Friday, January 31, 2025 – Chan May, Vietman

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Chan May, in central Vietnam.

CHAN MAY (HUE/DA NANG) – VIETNAM
A true experience for the senses.
We experienced the rich imperial past, stoic resilience, and blissful beaches of central Vietnam as we delved deep
into this fascinating country’s past and present. The sheer beauty and vitality of the scenery amazed us
as we explored the stories this now tranquil land has to tell – all the while surrounded by rolling rice paddies,
freely grazing water buffalo, and soaring limestone scenery.

Cut in half by the evocatively named Perfume River and home to a spectacular sprawling citadel, Hue is an authentic experience for the senses. Vietnam’s timeless beauty outshines the shadows of its past, but Hue still bears the heavy scars of war – whether it’s from American bombs or harrowing events like those of Hue Jungle Crevice – where the Viet Cong pushed 3,000 civilians to their deaths.

Hue’s Old City was once the jewel of Vietnam, standing proudly as its Imperial Capital. Lotus flowers now twirl peacefully in the grand moat around its mighty walls, which encase a spectacular array of charred palaces, temples, and regal residences.

Danang’s Marble Mountains rise dramatically close by, scattered with Buddhist shrines and plunging caves. While an endless treasure trove of rich cultural experiences is waiting here, it’s hard to resist the call of Danang’s idyllic beaches, where white sand gives way to a fringe of palm trees. The undulating humps of the city’s Dragon Bridge soar across the wide River Han, and this ambitious structure comes alive at night when strobing light shows illuminate its flowing form and the bridge’s dragon head
rasps fire into the dusk.

SIGHTS

• Hoi An Town
• Golden Bridge
• Hue Hoi An Town
• Hue Citadel
  
• DINING
  Chan May is known for its delicious cuisine. The area is home to various traditional dishes, such as banh beo, banh nam, and banh loc. The location is also known for its seafood, often served with various herbs and spices.

Today’s Excursion – Highlights of Da Nang

We discovered the beautiful and historic highlights of Da Nang during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.
Cham Museum, Outdoor Exhibits, Sandstone Sculptures, Temple Decorations
En route to the Cham Museum, we drove through the center of charming Da Nang, with its ornate temples and colonial-style buildings. Upon arrival, stroll through its outdoor exhibits of sandstone sculptures and temple decorations created between the 4th century and 14th century by the Cham people. The displays are grouped into four periods and named after the regions where the sculptures were discovered. Our guide, well-versed in Cham history, comprehensively explained these relics.

Pedicab-Ride, Small Side-Streets, Photo Opportunities, Han Market
Leaving the Cham Museum, we took a picturesque pedicab ride from the Cham Museum to Han Market. We wind through
the small side streets of Da Nang to experience the city’s heartbeat. Riding in a pedicab, or cyclo (pronounced ‘see-klo’),
offers a charming and intimate way to experience the hectic pace and heartbeat of Da Nang. We were pedaled through this
animated and bustling city and enjoyed numerous photo opportunities of the industrious vendors, streets full of motorcycles and
pedicabs, local markets, and colonial buildings. Upon arrival at the colorful Han Market, we had some free time is available for
shopping.

Marble & Kim Mountains, Goddess of Mercy Pagoda, Marble Mountain Village, Stone Statues
Next, we re-boarded our coach and headed to the Ngu Hanh Mountains (Marble Mountains), named after the five basic elements of the universe: Kim Mountain (Metal), Moc Mountain (Wood), Thuy Mountain (Water), Tho Mountain (Earth); and Hoa mountain
(Fire); Hoa Mountain consists of two peaks. We stopped at Kim Mountain to view the Quan The Am Pagoda (Goddess of Mercy
Pagoda), then proceed to Marble Mountain Village. Here, thousands of stone statues, including lovely, different-coloured
specimens have been created by the skillful hands of the area’s talented workers.

Dinner was in The Alantide Restaurant.