In the post-Covid-19 era, Vietnam has become one of the most popular destinations for Indian tourists because of its vibrant atmosphere, reasonable costs and diverse attractions spanning history, nature to endless shopping and culinary pleasures.
My Son Citadel. Photo: Sandip Hor
“I love coming to Vietnam and have been several times before, mainly in the north and south of the country, including the capital Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Ho Chi Minh City. And this time I returned to Vietnam, I visited the ancient port city of Hoi An and the modern coastal city of Quy Nhon. These destinations are famous as vacations for those who love the sun, sea and sand," wrote author Sandip Hor.
Hoi An – Cultural convergence destination
Nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, the ancient town of Hoi An was once a 2000-year-old river port settlement. Merchants from China, India, Persia, Japan and Europe used to come here to buy and sell spices, silk, jewelry and other goods. Some people have decided to stay in Hoi An and help it become a convergence destination for many cultures.
Many centuries have passed but Hoi An still retains most of its ancient features. That's what attracted tourists and inspired UNESCO in 1999 to declare it a World Heritage Site.
“The best way to enjoy the beauty of Hoi An is to walk along the riverbank and adjacent alleys. Hoi An is captivated by its ancient beauty as soon as you step out of the resort. I felt like I was wandering in an outdoor museum, where there are many ancient buildings built from the 15th to the 19th century, reflecting the ancient beauty and artistic architectural influence of the Chinese. China, Japan, Portugal and France", author Sandip Hor expressed his feelings when coming to Hoi An ancient town.
Explore My Son Sanctuary
While Hoi An is a commercial center bearing the mark of the Champa era, My Son Sanctuary is considered the religious and cultural center of the Champa period, located about 45km from Hoi An.
From the 4th to the 13th century, My Son built a series of Hindu-inspired temples by visiting traders from India. Over time, many works of art have been lost due to natural disasters and historical upheavals.
The tower is built of dark red bricks taken from local soil, with a wide and tapered flower-shaped top. The tower's floor plan is mostly square with a narrow interior space, usually with a single door opening to the East (the direction of the rising sun). The ceiling is arched, inside the tower is a stone altar to the god. The art of carving and meticulously carving images of flowers, birds, dancers, and gods is shown on the outer wall of the tower.
“I went to My Son Sanctuary for a half-day excursion. With the help of my guide, I walked past the ruins of temple towers, some intact and others only partially preserved. Orange bricks with stone columns were used for construction. What's special is that the towers are all built of bricks using a technique that is still unknown to this day. The ancient Cham people did not use adhesives, the bricks seemed to be just ground tightly, stacked but solid. Some towers were heavily damaged but have now been gracefully restored to their original beauty," author Sandip Hor wrote.
Quy Nhon - the most attractive destination in central Vietnam
Located 300 km south of Hoi An, Quy Nhon is currently an attractive destination in central Vietnam. Not only the coastline but also the peaceful space is also an attractive destination for tourists.
In particular, another extremely rewarding experience is the 6-hour railway journey from Hoi An to Quy Nhon by The Vietage Quy Nhon - Da Nang tourist train, a combination of history and nature. , beauty and luxury.
This is a luxury train in Vietnam, connecting the ancient town of Hoi An with the peaceful beaches of Quy Nhon. The 6-hour journey gives visitors an exciting experience on the rails.
The trip on the tourist train The Vietage Quy Nhon - Da Nang provides a luxurious shuttle service between the two resorts Anantara Hoi An Resort and Anantara Quy Nhon Resort.
The Vietage train departs daily from Da Nang station in the morning and arrives in Quy Nhon in the afternoon.
“Rail Adventure provides luxury service throughout the journey. The itinerary not only offers breathtaking rural views of central Vietnam but also a diverse offering with diverse drinks, snacks, delicious 3-course lunches and many other options,” author Sandip Hor commented./.
