Vietnam Travel Notes

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For most travelers, Danang is were you get of the train or plane, before taking the 30 minute drive to Hoi An. What many don’t realize is Danang City itself is actually quite a nice place to hang out and wonder the streets.

fishing-boats-in-danang-vietnam

During the French days, Danang was a major port city in Vietnam after the Thu Bon River in Hoi An silted up and no longer became usable. During the 60/70’s the city was home to many of the US Forces based in Vietnam during the war. Today, the city is expanding quickly and becoming an economic hub of the country.

While Danang doesn’t offer anywhere near the same as Hoi An, it is definitely worth the journey for at least a day trip to wonder the streets, markets, river and beach. Many will stop at the Charm Museum (corner of Trung Nu Vuong & Bach Dang Streets) as they make the journey to either Hue or Hoi An. The museum is well worth the visit and has a huge collection of old Charm carvings dating to the 7^th – 15^th century. You can either wonder through yourself or use one of the guides who will greet you at the entrance!

Also worth seeing is the Cao Dai Temple (63 Hai Phuong Street) and the Phap Lam Pagoda (574 Ong Ich Khiem Street). A walk along the river is also a pleasant experience with much of it set in really nice gardens and often you will see art exhibitions all the banks of the river. You can also visit the Han Market as you wonder along. The martket is quite large and full of everyday items the locals will need, however the isn’t much for the traveler, except some great “Kodak moment” opportunities.

Heading east of the city and across the river, you will hit Danang Beach. While it’s not the most beautiful place in Vietnam, it will offer photographer a great chance to take amazing images of the local fishing boats at sunset. The beach is generally packed during summer in the early morning and late afternoon with locals. There are also tons of restaurants lining the beach, ask the cost of things before ordering, many menu’s won’t have the price shown!

If you have a motor bike, you can drive along the coast road from Hoi An to Danang City. If you continue north, following the coast, you travel through a small mountain range which offers some fantastic views and smaller beaches with fewer people!

All in all Danang is a nice change if you have had enough of the crowds and tailor shops in Hoi An. To get there, you can hire a car from any travel agent, hire a taxi or motor bike taxi or if you ride a motor bike hire one for the day and then get lost! Danang is approx. 30km from Hoi An, the new coast road is flat and in good condition. So if you’re fit, try it on bicycle!

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