A trip to Dalat and Nha Trang

It was with much relief, that at the end of March we had an end of term holiday – just one week, but it was enough to recharge the batteries and have some interesting local experiences.

I took at short 40 minute flight to the Central Highlands city of Dalat, a place I thoroughly enjoyed visiting 20 years ago, and I was not disappointed. Many of the old French and art deco villas still remain, and it was terrific to enjoy the cooler mornings and evenings – even a cardi and long pants were needed – as well the fresher air and all the greenery.

Dalat is one of the main produce growing areas of the country and from certain viewpoints, as far as they eye can see, there are plastic ‘greenhouses’ as well as open vegetable patches. Luckily, there are still areas of pine forest remaining and it was a treat to walk amongst them and inhale their distinct aroma. I was also amazed at the number of bottlebrush trees, agapanthus and rose bushes lining the streets. I felt like I was in Adelaide! Photos from Dalat

I then took a bus to the seaside location of Nha Trang, only I had forgotten what a steep and rugged mountain range this trip entailed. So, sitting at the front of the bus was probably not the best option.  There was a little too much blind overtaking and the driver was far too casual with the brakes. At least he only answered two short phone calls!! 

I thoroughly enjoyed Nha Trang, as even though it is a mini Gold Coast and is full of Russians, it was lovely to be by the beach and watch the locals enjoy the cool of the sunrise and sunset. At these times, the beach and the promenade were a hive of activity: walking, chatting, swimming, playing cards, flying kites, playing soccer and eating.

My mornings were spent on the beach, but as I walked the streets in the afternoons, the people were happy to engage in partial conversations and have their photos taken. The Vietnamese really do have a good sense of humour, so we had quite a few laughs.

         

 The highlight was my early morning excursion with a local photographer to the salt harvesting, in Ninh Hoa, 40km north of Nha Trang. This trip involved a 4.20am pickup and I now well and truly know why the locals, have a nap in the middle of the day … there were people playing badminton by street light at this time as well as plenty of others walking and zooming past on their motorbikes!

Apart from the task of raking out the salt, women complete the break-breaking work! This involves scooping the salt into their baskets, carrying it and unloading it onto the pile, then filling the 30kg bags and lifting these on to the truck – all for $8 a day. It was fascinating to see and I have so much respect for these women. We also visited a fishing port and witnessed the hive of activity as the ships were unloading their evening catch. Photos from Nha Trang

The final part of the adventure was an 8 hour train trip back to Saigon. This was far from the highlight of the trip but it did only cost $15!

Now for Term 4 ... it is flying by!