My internal clock was still struggling to adjust and I had slept most of today away as well. Diem, ever so patient, was beginning to become a bit restless. I knew she was itching to get out and do some exploring and her favorite activity. Taking pictures. So after a quick afternoon snack we climbed on our motorbike and headed south. We were going to one of my favorite places in the world, Hoi An.
The Ride To Hoi An
I have written many articles on the UNESCO world heritage sight, so I will just refer you here at the sake of redundancy. We almost exclusively have taken cars the forty five minute trip south of Da Nang. Today would be a little special. Today we would brave the trip down the coastal highway on our motorbike.
The breeze was sweet and the air cool as we left the congested streets of downtown Da Nang, sea to our left and wide open road in front, south we went. It’s always a different perspective seeing the world without glass in front of you. Sounds, smells, the feel of the wind against your skin, It’s wonderful.
We headed past the towering Marble Mountains that climb quickly from the coast just yards from the ocean. These ancient Marble formations cascaded with jungle vines and the occasional pagoda. The area is also known for its marble craftsman and we zipped past the many vendors selling their Marble and stone sculptures and jewelry.
Everything from Lady Buddha statues towering over head to the smallest bracelets and trinkets. The sun was beginning to hang low in the afternoon sky as we continued south towards our destination.
We took the turn off of the coastal route about 30 minutes outside of Da Nang and like magic there she was. It’s like going through a time portal, the wide open highway gives way to smaller local roads and the rice fields, water buffalo and ancient fishing gear begin to fill the scene.
The Scenery Emerges
The raised causeways crisscross the endless rice paddies creating a patchwork of green fields with grey edges. The last time we were here it was before planting and the fields had just been flooded in preparation. Now the growing season was in full swing and the fields were as green as emeralds. Local children stood on the causeways and flew kites in the warm tropical breeze.
Across a few causeways and down some narrow village streets and we arrived in the heart of the city. We took a slip of paper from the parking attendant and headed into the village.
The Village
Hoi An is always so beautiful. Day, night, it doesn’t matter. A romantic mix of French colonial architecture and ancient Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influence. I have never questioned why travel and leisure voted it most beautiful village in the world for 2019.
We headed down the streets lined with it’s ancient lantern and tailor shops. You could get a custom, made from scratch, hand tailored silk suit here for under $200 usd. We continued on and made our way to the river delta and heart of the village.
We headed across the bridge first going past the ancient bridge built by Japanese traders some 400 years ago. It’s always a beautiful site. We strolled down the food market and grabbed a few snacks before heading back to the bridge for nightfall.
The sun was not long from setting and the white egrets were beginning to set out from their daily hunting grounds in the rice fields. They flew over us in formation as we took a few pictures of the setting sun against the river.
Within minutes darkness came and the beautiful lanterns that lend to the ancient villages name came to life. It was such a beautiful site mirrored against the lazy river. We wandered the streets for awhile in the cool night and just enjoyed being out of the apartment for awhile. It’s always a tough adjustment completely switching time. I’ve said it before, the addictive qualities of a timezone, are absolute.
Da Nang At Night
After some time just walking the beautiful streets it was time to head home. We mounted our two wheel steed and headed north out of the river delta of the Thu Bon river and the village of Hoi An. The drive back at night was much different. We had to stop segeral times for directions as the crisscrossing causeways and dimly lit streets, and the combined problem of no sun for bearings, often left us unsure if we were indeed headed north.
We ended up on DT607 which runs parallel to the coastal highway we took into Hoi An, but further inland. It was under heavy construction, very dusty and not visible to the sea. Leading us to question often if we were in fact going north to Da Nang. Everyone we asked said we were on the right path and sure enough about 45 minutes later the southern edge of the city came into view.
Da Nang is always beautiful at night and it is always wonderful to see her lit bridges and river boats in their neon facades drift and cross the young city. We made our way across the expanse of the city and Dragon bridge towards our home, but stopped at the beach so I could get my feet wet. The beach is so beautiful here. Light khaki sand, crystal blue waters and at night the bright neon city lights dance like faeries across the white capped waves that gently lap up onto the shore.
Back in December with monsoon season still in effect the ocean was aggressive and dynamic. Now that the dry season had arrived the temperatures were warm and the water was calm and clear. I kicked off my loafers and walked the 50 or so yards down to the water and waded into the slightly cool surf. One can image in the heat of the day, with the sun beating down, the water was perfect. I would find out soon enough, as tomorrow after Church, it was time to wade into the waters for a very important moment. Tomorrow would be time to baptize DIem.
After getting my feet wet we headed back over to the apartment and Diem and I made some dinner and I called some friends back home to catch up. My body was finally beginning to adjust, and as we finished eating it wasn’t long before sleep took me again. For tomorrow is going to be a most wonderful day.
Click here for more posts on Hoi An
or Click here for a short video on our trip to Hoi An
and Click Here for the travel and leisure article
