We drove from Hoi An to Hue. A 3 hour journey along the coast and through the mountains via the Hai Van Pass meaning “pass of the ocean clouds” due to the thick cloud that often covers its 1000 metre peak. Anyone you care to speak to, or any guide book we’ve seen, gleefully pronounces that the pass was made famous by an episode of Top Gear 10 years ago. These mountains are almost as old as the planet and they have formed a natural barrier between north and south Vietnam civilisations, in war and peace, for centuries and has always held strategic importance. And it’s been made famous by Jeremy Clarkson tootling through it on a moped?!! Seriously…..

At this point I have to admit I watched the said episode and it was quite amusing. And now I feel I’ve over shared and feel a bit grubby.

So, enough of the confessions, the drive was nice, fantastic views although we had the cloudy day. When we got to the other side we stopped for a coffee and oysters at the lagoon. Not your typical service station offerings. Or view.

10 oyster with wasabi and rice wine for about £4. Tim was happy with the deal.

Our waiter asked “Do you know why Vietnam is such a small country with such a high population? It’s the oysters. Vietnamese viagra!”

Tim had all 10 oysters 😳