See Vietnam in a new light - Stop 3 Da Nang

12-13 October 2022 My next destination is Da Nang, which lies along the coast but is more than 500 Km by road and would take more than 10 hours to reach. Instead, I opted for a one-hour flight.

Da Nang is situated mid-way between Ho Chi Ming City and Hanoi, in central Vietnam by the South China Sea. The Han River flows through the city center. This time, I decided to rent a bicycle – I wanted to take it even slower than the motorbike. This is the right place and time for it.

From the city center, I pedaled across the iconic Dragon Bridge, along the river promenade, along broad streets with little traffic. There was no need to rush nor was I rushed. I soon arrived at My Khe beach, a long and expansive shoreline. The beach gently slopes, with white sand free of rocks. There were few visitors here to kick up the sand. It was a big space. They have combed the beach, it is spotlessly clean. The sea roared with thunderous waves, stirring up water mist. It has been raining. The sky was cloudy and overcast. I was told this is the start of the rainy season. Though it has stopped, it still looks ominous. High-rises stood at a respectable distance, separated by a broad road with minimal traffic. If you want to enjoy the beach almost exclusively, away from commercialization and crowds, this is it. I had the beach almost all to myself. I often paused for a chilled fresh young coconut – Vietnamese coconuts, in particular, are the sweetest. They sweetened my day.

Da Nang epitomizes Vietnam’s extensive coastlines and its pristine beaches along the South China Sea. Here I get the front row seat to the calm South China Sea. It is very good for my tired soul and yours too, I am sure.