Lost on the Beach!

I'd hired a bicycle to get to the beach from Hoi An. The way there was pretty flat, with one slight downhill and the great thing about it was I only had to go in a straight line, before coming to An Bang Beach. Even I couldn't get lost-yet!

View of Cham Island from An Bang

I parked the bike for just 5,000 (about 25 cents) bought a coke and set off for a wander left as recommended by the guy at Cham Island Diving shop. After leaving the restaurant and sunbeds, with ladies asking if I wanted one- tempting, but I could lie down anywhere I wanted on my sarong...  I think I made the right choice- soon there was no sign of anyone and all I could hear was the waves crashing. It was beautifully peaceful. 

I kept walking and came across a fisherman and some boys fishing. I was dubious they would be able to catch any fish in those waves, but I was wrong.

I chilled a while and read my book further down the beach then set off again. After a while I came to a restaurant. had a nice meal and about 1:00 p.m. decided to head back. 

I came across the fisherman fixing nets, who waved and said hello. I kept wandering, enjoying the scenery and half keeping my eyes open for the ladies with the sunbeds.

   

  Before I knew it, there were loads of people. I wondered where they had all come from!Maybe they had just come to the beach later than I had.

I kept on, now looking harder for the sunbeds - but the first ones I saw formed part of a resort. I didn't remember any resort on the way down, but figured I'd been looking at the sea so much I hadn't noticed it. 

Then I saw a lifeguard, so asked him the name of the beach. 'Palm Garden resort,' he told me. As this didn't help, I got out my camera, thankful I'd taken a picture on arrival.

"That is An Bang beach" he said. 

"Thanks. Where is it?"

"An Bang 4 kilometres that way," he pointed right. 

"Cua Dai 2 kilometres that way."

4 KM?! How had I come that far without noticing, I wondered. Maybe I hadb't been at An Bang at all- so I thanked him and kept on, 2KM seeming the preferable option. The further I got, the more I realised I hadn't been to that bit before at all, so I showed the same picture to a waitress and she suggested I go back the road way- it would be quicker she said. It was now 5pm and would be dark soon, and I didn't fancy cycling back in the dark. 

After walking some way, and no sign of the beach, I decided to ask a guy on a motorbike if it was far. 

"Yes," he replied "I will help you." He kindly took me (for free) back to the place I had started and I was able to get back to Hoi An just before dark!

An Bang beach-What a relief!