Head North Youngin', Head North.

This kid's packing up and heading out.

Global™ Journey from the southern megalopolis of Hồ Chí Minh up to Hà Nội, the capitol city.

Is it doable? Check the mode of transport yo.

1981 Honda SuperCub50. SOHC 49cc 4-Stroke air cooled engine. 3.9 HP [@7,000 RPM]. Fuel Capacity: 1.1 Gallon. Top Speed: ~42 mph. Loves doubters.

Like most of the peeps residing within, Việt Nam is quite the slender one [just 31 miles wide at her skinniest]. The lanky, sprawling geographical layout along with the sluggish traveling speeds via the national highway creates a misleading illusion as to the actual size of this country.

For example, a trip to the southern beach destination Nha Trang takes a good 9 hours via bus [& infinitely longer via Cub]- yet it's only around 500 km [310 miles] from Sài Gòn, and barely more than 1/4 of the way up to Hà Nội. In terms of land mass, Việt Nam isn't even 80% of the size of California, yet packs in 87 million folks. You thought the west coast was crowded.

The good news [for road-trippers] is that most people are crammed into the big cities; hundreds of thousands flock to Hồ Chí Minh from the countryside looking for work. Ask the cute yet cunning 19-year old waitress {Cần Thơ, Bến Tre...95% Gái Miền Tây} or hardworking motorbike repairman [Quảng Ngãi] about their hometowns and you'll understand. Head outside the cement cluster and there's plenty of room to breath. My trip should be about 1,955 Km [1,214 Mi]..before detours. Click for an enlarged version of the detailed itinerary.

Of course I'll be taste-testing a potpourri of provincial specialties during the non-religious pilgrimage, so keep on the lookout for upcoming global posts dissecting those very dishes. 'Nuff said for now, time to hit the quốc lộ. Saddle up.

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