Destination Hoi An, Vietnam

Walking along the banks of the Thu Bon River, watching the boats sail by, I got a sense of what the delightful town of Hoi An must have been like so many centuries ago. 

Temples and ancient merchants’ houses with vivid yellow walls help make this town special. It was once a major port and is now a Unesco World Heritage site. A fusion of different cultures including Chinese, Japanese and European laced with indigenous influences, Hoi An has an alluring fascination. Despite it being full of tourists there are no cars in the town centre nor are there any motorbikes, which has to be a blessing.

Thu Bon River at night

After passing by the ornate Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, I headed to the beautiful, quaint Japanese Covered Bridge. Dating back to the 1590s it is the most renowned symbol of Hoi An. Renovated in 1986, the bridge’s original arch shape which had been flattened out by the French out so cars could cross, was restored.

Japanese Bridge

Nearby plenty of traditional family homes hug shoulders with timber-framed shops. Hoi An is renowned for its tailoring. You should get recommendations for tailors to visit from your guide or hotel as the quality of work can vary tremendously. The fabric is “made in China”. Say no more.

The fruit market

From pearls to T-shirts, the shopping is good here. However, it has also built up a reputation as a place for foodies with plenty of cookery classes on the menu. The one I took started with a trip to the local market to get up close and personal with the vendors and learn about the ingredients which go into their traditional everyday dishes. 

Pretty street

After our visit we took a boat trip to the cookery school where we were shown how to cook Vietnamese-style. If you wanted to try your hand, you could. After a delicious lunch, served up by the chef, not by us, we headed back to the old town.

Outside Hoi An, for those that want some relaxation there are beaches to discover. Cua Dai Beach is where you will find the luxury hotels.

Wall dating back to the 4th century

I chose a trip past rice paddy fields and through some beautiful countryside to a remote jungle valley to get a glimpse of what life was like in My Son. This old bastion of the Champa Kingdom, overlooked by the Cat’s Tooth Mountain, dates back to the 4^th century. 

Before exploring this once the religious and political capital, which still has over 20 well-preserved monuments to see, we were treated to a Cham dance show.

My Son  Sanctuary Bridge without rails

The rippling streams and the lush hills that surround My Son Sanctuary makes a trip to this place so evocative.

Back in Hoi An, I watched the lanterns, a symbol of luck, happiness and wealth, light up the night sky along the river. It was magical. My trip here was short and sweet but the memories will linger forever.

By Daralyn Danns 

Getting there

I flew from Hanoi with Vietnam Airways vietnamairlines.com to Hue and went by road to Hoi An

Stay at Almanity Hoi An Resort and Spa almanityhoian

Destination Hue, Vietnam

Everything was peaceful and tranquil as I cruised along the Perfume River taking in the heady aromas while passing the tree-lined banks against a backdrop of mountains. But there was a sense that life had not always been like this here.

Hue, in central Vietnam, was the Imperial city under the rule of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 until 1945. Echoes of its royal past and the scars of civil unrest and war still can be felt.

Sailing along the Perfum River

The 1968 Tet Offensive, a bloody, 26-day long battle that, reputedly, was the turning point in the American War (Vietnam War) saw many of its ancient buildings destroyed or damaged. Today Hue is a fusion of the old and crumbling and the new and pristine.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most renowned holy complexes in Vietnam and an emblem of Hue’s regal past, was our first stop. The 21-metre (69 feet) high Phuoc Duyen Tower has seven storeys each with a statue of Buddha. 

Imperial Citadel

Last on our tour, but definitely not least, was the Imperial Citadel. Encircled by a moat, this walled fortress once contained 148 buildings; now only 20 are left. The Imperial City, located inside, is where the royal family lived. It took its inspiration from the Forbidden City in Beijing. The whole complex is a fascinating place to walk around as you get a sense of a bygone era.

Lang Co

All too quickly it was time to say good bye to Hue and head for Hoi An.  A drive along the winding roads of the spectacular Hai Van Pass is, undoubtedly, a memorable experience.  You are treated to magnificent views of Da Nang Bay.

Farning oysters

Of course, we had to stop and sample the seafood at the delightful fishing village of Lang Co. After a scrumptious lunch we watched, from the immaculate white, sandy beaches, oysters being farmed before we hit the road again.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

I flew from Hanoi with Vietnam Airways vietnamairlines.com

Stay at Imperial Hotel Hue, imperial-hotel.com This lovely five-star hotel gives a sense of place