Da Nang - Central Vietnam

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Welcome back to the next - long anticipated entry of our travel blog!

Da Nang: blue skies, white sandy beaches, and clear waters. After leaving the airport, we took a xe om (motorcycle taxi) 11 km south of the city to a more remote beach location (thanks Lonely Planet! - it was about the only thing the book got right in Vietnam - except, of course, which beach the hotel was on and how much it cost). But was paid $9 for the room a night, so we can't complain.

As soon as we checked in, we checked out the beach.... Bia in hand and was ready to take a dip to cool off from the tropical heat.

The beach was great. There were mountains, islands, and traditional boats in front of us, and trees hugged the beach, along with a couple of local restaurants.

While in Da Nang, we also went (across the street) to Marble Mountain and spent the whole day exploring the caves, pagodas, and temples on top of the mountain, as well as inside it. We got to climb through the rocks to the top of the mountain and got a 360 degree view of the surrounding ocean/mountains/fields/rivers/city. We light inscence as well as went to a large cave system underneath the mountain. A crude journey into the hellish experience facing any misbehaving child in the afterlife... it was creepy/tacky

In all, Da Nang was a beautiful, secluded beach retreat - that was much needed, so nice - in fact - we had to stay an extra day. We also darkened a few shades while there.

In our hotel - Hao's Place - we made friends with some other world travelers. In particular, some British dames who were a lot of fun. Not to mention the late night ocean "dip" with the bottle of Saigon Rum and the shooting star filled, stargazing bonfire (did you know it was 15,000 dong for the wood?) By the way girls, how did the dresses fit? I do say potato. Thanks to one of the girls - Box Head (she's really scum) - we learned a new drinking rule for Kings Cup and other games - Box Head.
Unfortunately, it was time to head further south for new horizons. See you in the Mekong Delta!

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Photos

View from Vietnam Air
Islands of Da Nang

View 2: Making our Approach
Mountains of Da Nang

I had this commissioned for my mom
Not really... Danang is known for its hand carved stone statues

Stairway to Heaven
... or Marble Mountain

Big Buddha
white marble

Buddha Jon
Blue Marble

Allo
Climbing to the top

View away from the beach toward Da Nang
On top of marble mountain

To the left
to the left

Kings of the Hill
mountain

entrance to a temple
on the mountain

cave temple
Quan Am

Inscense smoke
in the cave

Comments

[mom]

love the quanyin
Hi Guys, The pictures are wonderful. You look so handsome and relaxed and the mountains and temples are beautiful. Thanks for commissionng the statue. It is really me. Can't way for it to arrive. LOVE YOU! Mom