Hoi An ancient town

Hoi An is an ancient town, located 30 kilometers south of Danang city and lying on the bank of Thu Bon River. It used to be one of the most important trading ports of Southeast Asian in the 16th century, known among the western traders as "Faifo". Hoi An ancient town is very charming with the distinct Chinese and Japanese atmosphere as well as its traditional houses lining the narrow streets. Most of buildings are still in their original form, including ancient private houses, family chapels, community halls, communal houses, temples, pagodas, bridges, wells and tombs.

The oldest quarter of the town is situated the south, next to Thu Bon River where the town's first street was constructed by the Japanese. Hence, the construction of residence, temples, and community halls among others emerged, providing the Japanese character to the old quarter. The most outstanding Japanese architecture is the Japanese Bridge, built in the 17th century. In the middle of the bridge stands a square-shaped pagoda built in Japanese style.

Ancient buildings along the street are also noticeable for its characteristic architecture. Houses are made of rare wood, decorated with lacquered boards and panels engraved with Chinese characters. The best example of Hoi An architecture is houses along Nguyen Thai Hoc street.

Hoi An today still keeps its fascinating atmosphere from the past by an attempt to reserve its architecture, luring then a great number of visitors to appreciate its ancient beaut

 Nha Trang

Nha Trang city, lying on the coastline in the south central region, is a famous beach city of Vietnam with its secluded, clean beaches. It is then the ideal place for relaxing and drinking in the sunlight as well as scenic sights. Several islands punctuating offshore also provide the abundant coral reefs, allowing the great site for snorkeling and scuba diving. On the beach, small hotels, restaurants offer a wide range of food, and other small-scaled service shops make Nha Trang beaches more charming in its simple way. Apart from its lovely beaches, Nha Trang also endows the historical relics inherited from the Cham civilization between the 7th century and 12th century represented as towers and pagodas where you can have chance to experience its glorious past.

Nha Trang's attractions:

Po Nagar Cham Tower: The tower majestically stands on Cu Lao Mountain north of Nha Trang as a sacred sanctuary of Brahmanism. A group of towers on the site were built between the 7th and 12th century. The biggest tower with its height of 23 meters is dedicated to Lady Po Nagar, believed to be an incarnation of the Goddess Uma, Shiva's consort. The statute of the Lady has ten arms, seems dancing. Her head disappeared during the French rule and appears again in Giumet Museum in Paris. Lady Po Nagar is still worshiped as a protector of the city and the Po Nagar Tower is deemed to mark a developed culture of Cham civilization.

Long Son Pagoda: Long Son pagoda is a shrine of a huge 14-meter-high white Buddha image seated on a lotus blossom, lying atop the hill with a flight up of 152 steps. The White Buddha is crafted in 1963 to dedicate to Buddhist monks and nuns who, in the time of Diem Presidency, soaked themselves with gasoline and set themselves on fire to protest against the policies of the government.

Dam Market: Located in the city center of Nha Trang, the market is lively and vibrant with merchants selling their merchandises. The Dam Market itself is a circular three-story building. In the middle locate the souvenir shops. Outside is teemed with cap, hat, and dress shops, and behind the market is the fresh food market.

Nha Trang Municipal Beach: The six-kilometer-stretch of soft yellow sand shaded with trees offers a relaxing spot in town of Nha Trang. The water is warm and always tranquil in the morning when you can enjoy swimming or basking without a throng of vendors. The Mieu and Tre Islands is springing up a few kilometers offshore, good for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is notorious for thieves at nights, so watch out your belongings if you are supposed to be on the beach at post-dusk.

Hon Chong Beach: Situated immediately up the famous Hon Chong promontory, the beach is very quiet and isolated, good for real relaxation. People of Nha Trang often go swimming there early in the morning or after four p.m.

In addition, visitors can visit the outlying islands offshore which will provide the opportunity of snorkeling and scuba diving to view their abundant underwater garden. The outstanding islands are: Hon Mieu, Hon Tam, Hon Tre, Hon Mot, and Hon Mun Islands.

  Phan Thiet

Phan Thiet, the main coastal town of Binh Thuan province, lying on the coastline of the East Sea is boasted for its blissful landscapes of spectacular sand dune sloping towards the clear turquoise sea which is escorted by the sheering mountain. The town of Phan Thiet itself is the area of developed fishing industry enveloped by a stench from the factories producing a well-known local product, nuoc mam. Apart from a throng of fishermen in town, a throng of tourist also flocks here for its picturesque scenery of Mui Ne beach situated out of town. Coming to this charming city, visitors can also experience the beauty of the old towers as vestiges of the ancient Cham civilization. With its stunning landscape together with cultural importance, Phan Thiet has a good reason to be one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam.

Phan Thiet's attractions:

Mui Ne: Mui Ne is located 24 kilometers northeast of Phan Thiet town. It is characterized by sweeping gold sand dunes lined with the palm trees and lapped by turquoise sea. Around Mui Ne, there are secluded and pristine beaches with their imposing landscapes. The most outstanding, in addition to its lovely beaches and clear water, is Doi Cat (Sand Hill), the golden sand hill which is caused by the wind. It looks like the moving waves when seen from afar. The sand hill will be more intriguing when the hill glows in gold color when bathed by the first light of the day. Mui Ne is an ideal place for relaxation in the midst of striking scenery which provides soothing atmosphere as well as endless inspiration to artists' creation.

Ca Na Beach: Ca Na beach is situated 32 kilometers south of Phan Rang, about 100 kilometers from Phan Thiet. This is a calm, pristine beach with its turquoise water lapping the relatively rocky shore. Snorkeling is also a possibility. Due to its proximity to the highway, Ca Na Beach is a popular stop-over for the passing tourists; or those, with time in hand, can consider an overnight stay on the beach where there are enough accommodation, restaurant, and facilities available.

Po Klong Garai Tower: Situated west of Phan Rang, this Cham tower stands atop of a hill with a complex of a sanctuary, a smaller gate tower, and a repository. The complex of towers can be traced back to the 13th century during the rule of Cham King, Jaya Simhavaraman III. The main sanctuary is the most outstanding structure for its bas-relief of six-armed Shiva above the doorpost decorated with stonework and etching. Inside the vestibule the statue of Shiva's bull Nandin is enshrined and worshipped by farmers who wish for good harvests.

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