VIETNAM
6 - 14 July 2019
- Impressive Citadel in Unesco site Hue
- Tombs hopping in Hue
- Ba Na Hills in Da Nang
- Largest Guan Yin statue in Da Nang
- Magical Marble Mountains near Da Nang
- Charming Unesco site Hoi An Ancient Town
- Unesco site My Son Sanctuary
- Tombs hopping in Hue
- Ba Na Hills in Da Nang
- Largest Guan Yin statue in Da Nang
- Magical Marble Mountains near Da Nang
- Charming Unesco site Hoi An Ancient Town
- Unesco site My Son Sanctuary
Map of our roadtrip: Da Nang - Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary - Da Nang
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Day 1 - Da Nang to Hue
We flew SilkAir from Singapore direct to Da Nang International Airport (SGD535 for return ticket pp), which took about 2 hours 45 mins direct flight and arrived at around 335pm local time. Upon clearing the custom, we waited for the driver to send us to our accommodation in Hue. However, the hotel did not arrange the pick up and we had to take a 7-seater taxi to our hotel. We arrived the resort at around 915pm. Taxi fare, including 55k VND toll fee, was 1.9m VND. We drove via the Hai Van Pass. Very little places in Vietnam offer soaring and beautiful coastal views like that of Hai Van Pass. Located between the province of Hue and Da Nang City, Hai Van Pass stands at 500 metres above sea level making it the highest pass in Vietnam. Twisty roads, unique look out points and spectacular views of the misty mountains, the stretch of coastline offers quiet sandy beaches and a new vantage point around every bend. The stretch of road rose to fame when featured on Top Gear: Vietnam Special and was dubbed as “a deserted ribbon of perfection” by host Jeremy Clarkson. Stayed at Alba Wellness Spa and Resort booked through Luxury Escapes (S$767 for 3 nights). We got upgraded to the one bedroom villa which cost S$1361. |
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Day 2 - Hue
Went for yoga class at 8am and had breakfast at 9am. Left the resort for Hue City at 1230pm. Booked a 7-seater taxi for 1.5m VND for 8 hours. Visited first tomb, Minh Mang tomb, at 110pm and ended 158pm. We paid for a combo ticket for 360k VND each which includes entrance to 3 tombs and the Citadel. The second tomb we visited was Tomb of Khai Dinh. We reached the entrance at 2pm and finished at around 235pm and had coffee break outside the tomb. The last tomb we visited was Tu Duc Tomb. We reached the tomb at 3pm and left 325pm as we were rushing for the Citadel, which closes at 530pm. We reached the Citadel at 345pm and hired a guide for 150k VND. Spend about 1.5 hours here and left around 510pm for early dinner at Les jardine de la Carambole (about 2m VND). After dinner we stopped along Perfume River promenade for photos and drinks (coconut 30k VND each). After drinks drove to Vincom Plaza for some shopping before heading back to hotel at 845pm and arrived 925pm. Rest and relax in room. Located in central Vietnam, Hue served as the capital city between 1802 and 1945 and was the battleground for the infamous Battle of Hue, the bloodiest battle of the Vietnam War. Sat on the Perfume River, Hue offers endless historic sites and unique garden houses. The 19th century citadel is the centrepiece of Hue, surrounded by a moat and beautiful water-lily scattered ponds, as well as palaces and temples. The city is home to 7 imperial tombs and of course the imperial city, which was home to Vietnam’s emperors. In Hue you can also find the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda which overlooks the river. The seven story building is the tallest religious building in Vietnam and was established in 1601, with the tower finally being constructed in 1844. |
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Day 3 - Hue
Woke up 7am for early breakfast and went for onsen and foot massage from 830am to 930am. Then we headed to do the Zipline and High wire at around noon time. Had lunch at about 230pm and went for cooking class at 4pm. After that, went for dip in the swimming pool before going for early dinner. Had another session of foot massage at 9pm. |
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Day 4 - Hue to Da Nang
Transport from resort to Da Nang via Hai Van Pass cost 2.3m VND for a 16-seater van. Departed resort around 1130pm. First stop Vincom Plaza for shopping about 40 mins, followed by Hai Van Pass. Reached Da Nang Hotel 4pm. Dinner at Nha Hang Phouc Thai restaurant, 1.8m VND. Walked 25mins to Vincom Plaza for shopping. Coffee break in the shopping mall 200k VND. Headed back to hotel at 10pm. Taxi fare 28k VND for about 5 mins ride. Stay in Ponte Boutique Villa ( About SGD65 a night inclusive of breakfast ). Nice new boutique hotel that is worth the stay |
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Day 5 - Da Nang
Breakfast at 7am and booked a transport to Ba Na Hill for USD60 (return fare). A relatively new addition to the best attractions in Vietnam, the Golden Bridge is located in the Ba Na Hills resort near Da Nang. Opened in June 2018, the now famous attraction has two giant stone hands appearing to support the bridge. Designed to provide a walkway between two cable car stations on the resort, it is said the structure was inspired by “a world of gods”. Overlooking the green and beautiful Vietnam countryside, Ba Na Hills was once a popular getaway for the French during the period of colonialism. On the grounds visitors can find a charming French style village, the Fantasy Park complete with carnival rides and a wax museum, as well as the popular cable car ride overlooking the scenery. With a gap of 5800 meters between the start and end, it is considered the longest in the world. Entrance fee, including cable car ride, is 750,000 VND each. We arrived at the entrance at around 930am and departed Ba Na hill 220pm to Han market for shopping. After that, we walked from Han market to Son Tra night market, crossing the Dragon Bridge. Had dinner at one of the local restaurants inside the night market, tasty and cheap. 12 cans of beers plus food cost 682,000 VND. From here, we took a cab back to hotel. Went for foot massage beside our hotel (320k VND for an hour for foot and 350k for body massage). |
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Day 6 - Da Nang
Departed Hotel 10am to Chua Linh Ung-Bai But (largest Guan Yin statue). taxi fare 100k VND. Free entrance , and we spend about 1.5 hours here and left the place at 12pm to Con market (Taxi fare 220k VND). Had lunch at Tiem An Cho Lon (herbal duck noodle) before walking to Con Market for some shopping. Went to fake flower shop 3pm to buy flowers and left the place 445pm. Taxi back to hotel cost 80k. Dinner at Phuong 860k and Huynhde 450k. |
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Day 7 - Da Nang to Hoi An
Had Breakfast in the hotel and checked out at 830am to head to Hoi An. One way transfer and with an hour stop at Marble Mountains for an hour cost US$30. We stopped at Marble mountain (entrance fee 40,000 VND each, plus 15,000 VND for the one way lift ride) for about an hour to visit some caves and photos and continue our way to Hoi An arriving our hotel 1045am. After settling in we walked to the Coffeeshop, Bao Phuong, next door for lunch. After lunch, we took a short stroll in the old town before resting in hotel. At 4pm, car pick up for the basket boat ride in Bay May Coconut Forest for 300,000 VND each. Finished by 615pm and headed back to Old Town for dinner and some shopping. Some of the popular food to try in Hoi An: 1) Banh mi Phurong (Vietnamese bread Phurong; 2B Phan Chu Tering street) 2) Cao Lau (Noodles; 26 Thai Phien street) 3) Fairfield Coffee (Nice place for photos; 130, Tran Phu street) 4) Reaching Out Teahouse (131 Tran Phu street) Stay In L’Ami Homestay, walking distance to the Old Town, for about SGD40 a night inclusive of breakfast. |
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Day 8 - Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary
An hour drive from the town of Hoi An, My Son is the name given to the sprinkling of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples that remain in the area. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the people who inhabited the area had spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism with the site once taking the title of religious capital of the Champa Kingdom. My Son dates back to the 4th century, with many of the temples being constructed as late as the 14th century. Walking the site is a unique experience to gain an understanding of its religious importance and it is widely considered one of the best examples of Hindu architecture in Southeast Asia. We booked a transport (1.1m VND for return) and left our hotel 830am from our hotel and arrived at the entrance at 930am. Entrance fee is 150,000 VND each. We spend two hours exploring this Unesco site, and head back to Hoi An at 1130am. Had lunch at Com ga ba Nga for chicken rice, followed by Banh Mi Phuong for Vietnamese French Sandwiches. After lunch, we roamed around the Old Town and had coffee at Faifo Coffee. Walked back to hotel at around 530pm before going out for dinner at Morning Glory at 7pm. After dinner, went for an hour foot massage at DoReMi 2 (190k VND each). |
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Day 9 - Hoi An - Da Nang - Singapore
Departed Hotel 1130am to Marble Mountains for 1.5 hours to visit more caves there. From there, headed to Da Nang International AirPort for our flight back to Singapore at 435pm. One way transfer US$30. |
TRIP PHOTOS - HUE, DA NANG, HOI AN