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Published: September 25th 2007
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Hi, we've managed to at last get some time from our travels to update our blog. Sorry for the delay!
Well where did I get to. Oh yes, we depart Saigon and out of the madness of HCMC we head north by bus to a less touristy beach resort called Mui Ne on route to Nha Trang. It breaks up the 8 hour journey at least and we think it will be quieter than the popular resort of Nha Trang, Vietnam's main beach resort. We arrive to find a quiet town with a long stretch of golden sand and not too many tourists, perfect. We spend the first hour on 2 mopeds going from one hotel/motel to another to find the best place on our budget. Humphrey stays with the bags whilst I check out the room (mum, sound familiar??) , however we finally settle on a small hotel with pool with a room overlooking the ocean. Humphrey wasn't too impressed that it was where the search started one and half hours previously and neither were the moped drivers however it was worth the search to find the best spot as we were staying here for 3 nights. That's my
excuse anyway!!(No surprises there for those who know me well). With not much to see in Mui Ne, most of the time we spend just relaxing by the pool, and taking walks along the beach. It is heaven! On our last day we decide to venture out and hire a mope to visit the local sand dunes. On route we stop off at what was called the 'fairy stream' and manage to be escorted by an 8 year old tour guide Linn. We walk through a stream for 20 minutes and eventually arrive at these amazing multi-coloured sand formations. Linn entertains us on route, tries to get me to stand in sinking sand to get my photo taken, ha ha and shares his knowledge of the natural environment around us. Leaves that hold water, he even makes a ring for me out of a leaf. Sweet, intelligent boy but obviously after a handsome tip at the end of our excursion. We then visit the sand dunes. Humphrey is in his element capturing the best shots of the sweeping sand dunes whilst I am entertained by the thousands of kids trying to persuade me to use one of their mats to
slide down the dunes. Sorry to disappoint but didn't take them up on the offer. It was sweltering hot and I couldn't face climbing the hill once I got to the bottom.
Now feeling relaxed we head onwards north 4 hours by bus to reach Nha Trang. Much bigger and busier than Mui Ne but the sea is a gorgeous green colour and looks amazing. Once again with the assistance of 2 moped drivers who balance us and our rucksacks (Humphrey's would you believe is way bigger than mine!) find us our best bargain yet, a new small hotel just opened for ten dollars a night. Airconditioning, fridge, tv, corner bath, the works and just a 5 min walk to the beach. The following day we hire a moped and explore the Cham ruins from the 12th century and a large buddha temple followed by a cool down in the sea. Humphrey signs up for a game of football on the beach with some locals and foreigners. The foreigners don't cope too well with the heat and soon one by one they drop out to leave the locals kicking around the ball on their own! The following day we
sign up for an island trip for the day to do some snorkelling. Club 18-30 eat your heart out! Rave music blasting out, beer flowing from 9.30am, not quite what we had expected but the snorkelling was great!
We depart Nha Trang and take a one hour flight to Hoi An instead of a 12 hour bus journey. Hoi An is just gorgeous. It is a historic coastal riverside town and has been known to travellers since at least the middle of the last millennium when it was a major port of call for merchants from Japan, China and even Arabia.
Quaint little streets with eclectic architectural styles make it really feel like time gone by. We both love it. Battling the heat we explore this town in one day. Being a key trading port for the east and west from as early as the 12th century, Hoi An continues to be famous for it's shopping. So we purchase a few souvenirs to take away from this really memorable place. Good bye to Hoi An and onwards we go............................
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Freddie
non-member comment
Happy Birthday
Hey there Suzie and Humphry, Happy Birthday Susan...21 again! Hoi An looks amazing, helped in no small way by Humphry's obvious skill with the camera and your easy flowing commentary (ever thought about a career in travel journalism?). Still pouring and freezing here in Arklow, Freya said "Hiya" this morning for the first time, that was cool. Hope you enjoy your birthday and looking forward to your next installment. All the best, Freddie