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Magic Marble Mountain Vietnam

July 24, 2015 by David Herd

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 Marble Mountain Vietnam where the statues are hand carved by certified and regulated stone mason artists. These artist begin a lifelong apprenticeship from a very young age and spend their life learning the trade.

 Huge statue

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 Mined from the famous Marble Mountain, in Vietnam, the premium marble offers quality and colours that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Plus the skill of the Vietnamese ensures a wonderful product.


 

Many beautiful statues

Marble Mountain Vietnam

I had to stop myself from sending a whole container home. TripAdvisor rate Marble Mountain 2nd out of 97 things to do in Danang.

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 The stone carving village of Dong Hai, located next to the Marble Mountains in Vietnam is famous for traditional stone engraving and stone-cutting craft.

 

A Vietnamese Venus de Milo

Marble Mountain Vietnam

The statues here are rather extraordinary, all shapes and sizes. 

Bangkok to Danang

Marble Mountain Vietnam

There are about seven low cost flights per week from Bangkok to Danang, it only takes around 90 minutes.

Tiger on the prowl

Marble Mountain Vietnam

This guy is a rather mean looking beast. It reminds me of a funny story of my brush with a tiger in Chiang Mai, check out THIS LINK for the full story.

David Herd at Marble Mountain

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Thanks for visiting my Marble Mountain Vietnam post, please have a look at some more posts if you have the time. For great hotel rates simply use this link.    

         Hoi An, midway between Hanoi & HCMC, fly into Danang take a taxi south, on the way make sure you visit Marble mountain.

 

               

                      Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
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Slide show here.

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck


  • Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

July 24, 2015 by David Herd

White sand & a bright blue ocean

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 Beautiful China Beach Vietnam is in Da Nang, a port city along the coast of the South China Sea. While there is not a great deal in the city in terms of restaurants and bars at the moment, Da Nang has been targeted for massive investment by both the government and private companies alike, and is tipped to be a major destination for both tourism and commerce.

Beach Vendors

Beautiful China Beach VietnamAlthough I was last there in 2003 I’m sure nothing has changed with the persistent beach vendors. They do not like taking no for an answer and there is really no escape from them.


Everything is for sale

Beautiful China Beach VietnamJohn Martin aka Pothole examining the merchandise.

 

Two Americans

Beautiful China Beach VietnamWe met two nice Americans on the beach and had lunch together washed down with some cold beers. Notice my Lee Child novel close by. 🙂

For a great hotel rate just book through THIS LINK.

Shelter from the sun.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 In more recent history, Danang is best-known for its role in the American Vietnam War. The Danang Airbase was a major American airbase, used both by the Americans and the South Vietnamese. Nearby China Beach, named after its beautiful china-white sand, was home to the 510th Evacuation Hospital, where wounded American soldiers would come to recover. China Beach itself was an American in-country R&R spot, nicknamed the “Five and Dime”. The Vietcong, meanwhile, had their own hospital surprisingly close by in the caves of the Marble Mountains.

 Beautiful Vietnamese face

Beautiful China Beach VietnamMy travelling partner John Martin aka “Pothole” was a bit of a lunatic, he is an excellent reason for travelling alone. 🙂

I forget what the young girl was selling however I just had to capture that beautiful face.

Marble Mountain

Beautiful China Beach VietnamIf you find yourself travelling from Da nang to Hoi An make sure you visit Marble Mountain.

China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach VietnamChina Beach Vietnam is a great place to relax however I would suggest you stay at Hoi An which is only 45 minutes away by taxi.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 


Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 Who needs people when you have beautiful white sand & a bright blue ocean. 🙂

David Herd at China beach.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Thanks for visiting my Beautiful China Beach Vietnam travel page, one of my favorite places in Vietnam, however the image that sticks in my mind most of all are the beautiful faces of the people and their children in this amazing country. Have a look at some of my other Vietnam posts.

For a great hotel rate in China Beach just book through THIS LINK.

                    Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
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          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
                book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
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Slide show here.

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

                            

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Road Trip Nha Trang

May 25, 2015 by David Herd

Leaving HCMC

Road Trip Nha Trang

Road Trip Nha Trang

Road Trip Nha Trang via Dalat by mini bus with a one night stopover in Dalat. We travelled through some very interesting countryside stopping often for food and drinks.

Riding to school

Road Trip Nha Trang

 Young girl wearing the traditional ao dai. The name “ao dai” was originally applied to the outfit worn at the court of the Nguyễn Lords at Huế in the 18th century.

A tip for the boys

Road Trip Nha TrangI gave these boys a tip which made them very happy indeed.

 

Another happy face in Vietnam.

Road Trip Nha Trang

So many happy faces in Vietnam.

Beautiful country heading north

Road Trip Nha TrangRice terraces from the highway.

Village on the river

Road Trip Nha Trang

A whole town sits on the water.

What more could you want?

Road Trip Nha Trang

Vietnam’s version of waterfront homes.

HCMC Nha Trang Dalat Vietnam

Road Trip Nha Trang

  Compare the above and below photo and see if you can spot the difference.  

Looks the same doesn’t it?

Road Trip Nha Trang

  Of course you picked it, the mother is rocking the baby. 🙂 🙂 🙂  

Paddling by foot

Road Trip Nha Trang via Dalat

That’s a new technique.

Dalat market

Road Trip Nha Trang

Night market in Dalat.

Fresh fish at Dalat

Road Trip Nha Trang

     Đà Lạt, the capital of Lâm Đồng Province in southern Vietnam’s Central Highlands, is centred around a lake and golf course, and surrounded by hills, pine forests, lakes and waterfalls. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its distinctive temperate climate, Đà Lạt was developed as a resort by the French in the early 1900s, and many reminders of its colonial heritage remain.

Off to training

Road Trip Nha Trang via Dalat

    The kids are looking good in their karate outfits.

Lovely smile in Dalat

Road Trip Nha Trang

    So many smiling faces in this great country.

HCMC Nha Trang

Road Trip Nha Trang

Thanks for visiting my HCMC Nha Trang Dalat Vietnam post, this is really a worthwhile adventure if you want to see life in the countryside, this was 2003, check out some more recent Vietnam posts below.                       

                   Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
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          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
             book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
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Slide show here.

 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

May 24, 2015 by David Herd

Japanese Covered Bridge

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Ancient Town Vietnam Central Coast is Hoi-An featuring wonderful French colonial buildings including this beautiful Japanese covered bridge which dates back to the 18th century. Probably the most photographed place in Hoi-An.

Crossing the bridge

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

I’m not sure what the ladies are selling.

For a great hotel rate just book through THIS LINK.

This is my favourite photo.

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

The culture & heritage is mostly from the Cham people whose kingdom originally stretched from Hue South to Phan Thiet (South of Nha Trang) – the Champa’s most likely originally from Java. The original Cham political capital was Tra Kieu, the commercial capital was Hoi An and the spiritual capital was My Son (Hindu). The Cham people were Hindu, and by the 10th century the influence of Arab traders to Hoi An resulted in some converting to become Muslims.

The second major influence was from the Chinese, firstly from traders but especially the escaping Ming Dynasty armies who after settling in Hoi An for some years moved further south and created Saigon as a major trading port.

Beautiful faces

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Hoi An is midway between Hanoi & HCMC, you can fly into Danang then take a taxi south, on the way make sure you visit Marble mountain where you can watch beautiful statues being made and perhaps even order one to be shipped home.

 

Here I am at Marble Mountain just north of Hoi-An.

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Marble Mountain Vietnam where the statues are hand carved by certified and regulated stone mason artists. These artist begin a lifelong apprenticeship from a very young age and spend their life learning the trade.

Travel Tip. Hoi-An has the reputation as the place to go to have clothes made, I think one of the best strategies is to take some of your favourite items and have them copied at a fraction of the price you would pay at home.

 Hoi-An French colonial buildings

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

One of the many Hoi-An French colonial buildings.

Please click on Google + to help my ranking.

Fu kien restaurant

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

A typical Hoi-Ann street scene.

 Beautiful buildings

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

There are so many wonderful buildings.

 Lanterns

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

There is a photo opportunity around every corner.

We asked where he was taking the duck?

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

He said I am taking it home to eat it.

Hoi Ann timber delivery

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Firewood for cooking I imagine.

Ancient Town Vietnam Central Coast Hoi Ann market

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Morning gossip at the market.

Banana anyone?

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

It is a hive of activity on the waterfront.

Happy faces

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Non la (palm-leaf conical hat) is a traditional symbol of Vietnamese people.

Great looking kids in Hoi Ann.

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Another couple of great Vietnamese smiles.

China Beach

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

During the war the Americans used the name China Beach to refer to the beautiful 30 km sweep of fine white sand that starts at Monkey Mountain and ends near Hoi An. Soldiers would be sent here for some R&R from bases all over the country.

Pothole shopping for art

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

 Pothole aka John Martin shopping for some genuine reproductions. 🙂

For a great hotel rate just book through THIS LINK.

Hanoi to Bangkok

 Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

It was the start of the Sars problem.

Thanks for visiting my Hoi-An French colonial buildings photo blog, one of my favourite places in Vietnam, however the image that sticks in my mind most of all are the beautiful faces of the people and their children in this amazing country. Have a look at some of my other Vietnam posts.

                         
 

For a great hotel rate in China Beach just book through THIS LINK.

Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
 497d0b6e-c0bd-4ba2-86be-c02100f050a8        65470622-d17a-4b90-bf97-2574df4c412d        1a2160c1-41f7-465a-954c-631e083eb229
          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
                                               Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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Slide show here.

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Here are some of my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

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Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 6 photos

Chill Sky Bar Saigon aka HCMC

January 16, 2015 by David Herd

High above this exciting city.

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Chill Sky Bar Saigon is a wonderful venue with breathtaking views of the city. Perched on the roof of AB tower it is a terrific place to have a few drinks before dinner.

Amazing view from Chill

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Looking down from the 51st floor.

Chill

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Building with the purple lights is the Pullman.

 

Fantastic Saigon skyline

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

I first came to this exciting city in 2003 and now in 2015 so much has changed.

Saigon at 8 pm.

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Saigon is a vibrant exciting friendly city.

Fabulous bar

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

76A Le Lai | Rooftop of AB Tower, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Formerly CHILL Skybar, Restaurant, Lounge) Phone:+84 8 3827 2372

Tables at Chill

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

The sky bar is well worth a visit, put it on you bucket list.

A table with a view

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

There certainly is a building boom happening in this city right now.

Drinks at the bar

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

A girls night out at Chill.

Red wine from Chile

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

 About $14 aud + 15% compared to at least double that at Sirocco in Bangkok.

Seafood fettuccine $26 aud + 15%

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

The serving was rather small but an excellent taste made up for it.

The chefs at 27 Grill, above Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

27 Grill is located directly above Chill Skybar. When entering the restaurant guests are greeted by a large, glass enclosed wine cellar with some of the finest wines and vintage champagne’s on display. Further on in the restaurant is the open kitchen, built of polished stainless steel, marble and various kinds of polished stone. A key part of the kitchen is the over sized grill, open for all guests to see their meals being freshly prepared on one of the few charcoal grills in the city. Located in the back corner of the restaurant is the private VIP dining area that can be left open or completely closed off. 

District one

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

I visited this city twice in 2003 and stayed in a small hotel overlooking this park. The New World Hotel also overlooks the park which is the centre of the city, for a discounted room rate book through THIS LINK.

Another look at the bar

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

As you can see it is a rather spectacular bar. Many thanks for visiting my Chill Sky Bar Saigon photo blog.

 Here are some Brisbane photo blogs to check out.     

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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  Please check out these fabulous posts
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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Take a look at my video of Chill Sky Bar

Chill Skybar in Saigon

 
 
 

Here is my post on Saigon, a fabulous city.

 

Vung Tau is only 90 minutes south of HCMC.

 

Here is the War Remnants museum

 


Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos