We moored in the remote deep-water port of Chan May, Vietnam.
We had the option of joining a ship excursion to the City of Hue, the City of Da Nang or the Village of Hoi An ( a UNESCO World Heritage site). The ship also offered a free shuttle to a 5-star resort in the village of Lan Co (Lan Co Beach Resort).
After proceeding through “Customs”, we negotiated the price of an all day taxi tour of Da Nang and Hoi An. Upon reflection, we were not disappointed.
The driver was 42 years old and spoke relatively good English. He has been married five years and has a daughter who is 5 years old and a son who is 1 1/2 months old. He and his wife live with his parents.
We travelled from the port through remote farmland to the small village of Lan Co, about 15 km away, and then proceeded over a small bridge to the 7 km long Hai Va Tunnel that was build in 2000-2005 by Japan and Viet Nam and now links Lan Co and Da Nang.
Located 30kms from Lan Co…… is a series of large limestone outcrops that have acquired a mythical status over the centuries.Climb the stone stairways to enter a world of colourful pagodas and incense-clouded cave shrines.
Marble Mountain
An interesting side trip that we made was into one of the dozens of marble workshops surrounding the base of the hills, but bargain hard before purchasing. We purchased a lovely jade buddha for $35.
One of the Marble Showrooms
Marble Sculptures
We left the area and proceeded to Da Nang. It is the third largest City in Vietnam and is very clean. Most remarkably is the fact that Da Nang has one of the top ten beaches in the world. China Beach.Best known as the beach used by the United States Armed Forces as an R&R baseduring the Vietnam war, this beautiful stretch of beach, almost deserted, is both idyllic and a war-torn time in Vietnam’s history.
The beaches that extend along the City are lined with beautiful resorts.Hyatt Hotel -Da Nang.
We then proceeded to the Village of Hoi An. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was an important trading port from the 15th century to the late 19th 19th century, with merchants from Asia, Arabian Peninsula, and Europe trading all types of goods from spices to gold. Located on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is dotted with ancient houses, community halls, temples, pagodas, bridges and tombs.
Japanese Bridge in Hoi An
Many of the streets are very commercialized with small high-end art galleries.
We were anxious to get back to ship in time, since it sailed early (4pm). The sunset was a purple -crimson sky and the South China Sea was emerald green with lots of small fishing boats casting their nets.
What are they doing ? ?
Moving the Customs Office ….
Jason Higo ?
We arrive tomorrow for two days in Halong Bay. Ha Long Bay is one of the world’s most outstanding natural wonders, with a UNESCO World Heritage site designation.
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