Five things you must do in Danang

It all began with this article.  I like to read this list every year dreaming of how one of them could be my next destination. My choices were a bit more adventurous…but then kids happened and our travel is just a bit different now. I am also drawn to choices in Asia so much more now given where we live most of the year! I had last gone to Vietnam in 2008 (Hanoi and Halong Bay) so I was certainly overdue for a trip back.  I actually didn’t really know what to expect of Danang. But it was a really lovely mix of beach life, traditional architecture, and religious sites.  Check out my Instagram for more pictures. We would definitely return some time and explore it more.  In the meantime, I wanted to share five things you must do in Danang (all taken via iPhone because I forgot my camera battery!)

Five things you must do in Danang

1. Hoi An

This UNESCO heritage town is a mere 25 minute ride from Danang (23 minutes from our hotel in Hot An to new hotel in Danang!)  The old town has a wonderful mix of architecture from Vietnamese tube houses to French colonial style homes to Chinese shophouses.  Its well preserved architecture from the 15th to 19th centuries were key of its UNESCO world heritage site declaration.  Of course you also can’t help but wonder at the lanterns all throughout the town. Check out my Instagram for a few examples of these beautiful designs. I wish we were there for the Full Moon festival when the town uses only its lanterns and residents exchange flowers, candles, and lanterns.

2.Beach

Did you know that the beaches in this region are pristine and quiet?  If you’re staying at a resort along the beach strip, you will likely have a private beach right outside your hotel.   This may be an extension of Non Nuoc Beach just opposite the Marble Mountain.  My Khe Beach is the most popular beach and closer to the city, but still clean and easy.

3.Marble Mountain

Get ready to hike!  Ok the hiking isn’t that bad, but the pagodas and statues are worth it! Marble Mountain in Danang is a cluster of five limestone and marble hills.  Nestled inside the mountains are a few pilgrimage sites with Buddhist sanctuaries and temples.  Go early and marvel at the pagodas overlooking the hills and hidden statues.  We took the lift (extra fee) which was completely worth it since it’s always hot and we brought the little ones.

4.Linh Ung Pagoda / Lady Buddha / Goddess of Mercy

I knew I wanted to see Linh Ung Pagoda aka Lady Buddha or the Goddess of Mercy.  It is a beautiful statue and was actually visible (as a speck!) from our hotel. This is the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam and the tallest pagoda in Danang at 67 m high and 35 m circumference at the base.  It is pretty easy to get to from Danang and has lovely temples on the grounds as well as 18 stone Arhat statues on the grounds. This is a relatively easy site to visit and navigate.

5.Check out custom clothing and shoe stores

Fancy a custom silk dress or suit? How about some leather loafers?  You can get almost anything made in Danang or Hoi An. We looked, but didn’t need anything made on this trip.  But the prices and speed at which pieces are made are very reasonable.  Imagine a custom made dress in 2 days! This is a good list to start with for bespoke clothing.

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