Assalamualaikum and may peace be upon you.
On the second morning, we looked out the window and felt reassured - the weather was promising. In the city below, the temperature hovered around 33–34°C, warm but manageable. Yet we knew that once we ascended to the heights of Bà Nà Hills, the climate would shift. Up there, the air typically ranges between 20–28°C, offering a refreshing coolness compared to the coastal heat.
It was the perfect balance: warm sunshine for the journey, and crisp mountain air awaiting us at the summit. We anticipated a comfortable day, one where the climb would not be burdened by humidity, but instead softened by breezes drifting across the hills.
The thought of Bà Nà Hills carried with it a sense of excitement. More than just a mountain retreat, it is a place where nature, culture, and architecture converge - gardens, pagodas, and the famous Golden Bridge stretching across the clouds. As we prepared to leave, we felt the promise of discovery, knowing that the day ahead would be filled with both wonder and comfort.
Each day began with a familiar rhythm. By 6:45 a.m., we gathered in the hotel lobby, waiting for the bus that would arrive promptly at 7:00 a.m. to take us to breakfast.
Outside, the street was already alive. Vendors appeared every morning in front of Hotel Alyssa, with their motorcycle stacked full of souvenirs and other items like bags, caps and shoes. It was a small but vivid reminder that Da Nang wakes early, its daily life unfolding alongside the routines of travelers.
For us, these moments became part of the journey: the quiet anticipation in the lobby, the hum of the city outside, and the sight of vendors setting up as the day began. It was a gentle prelude to our adventures, grounding us in the everyday rhythm of Da Nang before we set off to explore its wonders.
Parked just across from our hotel, I noticed something unusual - a car fitted with what looked like a protective “skirt.” I had never seen anything like it back home in Malaysia. Intrigued, I asked Yuni, who explained that it was a rat‑proof cover, a clever solution used by some drivers to prevent rodents from climbing into the engine bay and chewing through wiring or insulation.
The design was surprisingly practical. The skirt creates a physical barrier around the entire perimeter of the vehicle, making it difficult for rats to sneak inside. In places where rodent problems are common, this kind of protection can save drivers from costly repairs.
Traditionally, the material is made from heavy‑duty fabric, sometimes reinforced with stainless steel mesh to resist bites. The one I saw had a black base, a grey bottom edge, and a light green reflective strip, giving it both functionality and visibility.
It was a small but fascinating glimpse into local ingenuity - an everyday detail that revealed how people adapt to their environment in practical, creative ways.
Off we went to the restaurant for our breakfast.
On our way to breakfast, Yuni informed us that we would be returning to the same restaurant where we had dinner the night before - Kampung Melayu Restaurant. While Da Nang does offer a decent selection of Halal dining options, particularly around My Khe Beach and the city center, many of these establishments are either too small to accommodate large groups or located farther from our hotel. For our tour, Kampung Melayu was the most practical and welcoming choice.
The restaurant’s popularity among Muslim tourists from Malaysia was evident. Each visit felt like stepping into a familiar gathering, with other groups sharing the same comfort of food that resonated with their taste and faith. It was more than convenience - it was a sense of community.
Yuni also mentioned that Da Nang is actively enhancing its Muslim‑friendly tourism, making it increasingly easy to find safe and certified Halal food options. This effort reflects the city’s growing awareness of diverse travelers’ needs, ensuring that visitors can explore its beauty without worry.
For us, returning to Kampung Melayu each morning was not repetitive, but reassuring. It became part of the rhythm of our journey - a place of nourishment, familiarity, and cultural connection before setting out to discover the wonders of Da Nang.
And we arrived at Kampung Melayu Restaurant.
Every evening before our tour session ended, we were given a choice of three to four breakfast options for the next morning. The selections were varied and comforting: Nasi Lemak, Chicken Fried Rice, Vietnamese Bread with Chicken Curry, Vietnamese Steak, and the ever‑popular Vietnamese Pho (Beef Noodle).
Yuni carefully noted our choices and passed them on to the restaurant. By the time we arrived the next morning, our meals were already prepared and waiting. It was a simple yet effective system - saving us precious time and allowing more hours for exploration rather than waiting for food to be cooked.
The breakfasts themselves were consistently tasty and satisfying, blending familiar Malaysian flavors with Vietnamese specialties. Each plate felt like a small cultural bridge, nourishing us while reminding us of the diversity of the journey.
This thoughtful routine became part of the rhythm of our days in Da Nang: a moment of comfort and efficiency that set the tone for the adventures ahead.
With our choices noted and breakfast waiting for us each morning, the day always began on a satisfying note. The efficiency of the routine meant we could step out of the restaurant without delay, energized and ready to explore. And to our delight, the restaurant also served us teh tarik!
That morning, after enjoying our meal, the excitement was palpable. Ahead lay the journey to Bà Nà Hills, where the promise of cooler air, sweeping cable car views, and the famed Golden Bridge awaited. The comfort of breakfast gave way to anticipation, as we boarded the bus knowing that the day would carry us from the warmth of the city into the misty embrace of the mountains.
In front of the restaurant, we often saw vendors on motorcycles, their vehicles transformed into mobile shops stacked with hats, bags, and souvenirs. What struck us most was not the variety of goods, but the manner in which they approached us.
Unlike experiences we had in a couple of other countries, the vendors in Da Nang were remarkably polite. With sincere smiles, they greeted us warmly and presented their items without pressure. There was no insistence, no forceful persuasion - just a gentle offer, leaving the choice entirely to us.
Some even surprised us by speaking Malay fluently, a gesture that instantly brought smiles to our faces. It was a small but meaningful connection, bridging cultures and making us feel at home in a foreign land.
These encounters became part of the rhythm of our stay: everyday moments of kindness and respect that reflected the hospitality of Da Nang, not only in its hotels and restaurants, but also in the simple interactions on the street.
Off we went to Ba na Hills.
Located 1,487 meters up in the Trường Sơn Mountains near Da Nang, Ba Na Hills is a premier Sun World theme park renowned for its European-style "French Village" and the iconic Golden Bridge, held by giant stone hands. Established in 1919, this cool-climate destination offers cable cars, amusement rides at Fantasy Park, and stunning, foggy, or sunny panoramic mountain views.
Key Highlights and Attractions:
🔹Golden Bridge (Cau Vang): A 150-meter pedestrian bridge opened in 2018, featuring two giant hands emerging from the mountainside.
🔹French Village: A charming, cobblestoned area styled after European architecture with, churches, plazas, and hotels.
🔹Cable Car System: One of the world's longest, offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the jungle and waterfalls.
🔹Fantasy Park: A large indoor amusement park with rides, arcade games, and a 4D theater.
🔹Le Jardin D'Amour Gardens: A collection of themed, colorful flower gardens.
🔹Debay Wine Cellar: A historic,100-meter long wine cellar built by the French in 1923.
Ba Na Hills provides a "pseudo-Disneyland" experience, acting as a dramatic escape from the tropical heat of the coast. While primarily a theme park, it also caters to relaxation with numerous restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
1. "Due to communist rule, many Vietnamese people do not have a religious affiliation."
🔹Partially True: The state is officially secular, and, in 1975–1986, the government promoted atheist policies. However, while a significant percentage of Vietnamese classify themselves as non-religious, many of these same people actively practice folk religions, such as ancestor worship, or visit temples during festivals.
🔹The Nuance: The majority of Vietnamese practice a blend of Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, often called "triple religion," which is not always classified as a formal "affiliation" in surveys. Religious freedom has expanded significantly since the late 1980s.
2. "Religious holidays are not celebrated in Vietnam."
🔹False: Religious holidays are celebrated, but they are generally not public holidays (days off work).
🔹Reality: Major religious events like Christmas (for Christians) and Vesak/Buddha’s Birthday (for Buddhists) are celebrated openly, especially in major cities and by the roughly 7-8 million Catholics.
3. "Apart from days related to national events, public holidays in Vietnam are only on Vietnamese New Year, which is celebrated around the same time as Chinese New Year."
🔹True: Public holidays in Vietnam are predominantly national holidays (e.g., Independence Day, Reunification Day) or the Lunar New Year (Tết).
🔹Context: While it falls at the same time as Chinese New Year, it is called Tết Nguyên Đán (Tết), a distinct Vietnamese cultural holiday centered on ancestor worship, not Chinese New Year. It is the longest public holiday, often lasting 5–9 days.
4. "Religious celebrations such as Christmas are working days in Vietnam."
🔹True: Christmas (December 25) is not a national public holiday in Vietnam. Businesses, schools, and government offices remain open and operate as normal.
🔹However: Christmas Eve is very popular as a social, commercial event in urban areas (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi), where people gather to see decorations and attend church services, even if they are not Christian.
Disclaimer: Vietnam has 11 official public holidays (as of 2026). While religious celebrations are important to citizens, the official state holidays are almost entirely centered on politics or traditional, non-religious Lunar festivals.
Islam in Vietnam is a minority religion with an estimated 72,000 to over 80,000 adherents, primarily practiced by the ethnic Cham people (around 85%) in the southern region, such as An Giang, Ninh Thuận, and Ho Chi Minh City. The community is recognized by the government and has seen a revival, with over 90 mosques nationwide. While historically isolated and syncretic (Bani Muslims), many now follow orthodox Sunni practices.
🔵Key Aspects of Islam in Vietnam
🔹Demographics: The Muslim population is primarily Cham, with smaller numbers of Malay, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Arab descent.
🔹Location: Over 77% of Muslims live in the South Central Coast and Mekong Delta regions. Ho Chi Minh City has a vibrant community with 17 mosques.
🔹Bani Islam: A significant portion of the Cham (around 50,000) practice "Bani Islam," a unique, highly syncretic form of Islam blended with local, ancestral, and indigenous traditions.
🔹Official Status: The Vietnamese government recognizes the rights of Muslims to practice their faith, and many mosques, such as the historic Mubarak Mosque, have been rebuilt or renovated with international funding.
🔹Integration: The community has integrated into the broader, predominantly Buddhist and secular Vietnamese society while maintaining distinct cultural and religious practices.
🔵Historical Context and Current Situation
🔹History: Islam was introduced to the Cham people around the 11th century.
🔹Challenges: The community faced severe hardship during the Khmer Rouge period (1975–1979).
🔹Modern Era: In recent decades, the community has seen a revival in mainstream, or Sunni, practices, often with support from Southeast Asian neighbors.
The Muslim community in Vietnam is increasingly interacting with the global Muslim community, and the country is becoming more accommodating to Halal tourism, particularly in areas like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Crossing Han River via Dragon bridge.
Da Nang is a premier, modern coastal city in central Vietnam known as a top tourist destination offering a mix of sandy beaches, mountain scenery, and city amenities. Frequently named Vietnam's most livable city, it serves as a central hub for visiting nearby UNESCO sites like Hoi An Ancient Town and features iconic landmarks including the Dragon Bridge and the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills.
Da Nang is often called the "Miami of Vietnam" due to its rapid development, sprawling beach resorts, and, vibrant nightlife.
The Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) in Da Nang, Vietnam, is a 666-meter-long, 6-lane steel bridge shaped like a golden dragon from the Ly Dynasty. Inaugurated in 2013, it crosses the Han River, featuring a unique design that breathes fire and sprays water every weekend at 9 p.m.. It is the world's largest dragon-shaped steel bridge, symbolizing prosperity and modernity.
🔵Key Facts About the Dragon Bridge
🔹Design and Symbolism: Inspired by the Ly Dynasty dragon, the design represents power and prosperity. The dragon's head faces the East Sea, symbolizing the city's growth.
🔹Dimensions: The bridge stretches 666 meters long and 37.5 meters wide.
🔹Fire and Water Show: The dragon performs a spectacular fire-breathing and water-spraying show every Saturday and Sunday night at 9:00 PM, as well as on special holidays.
🔹Lighting System: Illuminated by over 2,500 LED bulbs, the dragon changes colors at night.
🔹Construction and Awards: Completed in 2013, it was designed by Ammann & Whitney and received the 2014 American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) National Engineering Excellence Award.
🔹Location: It connects Da Nang International Airport directly to the eastern beaches, making it a vital transportation link.
🔹Viewing Locations: Top spots to watch the show include the Dragon Bridge Park, Bach Dang Street, or from a Han River cruise.
🔹The bridge is a major tourist attraction, with visitors advised to avoid driving across during the weekend, as it becomes crowded with spectators.
"Danang is considered the cleanest and most prosperous city in Vietnam. Beggers cannot be seen in this city. This is because the Danang Municipal Government has a very effective poverty eradication program".
These statements are mostly true in sentiment and reputation, but with some nuance regarding the total absence of beggars. Da Nang is widely recognized as one of Vietnam's most liveable, clean, and well-organized cities, largely due to active municipal government campaigns, though, like any major city, it still manages occasional social issues.
Here is a breakdown of the claims:
🔹Cleanest and Most Prosperous City: Da Nang is frequently dubbed the "most liveable city in Vietnam". It is recognized for having clean, well-planned streets, very little litter compared to other major cities, and a rapidly developing economy fueled by tourism and investment. It is ranked 3rd in Southeast Asia by Travel & Leisure (2022), behind Bangkok and Singapore.
🔹Beggers Cannot Be Seen: This is partially true. The city has a long-term campaign known as "5 no’s - 3 yes’s", one of which is "no beggars on the street". Residents and visitors often note a significant absence of beggars. However, this is not absolute; local authorities still actively conduct campaigns to manage and remove vagrants, with reports showing they are sometimes taken to social protection centers. While rare, tourists might still encounter, or hear reports of, individuals in desperate situations, including foreign "beg-packers".
🔹Effective Poverty Eradication Program: The government of Da Nang has been very effective in this area. The city implemented the "5 no's, 3 yes's" program, which has significantly reduced urban poverty, provided vocational training, and managed to clear streets of beggars.
🔹Summary: While it is hyperbolic to say beggars cannot be seen, the Da Nang government has been extremely effective in reducing the visibility of homelessness and poverty, making the city significantly cleaner and more orderly than many other urban areas in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) has the highest concentration of motorcycles in Vietnam, with an estimated 8 million bikes for 11 million inhabitants, where they account for roughly 75% of all daily trips. While Da Nang is a major city, it has fewer, less chaotic, and more manageable traffic than Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
🔵Motorcycle Landscape in Top Cities:
🔹Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): As the most populous city and economic hub, it has the highest total number of motorcycles.
🔹Hanoi: As the capital, it closely follows Saigon with intense, dense traffic.
🔹Da Nang: While a large city and a popular hub for motorbike rentals and tours (like the Hai Van Pass), its traffic density is generally lower compared to the rapid, congested flow of Saigon or Hanoi.
🔵Da Nang Context:
🔹Traffic: Riding in Da Nang is considered safer and more relaxed, with well-lit, wider roads in the main city center and beach areas (e.g., My Khe, Han River).
🔹Usage: It is a prime location for renting motorbikes to explore the surrounding central coast, including the famous Hai Van Pass to the north and Hoi An to the south.
Da Nang has experienced rapid development, featuring a growing number of skyscrapers, modern high-rise buildings, and luxury apartments, particularly along the Han River and coastline. Key, notable, structures include the 166.8-meter Da Nang City Administrative Centre, the 161-meter Soleil Danang, and the 155-meter Novotel.
🔵Key Details on Da Nang’s Vertical Development:
🔹Key Landmarks: The city skyline is dominated by modern towers like the Da Nang City Administrative Centre (166.8 m) and Soleil Danang (161 m).
🔹High-Rise Apartments & Hotels: The city is densely populated with modern, high-rise residential and hotel developments, such as the Hilton Da Nang and numerous projects along the coast.
🔹Development Activity: Massive infrastructure projects, including mixed-use, 69-story towers and large-scale, luxury, developments, are actively under construction.
🔹Density: While it has many high-rises, it maintains a less dense feel than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, while still having the infrastructure of a major city.
Da Nang is rapidly transforming its banking and financial sector, aiming to establish an International Financial Centre (IFC) by 2030, with full functionality by 2050, serving as a specialized hub for fintech, green finance, and digital asset innovation. As of late 2025/early 2026, the city is transitioning from a traditional banking landscape into a "regulatory laboratory" for new financial models.
Thac Gian Lake and 29/3 Park Lake are key, centrally located, green, and recreational urban, water-focused spaces in Danang, Vietnam, offering locals and tourists serene spots for relaxation, and exercise.
While 29/3 Park (on Dien Bien Phu Street) acts as a large public, green hub with amenities like playgrounds, Thac Gian Lake is in the heart of Thanh Khe district, serving as a tranquil, natural, and scenic area that offers a peaceful escape, and is popular for, picnics, with shade trees around the shore.
These areas are vital for enhancing the quality of life for residents and providing green, relaxing, and, recreational, spots for visitors in Da Nang.
In Vietnam, it is customary and widely expected for all buildings, including private residential homes, to display the national flag - a red flag with a central golden star - during major national holidays. While commonly observed as a duty, it is largely considered a voluntary expression of patriotism, unity, and pride. Common occasions for this display include Independence Day (Sept 2), Reunification Day (April 30), and Lunar New Year.
🔹Widespread Practice: During holidays, streets are often covered in red as homes, schools, and offices display the flag to celebrate.
🔹Voluntary vs. Mandatory: Although some view it as a civic duty, it is not strictly forced by law; rather, it is a deeply rooted cultural practice of showing national pride.
🔹Proper Etiquette: Guidelines (such as Instruction No. 3420/HD-BVHTTDL) advise on how to display the flag properly. There has recently been a trend of painting flags on roofs and walls, though this has sparked discussion about responsible, temporary display rather than permanent, fading paint.
🔹Significance: The flag represents gratitude for past sacrifices, the country's history, and national unity.
The photo captures a street scene in Vietnam featuring a green garbage collection truck and waste management workers.
🔹The text on the side of the truck, "VÌ MÔI TRƯỜNG XANH SẠCH ĐẸP," translates to "For a Green, Clean, Beautiful Environment".
🔹The truck is likely an Isuzu or Hino model, commonly used for waste compaction in Vietnam.
🔹The scene shows ongoing efforts in waste collection, which is a priority for Vietnamese agencies and businesses.
🔹Waste management in Vietnam is evolving, with new regulations encouraging the sorting of household solid waste into different categories.
This is Trung Tâm Vhtt Và Học Tập Cộng Đồng-Phường Chính Gián - Center for Culture, Sports and Community Learning - Chinh Gian Ward
Thiền Viện Bồ Đề - a Buddhist temple.
🔹The pagoda in the image is the Linh Ung Pagoda (Chùa Linh Ứng), and the statue is the Lady Buddha statue, also known as the Bodhisattva of Mercy or Guan Yin.
🔹Location: The pagoda complex is situated on the Son Tra Peninsula, overlooking the East Sea, about 10 kilometers northeast of Da Nang city center.
🔹Statue Details: The Lady Buddha statue stands at 67 meters (220 feet) tall, making it the tallest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam.
🔹Significance: Linh Ung Pagoda is the largest of three pagodas with the same name in Da Nang and a significant spiritual site in the region.
This is Hội Thánh Tin Lành Việt Nam Chi Hội Hòa Mỹ - Vietnam Evangelical Church Hòa Mỹ Branch.
Christianity in Da Nang, Vietnam, has deep historical roots dating back to the 17th-century arrival of Jesuit missionaries. As a major hub, the city serves as the center for the Diocese of Da Nang (founded in 1963) and is home to the iconic Danang Cathedral (Pink Church), which offers English mass. Both Catholic and Protestant communities are active, with Protestantism established there in 1911.
Passing through Truoc Dong Reservoir.
To be continued.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
No photograph or videos may be reproduced, downloaded, copied, stored, manipulated, or used whole or in part of a derivative work, without written permission from Syed Amran. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment