Da Nang
Da Nang (Đà Nẵng) is Vietnam's fourth largest city, and is located on the South China Sea coast, midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The city itself has neither the atmosphere of Hanoi nor the hustle-bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, but has its share of sights, and is close to the charms of Hoi An and the imperial capital of Hue.
Culture and History
There are many remnants of the "American War" leftover in Da Nang. Each bridge has a different builder, whether they be French, American, or Vietnamese. On the way to the popular tourist spot China Beach, the ruins of a military base remain in the form of helicopter hangars.
The city is often overlooked by tourists but is one of the most friendly to backpackers in all of Vietnam. China Beach, a former R&R destination for American G.I.'s, is now home to a small community of guesthouse owners, marble statue shops, and other various trades. Some of the most beautiful and isolated beaches in Vietnam are found here, among some of the friendliest people. This is a must stop for the budget traveler.
Travel to Danang, visa requirements
Flights to Danang, airtickets
Da Nang Airport (Template:IATA:DAD) is the smallest of Vietnam's three international airports. There are frequent flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on both Vietnam and Pacific Airlines, as well as limited services direct to Singapore, Bangkok and Taipei. Aside from a money changer, airport amenities are rather minimal. As of November 2006, international departure taxes should be included in the price of your ticket.
The airport is located just 3 km southwest of Danang, a 10-minute trip. Many travellers choose to continue directly to Hoi An (30-45 min, $15) or Hue (2 hours, $35). The fixed-price taxi coupon system has regrettably disappeared and now you have to haggle with the drivers outside, who ask silly prices but can be negotiated down to the amounts above; find a few other travellers to ease the pain.
By train
The Reunification Express makes a stop in Da Nang. Many motorbikes and taxis are available outside of the station. Scheduled arrival and departure times are loosely followed.
By car
Buses to Danang
Sinh Cafe, the popular bus-pass service, makes a stop in Hoi An, a short distance from the city. It is of a distance where a taxi is recommended instead of a motorbike.
By boat
Get around
Danang attractions and sightseeing
- Cham Museum (Bảo Tàng Chăm), Trung Nu Vuong and Bach Dang Sts. Founded in 1915 by the École Française d'Extrême Orient, it houses a large collection of sculptures from the Hindu-practicing Cham civilization, which occupied the area in the first millennium C.E.
- The Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son; admission 15,000 dong, tel. 511.961114) are 9km south of Da Nang. The group includes Kim Son (Mountain of Wood), Thuy Son (Mountain of Water), Hoa Son (Mountain of Fire), and Tho Son (Mountain of Earth). Several Buddhist temples have been built into the caves and grottoes, and it's a popular pilgrimage site. The real fun, though, is at the Am Phu cave, where you can make the steep climb up toward the light and a view from the top of the mountain, surrounded by approving sacred images...or head in the opposite direction, physically and spiritually, down to the crude Hieronymous Bosch-esque statues of sinners getting their due in the caverns below, with appropriately eerie lighting. Either way, bring walking or climbing shoes. Open-tour buses will stop here, but you'll be rushed along; any moto driver in Da Nang or Hoi An will be happy to take you and let you set the schedule. Guides are available. Watch out for the rapacious statue-sellers outside, though.
City tours
Learn
Work
Shopping, Danang souvenirs
Good restaurants and cheap meals
Budget
Hoa's Guesthouse at China Beach. is the gathering spot for backpackers in the evenings, as Hoa hosts "family dinners." For about $1.50 you get treated to an all-you-can-eat buffet, courtesy of Hoa's wife. Picnic tables are full of travellers inside this tiny cafe, starting at around 7:00 p.m.
Mid-range
Splurge
Danang nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Budget
Hoa's Guesthouse at China Beach. - rooms at about $8, and Hoa the owner will make you feel right at home. Very friendly atmosphere and the social gathering place of China Beach.
Ngoi's Guesthouse. - That is not the actual name of the house but ask a motorbike driver to take you to China Beach, and they'll probably take you to Hoa's. Hoa will be more than willing to direct you to Ngoi's. Rooms about $8, and you get to sit and chat with Ngoi over a few beers in the evening. His wife will make you delicious food. Air conditioning. Highly recommended.
Mid-range
Splurge
Furama Resort first 5 star hotel+resort in Vietnam. Just ask the locals.
Contact
Stay safe
Cope
Get out
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