Vietnam 2019 - 01 The Storm is brewing in Da Nang...

“ Every storm runs out of rain, just like every dark night turns into day..." - Gary Allan

(The Dragon Bridge over Han River)

Day 01: KL – Da Nang

01 November 2019

(Breakfast at Bibik Heritage KLIA2)

The Air Asia flight from KL to Da Nang was on time. At Da Nang International Airport we met Mr Thanh, our local guide. Da Nang is a coastal city in central Vietnam known for its sandy beaches and history as a French colonial port. It is a jump-point to visit Bà Nà Hills to the west of the city. From here the hillside Hải Vân Pass has views of Da Nang Bay and the Marble Mountains. These 5 limestone outcrops are topped with pagodas and hidden caves containing Buddhist shrines.

(A welcoming signage)

(At the Arrival Hall)

(A group photo with Mr Thanh)

As we did not order any in-flight meals, our first destination was Mumtaz Indian Halal Restaurant for our late lunch. We ordered Lamb Curry to go with Garlic Butter Nan and Cheese Nan. There are many North Indian dishes to choose from the menu and the dishes were absolutely delicious.

(One of the many Halal restaurant in town)

(Mouth watering Indian food)

(Feeling famished after the flight)

After lunch we checked in Gemma Hotel situated not far from the beach. The room allocated was spaciously comfortable with a good view of the Dragon Bridge and Tran Thi Ly Bridge.

(Cozy and spacious room)

(The view from our room, Han River in the background)

We had ample time to rest in the afternoon. By 6:00 pm the van fetched us for dinner at Family Indian Halal Restaurant. The restaurant serves varieties of dishes from different regions of India and were equally delicious as Mumtaz’s.

(Waiting for transport for the night tour)

(Another Halal Indian restaurant)

(Briyani and lamb curry)

After dinner we had a short night tour of Da Nang town and stopped for photo shots by the Dragon Bridge. Stretching across the Han River, the Dragon Bridge is undoubtedly one of Da Nang’s finest examples of architecture. Measuring at 666 m in length, the Dragon Bridge is the longest bridge in Vietnam. Every weekend, the bridge offers a spectacular display of lights, fire, and water. The bridge is shaped like a dragon flying across the water. The dragon delights visitors by spitting water and breathing fire on weekends after 9.00 pm. Dragons are a symbol of prosperity and power in Vietnamese culture.

(The Dragon Bridge beautifully lit up at night)

(A clear night after the heavy rain)

(The Dragon Statue)

Another famous bridge crossing the Han River is the Tran Thi Ly Bridge. Much like the Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge has won international awards for its innovative design. The cable-stayed bridge has simultaneously managed to reduce congestion in Da Nang and become an attractive landmark since its rebuilding in 2013. The bridge is designed to resemble a sailboat drifting down the Han River, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of this seafront city.

 Vietnam 2019: 02 Ba Na Hills and Lang Co Lagoon👉 

👈Vietnam: Braving the Storm in Da Nang