When most Malaysians think of places to visit in Vietnam, they think of Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay and the like. In reality, there’s so much more to see in Vietnam and one of those places that you should definitely visit is Da Nang.
Located in the central area of Vietnam and brimming with gorgeous beaches and French influence, Da Nang and nearby Hoi An offer many things to see and taste for the curious traveller. Here are our picks of places that will leave you astounded:
1. Immerse yourself in the ancient parts of Hoi An with a boat trip on the Hoai river
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
What makes it astonishing:
- The boats are not motorised but controlled by local ferrymen who do it for income. If you’re lucky, they may tell you stories.
- The peaceful surrounding and gorgeous views of the ancient city.
- There’s plenty of food and souvenirs to be found around the area too.
- If you stay till night, you can see gorgeous lanterns being released into the river.
Pro-tip: Purchase a lantern and take part in the lantern ritual for a great memory.
Location: Hoai River, Hoi An
Cost: The average price for a boat ride is 20,000 VND (approx. RM3.50) per person.
2. Do good and enjoy hot drinks and snacks at Reaching Out Tea House
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
What makes it astonishing:
- It was started as a social enterprise for people with disabilities.
- Waiters and waitresses employed here are hearing-impaired.
- In addition to their menu, they offer 3 different tasting sets that you can try: Vietnamese tea tasting set, Vietnamese coffee tasting set and a cookie sampler.
- You are encouraged to not talk loudly but to bask in the peace and tranquility, thanks to the decor of the shop.
Location: 103, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An.
Cost: Drinks start from 45,000 VND (RM7.90).
3. Be dazzled by the street art at Tam Thanh Mural Village
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
What makes it astonishing:
- It’s a cool collaboration between the Vietnamese and the Republic of Korea.
- In 2016, more than a dozen artists of both Korean and Vietnamese backgrounds spent 2 weeks here and painted over 100 murals.
- The murals feature images of nature, family and even bits of pop culture.
- Soon to follow – communal arts village and a two-mile decorated seaside walkway!
Location: Tam Thanh Mural Village, South of Hoi An (about an hour away).
Cost: Transport starts from 389,000 VND (RM63).
4. Marvel at the Wondrous Marble Mountains
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
What makes it astonishing:
- The mountains are made of fine quality marble and limestone.
- Each mountain is named after the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth.
- It’s loaded with several cave entrances, tunnels and even buddhist grottoes to be explored.
- It boasts spectacular marble statues to look at.
Pro-tip: Head to nearby Van Nguyet Grotto to have a fresh coconut to quench your thirst!
Location: The Marble Mountains, 9km south of Da Nang.
Cost:
- Scooters can be rented from 172,667 VND (about RM30).
- Entrance fees for caves would range from 20,000 to 40,000VND (around RM3.50 to RM7).
5. Escape to ‘France’ for a bit at Ba Na Hills
Source: Justgola
Source: Instagram
What makes it astonishing:
- It’s a beautiful French town complete with square and cobblestone streets in the middle of Da Nang à la ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
- It’s got gorgeous views as you take the cable car up.
- Lots of daily activities to catch like street music and performances.
- It’s home to Fantasy Park, Vietnam’s largest indoor amusement centre – perfect for letting your inner child out!
Location: Ba Na Hills, Da Nang.
Cost: Entrance fee – 700,000 VND (around RM123). This includes cable car and certain park attractions.
6. Grab a cup of coffee at 85 Design Cafe
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
What makes it astonishing:
- The beautiful irregular structure of the 4 shipping containers laid out together.
- It’s got a great mix of both modern life and nature.
- It overlooks a nearby lake for that serene view.
- It has a sunny terrace and even a fish pond for you to enjoy the cosy outdoors.
Pro-tip: Try the coconut coffee, we hear it’s delicious! 😉
Location: 31 Tran Bach Dang, Da Nang.
Cost: Food and drinks range from 15,000 to 70,000 VND (approx. RM2.60 to RM12.30).
7. Visit the many bridges of Da Nang including the impressive ‘Dragon Bridge’ at night
Source: Vietnamtravelgo
Source: Instagram
What makes it astonshing:
- The bridges are an integral part of Da Nang’s cityscape.
- They’re lit in beautiful neon colours against the night sky, making them super Insta-worthy.
- Notable ones include the Han River Bridge (Vietnam’s first swing bridge) and the Thaun Phuoc Bridge (Vietnam’s longest cabled-stay bridge).
- Must Visit Bridge: The Dragon Bridge. It has an awesome pyrotechnics show on weekends after sunset!
Location: Da Nang City.
Cost: Free.
If you’re looking for the opportunity to catch more awesome fireworks, well, you’re in luck because The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2018 is happening right now!
Source: Instagram
It is an actual competition that sees Fireworks Teams from Vietnam, Hong Kong, Italy and even Poland competing to showcase their best display of fireworks over a period of 2 whole months, from qualifying round all the way up till the finals! Trust us, these fireworks are NOT to be missed!
Some of the highly recommended spots to watch the fireworks from are:
- Bach Dang Street – Nhu Nguyet Street
- Tran Hung Dao Street
- Han River Bridge
- Thuan Phuoc Bridge
- Dragon Bridge
There are even some restaurants and hotels like Novotel, which will provide you with a great view of the display!
If Da Nang is calling out to you, there’s definitely no reason to hold back and thanks to AirAsia, you don’t have to!
In fact, if you book from now until 10 June 2018, you can experience the sights and sounds of Da Nang for just RM138!
Best of all, travel period is from now too and ends 30 November 2018, which means you’ve got plenty of time to get all your kawans together.
Find out more about AirAsia’s fantastic deals here!
