Hue to Hoi An - Friday 3rd October, 2014

Our driver picked us up at 9.00 am. Same driver as yesterday. He was very good as he spoke good English which helps,but we requested that we wanted a better car than yesterday, which we got. Off to Hoi An and if you didn't stop on the way it would take about three hours. Cost US$65.00 for as long as we wanted. We could have had the driver all day if we wanted. We were keen to get to Hoi An as we are staying at a resort as a bit of luxury as a break from our fast schedule.
 The resort is called Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort. Tis a big complex and all looks very nice, and a lot more expensive than anywhere else, but its only for four nights. As we wanted to see the countryside on the way here we had a few stops therefore we didn't get here until about 2.30 pm. We went over a mountain pass in lieu of a newly constructed tunnel and just out of Da  Nang we ascended Marble Mountain by elevator for those who didn't want to walk. You can guess what we went for, in this extreme heat.
 Just settled and relaxed for the rest of the day. The weather has been fantastic but they keep telling us that typhoon season should be here. The beachfront is dotted with sandbags at the resort due to damage from a typhoon about 18 months ago. There is another beach to one side of the resort which is set up with loungers and umbrellas  which is also part of the complex's private beach.
We have a great room top floor, only three levels looking right out to sea and over this beach.
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As we were leaving Hue we just had to get more photos of the scooters/motorbikes before we left the city life. This is what it is like at an intersection, a Motor Scooter Grand Prix with unlimited competitors. We are in the car taking these photos so you can see how everyone just goes for a space to get across an intersection. There seems to be no rules. They never seem to look, just go. Can you imagine getting across these intersections on foot, but there is a way you learn to weave through them. I think everyone closes their eyes and just goes, all wanting to be first. Amazing

We drove out of Hue for about an hour then climbed over the first mountain range going over to Lang Co Beach. This is one of the outlooks on the way.

Arrived at Lang Co Beach and walked through a resort to use their facilities. Had a walk on the beach. Our first glimpse of this eastern coastline. Amazing beach. Squeaky white sand. I think that the contrast of the bright sand makes the sky and water look very blue.

PT and our driver Tree walking down on to the beach.

Guess who.... The Happy Buddha and wife!!!

Same beach

 At this point we could have gone through a tunnel starting on this bridge heading through the mountain, but our driver said its better to go round the mountain by road to see all the coastline. We went over the Hai Van Pass. Winding up the mountains to about 1500ft and saw amazing views of the coastline. Beautiful coastline mountains and beaches.

 We stopped near the top for a coffee break to stretch our legs and to have a look around. We were told that these fortifications were constructed in 1829 by the French and occupied by them up until 1945. They were later used by the Americans in the Vietnam war as they looked both North and South and were ideal "lookouts". 

High up looking down to the spectacular coastline.

Came down from the hills to the coastal drive to Da Nang which is a very big modern town with lovely wide straight streets around the foreshore. The big bridge we were approaching is called Dragon bridge and has this dragon shape winding up and down the center of the bridge. Looks good and colourful. 

As we came off the bridge there was a dragon on the other side too.  The bright yellow looked great against the blue sky.

Above and below another great beach along the coastline of Da Nang. We were told that the film ........  Beach was filmed here. Have just forgotten the name though!!!

We then stopped at a marble factory where they make these amazing marble statues tables etc. Trying to sell them to the tourist. How mad is that. Imagine if we arrived home with one of their Buddhas. I have my own Buddha above... Several of the girls here across the road from the resort call PT the Happy Buddha  with his pot belly and balding head......They all giggle. (Jackie wrote that but I did overhear these women calling every man of my size being called a Happy Buddha. A good sales pitch!!)

Yes thats me....PT

Further along the coast we arrived at Marble Mountain. A bit of a tourist area. This shot was taken as  we stepped out of an elevator which went up the side of the mountain. great way to climb a mountain.....

View out the other side.

We were in the middle of a Buddhist shrine area, so had a quick look around as this is a place as did  many other tourists.

The big Buddha was painted with such a bright white paint I don't think the camera could cope with the glare.

There were also some substantial caves up there.

Inside one of the caves

Will post pictures of Hotel tomorrow as been a long day. We went out across the road for dinner half the price of the hotel. Also beer is 15000 dong across the road as opposed to 75000 dong in the resort. Guess which beer I had!!! Got chatting to some Aussies and then came back to hotel. Tomorrow going into town. Heard so much about this place so off to see it for ourselves. About 10 mins in a hotel shuttle  bus. Not going to do too much over the next three days.