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Nature has blessed Vietnam with soaring mountains, long coastline and radiant rice fields. Central Vietnam is home to this bountiful harvest and four UNESCO sites – Hue, Hoi An, My Son, and Phong Nha National Park. And its location next to the South China Sea, allows spectacular beachfront living.
Where else can you find a world class beach resort with powdery white sand, great snorkeling and diving opportunities, swaying coconut trees, and yet offer three UNESCO World heritage sites within day trip distance?
Central Vietnam is one such place – facing the South China Sea, the stretch of beach from Danang to Hoi An, is also called the China beach, and used to be the place for the American GIs to get some R&R during the Vietnam War. Today, tourists replace the soldiers and are lured by one of the best beaches along the Vietnamese coast, which stretches for as long as from Seattle to San Diego.
For this trip, we based ourselves in the charming French run Victoria Hoi An Beach and Spa, a deluxe boutique hotel situated right on the beach with a blend of French chic and Vietnamese tradition.
Hoi An is one of the three UNESCO World heritage sites. This lovely riverside port city dates back to 15th century and sees influence from French, Dutch, Spanish and Japanese. The well preserved old houses retain the colonial elements as well as local traditional charm. Many of the old houses are now converted to boutiques, cafes or restaurants. It is indeed a delight to roam and shop here.
About two and a half hours drive away via the beautiful coastal highway over the Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Cloud), Hue, the second UNESCO World heritage site was the imperial capital of Vietnam for 150 years from 1802 to 1945. The Nguyen Dynasty that ruled from here left behind its own version of Forbidden Palace modeled after the one in Beijing, albeit smaller but exudes its own unique charm; and a number of Royal Tomb well worth visiting.
The third UNESCO World heritage site, My Son is about one and a half hours away. The Cham civilization which predates the Angkor period lift behind outstanding Hindu temple ruin nestled amongst forest and terraced rice fields. The journey there through the rural landscape by jeep and boat is as much an attraction as the site itself.
Apart from the three UNESCO World heritage sites, another must do is a trip out with the local fisherman. You will join them as the day break and see how they make a living on the river and participating on their daily life. At the end of the morning, enjoy a sumptuous lunch with your catch!
Of course, in addition to all the above, a lovely evening on the beach awaits you at the end of each day …
For more information on this tour, please see: Five Days in Central Vietnam: The Cultural Haven by the Sea
To learn more about Country Holidays’ tours and packages, please email [email protected], call 8587 9263, or log onto www.countryholidays.com.cn.
Written by: Chang Theng Hwee
Photos: Courtesy of Country Holidays