After jumping places for 5 weeks in Europe, eventually our aging bodies and feet started barking. Thus, while our initial plan was to directly fly from Paris to our next destination, my husband and I both decided to take a break. When we said “break”, we meant maybe taking a hiatus from traveling for at least the whole summer.
Now, here’s the fun part. I am sure you’ve heard the saying “You can make all plans you want but in the end God’s plan always prevails.” Well, that’s exactly what happened to us. It’s a distressing long story, but clearly God had a better plan for us. Our situation had pointed us to the direction of getting back on the road. So, to cut to the chase, after taking a few weeks’ off and resting back home, we packed our suitcases again and headed to the airport.
Unlike other travelers, flying is not my favorite part of traveling. Going through long security lines, waiting at the crowded boarding area, and being strapped to my seat for hours is not what I visualize as fun. However, of course, they are part of travel and unavoidable.
Welcome to Da Nang!
After flying 21 hours, we finally arrived in Vietnam. I must say the toughest flight for us was the 15 hour- connection from Atlanta to Inchon, Korea. It was just too long, and the inescapable turbulence was quite unsettling.
Arriving in Da Nang was a breath of fresh air, however. The long beach of My Khe Beach with undulating waves and fine sand was just spectacular. Waking up the following morning in the warm Asian weather, albeit jet lagged to the max, we couldn’t wait to explore this beautiful city with its kind and gentle people.
We stayed in Da Nang for 4 weeks and booked our accommodation at DLG Hotel. We found it by accident after our dissatisfying experiences with other hotels. DLG’s amenities, services, and hospitality topped our expectations making our stay truly an experience of being in a home away from home.
For more information, here’s DLG Hotel’s website: https://www.dlghoteldanang.com/
During our visit, after breakfast we would leisurely walk on the beach for some vitamin sea and exercise. We were surprised how health-oriented Vietnamese people are. You would see them, if not doing their exercise on outside gyms, they were in the water swimming or enjoying other water sports.
After our invigorating walk, we usually ended our roadwork with some cold fresh coconut or juice drink and beer for the hubby. Sometimes we would take a dip in the pool or simply lounge around for some chit chat with the hotel staff.
Of course, our stay in Da Nang would not be complete without visiting some of its attractions, and here are some of them:
Dragon Bridge
Considered as the longest bridge in Vietnam and one of the longest bridges in the world, Dragon Bridge is one of Da Nang’s tourist attractions. Every weekend this Dragon Bridge spits fire and blows water making it a truly picturesque show to watch.
Da Nang Cathedral
Since Vietnam is conventionally considered a Buddhist country, Da Nang Cathedral is the only Catholic church in the whole city serving its Catholic community.
Built in 1923, Da Nang Cathedral was built during the French colonial period. It is regarded as one of the must-see tourist attractions in Da Nang due to its Gothic designed architecture. No wonder outside the church most days there is a big crowd of tourists admiring its pink beauty and taking photos.
Inside the church are dignified columns that are beautifully carved and painted. Its glass windows depict events from the Bible, and while the interior of the church was something to behold, the outside was quite breathtaking as well.
Marble Mountains
Another tourist attraction in Da Nang is called the Marble Mountains located just a few miles away from the city center. Tourists usually pass by this area on their way to the famous Hoi An.
Marble Mountains are a group of five lime stones and marble hills which are punctuated by caves and tunnels. These caves are popular among tourists as you can find spectacular Buddhist and Hindu shrines inside.
Around the mountains you will also find beautiful souvenirs for sale. They are all made of marbles, from statues to furniture, paper weights to bracelets. Indeed, it’s quite a place to visit.
Hoi-An
From Marble Mountains, Hoi-An is another 30-minute ride by car.
Hoi-An is listed as a UNESCO heritage site, which makes it very famous not only among tourists but also to locals who often travel by bikes.
Known for its yellow shop houses for custom-made suits and dresses, Hoi-An has also the elements for timeless destinations. My husband and I were captivated by its old houses, temples, and bridges.
While pretty during the day, this Ancient Town is more popular and spectacular, however, when the sun goes down and thousands of brightly lit lanterns illuminate the streets and set the Thu Bon River aglow with twinkling reflections.
We were very happy with our stay in Da Nang and we look forward to going back again someday in the future.
Happy New Year to all of you!
pinay e-motion 