Beach Capital of Vietnam
Trip Start
Oct 30, 2005
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56
122
Trip End
Ongoing
Nha Trang,
Vietnam
Thursday, March 16, 2006
After a "swim" through the streets and a bite to eat, we smartly decided to head back to the hotel for a while. The rain subsided and we were able to wander the streets and get a feel for the place, before walking back via the beach. It was quite a nice place, although certainly popular for the beach. We had originally feared it may be a disappointment as we weren't craving the beach, but our first impressions were good
Beaches Around Nha Trang
.That evening, after filling our bellies, we retired to the hotel and turned on the TV. On hearing the music from Star Wars, Glenn jumped up thinking he was in for a night of Star Wars, but no, it was the local KTV News, who uses the Star Wars theme as its introduction music! What a crack up!
The following day, we decided to get two motorbike taxis to take us around (as in Vietnam they won't take two people on the back - doesn't stop the locals from piling them on though). Unusual for our trip so far in Asia, we had trouble finding anyone! This place was so laid back that the motorbike taxis were also laid back! After almost resigning ourselves to hiring a bike and riding ourselves we found someone to take us, and after a short ride through town we were glad that we didn't attempt it ourselves!
We first stopped at the Po Nagar Cham Towers, ancient towers from the Cham empire that existed in Vietnam. Expecting to be ruined out (after Siem Reap), we actually enjoyed this stop. They were quite different to the ruins in Cambodia and it was a pleasant stop to wander around. We were keen to see the "blue boats" - the fishing boats that were moored in the river by day
Black and White "Sandals" Masterpiece (Not)
. Taking the coastal route we passed the Hon Chong Promontory and great views over the beach, before stopping at the mouth where the river meets the sea. Here we saw our blue boats, but more interestingly, locals paddling canoes with their feet!After a seafood lunch at the popular local "Lac Canh" Restaurant, where we barbequed our own dishes - Christie - prawns, and Glenn - eel :) (They were both surprisingly good!) we then headed to one of our key interests for Nha Trang - the Long Thanh Gallery, where a black and white photograper displays his images of around Vietnam. Some amazing shots here, really inspirational, so much so that Glenn decided to try his hand at a little black and white photography of his tanned feet! (That will surely be a prize winning photo - not!). But seriously, the photos were so inspirational and it was great to actually be able to meet the photographer himself to talk about his style, and even get a few tips for the next part of our trip up north. For those photography nuts among us, here is a link to his website: http://www.elephantguide.com/longthanh/galleries/index.htm
Considering Nha Trang was famous for its beach, we ventured to its shores, but the tide was high and huge dumpers were crashing on the shore. Not to be put off, Glenn raced in and swam out past the locals (who were in dumping range) and managed to catch a few good waves. He also managed to get dumped as many times, but had a lot of fun doing it. Tired and worn out, we then called it a day, washed and packed up and boarded the night bus for the 12 hour trip to Hoi An.
Comments
Star Wars
The local police use the Star Wars theme on their vehicles too - when they are coming, and you hear the theme, you know the force will soon be with you....