We left
for the airport right after lunch for a flight to Nha Trang on the coast.
The drive from the airport to the city took us along the coast to the Bay of Cam Ranh.
Cam Ranh Bay was the site of a US Air Force Base and US naval operations during the Vietnam War. Today it is a lovely, idyllic bay with islands dotting the bay and a vast sweep of beaches. We first stopped at a local restaurant, the Chopstick Restaurant, for lunch and then headed out for sightseeing as it was too early to check into the hotel.
The drive from the airport to the city took us along the coast to the Bay of Cam Ranh.
Cam Ranh Bay was the site of a US Air Force Base and US naval operations during the Vietnam War. Today it is a lovely, idyllic bay with islands dotting the bay and a vast sweep of beaches. We first stopped at a local restaurant, the Chopstick Restaurant, for lunch and then headed out for sightseeing as it was too early to check into the hotel.
On the way to our first stop we visited the very colorful harbor at Po Nagar. The harbor was idyllic but was somewhat ruined by the smell of durian being sold by a nearby vendor. Durian is a fruit that is quite popular with the ladies but odor-wise it really reeks.
Then it was on to Po Nagar Cham Temple.
Outside on the plaza behind the temple we watched some Cam ethnic dancers.
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Watch the dancers
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The next stop was another temple that turned out to be closed for some special commemorative events so we went to Mountain Church. This is a Catholic Church built in the 1800’s by the French and it sits on top of a small hill, hence the name Mountain Church.
Then it was on to Po Nagar Cham Temple.
Outside on the plaza behind the temple we watched some Cam ethnic dancers.
---------------------------------------
Watch the dancers
---------------------------------------
The next stop was another temple that turned out to be closed for some special commemorative events so we went to Mountain Church. This is a Catholic Church built in the 1800’s by the French and it sits on top of a small hill, hence the name Mountain Church.
Along the
streets near the church we saw many vendors selling flowers. Today is Ladies Day so the men are supposed
to buy flowers for the women in their lives.
Last stop
was an embroidery shop where we could watch some of the women making exquisite
embroidery pieces. The typical small
piece takes approximately five months to make with larger pieces requiring
three or more women to complete them.
The pieces were so lifelike that they often looked like photos or paintings. We had bought a piece of similar embroidery in China so opted not to buy.
The pieces were so lifelike that they often looked like photos or paintings. We had bought a piece of similar embroidery in China so opted not to buy.
We checked
into our hotel, the Novotel, located right across the road from the huge beach
that appeared to run for miles along Cam Ranh Bay. Our room is on the 17th floor with
sweeping views up and down the bay. Life
is good.
After a
bit of unpacking and pictures off the balcony we headed out for a stroll along
the beach to unwind. With the light
breezes it didn’t seem so hot and humid.
There is a
gondola that goes over the bay to an island that was lit up at night but we didn't have time to take it.
After
dinner we went to bed early because our morning flight tomorrow is extremely
early.
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