Monday, April 1, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Chan May, Vietnam

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Chan May, Vietnam, in Southeast Asia.

CHAN MAY, VIETNAM
BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE, AND RICH CULTURE

Experience the rich imperial past, stoic resilience, and blissful beaches of central Vietnam as you delve deep into this
fascinating country’s past and present. The sheer beauty and vitality of the scenery will amaze you as you explore 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 illuminates its flowing form, and the bridge’s dragon head rasps fire into the
dusk.

LANG CO BAY
Lang Co Bay is among the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. It has smooth white sand and is known for its pristine natural beauty. Not yet widely known because of the popularity of beaches in Da Nang and Hoi An, it’s a real hidden gem.

SIGHTS

• Marble Mountains
• Me Cung Cave
• Cat Ba National Park
• Cannon Fort
• Hai Van Pass

Today’s Excursion – The Streets of Hoi An

Vietnam’s culture and heritage fascinate all who visit. We explored the streets of Hoi An, Vietnam’s treasure chest of history. This picturesque river town has remained unchanged for centuries. Initially an important trading port, Hoi An boasts some of Vietnam’s most historic architecture, colorful temples, and old community houses. We visited the Hoi An Museum, experienced a guided walking tour of the town, and enjoyed a traditional lunch.

Marble Mountian and Showroom

We enjoyed some shopping time and the opportunity to take photos at Marble Mountain.

Hoi An
Hoi An is a pretty river town that has earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Our walking tour begins along its colorful streets, which have remained unchanged for centuries before we entered the Hoi An Museum. Housed in a traditional merchant’s house, this museum is known for its fine collection of objects relating to the town’s heyday as an important trading port. We view the ancient silk-making process.

Phuoc Kien Temple
Next, we visited the Phuoc Kien Temple, a structure built in honor of Thien Hau, the Goddess of the Sea.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing and beautiful of Hoi An’s sights is the Japanese-covered bridge. Built in 1593 over a stream, it is a lovely amalgamation of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese architectural characteristics. It connects
Hoi An’s Japanese and Chinese districts. At the center of the bridge stands a small temple.

More pictures from the streets of Hoi An.

Check out today’s Chronicle.