This bit of my journal is basically for those who haven’t been to Vietnam.
Our Pink Villa hostel in Da Lat reserved a place for us in Nha Trang – which ended up to be the Duy Hung Hotel, 72 Hoang Hoa Tham. We arrived of course in appalling physical condition being covered in mud - everywhere. Left our shoes at the doorway but the mud followed us in – nice red/yellow coloured filthy stuff. We hastily explained our plight to reception – hoping they wouldn’t tell us to buzz off elsewhere – and they ended up being exceptionally helpful. They insisted taking us to our rooms where we could empty our bags checking soaked and muddy items – and together with that contribution, they also took our bags for a wash which they ended up scrubbing by hand on the roof patio. A very modest by definitely comfortable hotel. We were very content there – could walk to everything – the staff was very pleasant and helpful.
Using the #4 city bus, we came across a beach about 5k north of town where the waters were quiet, few people about and certainly no tourists which was a surprise. Lots of shops and a few eating establishments. Very much enjoyed the peace and beauty in that bay. My interesting experience was trying to find something to eat – or rather what to order. I had wondered about staying in this area and thought I’d check out where I could get breakfast. As I was famished for lunch and it was mid afternoon, I thought to order something to eat. Fried chicken is a common right ? Well, I received – literally – a VERY large chicken claw perched in the middle of my plate together with a big of greenery – without exaggeration this LINK will do nicely http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-chicken-claw-image4175450. I couldn’t believe it and staring at this in a rather dumbfounded manner, I finally commented, “Well at least they took off its running shoes.”. I am familiar with chicken feet in soups ….. and this could have been a common offering – have absolutely no idea if they were having fun or … ?? Needless to say – as I was hungry I hopped the next bus back to town. There are a great many excellent restaurants in Nha Trang and I needed some protein :)
I found the Trầm Hương tower well done and interesting to visit - a lotus shaped museum & war memorial next to the city beach promenade. We took the tour to Yang Bay waterfalls. A 48k drive - it was interesting to see the highway traffic passed through the gates of an 18th century citadel - Dien Khanh. There were guard towers above the archway, and a small length of original earthen rampart with traffic passing through one direction at a time. After driving through a completely undeveloped countryside on dirt roads with nothing ‘finished’ about at all - we suddenly arrived at a very well kept and nicely landscaped area – Yang Bay Falls (3 waterfalls).
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2262457480041536798GePyps The falls were lovely and in a cordoned off area further down where the water was still, we found it a terrific place to relax and/or have a swim. http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2161014740041536798gwpCpi The landscapers had made a serious effort to keep the natural beauty of the area – even in the creation of the toilet areas - here is a picture and all is carved into natural stone. http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2583289140041536798QeckSr The tour supplied an excellent lunch and ethic entertainment - We enjoyed our day there.
We also visited the VinPearl Amusement Park. My ticket of $16.00 (Canadian) paid for access/return on the cable car to visit the approx 200,000 m2 area plus access to many lovely shops, large amusement park (all rides included), amphitheatre, water park and a more than fabulous aquarium and of course, good restaurants. The cable car is recorded as having the longest crossing over water – and provides absolutely stunning views being 60 m above the ocean. http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2034311100041536798yzrCvS There were no lines ups – and the area was beautifully landscaped. http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2610393390041536798OeXxRZ
The aquarium was wonderful and I can hardly wait to visit again. A large portion of visiting consists of your standing on a slowly moving conveyor belt and are surrounded by life in the sea – all around and directly above. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSvKC70elMM Rare and exotic and everything in between. We stare – and they stare. There was a huge variance in restaurants with differing ethnic food choices – it was fun just to try out something new each day - we were kept very busy in Nha Trang :)