Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Da Nang, Vietnam

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Da Nang, in central Vietnam

DA NANG, VIETNAM
A sublime mixture of secret lagoons, spiritual sites, and Vietnamese energy.

Just North of Hoi An, Da Nang often gets overlooked on the traveler trail. However, as the third largest city in Vietnam (with a population of 1 million), Da Nang packs a punch that puts other Vietnamese towns in the shade.

Naturally, Da Nang is a savvy choice. The beaches are stunning – white sand that runs on for miles, lapped by sapphire seas, and punctuated by tall coconut trees. The mountains are breathtaking – vast swathes of emerald green poking out of the top of the few skyscrapers the city has, and the temples are enormous and plentiful. From Lady Buddha – an 18th-century shrine and statue that guards over the fishermen – to the Marble Mountains, Da Nang is a sublime mixture of secret lagoons, spiritual sites, and Vietnamese energy.

The Marble Mountains are undeniably the city’s main attraction, although the Golden Hands Bridge (40 kilometers from the city center) is fast overtaking the Mountains for the top spot. Both are sublime in their beauty – one a spiritual pilgrimage site sculpted by (and named after) the elements, the other, a man-made structure of two giant concrete hands that stretch towards the sky. You have a destination that offers travelers far more than tourist trinkets. If you are looking for a Vietnamese city that offers both connection and authenticity, you can find it in Da Nang.

SIGHTS
• The Marble Mountains
• Sun World Ba Na Hills
• Lady Buddha
• My Khe Beach
• Dragon Bridge
• Non Nuoc Beach
• Golden Bridge
• Son Tra Mountain

SHOPPING
Regarding shopping in Da Nang, whether you are looking for souvenirs, local delicacies, or high-end fashion items, this city is sure to satisfy your needs and leave you with many unforgettable memories. It is a must-have experience for visitors to this coastal city. From local markets selling traditional handicrafts to modern malls featuring high-end brands, the city offers diverse shopping options in a vibrant atmosphere!

For the best shopping in Da Nang experience, don’t forget to note down these tips:
• Set a budget before going shopping to avoid overspending
• Ask the locals for recommendations on reputable shops and vendors
• Take note of the opening and closing times of markets to plan your itinerary
• Research and compare the prices before making purchases
• Bargain politely but confidently to get the best prices
• Bring cash, as some smaller stores may not accept credit cards
• Consider purchasing souvenirs at the local markets for unique and affordable finds
• Be wary of counterfeit products, especially when shopping for luxury goods
• Don’t forget to try the local specialties before leaving Da Nang

Today’s Excursion – Ancient Town of Hoi An
We discovered Hoi An’s exquisite natural beauty and historical treasures during this excursion.
Da Nang, Hoi An, Old Temples & Houses, Town Centre
Hoi An is a treasure trove of Vietnamese history. An important trading port, Hoi An, initially boasts some of Vietnam’s most historic architecture, colorful old temples, and community houses. This ancient river town. It has been virtually unchanged for centuries.
Walking Tour, Hoi An Museum, Artefacts, Relics, Photographs, Phuoc Kien Temple, Local Market
During our tour of picturesque Hoi An, your first stop is at the Hoi An Museum. We explored artifacts, photographs, and other relics spanning 2,000 years of Hoi An history. We visited the Phuoc Kien Temple, which is dedicated to Thien Hau, Goddess of the Sea, and then stopped by a local market.
Japanese Covered Bridge, Ancient Home Visit, Marble Mountain
We walked across the Japanese Covered Bridge to visit an ancient home on the other side.

World Cruise Event – HOI AN FOR FOODIES
A sunset cruise along the rivers of Hoi An, revered for its well-preserved history and legendary culinary scene, kick-started our gastronomic adventure. We dined at the Cargo Club Café, celebrated for its delicious Vietnamese comfort food.