The trip over Hai Van Pass to Hoi An

Joy, Bill and Alexander hired a car and a driver and headed to Hoi An.

Firstly we stopped off a fishing village not far from Hue.

 

The cool guys inspect the boats.

 

These fish are heading for fish sauce.

Shrines in the village.

View of the bay.

 

Vietnamese coracle fishing boats. Must be tricky to manage.

 

Lang Co.

Now at the top of the Hai Van Pass, between Hue and Danang. It is the highest pass in Vietnam and it is also known as the Pass of the Ocean Clouds.

Danang in the distance.

 

Looking back over the direction we came.

 

China Beach near Danang. The R&R spot for US forces during the Vietnam War.

Coracles are also use by lifesavers here.

 

We head for the Marble Mountains...

...but first our driver wants us to visit one of the very many marble factories. "All the different coloured marble comes from the mountains". Very strange since they aren't mining them now.

The mountains were an important religious spot for the Cham and the peaks became havens for communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War, due to their commanding view over Danang airbase. This is the Tam Thai Pagoda.

 

 Close up of the Pagoda

Penguin bins believe it or not.

 

A temple in a grotto. 

Inside the grotto.

A hot and rough climb was rewarded by a great view towards the sea. This strip of beach is lined with many huge upmarket hotels. Goodness knows who stays there.

The Linh Ung pagoda on the mountain.

Statue of Buddha.

 

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Last days in Hue

We had a fantastic time in Hue with Alexander and Mary, but too soon the week was up and it was time to move on.

A temple by the Perfume River.

 

The closest gate into old town for Alexander and Mary's house.

 

Bill joins the traffic on the bridge.

Travelling like a local.

 

The Hue Royal Antiquities Museum,contains treasures from the Dynasty in 1802.

Mary admiring the bonsai.

 

Inside.

 

A gown for an Emperor.

 

This urn has bullet holes dating from the Vietnam War.

Young girl wearing a lovely ao dai.

Most women are covered from head to toe to protect them from the sun. It must be so hot in the humid climate.

Farewell to Hue cocktails on this lovely terrace.

Floating restaurant.

 

Cheers!

 

What a colour.

Cheers again!

Lovely views over the river as the sun goes down. In the foreground is the hotel we stayed in last time we were in Vietnam.

 

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Alexander goes to a Vietnamese wedding.

    Just before we arrived in Hue, Alexander was invited by a Vietnamese friend to her cousin's wedding.  We thought it would be good to include a few photos of the occasion.  Mary was unable to go so he went with Tess.  When he got there, he found out he was to be part of the wedding party.  We really don't know why, but think he makes a handsome addition.

   Alexander's friend was also in the wedding party.  Shoes are never worn inside.

 

   Alexander's new best friend, the groom.

 

   The wedding procession proceeds to the groom's house.

   The ceremony.

    The reception.

 

   Alexander and Tess were asked to sing, but they agreed to dance instead.

    Born performers.

More Hue

       Time for a Vietnamese takeaway.

    This is the man who cooked our duck...

    ...and here's our pork.

   Enjoying a delicious Dinner at the home of Alexander 's boss.

   Dry fish on sale at the market.

   A ferry crossing the river.

    Houses alone the edge of the Perfume River.

   Looking down the Perfume River towards the city centre.

    Time for coffee and cooling drinks again.  Fruit yoghurt drinks are vey popular.

   Bill has a new buddy...

    ...and here's our reception committee.

   An old gate or temple or something.

   Tess, looking rather scary, demonstrates the kind of mask the women wear to filter the air and prevent sunburn.

    This could be an easy way to get around in the heat.