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It’s no secret that individual travelers are flocking to Southeast Asia again now that the region has completely lifted all border restrictions.
The world capital of backpacking tourism, the subcontinent is known for its tropical atmosphere, vibrant culture, warm and hospitable people and affordability, with tourist dollars here reaching far further than in the Western world.
Interestingly enough, it is a lesser known coastal port that has been increasingly in the spotlight lately a growing number of young adventurers:
Da Nang is Southeast Asia’s unsung tropical haven
Da Nang is a large city on the central coast of Vietnam.
Although it has never been as popular as Nha Trang, the bustling seaside resort further up the coast, nor as the country’s two largest metropolises, Ho Chi Minh City (also called Saigon) and Hanoi, it has been gaining in popularity lately among budget travelers.
It’s really no secret that Vietnam is a world-class budget destination where you can survive for a week on just a hundred dollars, but little is said specifically about Da Nang:
Historically, Da Nang traces its origins to the ancient kingdom of Champa, which was founded as early as 192 AD along the coastline of modern-day Vietnam.
Essentially a fishing village in its early days, Da Nang grew in relevance following Western contact when Europeans established trading posts on the coast, leading to the rapid development and urbanization of the region.
The gateway to Central Vietnam
Today that is the case a major regional capital with a population of over 1.3 million, famous for the historic ‘Dragon Bridge’ spanning a fast-flowing river, clusters of towering skyscrapers and its multicultural community.
Da Nang is as vibrant and exciting a city break as Bangkok, with a similarly electric nightlife and lively social scene.
It is bordered by beautiful nature reserves, just like Ubud, in Bali, Indonesia, and is close to the ocean.
At the same time, That could be Da Nang a lot of cheaper and less crowded than the places mentioned above, which are themselves quite affordable.
Da Nang is extremely affordable
Believe it or not, the monthly cost of a single person in Da Nang is estimated to be only $453.30 per month (excluding rent), as the cost of living in the metropolitan area is quite low and consumer prices are extremely affordable.
According to Numbeoa modest meal at a cheap eatery in Da Nang – most likely a street-side food stall – costs a negligible dollar and sixty-three cents, while a more elaborate three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant as cheap as US$22.39.
Numbeo‘s figures should be taken with a grain of salt as their data is not peer-reviewed and relies on contributions from unverified sources, but having been to Vietnam ourselves, including Da Nang, we can confirm that it is not too is far. of the truth.
To give you a better overview, BudgetYourReisThe average daily cost for a trip to Da Nang is $47 per person, while the average hotel price is $39.
These are still affordable in the grand scheme of things, but keep in mind that their average number may be overestimated as they are more often based on the spending of vacationers or short-term visitors who can spend money on luxuries, as opposed to natives and tourists. the local lifestyle.
More often than not, solo travelers travel with and earn more limited means budget-conscious decisionsespecially in Southeast Asia, a backpacker hotspot and multi-country destination.
There are plenty of affordable B&B stays and three-star hotels in Da Nang less than $30 per nightand youth hostels are much cheaper, although we wouldn’t recommend them unless they have an AC system installed as the heat and humidity can be overwhelming at times.
Da Nang is the perfect destination not only for cheap food and shopping, but also for exploring the untouched Central Vietnamese nature.
What to see in and around Da Nang
It is the gateway to the world-famous Marble Mountains and the majestic Bà Nà Peaks, and it is a popular home base for visiting some of the country’s top attractions. top cultural attractions.
These are the Golden Hands Bridgean intersection suspended by two gigantic hands amid dense, green foliage, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hi Ana yellow-colored historic city with an eclectic old town, which combines elements of both Indochinese architecture and Japanese and French colonial urbanism, and Tintthe former imperial city of Vietnam.
The Hue Citadel is an impressive fortress packed with ancient temples and stately palaces.
Also not far from Da Nang, exactly 44 kilometers from the city center, is the ruined cluster of temples of My sonyet another UNESCO protected area founded as early as the 4th century.
If you’re looking for beaches, My Khe, Phước Mỹ Beach and Man Thai Beach are the best within a short drive from Da Nang (usually half an hour), with satisfactory cleanliness levels and with soft, golden sand.
Da Nang is remarkably safe for foreigners
Finally, there is another reason why solo travelers love Da Nang the high level of safety.
Like other major Vietnamese cities, it may not be the cleanest and the traffic can feel hectic at times, but you’ll quickly realize that you’re not at risk of becoming a victim of urban violence, and even minor crimes are uncommon.
The Vietnamese are incredibly hospitable peopleand apart from the occasional street vendor, if you are ever approached by a passerby, it will be out of pure curiosity and with friendly intentions.
How to get to Da Nang?
Da Nang International Airport offers flights from a number of destinations in Asia, including Kuala Lumpur International in Malaysia, Seoul-Incheon in South Korea, Manila in the Philippines and Singapore, making it easy for backpackers to travel across the continent.
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights scheduled between the North American continent and Da Nang.
To get there, U.S. citizens must first travel to an intermediate Vietnamese destination or an Asian country, usually via Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo in Japan or Taipei in Taiwan. all served by non-stop flights from the States.
Alternatively, travelers can land in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s two main entry points, and board a night train to Da Nang.
To enter Vietnam, they also need a tourist visa, which can be obtained online in advance and is valid for three months.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
