Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Da Nang, Vietnam

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Da Nang, in central Vietnam

DA NANG, VIETNAM
A sublime mixture of secret lagoons, spiritual sites, and Vietnamese energy.

Just North of Hoi An, Da Nang often gets overlooked on the traveler trail. However, as the third largest city in Vietnam (with a population of 1 million), Da Nang packs a punch that puts other Vietnamese towns in the shade.

Naturally, Da Nang is a savvy choice. The beaches are stunning – white sand that runs on for miles, lapped by sapphire seas, and punctuated by tall coconut trees. The mountains are breathtaking – vast swathes of emerald green poking out of the top of the few skyscrapers the city has, and the temples are enormous and plentiful. From Lady Buddha – an 18th-century shrine and statue that guards over the fishermen – to the Marble Mountains, Da Nang is a sublime mixture of secret lagoons, spiritual sites, and Vietnamese energy.

The Marble Mountains are undeniably the city’s main attraction, although the Golden Hands Bridge (40 kilometers from the city center) is fast overtaking the Mountains for the top spot. Both are sublime in their beauty – one a spiritual pilgrimage site sculpted by (and named after) the elements, the other, a man-made structure of two giant concrete hands that stretch towards the sky. You have a destination that offers travelers far more than tourist trinkets. If you are looking for a Vietnamese city that offers both connection and authenticity, you can find it in Da Nang.

SIGHTS
• The Marble Mountains
• Sun World Ba Na Hills
• Lady Buddha
• My Khe Beach
• Dragon Bridge
• Non Nuoc Beach
• Golden Bridge
• Son Tra Mountain

SHOPPING
Regarding shopping in Da Nang, whether you are looking for souvenirs, local delicacies, or high-end fashion items, this city is sure to satisfy your needs and leave you with many unforgettable memories. It is a must-have experience for visitors to this coastal city. From local markets selling traditional handicrafts to modern malls featuring high-end brands, the city offers diverse shopping options in a vibrant atmosphere!

For the best shopping in Da Nang experience, don’t forget to note down these tips:
• Set a budget before going shopping to avoid overspending
• Ask the locals for recommendations on reputable shops and vendors
• Take note of the opening and closing times of markets to plan your itinerary
• Research and compare the prices before making purchases
• Bargain politely but confidently to get the best prices
• Bring cash, as some smaller stores may not accept credit cards
• Consider purchasing souvenirs at the local markets for unique and affordable finds
• Be wary of counterfeit products, especially when shopping for luxury goods
• Don’t forget to try the local specialties before leaving Da Nang

Today’s Excursion – Ancient Town of Hoi An
We discovered Hoi An’s exquisite natural beauty and historical treasures during this excursion.
Da Nang, Hoi An, Old Temples & Houses, Town Centre
Hoi An is a treasure trove of Vietnamese history. An important trading port, Hoi An, initially boasts some of Vietnam’s most historic architecture, colorful old temples, and community houses. This ancient river town. It has been virtually unchanged for centuries.
Walking Tour, Hoi An Museum, Artefacts, Relics, Photographs, Phuoc Kien Temple, Local Market
During our tour of picturesque Hoi An, your first stop is at the Hoi An Museum. We explored artifacts, photographs, and other relics spanning 2,000 years of Hoi An history. We visited the Phuoc Kien Temple, which is dedicated to Thien Hau, Goddess of the Sea, and then stopped by a local market.
Japanese Covered Bridge, Ancient Home Visit, Marble Mountain
We walked across the Japanese Covered Bridge to visit an ancient home on the other side.

World Cruise Event – HOI AN FOR FOODIES
A sunset cruise along the rivers of Hoi An, revered for its well-preserved history and legendary culinary scene, kick-started our gastronomic adventure. We dined at the Cargo Club Café, celebrated for its delicious Vietnamese comfort food.

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

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.

TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH COMEDIAN DARRELL JOYCE – CONTRARIAN

A native of Columbus, Ohio, this 30-year veteran of the comedy circuit and finalist in the Aspen and Montreal Co Festivals appears to effortlessly deliver his cutting style. He is guaranteed to leave audiences doubled over and rolling in the aisles with laughter. This young, up-and-coming comedian is set to be the next breakout star on the comedy scene.

Appearing in colleges and comedy clubs across America, Joyce knows precisely what it takes to get a room rocking. “I like to think of my show as comedy therapy,” Joyce points out with his smirky smile and uncanny stage presence. Darrell is a comedian who will be seen and heard in the coming years and is just getting started.

Check out today’s Chronicle.