H I S T O R I C   H O I   A N

Say goodbye to China Beach. Efforts are being made to rename Vietnam's best known stretch of sand "Sunrise Beach". Of course this comes with the usual Baywatch accessories - professional lifeguards along some stretches, and bronzed bodies.

Early mornings at China Beach are a frenzy of exercise but by around 7am the revellers depart - along with their salty sea dogs - bound for musty offices and lazily whirring ceiling fans. This idyllic stretch of sand runs uninterrupted along a long coast from Danang to the historic old town of Hoi An, with a gentle drop-off. With the morning mist hanging over the water, it is an alluring postcard setting.

The drive to Hoi An from Danang passes rice fields and Marble Mountain where endless rows of giant marble temple lions await your fancy. A bit large for carry-on but engaging nonetheless. Hoi An is quaint with a hint of renewed commerce - silk shops and restaurants - lining its preserved pedestrian lanes. Restoration work continues apace.

Prices are a bargain but, if you like, you can bargain some more. Silk is very much de rigueur. Have your taxi wait in the car park and walk in, or hop onto a cycle rickshaw. This preserved heritage zone is a compact area with brightly-hued two-storey shophouses with tile roofs. The streets meander charmingly from nowhere to nowhere.

At the western corner is the covered Japanese Bridge which was built in the 16th Century. There are tickets at modest prices for entry into some of the historic buildings and assembly halls.

<Back

F U N   F A C T S

VIEW The quaint and historic Japanese Bridge which was built in the 16th Century. Walk over into a slice of preserved history.

SEE Endless silk shops selling some wonderful souvenirs, hand bags and Vietnamese ao dais. Bargain hard and buy stuff by the yard. Prices are decent.

DO Pick up a ticket at a modest price for entry into one of the historic buildings and assembly halls.

Contact us
www.ghmhotels.com
Print this page