Private Tour excursion from port Chan May to Da Nang, Marble Mountains and Hoi An with sunset lighting with Peter

[MARA88]

During our Asia cruise in December 2019 we had a one day stop at the port of Chan May. In preparation of our journey we thought about, shall we go to Hue or shall we visit the area of Hoi An?

 

After a first contact with our tour guide Peter, the owner of danangprivatetours (http://www.danangprivatetours.com/) , we followed his recommendation, that for first time visitors of Asia a visit of the landscape of Da Nang, Marble Mountains and Hoi An would be the best. And he was totally right! During our excursion we got an incredible deep insight view of the area in the middle of Vietnam.

 

We started our tour at 10:00 am where Peter picked us up directly in the port of Chan May - very close to the cruise ship. We were a group of 2 couples, which was a perfect size. The climated Minivan was very clean and comfortable, cold water bottles and refreshment towels were always available and our driver Lee was a very save and forward-looking rider.

 

Our first stop was at the logoon of Chan May where a lot of fishers and oyster farmers where located. Peter explained us how the oysters were breed (they use old rubber wheels!) and we had a detailed look to the fisherman’s work. The landscape was very impressing with the water of the lagoon in front and the mountains behind.  

Our next destination was the Hai Van pass. During the ride we stopped at a breath taking view point to oversee the beautiful area of Chan May and their impressing beaches. On the top of the mountains we had a stop for a round up look and had some time for a short walk. Unfortunately the clouds were coming up more and more. So the view was not so perfect, but because of the fog the area had a mystic atmosphere. Here we had one of the best Vietnams coffees during our trip! Don’t forget to ask Peter for this recommendation. 

 

We continued our tour to Da Nang. From coming up the mountains we could recognize how huge the city and the area is (the 3rd biggest in Vietnam). We had fantastic views to the coast line with the beaches, the promenade and the city itself. We stopped at a fisherman’s area and later on at one of the beaches from where we could see the white Buddha and enjoyed the southchina sea with its wonderful waves.

 

Next we arrived at the marble mountains. This is an area with five rock formations made of marble and limestone where also several Buddhist sanctuaries are placed. After a short stop a marble production we visited the impressing caves, enjoyed the fantastic view from top of the mountains (using the escalator to come up) and got a very detailed guided tour from Peter through all the religious monuments and their background. This is a very touristic area, but Peter managed it to lead us through the mass as were we alone.

 

We continued our trip to drive to Hoi An. Our first stop was a delightful restaurant direct located at the river, where we were served a very delicious 4-course meal. After that relaxing break, we made a short river ride in a private boat to get a first impression of Hoi An. Our boat stopped in the middle of the town, from where we made a walking tour to the ancient city. We had a very relaxing stroll with enough time for photo stops, shopping breaks, a visit to the fresh market and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of Hoi An - with all the small streets, shops and thousands of lampions.

 

At about 5:00 pm the sunset started and now we experienced one of the most romantic moments of our journey. Peter has guided us to the area of the Japanese Covered Bridge. In the disappearing sun light all the lampions started to shine and the whole area of the river and the surrounding houses were dipped in the orange, yellow and red light of the lanterns which were glimming in the river. This was one of the “once in a life time moments” you will never forget.

 

Later on we had a last walk over the night market where at the end our driver waited for us. At about 6:20 p.m. we left Hoi An. During our back ride we drove again through Da Nang city by night,crossed the illuminated Dragon Bridge and in the end Peter served us with the best Vietnamese Sandwiches (!) made of French white bread with a fantastic filling of finest Asian cuisine.

 

At around 8:00 pm we returned save and full of wonderful impressions back in port.

 

Peters excellent English and his detailed know how, the perfect way of explanation amongst by using also his tablet to show us a lot of photos and maps to support his speech made the tour so special. The time management and the selection of the visited places were excellent. The communication via mail and whatsapp worked all the time fast and easy. We can highly recommend Peter and his service to get a prefect view inside Vietnam.

 

Edited January 1, 2020 by MARA88

[hxhbk]

MARA88 - So glad that you had a good time in in the region. 

The fog (or we call it the cloud) that you encountered at the Hai Van pass gives the name to that location: "Hai Van" means "Ocean Cloud".  

It sounds like you visited Da Nang City at the time when the Dragon Bridge did not show its fire breathing act which is on Saturday and Sunday at 21:00, as well as on national holidays.

Lastly, I hope that your guide served you the Vietnamese Sandwich made with french baguette (in Vietnamese we call "banh mi") which I think is really what you meant to say.