Getting down in Da Nang
Think of Vietnam and your thoughts probably immediately turn to things like travelling from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and up on to Hanoi via the coast – stopping to check out cities like Hue along the way. Your travel plans – vast as they are – probably haven’t included Danang as a big stop over. Well, think again, intrepid traveller. While this growing town has long since been a bit of a ‘bit player’ in the itineraries and hearts of travellers to Vietnam, it’s undergoing resurgence in popularity and is now front and centre on the bucket lists of many. Big changes are happening. If you happen to find yourself in Da Nang you will be able to indulge your taste for all sorts of delicious local food. Want to drink some very cheap beer and laze on a lounge in front of a river? Check! Da Nang has all of the trappings of a bigger city with a smattering of that slow-town feel that has been long lost in vast meccas like Hanoi.
Nowhere in Vietnam is changing as fast as Danang is now. It’s shaking off its decades-old reputation as a bit of a backwater and is stepping up to the plate. If you take a saunter along the promenade of the Han river at sunset, you will be greeted by the sight of numerous glitzy hotels popping up. To the north of the city, the landmark ‘D-City’ is rising up as a formidable sight on the flatlands. If you head south, you will find that the whole China Beach strip is simply teeming with developments and resorts. The city still has a few more ‘conventional’ tourist spots, but a day at the beaches and restaurants will probably satisfy. Danang is also a great spot for a day trip base.
Visit the Marble Mountains
Just 7km from the main city of Danang lies the cluster of marble and limestone known as the Marble Mountains. Check out some of the caves and tunnels and then summit the mountain to watch the sunset.
Son Tra Peninsula
This is a stunning place to visit and a great way to explore some of the countryside. Rent a moto or a scooter and head out into this natural reserve. Take a stop and visit Quan Am – one of the most important religious sites around these parts. There are plenty of spots for taking some scenic pics and some untouched beaches for a dip.
Hai Van Pass
This is a famous 21km stretch of road (famous thanks to the show Top Gear) where you can get some of the most incredible ocean views in all of Vietnam. A new tunnel has been built which means that the traffic numbers stay pretty low – but the ride can be quite technical. Rent a scooter in town and set off to feel the wind in your hair!
Nom some food
Get down on the street food and enjoy some of the local delights at a restaurant or two. Vietnam is famous for its fusion of spice and herbs with fragrant broths, so be sure to tantalise your tastebuds with a dish or two of some of the local speciality.
China Beach
Grab a couple of waves at China beach or just laze on the sand. You can do as much or as little as you want here.
Get in quick and get your slice of Danang with Travezl tour packages and enjoy a side of Vietnam quite unlike any other. You’ll be sure to enjoy some incredible times and meet some wonderful people as you head off the beaten track and explore the coast.
