My helpful tour guide Phuc in Nha Trang
November 21, 2006
Large sitting Buddha
After yet another scenic bus ride from Phan Rang Thap Cham, I settled in at Phu Quy Hotel, for $8 a night I had the luxury of aircon YAY! HEHEHEH
After lunch, I walked to the beach as it was only a street away. Whilst I was walking around, and enjoying the beach, the mountains and islands a Xe Om (motodop) driver approached me and introduced himself as Phuc. Phuc showed me his notebook which had many messages left by satisfied customers.
Nha Trang Beach
After quickly discussing an itinerary and price, I managed to bargain it down to 80,000 Dong. The itinerary was to visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, Long Son Pagoda and then finish of with a ride around the countryside.
The Po Nagar Cham Towers, was an impressive site, situated on top of a hill besides the water. It was built between the 7th and 12th century, and was used as a Hindu site as early as the 2nd C. After visiting the numerous Cham sites in Phan Thiet, and Phan Rang Thap Cham, I have realised that they all still contain decent statues, Linga's and Yoni sculptures, which the Angkor temples of Cambodia lack!
After admiring the towers and watching people pray and give offerings, we quickly departed to our next destination of Long Son Pagoda, which contained a huge Thai reclining buddha, and an impressive white sitting buddha.
Dusk at Nha Trang
The ride around the countryside was an amazing ride, however it is a shame that it was already getting dark so there are no photos to show of this journey!
My Xe Om, Phuc was a very helpful fella as he took me for a ride along the beach the next morning, before heading to the fishing village and to the bus station. He went out of his way once he dropped me off, to only return and inform me of my ticket to make sure that I jumped on the right bus. Cheers Phuc, really appreciate it!
I purchased my ticket to Quy Nhon for the standard price of 65,000 Dong, however I had to wait 3 hours before it departed, so back I went towards the beach and had a few beers.
Large sitting Buddha
Nha Trang Beach
Dusk at Nha Trang
Nha Trang city from my hotel
Po Nagar Cham, Cham Towers
Nha Trang Beach
View from Po Nagar Cham
Inside one of the towers of Po N...
Forgotten Vietnamese hat
Phuc, my tourguide and Xe Om driver
Basket Boats
Out for a swim
