Hue - Danang - Hoi An Thursday Dec 4

 Thursday Dec 4 2025 Hue - Danang - Hoi An Vietnam

Previous posts can be found on the right side under BLOG ARCHIVE.

STEPS

WEATHER

TOUR DAY 9 transit 

PRONOUNCE HOI AN - HOY AN

ITALICS TOUR DESCRIPTION

Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time to continue your exploration of Hue at your own pace.

After lunch at leisure, you will drive southward to Hoi An via Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, you will visit the famous Marble Mountains, five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements of nature. After your visit, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An. 

Dinner free and overnight in Hoi An. (Breakfast)

No, we didn't have any free morning time, we were on the bus by 9 AM.

We don't start out until 9 because Nam, the guide went to the airport to pick up water damaged passport owner K to finally join the group. It seems she is only friends with Maholo Man and came along at his request. 

At breakfast.

Pictures from the bus. A Vin mall, one of several we have seen.

There is a buddha on the roof. It is only raining a little.

The effects from the recent flooding in the area.

It is raining as we make a pit stop.

But we were warm and cozy inside and there was shopping!

Salted coffee.

Coconut iced coffee - the best!

I went off to the bathroom and was gone a while, I found a bracelet I liked and bought. K also found some earrings she liked.

The Hai Van Tunnel is a modern road tunnel on National Highway 1A in Vietnam, which serves as a bypass for the scenic but historically dangerous Hai Van Pass mountain road. It significantly shortens travel time between Da Nang and Hue, making transport safer and more efficient. 

Click here for a video of the construction.

Approaching Danang.

We stopped at this marble shop, I'm not sure why as most pieces were too big for purchase!

Marble Mountains is a group of five limestone peaks situated seven kilometres from downtown Da Nang. The five karsts (called Ngu Hanh Son in Vietnamese) are named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuỷ (water), Mộc (wood), Hoả (fire) and Thổ (earth). Over centuries, Marble Mountains has held special significance for the people of Central Vietnam. The ancient Cham revered the karsts as a spiritual site, and Vietnamese emperors from Hue and legendary generals passing through paid visits to the peaks, adding to their store of legends. 

Today Marble Mountains is home to a network of caves, tunnels, towers, and pagodas built by Mahayana Buddhists and the Nguyen Dynasty Kings. 

We don't have time to go to the top, which is fine.

It is damp, slippery and dripping inside.

Click here for a quick video

Huyen Khong is the largest of the caves, and a must-visit for Instagrammers. The collapsed ceiling allows shafts of light to pierce the dark cavern, creating dramatic spotlights inside. Huyen Khong was once used as a secret base and later a field hospital for Vietnamese revolutionaries. Its jaw-dropping size seems unlikely from the entrance, but is large enough to house a massive stone Buddha and two shrines. One of the shrines is dedicated to the god and goddess of match-making, and is a popular spot for couples and singles to worship. 

Yes, odd lighting.

The "depths of hell" in the Marble Mountains refers to Am Phu Cave (meaning "Hell Cave"), a large natural cave system at the base of Thuy Son (Water Mountain).

The cave is a physical and spiritual representation of the Buddhist concept of the afterlife, depicting the journey of a soul through hell (Naraka) and eventually towards heaven or enlightenment.

Inside the dimly lit, natural rock chambers and narrow corridors, visitors encounter vivid, often eerie, sculptures and carvings of demons, sinners, and the various punishments for bad deeds, such as greed and dishonesty, as determined by the Ten Kings of Hell.

The cave embodies the Buddhist philosophy of karma and duality. The dark, subterranean experience of Am Phu cave (yin) contrasts with the serene, light-filled pagodas and panoramic viewpoints at the top of the mountain (yang), which represent heaven.

When done, Nam told us to wait in the cafe and order beer or coconut drinks, on Wingbuddy!

Finally we get to our hotel in Hoi An, around 3:30. The first thing we did was get our laundry request completed and given to Housekeeping.

.

Hoi An turned out to be our kind of town and wished we had more time there.

Since we hadn't had lunch we set out to find something.

Hoi An, Vietnam, is a beautifully preserved ancient port town on Vietnam's central coast, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town filled with yellow-walled buildings, canals, and lanterns.

Lanterns are everywhere! Hoi An lanterns are iconic, handmade Vietnamese silk and bamboo lanterns known for their vibrant colors, traditional shapes (like spheres, diamonds), and ability to fold flat, symbolizing good fortune, luck, and cultural harmony in the historic town of Hoi An. They're crafted over centuries, using soaked bamboo frames covered in silk or brocade, often painted with motifs.

We'll learn about this bridge tomorrow.

Hoi An White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc) are a unique Vietnamese delicacy from Hoi An, featuring delicate, translucent rice paper wrappers shaped like roses, filled with minced shrimp/pork, steamed, and topped with crispy shallots, served with a sweet, tangy fish sauce for dipping. This iconic dish, often made with special local water, showcases a harmonious blend of textures and savory-sweet flavors, making it a must-try culinary emblem of the town. However, John was not impressed.

Some of the group had taken Nam's offer of a quick orientation tour when we checked in. Morning Glory was recommended for dinner, I had also put it on my list. But we went next dooe where there was entertainment.

Walking back to the hotel.

Across from our hotel.