Chan May, Vietnam

Imagine yourself exploring ancient caves and imperial monuments in historic Vietnam, home to ornate stone statues and towering pagodas; natural wonders and delicious local cuisine. Until you’ve visited Chan May, and seen the majesty of the Marble Mountains and Hue Imperial City, you haven’t experienced the true Vietnam.

Sightseeing in Chan May

Chan May presents some spectacular attractions during your sightseeing trip, where you’ll discover the true cultural treasure of this often-overlooked cruise destination. The surrounding area is home to ancient temples like Hoi An, the Hue fortress complex and the royal tomb of the most prominent Nguyen emperor, Tu Dun – as well as remarkable natural beauty in the Mekong Delta.

Hue City and the Imperial Citadel

Chan May serves as a gateway to the historic city of Hue, once the residence of the Nguyen Emperors of the 19th and early 20th centuries. At the heart of the city stands the ornate, fortress-like Imperial Citadel, often compared to buildings at the heart of Beijing’s Forbidden City. During your time wandering the complex’s vast paved squares, be sure to get a look at the remarkable City Gate, recently restored to its former glory in white and gold. You may also have the chance to see the dark wood interior and golden decoration of the Queen Mother’s apartment, where you can get a true feel for Vietnam’s rich imperial history.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Close to Hue’s citadel stands one of the country’s most sacred pagodas, Thien Mu. Built in the seventeenth century, this serene monument stands overlooking the Perfume River from the top of a stepped hill, and acts as a definitive landmark that embodies the spirit of the city. The pagoda was once the site of heated protests against the state – but in the decades since then, Thien Mu has once again become a place of peace and quiet reflection for monks, visitors and locals who come to tend to the surrounding gardens.

Marble Mountains

Don’t miss the chance to see the striking Marble Mountains during your time in Vietnam. Here the jutting peaks make for unmistakeable landmarks, and once you arrive you’ll find yourself amongst pagodas, ponds, archways and ornate statues of Buddhas, demons and animals – all carved from the shining white local stone in the village nearby. Aside from the wealth of man-made beauty around the feet of the mountains, you’ll also find magnificent natural sights once you venture into the caverns beyond – where sunlight reaches deep down into the dark caves to create a world of light and dark.

Shopping in Chan May

You’ll find a great choice of souvenirs during your time shopping in Chan May – look out for beautiful traditional trousers and shirts, made from the local silk; or ornate, lovingly-made paintings and vases. You might also want to keep an eye out for carved wooden boxes in deep red-brown shades, made from the country’s native rosewood.

Eating Out in Chan May

Chan May is a wonderful part of Vietnam to try the nation’s cuisine, and there are plenty of restaurants serving the local speciality dish, bun bo hue – a reddish-brown noodle stew made with beef and chili oil. Alternatively, try the area’s shrimp, or fresh crab served with greens and creamy banana flower soup.