FEBRUARY 20 2022
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SMALL MOUNTAIN

Hares: Chippy, Have-A-Chat, Secs
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Have-A-Chat, Secs
Ringmaster: Chom Chom
Report: Secs

This week, after usual registration procedures at Tommy’s Bar and Restaurant, we jumped on to motorbikes, hopped in to cars and headed to Small Mountain where we were to meet at a Coffee shop near the lighthouse. After navigating a busy and congested Hai Dang road we arrived at the quaint coffee shop. All hands on deck as eskies and provisions were unloaded and set aside for later. The Selfie Gang were already in full swing posing for photos in the picturesque setting.

We gathered round co-Hare Secs as he explained that this week the trail would be a relatively easy trail. We were to turn right from the coffee shop and take the next left which was a bit of a detour to take a look at abandoned French battery and its views across the bay to Big Mountain. After that, double back and head down the road until we see the red ribbons indicating that we are to head in the jungle and follow the ribbons until we emerge onto the army road that connects the two bases on Small Mountain. From there simply follow the road until more red ribbons indicate a left turn back in to the jungle where some old steps will lead us back up to Hai Dang road emerging at the famous Yogurt shop opposite where we started.

So On-On we go in good spirits enjoying the sunny, breezy weather and as promised it is a pretty easy walk. Plenty of opportunities for fun filled photos including the quirky Hai Dang cafe, a quick detour to the other French battery where some artistic graffiti provided the perfect backdrop for the selfie obsessed.

Back at the coffee shop Bahn Mi, fresh fruit and other treats are washed down with ice-cold beer and soft drinks. Ringmaster Chom Chom called us to circle up. The Hares were rated with favourable scores for and average of 13 out of 10. We welcomed 5 new virgins, one of whom was visiting from France. Returnees included 

We pack up the eskies and head back to Tommy’s where the usual suspects including some new recruits continue to enjoy the evening with ice cold Saigon Chill, Randy’s wood fired pizza and live music.

Another satisfying Sunday - On-On!

RUN 996 GALLERY

FEBRUARY 13 2022
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NUI DINH

Hares: Chippy, Have-A-Chat, Secs, Mr.T
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Have-A-Chat
Ringmaster: Chom Chom
Report: Chom Chom

Run 995 took us on an away trail to Nui Dinh. As usual, Hashers started arriving at Tommy’s to register and pay their run fees. Our Hash Cash, Mr. T eagerly ticked off the names and gratefully welcomed the growing stash of cash. Meanwhile others were busy helping load up the eskies with beer and soft drinks, together with an interesting hamper of food with some mystery food to look forward to after the trail. 

The bus quickly filled up as we neared our 1.30pm departure time so on on it was as we headed away from Vung Tau on our way to Nui Dinh. After an easy, smooth journey we arrived at Tịnh Xá Ngọc Sơn Dinh (Son Dinh Monastery), the start of this week's trail. As a handy fact, in 2015 this was recognised in the “Top 100 typical spiritual tourist destinations in the South”. We all gathered in a group, excited and motivated, as Secs gave his informal but informative overview of the expedition ahead.

Once the magic words of “On On” were heard, off-off we went heading along a paved path through the monastery’s beautiful gardens, passing the famous 20 metre long reclining buddha. We climbed up the steps until we reached our first pagoda where Hashers gathered for various photo opportunities and views. From here we continued up until Mr. T directed us to the right, through a yellow gate. It wasn’t long before the paved path ended as we headed deeper into the forest. A pleasant dry dirt track and a few rocky climbs took us through fragrant leafy trees as we progressed further up the mountain. Passing a small pagoda, we all made it to the top, still with oodles of energy and excitement as we admired the view to Vung Tau City together with the huge rock providing yet more excuses for photos and selfies. From here, it was a simple walk down a railed staircase, through a small community and some more stunning gardens until we finally completed the trail on arrival at the Down Down spot.

Whilst we awaited the return of all Hashers, we enjoyed super cold beers and soft drinks whilst we chatted and nattered in the usual VTH3 spirit.  Once everyone had arrived, the mystery food was revealed - xôi mặn! A delicious assortment of meats on a bed of sticky rice helped rebuild our energy. After more chattering and nattering, the photo was taken and Chom Chom took up his role as ringmaster this week.

We complemented our Hares (Chippy, Have-A-Chat, Secs and Mr. T) on a very pleasing trail, rated 15/10, we welcomed our four Virgins together with our four returnees including HBO, Green River and Helen. Chom Chom concluded the circle alerting us to expect a big announcement in the coming week about our 1000th Run. Stay tuned to the website and usual social media channels for the announcement.

It was now getting into dusk and time to plan the journey back. The bus was reloaded once again, together with an eskie of drinks, just in case we had some really thirsty Hashers. A great return journey took us safely and swiftly back to Vung Tau and our home at Tommy’s.

Many Hashers decided to stay on with the Down Down Down and enjoy Randy’s famous wood-fired pizza and yet more drinks. Together with all this, we were treated to great live music from Ben and Friends.

Another perfect Sunday afternoon with Vung Tau Hash – great people, great trails, great fun. See you all next week. On On!

RUN 995 GALLERY

FEBRUARY 6 2022
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BIG MOUNTAIN

Hares: Have-A-Chat, Secs, Mr.T, Chom Chom
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Have-A-Chat
Ringmaster: Chom Chom
Report: Chom Chom

This week, the all-new year of the tiger began with a local circular trail commencing and concluding at Tommy’s Restaurant and Bar. The afternoon started off well, with a surprisingly healthy number of happy and enthusiastic Hashers arriving and making their low-cost registration payments to Mr. T.

After a short delay waiting on Banh Xeo, Sparkles, Rio and Socola, Secs gathered us together to explain the trail ahead with his fairly regular chalk talk. From here, it was on-on as we meandered along the local Vung Tau streets through Le Ngoc Han, Thanh Thai and Tran Phu until we reached Hem 12. Things got a little bit harsher here in the dense heat as we navigated the 30% gradient climb passing the rather desirable homes looking over us on either side. We turned off and continued our climb up stairs and through some somewhat lesser desirable homes until we reached the Bodharama temple (Chua Bo De)  and finally meeting Vi Ba Street.

We continued up the gentle gradient of Vi Ba passing by the yogurt parlour, the Trumpton style army base and one of Vung Tau’s favourite photo spots, the circular safety mirror on the hairpin turn. The group had scattered up a bit by this time, many taking a relaxing break for nuoc mia or an egg or two. Luckily we had our trusty hares on duty ensuring these “slower” hashers were heading in the right direction.
The jungle trail was finally met as we stepped off the main road and initiated trail waterfall. This pretty and familiar path, took us up and down, left and right along the boundary of the Big Mountain offering some great ocean views. It also provided some much needed shade, making things not quite so exhausting.

Once the waterfall trail had been completed, there were many options on returning to our home at Tommy’s. Some Hashers chose to return to Vi Ba, others continued along the mountain through some more jungle and joining Vi Ba further up, and the real survivalists continues yet further around the mountain behind the Golden Buddha and back down through the Chon Khong Monastery.

One by one, Hashers returned to Tommy’s to enjoy our usual great selection of iced soft drinks, water and Saigon Beers along with rather tasty pateso this week. 

The circle got underway, and our virgins were welcomed, our returnees and visitors (from Saigon Hash) were welcomed back. Alice was also welcomed into the circle as a leaver – he will be returning home, so very sad for us to say goodbye, but we wish him well and look forward to him joining us again in the future.

Daylight was drifting and Hashers made their way back home having enjoyed another fine Sunday afternoon. Other Hashers continued the fun at Tommy’s with more cold beers, wood-fired pizza and entertainment from Ben and Friends.
See you next Sunday. On On!

RUN 994 GALLERY

JANUARY 30 2022
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BIG MOUNTAIN

Hares: Have-A-Chat, Secs, Mr.T
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Have-A-Chat
Ringmaster: Chom Chom
Report: Faulty Brakes

​This Sunday we saw the first week in hash history where we recorded 5 people from Ireland on our run despite the fact we had 4 people when my brothers visited us some years back. Is this the start of the new “Murphia “in Vung Tau?

We welcomed back Shomik and his trusty drone which provided us with some dramatic footage of the beautiful scenery which surrounds Vung Tau. 

This week we had 2 Gallic hashers including Jean Francois from Bistro 9 restaurant in Vung Tau who despite the odd expletive managed a very testing trail and completed the circuit. The Hashliters walked from Tommy’s to Tran Phu to where our Down Down took place. The idyllic setting on the beach where swimming was available (at no extra cost) in Neptune’s private pool along with the customary pork banh mi, chilled beers and softies for those who don’t imbibe in the demon drink.

We are fortunate in Vung Tau to have so many great trails within a short distance from our Headquarters in Tommy’s bar in Le Ngoc Hahn and we also welcomed our friends from Saigon Hash, some of them joined us in our weekly pub quiz in the Office bar on the eve of the Tet holiday, one Saigonite namely Bangor Johnny nabbed the first prize and completed the perfect weekend. 

This weekend’s trail was not for the faint hearted, previously on Friday our trail finders plotted the demanding rock climbing trail and returned to the beach Down Down those responsible were Mr T, Secs, Have-A-Chat and Chippy.

The day started as usual earlier at Tommy’s with Registration and the preparation of the cool beers and today’s food (Thanks to Chom Chom and Hang) which were transported to the Down Down on Tran Phu (thanks to Mr T and to Claire.) 

The Down Down was ably conducted by Chom Chom were newcomers were welcomed, there was little need for sinners to be punished as the excellent trail was a punishment in itself, the weekly photo was taken and there was nothing left but just sit in the evening sun watching the sunset after another satisfying day enjoying the drinks and fare that was provided. 

Soon it was time to return to Headquarters packing up the Eskies and equipment for another Sunday. Back in HQ where there was further enjoyment to be had with live music, Pizza late into the night, to all those involved in today’s organisation, take a bow it doesn’t go unnoticed all the efforts that are put in.

On On

RUN 993 GALLERY