For today we planned to do the Đèo Hải Vân (ocean cloud pass). We’ve seen this pass in Top Gear’s Vietnam special. Hrm…there’s actually not so much to say about this pass - especially not for Swiss people. First we had to overtake a few trucks. After that we enjoyed a few serpentines before we abruptly realized that the mass of buses on the parking means we’ve just arrived on top of the pass.
The best part of the route to Hue was the coffee we enjoyed somewhere between the pass and Hue.
Thanks to google maps we found our hotel easily. The newly built and opened riverside villa is a beautiful accommodation. We’ve been welcomed with a papaya smoothie. We got a room with river view by the way.
Hue is (just like Hoi An) part of the UNESCO world heritage. In and around Hue are many pagodas, tombs and the imperial city. We decided to start with the imperial city which was also partially destroyed during the American war. The buildings we’ve seen were impressive. Completely different to what we know in Europe. The colors and details from ground to roof… it was impossible to ban this impressions on photos.
After visiting the imperial city we decided to have a late lunch and found some delicious street food again. A kind of omelets we had to fill with vegetables and fermented chicken. As they had the dessert with the avocado and coconut ice cream our snack became quite rich.
Even though we had this snack we went to a restaurant we’ve found on google for dinner. They have different menus with local dishes. A perfect choice to taste local food without the difficulty of the language barrier. Thanks to the near coast we’ve had seafood. For dessert I’ve had a mango stuffed pancake with coconut ice cream. Easy to make but awesome. Now I know how to make desserts! :-)
To end up our day we had a beer on our roof top bar and met a group of Finnish people who do a training at the local university hospital.
Just to spice up your day: We knew from the beginning on that we have to bring our own helmets. People have to wear helmets driving a motorbike - that’s the law. Unfortunately most Vietnamese people didn’t get why they have to wear them yet. The helmets they wear are more like an accessory than a protection gear. In fact not everybody needs to wear a helmet. Children below 12 years don’t need to wear one. The reason why made us lough and cry at the same time. While they’re growing their heads are soft and surgery can get performed with ease… And most people don’t get their children any helmets.
