Tag Archives: south east asia

Hi Van pass Hue to Hoi An

After spending a few days in Hue i was going to travel by train to Danang because of the spectacular train journey that follows the coast. Having talked to lots of other travellers they were going to do the trip via the Hi Van pass Top Gear style by motor bike. The Hi Van pass has been made famous by the Top Gear show after they travelled through Vietnam by motor bikes, many companies now offer motor bike trips through different parts of Vietnam. I was picked up early by my guide Thom and his customised bike.

Hi Van pass motorbike tour
Hi Van pass motorbike tour

We travelled the day through some great scenary and high elevations with views across the coastline and out to sea. It reminded me of how i should be back on a boat !!

Hi Van Pass
Hi Van Pass
View from Hi Van Pass
View from Hi Van Pass
View from Hi Van Pass
View from Hi Van Pass

I had a great time riding on the back of a bike seeing everything from a different perspective, a lot different from riding on a bus or train. I got taken to my accomodation which was a new homestay a short walk from Hoi An old town. Hoi An is now a UNESCO world heritage site and as such no development is allowed in the old town only restoration of existing old buildings. The town was built around a river inlet and was an old trading port between the 15th and 19th century. Its a nice place to hang out and watch the world go by, very peaceful and relaxing.

Hoi An
Hoi An
Hoi An
Hoi An
Hoi An
Hoi An

Hue Vietnam

Hue was once the capital of Vietnam and now the old citadel and its buildings have protected status. Although the buildings look about a thousand years old they are in fact only about 150 years old, not very old by our standards !!

Hue Vietnam
Hue Vietnam
Hue Vietnam
Hue Vietnam
Hue Vietnam
Hue Vietnam

Nearby was a war museum dedicated to the ‘American war’ as they call it. These vehicles were outside supposedly captured by the Vietnam army all from the same airstrip, i think they were probably all left behind when the American air force left.