A Day in Nha Trang, Vietnam

We tendered into the port of Nha Trang for the day.  We were greeted by the locals with the young ladies wearing their native clothing that were of silk with a vibrant purple and yellow coloring.

A market had been set up for the passengers on the dock.  There was a wide selection of items, such as handicrafts, lacquerware, silk, ceramics and even Under Armour.

Our guide began the tour by speaking about Nha Trang. It is tucked on the south central coast of Vietnam and lies at the mouth of the Cai River.  The population is approximately 400,000.  The climate is normally sunny all year round with an average temperature of 73 degrees(F).  Due to the tropical storm in the area, it was partially overcast all day long.

Even though we were in the city, one could observe the beautiful rolling landscape in the distance.  Our guide spoke about the small villages, terraced rice paddies, lush bamboo groves and the occasional water buffalo.

As we drove through the city, I could see the palm trees; long, lazy white beaches and the teal ocean to the right of me.  I now could understand why Nha Trang is often called the "Miami of Vietnam".  To the left of me were the shops and restaurants and crowds of people of people as well as the motorbikes.  The motorbikes would not have just one person one them, but there could be a family of four on one bike.  There would be other motorbikes that would be carrying a cargo of supplies.

It was interesting to see that along the sidewalk, there would be a mirror on the fence and a barber chair on the sidewalk.  These were set-up to cut the men's hair.  I saw several at work.

It was a site to see the spider-web of electrical wiring.  All I could think of was how does one keep from being electrocuted?

Nha Trang dates back to the 2nd century A.D.  To the north of the city is Ponagar Cham Towers, overlooking the Cai River.  The towers are actually a complex of four intricately curved towers set within the lush tropical gardens.  Each tower was built in honor of a distinct Hindu deity.

From the towers, we then got into a boat and cruised along the Cai River.  We observed how the people lived.  The homes were very simple with their clothes hung out to dry and with their food cooking on the stoves outside.

Back on the bus, we headed to the Cathedral that was located on a hill overlooking the city.  This cathedral is one of the first and oldest buildings in the city to be build primarily of steel reinforced concrete.  It was built between 1928 and 1933, the French Gothic structure has two personalities; the facade features an elegant square clock tower and stained glass windows, while inside you'll find red neon lighting on the crucifix and pink back-lighting on the tabernacle.

As we walked from one site to another, we could smell the local cuisine.  The various herbs and spices that are used are lemongrass, ginger, mint, cinnamon, chili and basil leaves.

The drink specialties are sugar cane juice and a "bia hot" or fresh beer poured over ice.  My husband did try the local beer, 333.  He said it was very nice.

Going back to the ship, we noticed the cable car, stretching over 10,000 feet(it is the world's longest over water cable car).  The cable car goes from Nha Trang to the Vinpearl Amusement Park.

The beaches are beautiful and the city is crowded with people and motorbikes.  There is lots of building going on with the people building themselves.  One did not notice any cranes or other building equipment.  Trash is everywhere.

The people are very happy and thankful to have the tourist to assist with their economy.