Cart is empty It’s Friday again, not really, but every day feels like Friday.
It is rightly said that living every day like it’s Friday always leads you to the right places. Proving this phrase, I packed my backpack, left Hoi An, and went to explore the charming central Vietnam city of Da Nang. It took me 30 minutes by taxi from Hoi An to Da Nang and cost me $15. I was ready to take a break from the usual tourist itinerary that one is expected to follow while in Vietnam. Well, I have always been a bit off beat with my definition of having fun and Da Nang didn’t prove me wrong.
Sandwiched between the hustle bustle of the capital city Hanoi to the North and very busy Ho Chi Minh City to the South, Da Nang offers a beautiful escape into its leisurely beaches and sumptuous local cuisines. It also has some great shopping highlights and historical pit stops to make sure you enjoy to the fullest while in town. Da Nang has shown speedy growth and development of no other city in Vietnam. The real estate boom and private sector property advancement have colored the place with modern and upscale shades. Not surprisingly, it has emerged as the latest luxury travel destination with its exclusive suite of comfort resorts, artistic villas, and hotel rooms. The more you unfold, the more you like this gift of a city that is Da Nang.
It’s the people that I get to meet everyday that makes my exploration a memorable one. So I met Bea in Da Nang; young, energetic, and such a beautiful person inside and out. Bea is from Spain but left the hustle and bustle of Europe for the simple life in Asia. Bea suggested that I try the local dishes that were unique to Da Nang, so off we went on the little motorbike. Seafood, beer, interesting talks, and posing for crazy pictures cemented our new friendship.
Although my visit to Da Nang was relatively short, a visit to this beautiful city is a must. My top things you should definitely do while in Da Nang
- Take a night stroll along the Dragon Bridge – The splendor of the city is best experienced on this bridge with a giant metal dragon built into it. At night, it changes colors and offers scenic beauty for professional and amateur photo enthusiasts. If you are lucky to visit on a Sunday night, then you may also see water and fire blown by the dragon. The Giant Ferris Wheel and serene Han River in the background, make you reminiscent of romance portrayed in movies.
- Soak in the History and Religious Sightseeing – Da Nang has beautiful temples and Pagodas within accessible limits and is sure to entice you with their grandeur. The Marble and Monkey Mountains have a bevy of limestone caves with religious symbols and carvings making it a popular pilgrimage site. The Cao Dai Temple and DA Nang Cathedral are the usual tourist attractions. If you have time on hand, a visit to the Cham Museum is worth it as it houses some of the best Cham artifacts and cultural exhibits.
- Lounge around the Beach for Outdoors excitement – My Khe Beach, also known as China Beach or Non-Nuoc has featured in Forbes Magazine as one of the most luxurious beaches around the world. The white sandy stretch is also Vietnam’s most picturesque beaches. There are many high-end resorts offering tender loving care at their finest spas and dining restaurants. Sunbathing, surfing or just plain relaxation, the beach is perfect to enjoy alone or with a group.
- Relish the authentic flavors at an unbeatable price – The local cuisines, especially fresh seafood can be enjoyed best by the street as vendors offer everything from cuttlefish, shrimps, squid to lobsters, crab and combine them with healthy green veggies and amazing seasoning ingredients for an eclectic mix of flavors. You will find “Hotpot” or Lau in all menus, which is a hot fish soup. Some street cafes give you barbecue options to have your food the way you like it. Tasty noodle joints shouldn’t be missed at any cost, and if you are looking for sophisticated restaurants, then China Beach should be your stop.
- Da Nang is one of the cleanest and most livable cities in Vietnam. You can satisfy the Shopaholic in you by visiting the Han Market, which is a hit with locals and tourists alike. Be ready to bargain and get unbelievable deals on any merchandise or souvenirs you wish to buy. If you plan your travels well in advance, then make sure to coincide your visit to Da Nang during the International Fireworks Competition, when the sky is lit up with a thousand lights.
- Travel and Stay – Da Nang International Airport serves international flights from Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Taipei, and Tokyo. There are many good budget hotels with Wi-Fi, hot water, and a/c especially along the Pham Phu Thu Street and Tran Hung Dao Street for rates starting around 300,000 VND.
Quick Tips:
– Book your hotel in advance and read other online reviews.
– Walking may not be feasible due to long distances and hence book a taxi with the help of the hotel’s reception desk. MAI LINH Taxi service is a good option.
– Bring your swimwear and surfing essentials if you are in the mood for some serious beach fun
Finally, have fun in Da Nang and remember to live everday like it is Friday.