Vietnam - Harmony of Mountains and Seas

Author: Lin Bao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: Nha Trang, a paradise for swimmers, is located in the central part of Vietnam, backed by the Truong Son Mountains and facing the South China Sea. It is a picturesque coastal city. Some call it a paradise for divers, while others praise it as a bewitching place. To the east of Nha Trang lies a stretch of silvery-white beach, over 7 kilometers long, shaped like a crescent moon, embracing the azure sea. The sand is crystal-clear and soft, the water is calm and gentle, making it an exceptional natural beach. The sand grains glisten under the sunlight, giving a sense of tenderness and allure. Therefore, visitors to Nha Trang often say that there are two colors that move them deeply—the silvery-white of the beach and the azure blue of the sea. The white is the shore, and the blue is the ocean, filling the city with a bright, gentle, and joyful atmosphere. The climate seems to be in a "constant temperature" state, with an average temperature of 24℃ in January and not exceeding 28℃ in August. Throughout the year, the sea becomes a natural bath for everyone. Perhaps it's the city's personality, or maybe the environment, but few places in the world have people as passionate about surfing and riding waves as in Nha Trang. At dawn, the first thing Nha Trang people do is rush to the seaside. The elderly, wearing shorts and T-shirts, despite their unsteady steps,ly wade into the sea one step at a time; middle-aged people ride motorcycles, bringing their families along, parking the bikes under coconut trees, and then somersaulting into the sea in a couple of flips; the youth, however, are not in a hurry. They first show off their self-invented "Nha Trang" on the beach before diving into the sea like dragons, riding the waves with grace. This unique morning swim gradually disperses around 8 a.m., and people go to school or work, leaving the several-kilometer-long beach temporarily empty for late-night visitors. In the evening, Nha Trang's beach once again becomes crowded with people. Under the coconut groves and on the sand, the scene is full of radiant light and dynamic beauty. The sea shows its gentle charm, and the water becomes even clearer, making it an ideal time for diving adventures. The crystal-clear water, the fine white sand, the exotic corals, and the beautiful fish are enough to make every diver consider the sea a paradise. However, paradise is still better on land. After getting tired of swimming, you can sit on a beach chair under a coconut or palm tree, listening to music while enjoying locally produced coffee, dried coconut meat, nuts, and seafood. Or, you can step into the city to explore this small town with less than a century of history. The city is not large but refreshing and exquisite, with its French-style small buildings appearing delicate and charming, especially under the towering coconut trees. At the foot of Mount Ky, near the mouth of the sea river, lies a fishing port where returning boats form a bustling sea market. The masts of the ships reflect with the streetlights. On the shore, there is a small boat shaped like a "large scoop" that leaves people amazed. It is first woven from bamboo and then waterproofed with tung oil from the inside out, equipped with oars, and can sail freely on the sea. Historically, Nha Trang belonged to the Champa Kingdom. The Po Nagar Tower on Mount Ky in the north of the city still stands upright and straight, a testament to the splendid culture of the ancient Champa people. In the past, the main tower housed the Champa Goddess, widely worshipped by Vietnamese believers. Later, during the French colonial era...