Hoi An, Vietnam - 30-31 July 2006

It's easy to see why Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a favorite destination for many backpackers and frequent 'du lichs' (visitors) of Vietnam.  She is a charming, old-world town with interesting architecture; however, caveat emptor - many locals seemed to have sold out to tourism and have lost their small-town charm, sincerity, and generosity. Many would not hesitate to fleece you the du lich. For example, a coconut drink for 50,000 dong (about US$3.15)? "Are you serious, lady?!" (Market price was 7,000 dong, about US$0.45). Several times too, I had to negotiate the exchange rate with the hotel or restaurant staff - exchange rates could fluctuate for no rhyme or reason! 

Still, despite the downside of being harassed as a 'du lich', the food was amazing in Hoi An - I have yet to find "Mi Quang" noodles, "Cao Lau" noodles or "White Roses" dumplings outside of Hoi An. I also enjoyed riding my rented bicycle (for 10,000 dong or about US$0.65) to the beach. Though extremely hot and sunny, the clean beach was a nice place to chill.

(click on any image for a(n) enlarged / gallery view)

Above: "Mi Quang" noodles (10,000 dong = about US$0.65)

Above left: "White Rose" dumplings (30,000 dong = about US$1.90); Above right: "Cao Lau" noodles (10,000 dong = about US$0.65)

Above: The famous Japanese Bridge of Hoi An

Above left: Fresh spring rolls with pork and shrimp (22,000 dong = about US$1.45); Above right: Fried wontons, a Hoi An specialty (20,000 dong = about US$1.30)

Above: Hotel breakfast

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Nha Trang, Vietnam - 28-30 July 2006

Next stop on my itinerary was Nha Trang, a coastal city with clean sandy beaches and a beautiful bay. Coming from cool Dalat, the hot and sunny weather in Nha Trang was definitely felt head on.

While there were lots to do and see in Nha Trang: snorkelling, diving, island hopping tours, elephant tours, etc., I opted to just chill at the beach on the day of arrival and at the Thap Ba Hot Spring Center the day after. The round-trip mini-van ride from my hotel to the hot spring center and the entrance fee cost 90,000 dong or about US$5.90. Their facilities included a mud bath, hydro-power jet water, a mineral hot spring bath and a 38 degree Celsius mineral water swimming pool. There's also a restaurant on-site. After lunch there, I paid 70,000 dong (or about US$4.60) for a 45-minute massage and sauna. After days of roughing it out on the road, I was so ready for a day of pampering and self-indulgence and Thap Ba did not disappoint. I left the place feeling reinvigorated and just SO relaxed.

**En route from Dalat to Nha Trang**

(click on any image for a(n) enlarged / gallery view)

Above right: Fish rice soup and lemonade (18,000 dong or about US$1.20)

**Nha Trang**

Above left: Baked mackerel (with a glass of fresh orange juice); my dinner cost 141,000 dong or about US$9.20

Above right: Breakfast of champions - 2 eggs, baguette with jam and butter, iced white coffee and a mixed fruit yogurt drink; cost 29,000 dong or about US$1.90

Above: Natural hot springs at Thap Ba Hot Spring Center

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