Sunday, February 24, 2013
Day 16: Danang - Marble Mountain - Hoi An
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Activities:
We fly to Danang, where we enjoy some sightseeing en route to Hoi An. China Beach, enjoyed as an 'R & R' spot during the Vietnam War, lies against a backdrop of the sensational Marble Mountains. The five peaks, which are actually limestone with marble outcrops, are also seen to epitomise the five elements: fire, water, earth, wood and metal. The history of the mountains is a rich one.They were once used by the Champas for religious purposes, but in more recent times became a haven for the Viet Cong, with their clear view of the Danang air base - at one time the busiest airport in the world. We arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon and settle in for our three-night stay in this historical 'oasis'
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We arrived around 9:00 am in Danang in the pouring rain. We had plans to climb the Marble Mountain on our way to Hoi An. The group decided that we would put on our rain gear and climb the hundreds of steps up to the look out, cave and Buddhist pagoda. Then rain freshened the landscape, and it was a beautiful experience even under grey drizzly skies.
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| Marble Steps Up the Mountain |
The cave with giant marble Buddha was quite lovely and serene, quite a contrast to the Batu caves in Kuala Lumpur which seemed chaotic with Hindu and Buddhist symbols every where.
Inside the cave were several shrines, including a Buddhist Pagoda. Kuala Lumpur, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia combine Hinduism, Anemism, and Buddhism. As Indochina, these countries more of India and less of China. Viet Nam seems more Chinese and much lees Indian.
When we arrived in Hoi An the rain had ceased. It was pleasantly cool. The days we are here are the first full moon after the lunar new year. Consequently the town is packed for celebrations at local Pagodas. The streets are narrow and filled with motor bikes, bicycles, and people. Brightly colored lanterns, drums, chanting, and and people fill the streets. It is crazy. Glad we are not trying to navigate on anything other than our own two feet..
..OH WAIT...tomorrow we are bicycling! That should be an adventure.
Hoi An is a wonderful old city. Streets, buildings, and people are picturesque. There is a special ambiance here. We love it. We take a tour of the city and have lunch at the Miss Ly restaurant where we sample the taster menu. Incredibly delicious meal. Though there are many restaurants here, we have decided we will come back here tomorrow.
Enjoy the photos and make sure if you come to Viet Nam that this is one of your destinations. There are many opportunities here to have beautiful, high quality clothing tailored at reasonable prices. If we were still working, it would be a bargain to buy some suits here.
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