Joanna James
Da Nang is an amazing destination for backpackers though it is quite frequently overlooked by most travellers because most people prefer to stick to Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long Bay.
The Marble Mountains are a group of limestone and marble hills just 7km from the city. It is one of the city's biggest attractions and has many local myths and legends woven around it. The mountains are said to be the shells of an egg laid by a dragon which came from the sea. The mountains have many interesting trails and Buddhist shrines for visitors to discover – it is a perfect opportunity to live out an Indiana Jones fantasy (if you've ever had one). If you have the stamina to reach the summit a truly amazing view awaits you.
Cham Island is located just off the coast of Da Nang and arguably has some of the best spots to go snorkelling. It is quite easy to get to the island even though most tourists somehow miss out on the trip –maybe it's still a bit hidden from the beaten track. It's a great way to get out of the city and enjoy a day by the sea. Citadines Blue Cove Da Nang is a great place to stay at if you're planning a visit – it is quite a deal in comparison to other Da Nang accommodation. You can easily make arrangements with the hotel for excursions to both the Marble Mountains and Cham Island
The Dragon Bridge is quite a recent addition to the city but it has gained a lot of popularity. The bridge measures 666m and is the largest of its kind in Vietnam. The local government built the bridge as an attraction and hired an artist to design it. It is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and deserves a glimpse. At 9 pm every Saturday and Sunday, the bridge is beautifully lit up and the dragon even breathes fire.
Son Tra is a beautiful rainforest that has taken shape on the peninsula that juts out from Da Nang. It is now a nature reserve that covers nearly 4000 hectares. You can hire a motorbike and explore this beautiful wilderness. There are many undiscovered beaches and viewpoints just waiting to be found. The most famous inhabitant of the park is the Red-shanked Duoc Langur – a very elusive species which you'd be lucky to catch a glimpse of, to be honest.
The beaches in Da Nang are amazing and My Khe truly stands out among them all. It could easily be considered one of the best in the country. The sand is white and the water clear blue, the conditions are perfect for surfers and there are plenty of lovely restaurants that serve amazing seafood. So head by My Khe one evening and enjoy a dinner by the sea and a few beers afterwards.
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