Buzz
In addition to the continuous unveiling of modern structures, Da Nang also mesmerizes tourists with its friendly services, the amicable people of Quang, and other wonderful simple pleasures that leave a profound mark on those who set foot in this city worth living in.
Exploring Da Nang: 15 Reasons Everyone Calls Da Nang the 'City Worth Living In'
Anyone who visits this city and wants to 'check-in' can easily spot the location 'Da Nang - The City Worth Living In' right at the top of the list. So, what reasons have made Da Nang so appealing?
The New York Times voted Da Nang as one of the ideal destinations in the world in 2015, not only because it boasts beautiful stretches of white sandy beaches but also because of its modern and sophisticated image, constantly evolving.
Visiting Da Nang, you'll find the most enchanting beaches on the planet, mountains, passes, and some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. However, you won't feel like you're in a famous tourist destination where you're always wary of being ripped off. It's easy to understand because the locals don't see Da Nang as a place to 'pick the pockets' of tourists. For them, it's simply a beloved city, the pride of each individual, and they love it so much that they want to preserve the best images of Da Nang in the hearts of those who have visited.
1. City of Innovative and Fascinating Structures
Da Nang always possesses things that can create a 'hype'. We're talking about innovative and fascinating structures that continually emerge but still leave a lasting impression. Some years ago, it was Ba Na - a modern resort with a mild climate. Then there's the magnificent Dragon Bridge that can spout water and fire. Or the Sun Wheel Ferris wheel, or simply talking about a modern and charming hotel A La Carte.
Recently, people were delighted by the sight of a carp-turned-dragon statue weighing nearly 200 tons installed on the east bank of the Han River, positioned between the Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge.
The image of the carp-turned-dragon statue placed on the banks of the Han River not only holds aesthetic significance but also becomes a symbol deeply rooted in art and folk beliefs, portraying the carp overcoming all obstacles to transform into a dragon.
After the carp-turned-dragon statue was inaugurated, a 'love bridge' was also constructed on the banks of the Han River. The heart-shaped bridge with adorable padlocks on its rails is an interesting and romantic attraction for couples. Love bridges are not uncommon abroad, but this is the first time this unique structure has appeared in Vietnam.
2. Situated amidst the hottest tourist axis in Central Vietnam: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An
From Da Nang, tourists can easily visit nearby famous tourist destinations without much effort or time. They can ride a motorbike to Hoi An, or take a bus for about an hour to admire Lang Co or head straight to Hue to savor the solemn atmosphere of the ancient capital. Visiting My Son from Da Nang is also not far, and going to Ba Na by motorbike is also possible. For thrill-seeking travelers, riding on the Hai Van Pass will be an exhilarating experience as Vietnam's majestic and spectacular beauty unfolds before your eyes on this pass.
While Hue or Hoi An evoke memories of the ancient capital and old town, Da Nang impresses with its civility, modernity, and evident transformation after each visit, making people feel positive and eager to return.
The stunning coastal road also excites tourists greatly. The resorts lining both sides of the road create a scene that is both... luxurious and poetic. Renting a motorbike is recommended if you want to fully enjoy the sea breeze blowing on your face, feeling as free as the vitality of Central Vietnam.
3. Dragon Bridge
Among the top 30 most impressive bridges in the world, Da Nang's Dragon Bridge, Vietnam is honored for its modern beauty and impressive ability to spout fire and water.
Opened to traffic in 2013, Dragon Bridge is the seventh bridge crossing the famous Han River in Da Nang City. With its unique architecture and the ability to perform fire and water displays, Dragon Bridge crossing the Han River (Da Nang) is highly regarded by many famous entertainment and tourism sites worldwide.
This is the first time a project in Vietnam designed by Vietnamese lighting designers has won the IALD award in the 31-year history, considered equivalent to the Oscars in cinema or the Pritzker in architecture.
4. Ba Na Hills
Many liken Ba Na to the 'Dalat' of the Central region. Just 25km from Da Nang, but here the weather is cold all year round, even on cloudy days Ba Na is covered in a faint white mist. Walking beside the clouds here is quite normal.
5. A Place Where No One Likes to Rip Off Tourists
What people love most about this land of sunshine and wind is undoubtedly the people here. When you set foot in Da Nang, the people of Quang land will give you the first gift, smiles. No matter where you come from or what you do, they are all caring and helpful when you need directions, hotel addresses, and even some motorbike or cyclo drivers will 'design a tour' for first-time visitors to Da Nang.
They will enthusiastically recommend good and cheap eateries, advise you on which tourist spots to visit and how long it takes to get there... In general, when you come to Da Nang, you will never hesitate to ask and will be greeted with the utmost warmth by the locals here. You might even want to talk to them more because their voices and way of speaking are so pleasant!
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Giau, a cyclo driver, proudly introduces Da Nang and the warmth and friendliness of the city's people. Da Nang city, where I was born, where I live, where I love. 'The people of Da Nang are like this, they are always proud of 'my city,' they are proud of everything they have and have preserved until now.
That love and pride are in the blood of every city dweller, pulsating with every beat of the city's people, from street vendors to taxi drivers, cyclo drivers, newspaper vendors, from the elderly to the young, students, and schoolchildren... When talking about Da Nang, they can talk endlessly with you about the simple culture here, in the affectionate Central Vietnamese accent. They will even talk about their city until you get annoyed, because you know that you will have to leave this wonderful place after a short trip.
7. Alluring My Khe Beach
Blessed by nature with picturesque continuous beaches, My Khe Beach has been voted one of the six most alluring beaches in the world by Forbes Magazine.
8. Non-profit Humanitarian Cancer Hospital
Many poor people from Da Nang and provinces in the Central region have had the opportunity to receive free medical examinations and treatment at a very modern and luxurious hospital. Judging by the exterior of the Danang Cancer Hospital, it looks more like a 5-star hotel than a hospital for the poor.
With modern, luxurious designs featuring amenities such as parks, lodging for patient's families, and clean dining facilities, the hospital also provides free porridge three times a day as an act of compassion. Many locals consider the Da Nang Cancer Hospital a symbol of the city's 'love' and 'humanity' because of this.
9. Free Wi-Fi Coverage Across the City
Say goodbye to days of hunting for Wi-Fi in cafes or struggling with signals while enjoying street food. Da Nang is where you can access Wi-Fi in every nook and cranny of the city. No other city in Vietnam offers such a unique free service. Since July 10, 2014, Da Nang has officially provided free Wi-Fi coverage in all central areas to help residents and tourists stay connected to the internet seamlessly.
10. Delicious and Affordable Food
No need to elaborate on how much Westerners adore Vietnamese cuisine. While Hanoi has pho and bun, Saigon boasts banh trang, banh canh, or com tam, Da Nang and Hoi An are truly culinary paradises. In Da Nang, tourists can indulge in delicacies from small snacks like banh beo, banh nam priced at a few thousand dong each, to delicious bowls of bun mam, fragrant grilled meat vermicelli for only 15,000 - 20,000 dong; or savory shredded pork bread rolls from street vendors along the streets.
And just wait until you try the seafood here! Fresh seafood caught from the sea and prepared with the rich flavors of the Central region. Then, when you check the bill, it only costs a few hundred thousand dong. Perhaps it's because of this that many people just want to move to Da Nang to enjoy delicious food every day!
11. Pristine Beaches Free of Litter
We've grown accustomed to images of beaches cluttered with trash, with bottles, cans strewn across the white sands. Yet in Da Nang, it's a different story. Whether it's the weekend or any holiday with hordes of tourists coming to swim, this beach remains clean, free of litter, without crab shells, snail shells littering the shore like other tourist beaches. Here, there are clear regulations prohibiting camping, eating on the sand. The beach returns to its true essence, only for everyone to visit, swim, and stroll.
Along the beach are penguin-shaped trash cans, reminding tourists, 'Got trash? Give it to me!' Or if someone unconsciously litters, the locals here will remind or voluntarily take the trash to the designated place. Moreover, you know, looking at this beautiful white beach, how could anyone bear to toss a can down, only to receive uncomfortable glances from those around?
12. Shocked by the Prices of Food and Drinks at the Airport
At Da Nang International Airport, you can forget the story of paying tens of thousands for a can of coke or even a hundred thousand for bland noodles. Here, they serve delicious dishes, abundant yet... priced no differently than street vendors. This city even knows how to make us love it even when we're... bidding it farewell.
13. Con Market - Where to Experience the Best Local Life and Cuisine
Located on Ong Ich Khiem Street, in the heart of Da Nang city, Con Market is considered one of the largest and oldest market areas. Built since 1940, situated on a high landmass in the middle of the city, locals here fondly call it: Con Market.
And you know, if you've been to Con Market, don't hesitate to save a little room for the delicious street food here. The best food comes from the streets, from the local markets, and Con Market is such a place.
14. Public Restrooms as Comfortable as Home
We all know the discomfort every time we step into a public restroom. Some even go to great lengths to avoid setting foot in one! Investing in public restrooms may not seem... profitable, but it brings a lot of... relief to tourists.
And to build a city that is increasingly friendly to everyone, recently, standard 5-star public restroom facilities have become a campaign that surprises everyone. The Hai Chau Business Association and the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center launched the program 'Comfort as home,' where places with this logo allow tourists and locals in Da Nang to use the restroom for free.
15. Spectacular Outdoor Events
One year, you can visit Da Nang once, but you can also go twice, three times just because there are so many... fun events here. There's the grand fireworks festival, where you can combine watching fireworks with relaxation, sightseeing, and many music festivals are also starting to be organized in this beautiful coastal city. Not to mention, the Iron Man competition was recently held in Da Nang too.
Events or activities in Da Nang are all very diverse, some are suitable for families, others for young people, and some for adventure seekers. All of these make Da Nang not only beautiful and friendly but also extremely exciting and never-ending in joy.
By Thế Giới Trẻ
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Reference: Travel Handbook from Mytour
MytourJune 29, 2016
