Collected at 8:30 this morning. Guide this time is Vinh. His English is pretty good, and he does a good job of describing the history and features as we drive along.
Our first stop is at a resort Langco where we check out the beach, then have a cold drink. Beach is very long, and pretty good, but no-one is out enjoying it. We then drive on through 3 mountain passes. The third and highest is Hai Van Pass. At the top there is the ruin of a monument built by an ancient emperor, plus a couple of American war bunkers. The view over Danang to the south is superb - it is on a large bay, you can see why it has been important for centuries. There is intermittent cloud to the north, but the glimpses through show a similar view back to Hue.
We drove on through Danang city, then to Marble Mountain. There are in fact several mountains, each containing a different type /colour of marble. We stopped at a showroom/shop with many marble items for sale from small figurines to large garden statues. Not really interested in buying.
We then climbed the 200 plus steps up the mountain. They were very uneven steps, and damp - we took them carefully. At the top was a temple, shrine to monks, and surprisingly a garden too. Up and down a few more steps, and we were taken into a cave that the Viet Cong used as a hospital during the war - it must have been a long climb for injured soldiers.
Hoi An was only about 20 minutes more down the road. Vinh took us to a local restaurant where we had lunch, and it was great. We then dropped our bags at the hotel, grabbed the details for the tailor, and Vinh dropped us there before he headed for home.
Pin Pin was the tailor we had decided on after a final look at TA and our notes last night. Lan was lovely, and I have ordered several items. Happy with the prices, all up,it took less than 2 hours. She will bring things to the hotel tomorrow at 11 for fittings (fingers crossed).
We strolled back to the hotel through the markets. Bought a Polo knock off for Matt - only one for now, wanted to check the quality first. Back at the hotel to freshen up, and then joined other guests for the free market food - local specialities that aren't always available even in the restaurants. Some lovely food, we had a drink to go with them, and didn't need any dinner after that. Had a swim, which was just wonderful. The grounds of this hotel are lovely - lots of gardens.
Organized some washing, but despite two phone calls, no-one came to collect it. Quiet night tonight as we have an early start tomorrow.
Lang Co Beach
Temple on top of Marble Mountain
Cave/hospital - Marble Mountain
Grounds of hotel - market food out
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