Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Journeys to past and present attractions in central Vietnam

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Journeys to past and present attractions in central Vietnam

he luxurious Nam Hai resort has introduced summer packages for family members which combine visits to past and present cultural attractions in Central Vietnam with sport and leisure activities.

Going fishing in basket boat is one of the summer tours of The Nam Hai.

The day begins in the early morning with rowing a basket fishing boat just off shore, either to fish or just for the experience of being on the water and to learn how to steer the boat forward.

On another part of the tour in Quang Nam Province, family members will be ferried to Cu Lao Cham (Cham Island), a small group of islands 25 nautical miles off the coast from the ancient site of Hoi An.

The appeal of Cham Islands is its intact old pagodas and other architectural sites that date back to the 18th century. But Cu Lao Cham has more to offer. Lovely beaches beckon visitors and color corals shine under the water for divers to discover.

Back on shore the staff of The Nam Hai accompany guests on a trip around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, which is known at home and abroad for its many old houses and historic port which was bustling with trade around 400 years ago.

“The program to Hoi An will allow them (guests) to experience one of the most unique areas in Vietnam, a piece of its history still functioning and thriving,” said explained Baron R. Ah Moo, chief executive officer of Indochina Hotels and Resorts - the owner of The Nam Hai.

Other UNESCO-listed sites and places of interest on the Nam Hai tours are the Marble Mountains of pagodas and caves located about eight kilometers from the heart of Danang, the My Son Complex of Cham-architecture towers in Quang Nam Province, and the former Imperial Capital of Hue in Thua Thien-Hue.

“I believe most of our guests come with very little prior knowledge or experience with Vietnamese culture and history,” Ah Moo explained. This is why the award-winning luxury resort has launched such tours. The tours will be escorted by English-speaking tour guides who are knowledgeable about the history and attractions.

For sport lovers, The Nam Hai offers golf lessons for both adults and children. Golf is the fastest growing sport in Vietnam, with more than 10,000 Vietnamese and around 4,000 expatriate players. The lessons include watching video clips on the basic steps of playing golf and practicing at the Montgomerie Links course located in Quang Nam Province. Badminton, tennis and beach volleyball are also available for those not interested in golfing.

The Nam Hai is promoting “Stay Three Nights, Pay Two Nights” and “Stay Four Nights, Pay Three Nights” packages that include villa accommodation, airport transfers, shuttle bus to Hoi An, laundry, drinks in the room and light meals from 5-7 p.m.

Guests who stay more than four nights will also have a lunch or dinner added to the package.

The Nam Hai is 10 kilometers from Hoi An and a 30-minute drive from Danang International Airport.

VietNamNet/SGT

VietNamNet - Journeys to past and present attractions in central Vietnam

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.