Nha Trang, Vietnam - Oct 27, 2011

Good Morning Vietnam !!! (thought it was appropriate)

Nha Trang is the capital of Khanh Province, Vietnam. Well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving, it is fast becoming popular destination for international tourists (it is already popular with Vietnam tourists). Nha Trang used to be a quiet fishing village and as little as two years ago it was still pretty sleepy, however recent government and private investment have transformed it into a thriving beachside resort-town with a gorgeous beach promenade several miles long and a variety of hotels ranging from brand new five star venues along the waterfront to small family run hotels, all within easy walking distance of the beaches. We were told to be prepared for rain today, but as luck has followed us along we experienced another beautiful hot, humid day here - somewhere around a sticky 30 degrees (ah, no not complaining). Population here is around the 400,000 mark and the scooters and bikes are here. A wonderful clean city with again proud people, there are lots of hawkers trying you sell you stuff, could have bought a knock off Rolex for 25 bucks. We had a very nice day here.

Some pictures of our day and half day tour.

Began at the Long Son Pagoda which is marked by a huge white Buddha statue. This beautiful temple pays tribute to the lives and tragic deaths of the monks who so drastically emolliated themselves as a protest against the Vietnam War.. 

 Sleeping Buddha.

 Then it was off to visit one of the few remaining testaments to the ancient Cham civilizations, the 8th century Po Nagar Cham Towers. A beautiful mountain top area with several individual temples, shoes and hats off to enter.

 Detailed embroidered work, tough on the eyes and back.

 Not too many tall people here.

 A finished embroidered product. Very Beautiful.

 Some other sights including dipping our toes into the warm South China Sea.

 Just in case you were thinking that I was suffering when doing this. Not so bad.

Tip or comment of the day. Our guide was good, not great but good, a very local young man. As we were walking to the Long Son Pagoda we were asking for clarification on the this sight where the seven monks enflamed themselves for the protest against the Vietnam War, well he looked at us with a bit of bewilderment and when we spoke slower to help him understand he turned and simply stated oh no it was for the protest against the “American War”. It really is all about perspective isn’t it. 

Onto to our 24 hours to the Country, city nation of Singapore.