Đà Nẵng
Don't dismiss Đà Nẵng too quickly - it's only a stone's throw from the Marble Mountains, a fire-breathing dragon and the iconic Bà Nà Hills.
Da Nang is a city that perfectly balances urban energy with laid-back beach vibes. Flanked by the neon-lit Han River on one side and the white-sand shores of My Khe Beach on the other, it feels far more spacious and modern than the historic alleys of Hoi An or the rugged peaks of Sapa. It's a city of dramatic bridges and mountain views where you can spend your morning surfing and your afternoon exploring ancient limestone caves, and I so wish we had spent more time here.
Things to Do:
- The Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills): Take one of the world's longest cable cars into the clouds to walk across the famous "Giant Stone Hands."
Fun fact: It was these stone hands I saw a picture of on Pinterest in 2021 and decided I MUST go to Vietnam and see them for myself. The trip to Vietnam then led to our journey around the world. So basically, Atlasantix was born thanks to these stone hands at Ba Na hills. The butterfly effect is wild.
- Marvel at the Dragon Bridge: Visit at 9 PM on weekends to watch the dragon head breathe real fire and water over the river—a spectacle that brings the whole city to the waterfront.
Climb the Marble Mountains: Explore this cluster of five limestone hills filled with hidden caves, ornate Buddhist pagodas, and "Am Phu" (the Hell Cave). You'll see amazing views of the coastline and city.
Drive the Hai Van Pass: Rent a scooter or take a Jeep tour through this legendary coastal road. It was made famous by Top Gear and offers some of the most dramatic ocean-meets-mountain views in Asia.
Visit the Lady Buddha: Stand at the base of the 67-meter tall white statue on the Son Tra Peninsula. She overlooks the bay and is surrounded by wild monkeys and peaceful gardens.
Surf at My Khe Beach: Voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, its gentle waves make it the perfect place for a sunrise surf lesson or a morning run (although you won't catch us doing that lol).
Seafood Feast at the Night Markets: Head to the Son Tra or Helio Night Markets to pick out fresh lobster, crab, and scallops from tanks to be grilled on the spot with scallion oil and peanuts.