VTH3# 1200

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17-18 JANUARY 2026
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RUN 1200 WEEKENDER TO TÀ CÚ MOUNTAIN AND AURORA BEACH RESORT 

Hares: Chippy, Secs
Hash Flashers: Chippy, Kelvin and various Hashers
Ringmaster: Secs
Asset Wranglers: Chook assisted by many eager volunteers
Report: Secs
Hashers: 44

Run 1200 is finally upon us! In celebration we returned to Tà Cú Mountain after a nearly 3 year hiatus and spent the night at Aurora Beach Resort in La Gi

We met at 7am at Mr. C’s in good spirits, with everything diligently pre-arranged registration was an easy affair. Chook and Secs iced the eskies and, after a slight delay waiting for the Bahn Mi to arrive (they never did - apparently the shipper got lost!), we were on our way. We made pickups at Seaview and Ba Ria and with our trusty driver, Mr. Anh, the Hashmobile made good time as we headed up the coast towards La Gi. We made a stop at Aurora Beach Resort to pick up Faulty Brakes and Gary Baldy who had spent the previous night there and also were able to collect the keys for our rooms.

We arrived at the base of Tà Cú Mountain around 11:30am. Chippy procured the cable car tickets and then we gathered around Secs for the chalk talk. Secs welcomed us to Run 1200 and explained that Hashers have two options: hike up the mountain and take the cable car down, or take the cable car up and down.

In true VTH3 fashion, the majority of Hashers opt to climb up the mountain. We part ways with the Cable Car people and follow Secs as he leads us through the park to a small opening in the jungle which marks the start of the trail. The weather is clear but not too hot and humid as we approach the trail we get a sense that this is not going to be easy. Certainly not for the faint hearted, trail takes us over dilapidated stairs and rocky steps. However, we are surrounded by beautiful bamboo and serenaded by Cicadas as we slowly but surely make our way up the mountain. Thankfully, there are plenty of resting places where we stop to take a breath, only to have it taken away by the breathtaking views of Ham Thuan Nam. 

Every 100m some kind person has marked the distance to the top on some boulders. Hmm, only 800m to go, then 700m… and finally the last 100m. We can hear the whirr of the Cable Car motor and we know we are close. 

Squeals of delight and relief announce our arrival at the cable car station where a welcome coffee shop offers cold drinks and ice creams.

Fully refreshed we can tackle the many steps that will take us through the ornate temples and up to the legendary Buddha at the top. We espy our fellow Hashers who had come up on the Cable Car most of whom are making their way back down. As we continue on, the glistening white of the largest reclining Buddha in Vietnam emerges from the trees. Enjoying the tranquil spot we feel a sensation of enlightenment as we witness the Lord Buddha completing His journey to Parinirvana.

After many selfies it’s time to head back down. We embark on the acrophobia inducing cable car ride down the mountain, looking back in disbelief at the sheer scale of the mountain we have just conquered. Back on terra firma it’s a gentle stroll through picturesque gardens to reassemble with our peers. After a thirst quenching Revive, the first Saigon Beers of the weekend are cracked open, guzzled down and soaked up with delicious banh mi (miraculously delivered from a local vendor, since the ones in Vung Tau didn’t arrive). Then it’s on-on to the Hashmobile as we begin the short trip to our final destination of the day - Aurora Beach Resort.

Arriving at Aurora Beach Resort en masse we go straight to our rooms, having collected the keys already. We have plenty of time to explore the idyllic resort that will become our living quarters for the night. Walks on the beach, dips in the pool, frolics in the sea and selfies galore are the order of the afternoon. As the sun sets we briefly retire to our billets for ablutions.

Freshly showered and resplendent in our evening beachwear we congregate at our allotted tables for the  Seafood BBQ. The stage has been set up for a night of music and karaoke. Mr. Dao is already in good form serenading the Hashers as they arrive. A veritable feast confronts us and our ravenous Hashers make light work of the innumerable dishes brought to our tables.

As the evening progresses and more beer and rice wine are consumed the party gets started. One after one we are treated to up beat songs from the Vietnamese contingent of Hashers. Apparently the activities of the day haven’t worn out many of our Hashers as they jump, pump, gyrate, shake a leg and generally boogie on down to the great music vibrating through our bones. A special mention to twinkle toes Chook for showing us how it should be done. Boomerang (Alan), starts the singing of English tunes with a powerful rendition of Oh! Pretty Woman. Swiftly followed by our resident Karaoke specialists, Gary Baldy, Soggy Bottom, Faulty Brakes and a notable performance from Chuck Berry who performed karaoke for the first time. 

With the party in full swing Secs interrupts the proceedings to thank all of the regular Hashers who join us week after week, without whom the Vung Hash would not exist. Special mentions were made for Chief Stoker and Jolly, Kelvin, Ms. Kim, Chook and Chippy who tirelessly worked to make the weekend so successful. Secs invited Faulty Brakes and Chippy on stage to cut the obligatory cake and then veteran Hasher, Rear Admiral, Andrew Banks, made a quick speech to  thank everyone for keeping the Hash going so we can enjoy the 1200 run. Around 10pm the music stopped and several of our Hashers continued to enjoy the beach until midnight.

Sunday morning greets us with good weather and after breakfast many Hashers spent a lazy few hours enjoying the resort, beach and a visit to the seafood market. We check out at 11:30am and get back on the Hashmobile.

However, the adventure is far from over! We made our final stop at Binh Chau Nature Reserve. A 2km amble through a lush green arboretum proved popular with Hashers for photos and selfies. Returning to the Hashmobile the eskies are at the ready, brimming with Saigon Beer and soft drinks. The legendary Ms. Kim somehow conjures up a plethora of welcome snacks which fulfil us for the last 90 minutes drive back to Vung Tau. On the Hashmobile Boomerang stands up to thank the organisers, Secs and Chippy for making it such a great weekend.

We arrive back in Vung Tau safe, sound and happily content. A successful action packed weekend. 

Thanks to everyone! 

ON-ON!!

RUN 1200 GALLERY

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