It is known that the beauty queen was born and raised in Da Nang – one of the six municipalities directly under the Central Government with countless scenic spots and is considered the most livable city in Vietnam.
Miss Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy officially crowned Miss International 2024, the first time Vietnam won the crown in this pageant. The beauty was born in 2002 and grew up in the beautiful and romantic city of Da Nang.
Why is Da Nang considered the most livable city in Vietnam?
Da Nang is known as the “city of five don’ts, three haves, and four security aspects” thanks to its successful social security programs. The five don’ts include: no hungry households, no illiteracy, no homeless people, no uncontrolled drug addicts, and no robbery. The three haves are: having a house, having a job, and having a cultured and civilized urban lifestyle. The four security aspects are: social order and security, traffic safety, food safety, and social security. These programs have helped build Da Nang into a civilized and livable city.
Where to go in Da Nang to enjoy the beautiful scenery?
Marble Mountains
Located about km southeast of the city center, the Marble Mountains complex consists of five limestone mountains, symbolizing the five elements: Kim Son, Moc Son, Thuy Son, Hoa Son, and Tho Son. Each mountain has its unique beauty, creating a majestic and mystical natural painting.
When visiting the Marble Mountains, don’t miss the most prominent tourist spots: Thuy Son and Kim Son. Thuy Son is the largest and most attractive mountain to tourists, with beautiful temples and caves. Visitors can explore the ancient Tam Thai Pagoda, the famous Linh Ung Pagoda at Marble Mountains, and mysterious caves such as Huyen Khong Cave, Hoa Nghiem Cave, and Am Phu Cave. Huyen Khong Cave stands out with its natural light from above, creating a mystical and sacred atmosphere.
In addition, Kim Son is also an interesting place with Quan Am Cave, where there is a natural statue of Goddess of Mercy appearing between the rocky cliffs. This is an ideal place for those who want to pray for peace for themselves, their families, and feel the peaceful, serene, and solemn beauty of Kim Son Mountain.
The Marble Mountains attract not only by their beautiful natural scenery but also by their rich culture and spirituality. Here, visitors can not only discover the natural beauty but also learn about the beliefs and culture of the Vietnamese through the temples, shrines, and the legends surrounding the five mountains.
In addition, the Marble Mountains are also famous for the Non Nuoc Fine Arts and Stone Carving Village located right below, where talented artisans create stone sculptures, contributing to the richness of the exploration journey for tourists.
Ba Na Hills
When mentioning Da Nang, Ba Na Hills cannot be missed. This is considered one of the leading tourism and entertainment complexes in Vietnam, contributing significantly to attracting tourists to Da Nang.
Ba Na Hills has a cool climate all year round, located at an altitude of 1,487 meters above sea level. Its unique characteristic is experiencing four seasons in a day: a spring-like chilly morning, a summer-like warm noon, an autumn-like cool afternoon, and a winter-like cold evening. This makes Ba Na Hills an interesting experience, giving visitors the feeling of traveling through different regions in just a few hours.
Not only prominent with its majestic natural scenery, but Ba Na Hills also has a diverse and attractive entertainment and recreation system. The ancient French Village, with its Gothic-style European architecture, takes you to a small village in the heart of France. Golden Bridge – a unique architectural masterpiece with giant hands holding up, once recognized by international magazines as one of the top 10 dream destinations in the world.
Ba Na Hills is an entertainment destination that attracts millions of tourists every year and is always recommended when visiting Da Nang.
But Beach
But Beach, also known as Buddha Bay, belongs to the Son Tra Peninsula, about 15km from the city center. But Beach is famous for being one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Da Nang. The seawater at But Beach changes color depending on the day, giving tourists a fascinating and mesmerizing feeling of the romantic and idyllic scenery.
Besides swimming, visitors to But Beach can also participate in many activities such as fishing, camping, surfing, skydiving, etc. Especially, the experience of scuba diving to see coral here will bring you unforgettable memories of the magical beauty under the ocean.
In addition, just a few minutes’ drive from But Beach is Linh Ung Pagoda – one of the three famous pagodas in Da Nang. Linh Ung Pagoda stands out with a 67-meter-high Goddess of Mercy statue, majestic against the blue sky. From this position, visitors can admire the panoramic view of Da Nang city and the endless coastline, providing a sense of tranquility amidst the beautiful natural landscape.
Dragon Bridge
One of the must-visit locations in Da Nang is the Dragon Bridge. With the appearance of a Ly dragon flying out to the East Sea, it symbolizes the prosperity and development of the “heavenly time – geographical advantage – human harmony” region.
In addition, the dragon’s body curving out to the sea expresses Da Nang’s desire to integrate with friends from all over the world. The dragon’s tail is stylized with the shape of a blooming lotus flower, a traditional flower associated with the peaceful countryside of Vietnam.
Visitors to Dragon Bridge Da Nang can enjoy the impressive night experience with fire and water performances. This program usually takes place on Saturday and Sunday evenings, as well as during major holidays, combining unique sound and light effects.
Not only is it a symbol of the city, but it is also the shortest route connecting Da Nang International Airport with the main roads in the city.
Bang Beach
This is a tourist destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located on the Son Tra Peninsula, about 20km from Da Nang city, Bang Beach captivates with its poetic scenery of rocky cliffs. From above, visitors can have a panoramic view of the vast ocean, and the sound of the waves provides a sense of relaxation and peace.
The place is still quite pristine and less known to tourists, so Bang Beach is ideal for healing trips or just chilling with friends.
The characteristic of Bang Beach is the scattered rocky cliffs hugging the long coastline. Under the sunlight at dawn or dusk, the place becomes even more mystical and sparkling.
Therefore, if you have the opportunity to visit this place, besides taking check-in photos, don’t miss the scuba diving activity to see the coral. As the water here is clear, it is perfect for witnessing the incredibly beautiful underwater ecosystem in Da Nang.
What specialties to enjoy in Da Nang?
Da Nang attracts tourists not only with its natural beauty but also with its unique cuisine. Here are five must-try dishes when visiting Da Nang:
Quang Noodle
Quang Noodle is a characteristic dish of Da Nang, with fresh, thick, and chewy yellow noodles, combined with a savory broth made from shrimp, pork, or chicken. The dish is enhanced with crispy rice crackers, creamy peanut sauce, and fresh herbs, creating a special appeal.
Quang Noodle – a specialty dish that captivates countless diners every time they come to Da Nang.
Da Nang Fish Cake Noodle
Fish cake noodle is appealing with its sweet and clear broth made from fish bones, accompanied by fragrant and crispy fish cakes. This dish consists of soft white noodles, fish cakes made from fresh fish such as mackerel, catfish, or basa, with a sweet and fragrant taste. The fish cakes are usually fried or steamed and then cut into bite-sized pieces, served with a broth made from fish bones, tomatoes, and pineapples, creating a sweet and slightly sour taste that enhances the characteristic flavor of the dish.
The broth of fish cake noodle usually has a natural sweetness from vegetables, creating a rich and refreshing taste.
Nam O Fish Salad
This salad is made from fresh anchovies, mixed with spices such as galangal, garlic, roasted sesame, and peanuts, along with various herbs. It stands out with the fresh sweetness of the fish, the aroma of roasted sesame and peanuts, and the spicy taste of chili and galangal. This dish is a true representation of the coastal cuisine of Da Nang. Nam O Fish Salad is usually priced from 50,000 – 100,000 VND per serving, suitable for those who want to try new and unique local flavors.
People use freshly caught anchovies from Nam O fishing village to make wet and dry fish salads – a must-try specialty when visiting Da Nang.
Da Nang Beef Sausage
Da Nang Beef Sausage is a famous dish with a chewy, sweet, and fragrant taste characteristic of fresh and delicious beef. It is a suitable gift for beef lovers, which can be eaten as a snack with rice or as an appetizer, perfect for family gatherings. The price of Da Nang Beef Sausage usually ranges from 150,000 – 250,000 VND per kg.
The sausage has a savory taste with a slight spiciness, the aroma of pepper and spices, especially when served with fresh herbs, cucumbers, and a sweet and sour fish sauce dip, enhancing its unique flavor.
Cam Le Sesame Candy
Cam Le Sesame Candy is a traditional snack with a crispy shell covered in sesame and sweet molasses. It is made from glutinous rice, sesame, and sugar, featuring the characteristic aroma of roasted sesame, mild sweetness, and crunchiness.
Cam Le Sesame Candy is special thanks to the roasted sesame coating on the outside. Sesame is roasted to a golden brown color, crispy, and has a distinctive aroma, perfectly complementing the shell. Sesame not only enhances the flavor but also increases the nutritional value of the candy.
This traditional candy, with its mild sweetness and simplicity, is suitable for those who prefer light and delicate flavors. Cam Le Sesame Candy can be stored for a long time and is an affordable and delightful gift for loved ones, priced at 30,000 – 50,000 VND per pack.
The Oldest Market in Hue: A 170-Year-Old Legacy That Endured Through Time
The Gia Lac market exudes a unique charm, harking back to the nostalgic scenes of a bygone Tet holiday brimming with warmth and rich cultural heritage. It is not merely a traditional marketplace but a cultural hub, seamlessly connecting the past with the present, the sellers with the buyers, and, most importantly, preserving the quintessential spiritual values of Hue.