Danang My Son and Hoi An, Vietnam

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© From the photo album of Linda Young

Considered one of the best-preserved Cham centers in Vietnam, My Son is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century. Twenty temples are still standing today, many having succumbed to the bombs aimed at the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and they are set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat Tooth mountain. Stroll around this UNESCO listed temple complex to learn about the Cham culture, architecture, and civilization. We also loved their excellent cultural show.

The charming town of Hoi An is a UNESCO village in the process of being restored to its former trading town glory. Take a walking tour to visit the old merchant’s house with influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings and the little boys lighting the coiled incense; the colorful market with stalls brimming with tropical specialties including silk which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day; the silk store with its own collection of silk worms and entire process of silk-making; and the lovely shops and restaurants that line the streets of this little town.

On the way back for dinner, we saw houseboats floating offshore from China Beach, a favorite recreation area of American GI's during the Vietnam War. The tunnels and the Ho Chi Minh Trail are also in this area, and the de-militarized zone is slightly north of here.