Never Try, Never Know
- Vendor, Hoi An
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| Beaches for days... |
Whilst Da Nang itself lacks quintessential charm, nearby Hoi An and the beaches make up for it in an area that is still less commercialised than most (but soon to change!). Pleasantly surprised by the stunning beaches and quiet strip of coastline with crystal clear warm water and nothing that will sting or bite you anywhere in site. Hoi An is a bit busy and touristy, but a nice place to go out for the evening or spend an afternoon wandering the little streets - glad we didn't stay there but lovely to visit.
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| The now famous Golden Bridge |
There is so much to do and see in Vietnam but my favourite was by far all the nature and hikes we were able to find - from mountains to caves to temples to beaches - despite the heat, it was beautiful and still so untouched in this part of Vietnam. And far away from the usual madness of the cities.
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| Full Moon Festival |
The essentials:
1) Hotel: Fusion Maia, a definite 5 star in terms of location, quality and serenity. You receive two complimentary spa treatments a day and it is a heavenly oasis with the warmest service and healthy delicious food and plenty of options to do as little or as much as you want. This came off a recommendation of Conde Nast Traveller and definitely one of the best hotels I have been to.
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| Fusion Maia, heaven |
2) Nature: Golden Bridge once you get through the tacky amusement park entrance, Marble Mountain and swim in the beautiful ocean - beyond beautiful.
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| Natural beauty abounds in Bana Hills |
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| Marble Mountain hiking and caves |
3) Restaurants: The Field near Hoi An in the middle of rice paddies, Morning Glory in Hoi An with the best rose dumplings, Fusion Maia has amazing food including lemongrass beef and the cocktail Indian Rose - could drink every day! Also stock up on Banh Mis anywhere you go, any where, they simply do not get better and the fresh herbs and over abundance of cilantro is beyond my every dream - Banh Mi diet is mandatory but everything is so fresh and light, including the bread, you won't even notice. And don't forget an ice coffee and fruit all day long.
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| Sunset at the Field |
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| Banh Mi Perfection |
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| Ice Coffees and Indian Roses, all day, every day |
4) Shopping: there are the usual knock offs which are fairly good but lovely home products and coffee & tea gifts - Sunday Hoi An has nice selection of silks and woven items but just worth a wander around. I found the tailors pricier than expected but they do make beautiful garments.
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| Hoi An...city of lanterns |
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| Ciao for now... |
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