We spent today exploring the centre of Dong Hoi and the nearby beach.

Our hotel is ideally located at the riverside, with great views out over the city and beyond to the mountain range where Phong Nha national Park starts.

We had been recommended to take a look at Quang Truong Ho Chin Minh, a centre plaza where there is a statute commemorating Ho Chin Minh and the start of communist rule.

The city wouldn’t necessarily win any prizes for architectural content, with many of the buildings including the modern ‘palace’ having the look of a municipal leisure centre!

We soon came across the public plaza and the statute to Ho Chin Minh, surrounded by the ‘people’ of Vietnam and the nature that Dong Hai provides a gateway too.

It’s an impressive memorial and one that has all the hallmarks of early communism, with symbolism being at the forefront.

After seeing one side to this city, we went in search of the modern Sunflower beach and the plethora of resorts that sits along the sandy white beach north of the city.

In truth we didn’t walk too far up, finding the beach to be quiet with only a few people hanging around the many local restaurants and bars that abut the beach.

Whilst the beach seemed inviting, the sun kept coming and going behind the clouds, so we decided to take solace with a late lunch at our favourite food stop, Tree Hungers cafe.

This place has such a relaxed atmosphere and the staff were so welcoming and friendly. Added to this the drinks were reasonably priced and their smoothies with an ice cream scoop topping were especially tasty.

After our 5 mile walk around Dong Hai, we decided to take full advantage of the cafe and stayed for a good hour or so, taking in the info about the city that was adorned on the walls.

With the attraction of a pool back at the hotel, we were soon relaxing in the Melia on the sun loungers.

After a few hours in the pool and a little nap, dusk had descended. We decided to go in search of a restaurant to celebrate our last night in the city before flying up to Hanoi in the morning.

Again we passed the illuminated racetrack for kids, a real centrepiece on the waterfront, where it was so good to see young families enjoying time together.

Dong Hai whilst not a major tourist hub, has a welcoming feel and we found a lot of the people keen to say hi and practice their English whenever possible.

On our way back from dinner we stopped on the bridge to enjoy the skyline and the sight of our hotel, standing proud out in the distance.

It’s been an interesting stay in Dong Hai, as we’ve seen more of the local people and how they live their lives, who generally appear happy, relaxed and at one with their lot.

We soon returned to the glamorous Melia hotel, with a reception entrance door that the Ritz or Claridges would be happy to have as its centrepiece.

Tomorrow we move on to Hanoi, if only briefly, before taxiing south for 1hr to visit Ninh Binh, labelled the ‘Halong Bay on Land‘. We are looking forward to seeing this beautiful countryside and exploring more temples, caves and the odd boat ride…. Until then.