Da Nang: The Miami of Southeast Asia
Picture this: high-rise buildings and palm trees line the long stretch of beach, peppered with beachclubs and hotels. This really feels like a different world in comparison to the rest of Vietnam. There’s even a Nobu coming soon…
Where to Eat
Da Nang is a hub for digital nomads, so there are A LOT of incredible food spots here.
Bikini Bottom
Two words: ENDLESS BRUNCH!
Anything you could imagine, from incredible coffees to eggs in every possible way to colourful smoothie bowls to stacked pancakes and waffles. Bikini Bottom has it all down to a tee.
The food is delicious, and the decor is super funky. I was in Da Nang for a week and ate here every day for brunch. This is a must-visit brunch spot.
Son Tra Marina
This is the most photo-worthy place in all of Da Nang. Located on the other side of the bay from the main beach, Son Tra Marina is a totally Greek-inspired restaurant/cafe/bar! I felt totally transported back to Europe for a few hours…
East West Brewery
Right on the water, this converted brewery is the host of incredible fresh food, craft beers and beachside dining.
I had the MOST delicious seared tuna salad and truffle fries here. As much as I adore Vietnamese food, it can also be great to switch it up sometimes. This meal was on the more expensive side of the spectrum in comparison to my other meals in SEA, however, it was still only £13 for a main, a side and a glass of wine, so I really cannot complain!
East West Brewery was perfect. It really reminded me of Felon’s Brewery in Manly and Brisbane, over in Australia.
Roots Cafe
This was the most gorgeous, slow-paced vegan all-natural cafe offering fresh and tasty smoothie bowls and matchas with the perfect vibes. You can even add in things like collagen and sea moss to your bowls for an extra health kick!
Where to Go for a slice of Culture
My Son Sanctuary
About an hour from Da Nang lies the My Son Sanctuary, ruins of a Buddhist temple built between the 9th and 11th centuries.
To reach the ruins, you can walk or cycle through the grounds, and as soon as we arrived at the ruins themselves, we were instantly reminded of Temple Run! It was incredible to see that you can really imagine how decadent it would have once been.
On the same site, they host traditional Vietnamese music and dance shows about Buddhist festivals and local culture.
Ba Na Hills
The home of the Golden Hands Bridge and many more attractions. We did not realise that this was sort of a theme park, though without rides. So it was a little bit of a strange experience. The Golden Hands Bridge and the giant Buddha were both gorgeous despite the view being extremely limited.
The Marble Mountains
Located just between Hoi An and Da Nang are the marble mountains. At the peak of the mountain lies the Ling Ung Pagoda and other various temples, buddhas and shrines.
The Dragon Bridge
In central Da Nang sits The Dragon Bridge, and each night it shoots fire and water out of its mouth - a true tourist spectacle. The fire show was super cool, which is followed by an extremely powerful water jet, which totally soaked everyone in the area!
Fancy A Treat?
Head Spas
Then a head spa is the perfect activity! We had an hour spa in Da Nang for about £7 - hair wash, massage, blowdry and all! It is soooo worth it, and the Vietnamese are incredible at this. I felt so relaxed after, like I was floating through life. It is the perfect treat after a long day of sightseeing in the heat.
Nautica Beach Club
For £10, you can get a day pass to access the beach club, with that money credited towards food and drinks. God! To have pool access and sunloungers was such a treat, and the cocktails were flowing…
Da Nang provided everything for the perfect top off whilst backpacking Vietnam; incredible food, beautiful cultural sites, warm beaches and treats along the way. I will defo be coming back!
