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January 30, 2018

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Home » Feature » Education

Building bridges to a cultural haven

Da Nang, otherwise known as the “City of Bridges,” is a city located in central Vietnam, famous for its combination of beaches and mountains. Swarming with tourists every year, most of the locals know and speak English. During winter, the weather is usually misty, with light rain and occasional thunderstorms. This just adds to the overall special experience that I had when I was there. I have picked out a few attractions and highlights that stood out on my trip.

Da Nang supposedly has the longest chain of cable cars in the world (or in Asia at least). Up the Ba Na mountains, the rides lasted a total of 30 minutes, and that’s only one way.

At the top, a quaint little French village awaited us, with a hidden amusement park underneath. Needless to say, I spent more time underground than on the surface, partly due to the rain.

The local wet market and Hoi An old town are great for people who want to immerse themselves more into the culture of old middle Vietnam. Hoi An old town is a UNESCO heritage site. Unique, handcrafted goods, such as Vietnamese straw hats and the amazing local food, such as seafood rice noodles, made it a pleasant experience. The local wet market presents an opportunity to shop for Vietnamese goods, and you get to learn a lot about the culture while you’re there too. Observe how Vietnamese like their coffee. Ogle over strange dried goods and learn their use.

Last but obviously not least, Da Nang has amazing beaches. The moment you step out of your hotel, they’re there. You can find even more luxurious locations, if you know where to look. Despite the rainy weather, this was my favorite part of the trip. Soft, squishy sand beneath your feet, with the clear, vast ocean right in front of you with palm trees scattered left and right. Who could resist?

Da Nang might have had misty weather and rain, but that only added to the special experience I had when I was there. Besides, there can’t be a rainbow without a little rain.




 

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