Making the most of Chan May
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
This port is mainly used for excursions to Hue the former Vietnamese capital.
Sightseeing
Leaning against the Truong Son Mountains, Chan May Cape is in the shape of an enormous crescent. The Cape is located next to Lang Co Beach, north of the Hai Van Pass. It is a famous site in the province of Thua Thien Hue since its beaches are considered to be the nicest in Central Vietnam.
It's about a 1.5-hour drive to both Hue and Hoi An, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Closer to the port is Da Nang and scenic China Beach, where soldiers went to relax during the War.
Getting around
International driving licenses are not accepted in Vietnam. Therefore, there are no car rental companies such as Hertz and Avis etc.
Nearby places
Indeed, Hue (pronounced "hway") merits a full-day excursion. Having served as the Vietnamese capital from 1802 to 1945, the city was home to thirteen emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Its three walled enclosures, built concentrically around one another, are collectively called the Citadel, an appropriate name, given that the emperor and his family lived within the Forbidden Purple City, located at the Citadel's center. The term "Forbidden" is appropriate too, as the Royal Palace resembles Beijing's Forbidden City.
Fascinating as it is, Hue is not the only sight to be explored during your call in Chan May. You will also have a chance to visit the historic commercial seaport of Hoi An, see the city of Da Nang, or head to China Beach, the stretch of sand that offered some R & R to U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Money
The national currency is the dong (d?ng, VND), U.S. dollars are widely accepted, the standard exchange rate for small quantities being 16000 dong to US$1.
ATMs are getting more and more common and can be found in most bigger cities and every tourist destination.
You can bargain on practically anything in Vietnam.
Staying connected
The people of Vietnam speak Vietnamese as a native language, English is becoming more popular as a second language. English study is obligatory in most schools.
Internet access is available in all but the most remote towns.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours: Daily 0800/0830-2100/2200.
By far the largest holiday of the year is Tet, also known as Vietnamese New Year, which takes place between late January and March following the lunisolar Chinese calendar. During the three days of Tet, shops close up and everybody heads home to their family, making this a somewhat difficult time to travel in Vietnam.