Exploring Vietnam - Nha Trang

Nha Trang
(2 / 5 Apr 1999)

		Nha Trang is the capital of Khanh Hoa Province, quite a large and industrious town.
		However, down by the river there is the usual DIY feel to building a house.

The harbour is very busy and gives some idea of the food you will find around.

There are some interseting Cham Temples just on the outskirts of town.

It's not too far a walk, and an interesting trip, through the town, over the bridges, and out.

It is worth taking one of the boat trips round the bay for a day. This coral beach is on one of the many beautiful islands which lie around.

You can also get lunch on one of the islands (and very good it is too). These are the coracles which ferry you to the shore.

Mind you the food back in town isn't bad either, how about this for a plate of prawns. The sweet chilli dipping sauce went down a dream with that little gem.

Some of the cocktail bars / clubs are also worth visiting. The "Rainbow Bar" has a free video menu, letting you choose which band they have on.

		Our next real point of call is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), but that is a long trek and en-route we detour inland for an overnight stop in Da Lat.

The Thap Cham temple we passed on the way is probably the best example of all the Cham ruins in Vietnam.

And, as we climb into the hills the natural views get pretty good too.

Dalat is also an interesting place, but unfortunately the tropical rain wouldn't stop coming down.

In the end we conceded defeat and spent what was left of the day in the indoor market in town.

		A long though fascinating drive lies ahead as we turn South West and cut across country to Vietnams largest and most prosperous town, Ho Chi Minh City, once called Saigon.

Although a long drive stretched ahead the road was good and we had plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights.

A lesson in the art of smoking a pipe (and it has been a few years since I last smoked something like that).

Bamboo is versatile stuff as this basket weaving factory clearly displayed.

If you have ever wondered how sugar cane becomes the white crystals which are spooned into tea then you first saw it here.

And, as we just mentioned tea, it is worth pointing out that the country here is pretty good for it too.

An excellent green tea (drunk in small cups - without milk and sugar) is produced up in these hills.

A small temple plus it's Golden Buddha in one of the towns which we passed on the way.

Finally we cross a large river (plus it's many inhabitants) as we draw near to Saigon.

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Van Lak, Hue, Hoi An, My Lai, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong delta.

If you have any comments or suggestions about these pages then drop us a line.

If you are interested in Vietnamese Food then why not visit Sue's Recipe Server, our other Web site.

South India Overland is the record of our journey through Southern India during January and February 1997.

North India & Nepal is the record of our journey from Delhi to Kathmandu during January 1998.

		There are some interseting Cham Temples just on the outskirts of town.
		It's not too far a walk, and an interesting trip, through the town, over the bridges, and out.

		It is worth taking one of the boat trips round the bay for a day. This coral beach is on one of the many beautiful islands which lie around.
		You can also get lunch on one of the islands (and very good it is too). These are the coracles which ferry you to the shore.

		Mind you the food back in town isn't bad either, how about this for a plate of prawns. The sweet chilli dipping sauce went down a dream with that little gem.
		Some of the cocktail bars / clubs are also worth visiting. The "Rainbow Bar" has a free video menu, letting you choose which band they have on.

		The Thap Cham temple we passed on the way is probably the best example of all the Cham ruins in Vietnam.
		And, as we climb into the hills the natural views get pretty good too.

		Dalat is also an interesting place, but unfortunately the tropical rain wouldn't stop coming down.
		In the end we conceded defeat and spent what was left of the day in the indoor market in town.

		Although a long drive stretched ahead the road was good and we had plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights.
		A lesson in the art of smoking a pipe (and it has been a few years since I last smoked something like that).

		And, as we just mentioned tea, it is worth pointing out that the country here is pretty good for it too.
		An excellent green tea (drunk in small cups - without milk and sugar) is produced up in these hills.

		A small temple plus it's Golden Buddha in one of the towns which we passed on the way.
		Finally we cross a large river (plus it's many inhabitants) as we draw near to Saigon.