We are in the middle of the coast of Vietnam in one of my favorite places, Hoi An! This is a city both rich in history as well as a beautiful tourist spot on the Thu Bon River with much of the town on islands that are crossed on colorful bridges.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/hoi-an/attractions/hoi-an-old-town/a/poi-sig/1158047/357874
From Hue we headed to Danang where we had booked a hotel on China Beach, an area occupied by American forces during the “American War of Agression”. Most of our group opted to brave the 1650’ Hai Van pass, but Phil and I opted to brave the 4 mile long tunnel through the mountain (the longest in Southeast Asia), by flagging down a bus (no motorbikes ir bicycles allowed). It was a misty/rainy day and a long day of riding so the tunnel allowed Phil and I to get into Danang around noon and do some exploring. I am very impressed by the resilience of the others doing the pass and all the miles (over 70) but some were getting to the hotel at dark! Danang is a big city and riding over the Dragon Bridge and watching the big breakers on the beach and ogling all the fresh seafood restaurants made for an enjoyable overnight stop.
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This morning we had a leisurely breakfast before our 27 km. Ride to Hoi An with a stop at Marble Mountains which are 5 craggy mountains of marble topped with pagodas and the main one with caverns with temples, and Buddha’s.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/marble-mountains
From there we pedaled the last 20 Km into Hoi An where we are enjoying the convivial
atmosphere of this historic and romantic town. There is lots to see and do here, I only wish we had more time
Onto Quang Ngai tomorrow!
Don
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Hi Don, I'm really enhoying your posts. I'm looking forward to what comes next as you are now leaving Hoi An which is as far south as I have ever gone. All the best to you on this amazing adventure! MH
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary Helen! I will try to be diligent. We are having a great time.
DeleteHey Bro, Great post! I think I would have opted for the tunnel myself. ;)
ReplyDeleteKeep the pics and posts coming. Jim
Very nice. It looks like a fun exotic adventure!
ReplyDeleteThe reason 6 of us got there at dark was because we spent 2:30 hours with a Vietnamese family having dinner and a great time. One of their daughters was in our university in Corvallis.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, Don. Is that a Nazi swaztica on the Buddah's chest?
ReplyDeleteGood eye Patty. It is actually a much older ...
Deletehttp://theconversation.com/how-nazis-twisted-the-swastika-into-a-symbol-of-hate-83020
How's the temp? Hope you lounged on the beach at Hoi An for a day.
ReplyDeleteIt was chilly in the north but it is heating up! We are on the beach right now in Quy Nhon and it is in the 80s 😀
DeleteAmazing adventure Don! Thanks for sending a message to me through my younger brother email address and showing the store that was named after me. I got it anyhow. Keep the pics coming
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I love the one of the market. Vietnam is on my bucket list so it is fun to virtually tour it with you.
ReplyDelete