Traveling to Hoi An-Vietnam

Traveling to Hoi An- Vietnam

Vietnam - Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Hoi An - Vietnam, 03/05/07

Upon arrival at Danang airport we took a bus to Hoi An- the ancient town of Vietnam. On the night we stayed at the Hoi An Hotel and we had a welcome dinner with typical food of Vietnam. I tried a rich soup of potatoes and some fruits typical. Hoi An is one of World Heritages declared by UNESCO and has the pedestrian area with the largest concentration of everything Vietnam alleys that are home to crafts, antiques, clothes, disposes, ceramics, bronze statues, wood and marble.

The first day we had a free day for personal activities so the first thing we did was go to market to buy some clothes. This market has no clothes as good as the market in Ho Chi Minh, so we spent very little. The most repeated phrase was "One Dollar".

The second day we did a walking tour of the city center visiting the former home of former Merchants, the Japanese Bridge and the local market. Lunch at a restaurant that was shaped like a cruise and saw some of the peasants working in the rice harvest, peeling skin and others. In afternoon we visited the beach at Hoi An. The beach was very beautiful with peaceful site that not many beaches in Vietnam has.

The third day we went to Marble Mountain where you get marble and other stones to make all kinds of crafts and sculptures. We got in three caves that were a refuge for the Vietcom in the Vietnam War. These caves were once used by the 13 kings of Vietnam as a place of calm and relaxation. Since the mountain was a pretty sight. The climb we did was raining so dangerous descent.

We visited China Beach - a must visit in Hoi An. A very nice beach where there was a group of 20 fishermen how to picking up a fishing net that did not contain anything about fish. Here in front of China Beach, there are still airports in helicopters and the Americans are not allowed access because the ground is mined from explosive materials as a result of the war.

Our tour continues with Hue city, the former city of Vietnam under the reign of Nguyen King Dynasty. We spent ony two days in Hue. Although the time is short but enough for us to have more understandings about the city. We went through the Hai Van tunnel to get to Lang Co Beach, where we had lunch in a Resort. However, unfortunately, we could not enjoy the beach because it was raining.

It will be our fault if we did not mention to the food in Hoi An and Hue. I have enjoyed the typical food in many countries all over the world, but food in Hue and Hoi An is one of the best I have eaten. At first, we found it difficult to eat with chopsticks, but with the help of the local people we could. It was so great! We think that Vietnamese food will be our favourite food. In our country, there are little Vietnamese food, so we will it very much. It is also the reason why we tried to eat as much as possible when we still stayed in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh city by night

It's that time. Offices close. shirts are untucked, and the city begins its quest to let loose. Fortunately, Saigon offers a nightlife rich in options.

6:00 PM
You've made it to the happiest hour of the day: that's right, happy hour. What could be sweeter? Luckily, Saigon is full of lively bars, many with deals to have you wash away your work day stress and strain.

Right in the heart of downtown, tucked away in a colonial building and secluded courtyard is the Refinery (74 Hai Ba Trung, D1). The laid-back patio surrounded by leafy plants and outfitted with wooden, colonial-style furniture and warm lighting is framed in the shadow of the imposing French-influenced structure. With its low, ambient lighting and mellow, mutted tones, the space is ideal for intimate discussions.

Right around the corner, Pacharan (97 Hai Ba Trung, D1) is a charming Spanish alternative with happy hour from 5-7 pm and free sangria all day very Sunday. There's no lovelier place to watch Saigon's mad rush hour than Paracharan's rooftop, with an open terrace overlooking one of the most insanely crowded corners of the city, as well as the Opera House and Park Hyatt Hotel. While plesing the eye with both its panoramic city views and stylish interior decoration, Pacharan's penthouse bar beckons with its luxirous lounge atmosphere and reputable wine collection.

8:00PM
Time for what Vietnamese expression terms "stomach drumming". Whether you are casual about your food or taste buds rule your life, Saigon offers literally thousands of options from local eateries to up market in ternational restaurants

Catergorised as a "continental" dining venue, Le Jardin (31 Thai Van Lung, D1) is a cozy petoe French restaurant hidden in the back garden of the IDECAF French cutural centre. While the indoor dining area offers all the charm of a country garden, a welcome respite from the city's busy street. The menu is small, yet every dish is meticulously crafted, a treat for the eyes and the palate. If you are not into their divinely fresh salads, which always bring me to my knees, the daily specials are always worth a bite.

10:00PM
Of course by this time, more drinking is probably in order, and the lusty red tones of Quin (31 Dong Du, D1) make it one of my favourites. Quin is artful in its luxyriousness, yet relaxing all the same. The chic glass in door bar houses a wide selection of wines from around the world, including some of the corner at the back of the bar or on the petile open terrace at the front. Located on Dong Du street, right in the centre of Saigon's up market entertainment district, Quin is the perfect place to mix with the city's glitterati while enjoying either glass of bubbly or an expertly mixed cocktail.

11:30PM
The night is getting on, and by now you should have drunk enough to drown your sorrows and bring any intellectual conversations to a halt. In other words, shall we dance? Here and everywhere around town, by 11:30, the dance floor is warming up. A new star worthy of mention is Cage Bar (3A Ton Duc Thang, D1). Having gained a certain notoriety back in his dasy at Manna, manager Florent Moncant has now bruoght his magic touch to Cage, turning it into one of the city's real hot spots. Thanks to to the manager's enthusiasm and charm. It has become a happening place with regular weekly and monthly DJ events where the temperature quickly reaches boiling point.