Calling Da Nang Home

Da Nang is a fantastic city, it is vibrant, emerging and has everything you could want in a Vietnamese city without the craziness of Saigon or Hanoi. As a tourist it has a few key sights to visit and that’s about it but as a resident there is so much more to the city than you could absorb in a brief stay.

My little friend Noodle

There is the beach which is empty and abandoned during the heat of the day but at dawn and dusk is filled by people swimming (wading thigh deep in the ocean), playing sports, exercising and just generally chilling out and enjoying the beach. There are the fishermen who occasionally store there boats on the road when big surf comes through, who haul in their nets by hand after lounging in their hammocks all afternoon and then sell their catch by the side of the road in buckets.

Fishing boats 

Friendly fishermen

There is Big C where people go through your trolley as you shop just to check out what the westerner is buying, pinch at your cheeks or arms and where you are bombarded with loud music promos,  flashing lights and even more sounds leaving you feeling a little shell shocked as you face the mosh that is the checkout line. This is contrast to the markets which are not hugely different you still stand out like a sore thumb and  instead of light and sound displays the smells, yelling and sight of the meat market will shock you.

Fresh chicken

There is the riverside bars and restaurants that are an amazing place to spend your nights. The city and its people are truly amazing. I have never felt unsafe only ever uncomfortable  and awkward. The street food is delicious, the seafood by the beach doesn't get any fresher and the people are fantastic. Of all the places to live in Vietnam, Da Nang has to top the list it has everything you could want in Hanoi or Saigon but is nowhere near as busy and is right by the beach, doesn't get much better than that.

Chilling out by the river at the Golden Pine

Rocking out at on the radio

My Quang, one of Da Nang's specialty street food dishes

One of the most beautiful ways to view this amazing city is to drive up Son Tra and take a trip to the white Lady Buddha which stands guard overlooking to city. This beautiful statue is the biggest statue in Vietnam can be seen from Hoi An.

White Lady Buddha

Son Tra

The beautiful temple is surrounded by amazing carved statues and has a very spiritual feel, I left feeling very much at peace. There are many Vietnamese visitors who go there to pray and leave offerings, I personally  felt like I was intruder on their rituals but they were friendly and helpful and I am very grateful for the experience. The surrounds of the Lady Buddha are just as spectacular as the Buddha herself Lotus pools, statues and the wisps of incense  smoke trailing air all enhance the amazing views of Da Nang. It is a must visit if you travel to Da Nang.

White Lady Buddha

The view back to Da Nang from White Lady Buddha

Surrounds of White Lady Buddha

Lotus flower

Lotus flower