Sunday 29 July 2018

Ha Long Bay


Ha Long Bay is one of the most iconic places in Vietnam. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is an enormous bay with dark turquoise water and thousands of limestone karsts covered with thick vegetation.

The name means 'descending dragon' and according to legend, the karsts were formed from the dragons who came to protect the Vietnamese people from enemies. They scattered emeralds and jade - which formed the karsts- into the ocean to form a natural barrier and prevent any future invasions.

Monday 23 July 2018

Hội An


Hội An - the place that everyone seems to know and talk about. A historic port town active from 15th to 19th century, the town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. It has retained the original and traditional wooden architecture and street plan.

Warning: image heavy because I love all the photos of the yellow buildings.
Tuesday 10 July 2018

Da Nang


Remember how I mentioned that we preferred to explore a city on foot? Continuing on with that idea, we decided to walk back to our hotel from Marble Mountains.

The good: It was one straight and - thankfully - flat road. Also, as it was approaching sunset, it was slightly cooler. Marginally.
The bad: It was 8 kilometres.

Sunday 1 July 2018

Marble Mountains


The coastal city of Da Nang has played an important role in Vietnam's history. During the 16th century, it was a key port for European and Asian merchants. It was where the French landed in the 19th century; the start of French colonisation and rule. Further, it was where US troops landed in 1965 to join the Republic of Vietnam's war efforts.

Fast forward to present day, the city is a bit of a strange place. But more on that later.