Laura Zera

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Things to See Between Hue and Hoi An, Vietnam

By Laura Zera 8 Comments

Thanh Toan covered bridge

I’ve got some new visuals from Vietnam this week, having juts spent the last two there. While the long-and-skinny-ness of the country forced a few more flights than I like to normally utilize for getting from A to B, my husband and I decided to take advantage of the scenic drive between Hue and Hoi An (in central Vietnam).

Thanh Toan market
Thanh Toan market

Our hotel in Hue, the spiffy clean Serene Palace, provided two options: public bus, or a $65 private car. A backpacker at heart, I wandered into a hostel around the corner, knowing they’d have less expensive tour itineraries. For $11 each, Francis and I booked a mini-bus tour with Tannhat Travel to take us (and one other guy from Korea) the 140 kilometers, but with an English-speaking guide and four stops en route.

Working the plough
Working the plough

First up was the village of Thanh Toan, just outside Hue. Highlights there included the local market, the carved-wood Japanese-style covered bridge, and the teeny tiny woman in the museum, who turned the tutorial on traditional rice farming into a memorable five-act play.

Next we made a pit stop at Lang Co Bay. Given that the resort hotel was dead quiet and there wasn’t another soul on the beach, it seems like the public toilet in the souvenir shop is what sees the most action these days.

Hairpin curve near Hai Van Pass
Hairpin curve near Hai Van Pass

Our diesel mini-bus chugged up some serious switchbacks to deliver us to Hải Vân Pass, which means “ocean cloud” in Vietnamese, and sits at an elevation of 500 meters (1627 feet). The trickiness of the road has led to the construction of a tunnel for regular commuters, but the views keep the tourists coming. Notable was an old brick structure that was pock-marked with war wounds.

The final destination was the Marble Mountains, which lie just outside the city of Da Nang. After climbing the main staircase to the top of one of the five mountains, caves, tunnels, buddhist sanctuaries and an Australian high school rappelling expedition all came into view.

That’s all for now. Hope you enjoyed these. My current location is Siem Reap so stay tuned for some Cambodia posts, too!

p.s. I will end with a small cat on a chair.

View from Hai Van Pass
View from Hai Van Pass
Cave at Marble Mountains
Cave at Marble Mountains
Carving shops at the foot of the mountains
Carving shops at the foot of the mountains

Marble Mountains, Vietnam 1c Marble Mountains, Vietnam 1a A Small Cat, Vietnam

 

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. Belinda Pollard says

    December 3, 2014 at 3:14 pm

    All the best blog posts end with a small cat on a chair. 🙂

    Thanks for the story, Laura. Lovely photos. And I like your determination to find the better option for transport. I’m a bit like that myself.

    Reply
    • Laura Zera says

      December 3, 2014 at 10:23 pm

      Thanks, Belinda. Didn’t get to post all the photos (and video) I wanted to because of some issues — “learning curve” — with the new theme, but hope to get them up once I’m back home.

      Reply
  2. Jodi from Heal Now and Forever says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:51 pm

    Enjoy yourself!

    Reply
    • Laura Zera says

      December 5, 2014 at 10:53 pm

      Thanks, Jodi. Will do my best. I’m set to have a Thai massage today!

      Reply
  3. Jeri says

    December 5, 2014 at 11:25 am

    Looks like a wonderful trip 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura Zera says

      December 5, 2014 at 10:49 pm

      Really could have done without the sinus infection (starting second round of antibiotics today), but the trip has still been ace!

      Reply
  4. Debbie Young says

    December 17, 2014 at 1:08 am

    As always, such fun to travel the world by proxy – although I like to think I’m well travelled, you go to so many places that I’m never likely to visit and provide a breath of fresh air wherever you go, Laura.

    Reply
    • Laura Zera says

      December 17, 2014 at 11:43 am

      That is a compliment I will hold close, Debbie. Thank you!

      Reply

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