back on land, we said goodbye to our Canadian traveler and headed back to Nha Trang, another long scooter ride.
Back at our accommodation, we booked our next bus ride to Dalat and rested up in preparation for travel the next morning.
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