For a long time, Vietnam has been reluctant to join many other countries in opening it’s harbors to sailing boats and recreational vessels. This is changing.
While Vietnam still requires sailing visitors to register and document their movements with the authorities, the first marina for sailboats has officially opened in Nha Trang. This is a huge milestone for Vietnam and a welcome invitation to sailors everywhere.
[EDIT: Ana Marina is open, but only for Vietnamese. International visitors have not been approved by the government. Approval is expected by 2023.]
Some racing enthusiasts will remember Nha Trang. This beautiful city has hosted the Hong Kong to Nha Trang, sponsored by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and hosted racers from Great Britain, Italy, Singapore and the United States. The Hong Kong to Vietnam Race was first run in 1996 and then regularly to the present since 2004.
If you are visiting from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand or the Philippines, this is welcome news. You will be able to anchor and get refreshed. While you are in the neighborhood, why not check out some of the exotic features that Vietnam has to offer.
Vietnam is alive with 8 UNESCO heritage sites, vibrant food, a maze of stunning rivers and canals. Vietnam has beautiful natural landscapes, pristine sandy beaches and friendly people. Vietnam is perhaps the most fascinating country in Asia.
The most Instagram image in Vietnam is the Golden Bridge. Visitors walk along the Golden Bridge (“Cau Vang” in Vietnamese). Nestled in the forested hills of central Vietnam, these two giant hands emerge from the trees to hold up the golden bridge. The bridge is located at Ba Na Hills in Danang.
An estimated 15.6 million tourists visited Vietnam in 2018, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization reported. Tourism rose 20%, making it the worlds’ fourth fastest growing travel destination.
Vietnam is also known for its vibrant food scenes, especially in big cities like Hanoi, Saigon, and Danang. While you are in Danang, be sure to take a side trip to Hai Van Pass. The scene of many battles in Vietnam’s history. Also nearby is the ancient town of Hoi An. Beautiful Hoi An is the most favorite town in the country.
Also nearby are the ruins of My Son. This is a captivating site that was inhabited by people from India for centuries. The different buildings are reminiscent of the much larger Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Each worship building has been dated to it’s own century. It’s an easy ride from Danang and well worth the visit.
Visitors are captivated by its lovely ambiance, lazy river, narrow streets with countless hanging colorful lanterns, lovely yellow merchant houses, assembly halls. And, the famous bridges which are influenced by Chinese and Japanese architecture.
Cao Lau is a regional Vietnamese noodle dish which is made with pork and herbs. It’s popular in Hoi An and easy to find from street vendors to restaurants.
The H’Mong have been cultivating their mountains in the north for hundreds of years. In May, the terraces fill with water, creating stunning geometric patterns. At harvest time, these fields turn to brilliant yellow. Both are astonishing and are remembered in memories and photos.
Vietnam is one of the largest coffee growing areas of the world. “Ca Phe Sua Da” is prepared in a very Vietnamese way. Hot water pours into a small drip container which holds the dark powder. Black liquid drips through the percolator and into the glass. Add 2 spoons of sweetened condensed milk and ice cubes and stir. You have one of the most delicious coffees in the world.