I didn’t see many other tourists at these markets, and if you’re after an authentic experience, that’s generally a good thing. Not everyone speaks English, so if you don’t speak Vietnamese, be ready with Google translate.
If you head out in the early evening you’ll witness the sea of mopeds progressively pile up out the front and young families fill the forecourt enjoying games, rides, dinner and perusing the stalls. The front is adorned it beautiful lanterns. Most of the wares for sale are little trinkets that look mass-produced, but it’s certainly fun to wander and have a look around.
Food-wise you can find a few delicacies like this Balut – a Filipino dish of fermented, fertilised duck egg.
This little gem really was a highlight. The staff are friendly and knowledgable, the decor is cosy, stylish and unique. Take a seat at the wide, theatre reminiscent bar, or claim a cosy booth or nook for yourself.
You select cocktails by spirit, the menu is pretty extensive and features lots of local ingredients, liqueurs and styles. From star anise to bubble foam and flowers – it’s all beautifully presented and equally amazing to taste.
There’s not a full food menu – but the little snacks, including a spicy chicken floss with fresh lime, are completely delicious.
We visited the bridge at night, it looks striking – illuminated against the night sky as it cycles through different colours. As with all roads in Vietnamese cities it can be hectic, but there’s a comfortably safe sidewalk to wander across by foot and enjoy the views. It’s a good route to take to, or from, a night out in Da Nang.
The water literally has a golden sparkle to it – something I’d never seen. It’s a vast beach with white sand, in front of a scattering of high-rise hotels. Along the beach you’ll find countless comfy deck chairs and sun umbrellas – perfect for anyone with pale Irish-Australian skin like me, who still want to enjoy the beach.
Even with the sunny skies, the beach is far more deserted than we are used to in Australia, so you’ll likely get a spot all to yourself.
The staff here have great English are are super accomodating. They helped us to print out tickets, stored our bags and answered all our questions about local attractions. In terms of amenities there is a gym and 24 hour reception, plus our room had amazing views of the river and city.
The rooftop not only has great views, but a pool and bar, with some fun cocktails featuring coconut sorbet floating in blue curaçao, or more traditional orange twists to suit all tastes.
But the highlight of this hotel for me would have to be the buffet breakfast. Perhaps I’m biased as this was our first stop in Vietnam and the buffet breakfasts are good everywhere there, but I loved this one. Sample local fruits, delicious noodles, little pastries and of course, coffee with condensed milk.
