Day 7 (5th Feb 2013)

Rajoo, Dipankar and Kedar on NhaTrang Beach.

Hoi An

Today we took a tour to 'My Son' the ancient Hindu Temples. Because of it's exchange & integration of Hinduism with the native Champa culture it is declared as world cultural heritage site by UNESCO.

We took a guided tour which involved transport by bus and boat ( $8) which included vegetarian lunch and a visit to an island by boat to see wood carvers and their work. The temple complex is very beautiful, surrounded with dense forest. In US - Viet Cong war in year 1968 this site was heavily bombed by US army, thus destroying many temples. Now the restoration work is going on. Even after the destruction this site is beautiful place to visit. The temples were made of brick and the carvings were done on raw brick which was then baked. On our way back we took a boat to the Island to see wood carving. The boat ride was pleasant but not much to see at the island and I think taking just the bus instead of bus-boat combo would have been better. Over all it was a good experience. While on return the boat dropped us at city center in Hoi An. We walked back to our hotel through ancient city which gives you a relaxed feel that you get in south Goa. Bought some bananas, a very sweet pineapple, two straw hats, some silk sleeping bags.

Looking at the available visa and the distance to cover we decided to take the night bus to Nha Trang. That will now allow  us (time wise) to ride through central highlands which are  supposedly very beautiful.  (Bus ticket 1080000 Dongs/about Rs.2800 with cycles for 3)

We returned to our hotel, packed our cycles and boarded the sleeper bus at 6pm for Nha Trang

( Hotel Hoa My at Hoi An is highly recommended for it's cleanliness, service, location etc. Value for money - kdr recommendation :b-)....... (kdr stands for kedar, dipankar, rajoo)