On leaving Hue we considered various options for travel to Hoi An. The first, a mixture of train and bus, second was a direct bus through the tunnel but our chosen option was a minibus stopping at a few sights along the way. We were collected in a relatively new minibus compared to previous ones we have had and left Hue city. The road out of town is undergoing major widening construction work but once we were into the hills the views were lovely.
As the road climbed higher into the hills there were amazing views and regular stops for us to admire them.....
Along the way were various bunkers still here from the American war.....
....and where there are sights to see you can guarantee there are shops and drinks stalls ready to pester you for custom until you have spent some money.
Eventually we dropped back down from the hills into Danang to continue our journey.
Danang is very much a large beach resort town and we had and already decided not to stop overnight but there were some sights to see passing through. The most amazing sight being this dragon bridge!
Now no bus journey or tour would be complete without the routine stop at the tourist stone and marble statue showroom. This has been our third visit to one since arriving in Vietnam and I feel we are experts in the drill. Upon arriving you have your own personal stalker/sales person who will tail you as you browse. Once the slightest bit of interest is shown the calculator comes out as they proceed to tell you how many thousands of pounds it will cost to buy.
The size of some were beyond belief but with Caz's birthday fast approaching it was a perfect opportunity to order her present and have it shipped back home.
Caz, we were told it should arrive in time for your birthday but let us know if you don't receive it!
Thirty minutes later we left and drove two minutes around the corner to our lunch spot. This was at the foot of Marble mountain, the highlight.
With a quick feed at the cafe at the bottom we were about to depart on our hike up to the top when our guide decided maybe there wasn't enough time left to trek up there, perhaps the stop at the showroom took up too much of the time?!? With this now being skipped we were soon on the road and before you knew it driving into Hoi An. The scenery was amazing, and so many paddy fields. We have been looking forward to Hoi An as many people we have met have said it was their favourite place in Vietnam, well let's see...
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