Hoi An, central Vietnam

Hoi An, on the central coast, is a laid back coastal town with great beach. Close by, Cham Island Marine park, is located 20km off shore. We spent a fantastic day on the island for Suvi's birthday.
There is a historic feel to Hoi An which is sadly missed in other parts of Vietnam. A hand full of towns in this region avoided bombing in the 1970's as the American's withdrew and northern V.C armies advanced south without resistance.


Our ride awating to leave Hanoi central for our overnight,bone rattling, journey to Danang .


Spectacular cliff top rail journey as we approach Danang the next morning.


Suvi in our cabin with Spanish starter kit preparing for our South America excursion in September.

100,000 dong lighter (after what should have been a 16,000 dong transfur) , we arrive hungry into Hoi An. Luckily, the local restaurant scene here is great in Hoi An!

Hoi An Beach.

....enjoying late afternoon sunshine at the beach.

Cham Island National Park across the bay.

Suvi on the Japanese bridge - first built in the 1500's.

Bike hire was a great way to explore, also for much needed excercise.

...boarding out speedboat for Cham Island.

Exploring Cham Island rice paddies.

....Pagodas everywhere, even on remote islands.

This mornings' catch.

Quayside Cham!

Local fishermans boat. Circular in shape and woven from palm trees, these boats are made sea worthy by smearing a cow dung and glue mixture all over.

Here's one in use!

Suvi snorkelling at the National Park.

Nice!

Soft coral.

Suvi looming over the coral.....had to be deep for this shot :-)

Amazing beach at Cham Island.

Deserted!

Cooling off from the mid afternoon sun.

Sadly it was time too leave and head back to the mainland. We were sorry to say goodbye to Cham.

Streets of Hoi An.

Historic riverside and great restaurants.

Riverside terrance supping Bia Saigon + pineapple juice.

Roadside fruit vendor chopping my mango.

Lantern shops made for great long exposures :-)

Hoi An riverside sunset.