During one of the regular meet-ups with my friend group, a close friend suggested, – “Let’s travel somewhere”.
Little did we know that that statement would lead us to Vietnam, a melting pot of history, culture, food, and natural wonders. Since it was our first time visiting, we agreed to take a 5D4N private tour package to Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, excited to see what attractions this wonderful place had to offer us.
1. Getting There
Day 1: Kuala Lumpur International Airport > Da Nang International Airport
Airport was so clean and easy to navigate
After a 2.5-hour flight, we landed at Da Nang International Airport, a modern and easy-to-navigate terminal. Exiting the Arrivals Hall, we were spotted by our driver, Mr Huy, and our guide, Mr Quang. Warm greetings were exchanged and soon we were zooming through town towards our hotel. Chatting with Mr Quang, he suggested visiting My Khe Beach, a gorgeous public beach only 15 minutes from our hotel.
They see me rollin’
We took up Mr Quang’s suggestion because after all, what’s better than lounging on the warm sand with a coconut shake in hand or splashing around in cool, turquoise waters?
We returned to the hotel to freshen up and managed to locate a bomb Banh Mi stall a short distance from the hotel. After a satisfying dinner, we returned to the hotel, excited for tomorrow’s adventures.
2. The Excitement Begins
Day 2: Da Nang – Ba Na Hills
We woke up early and were ready to take on the day. We bundled into the van, excited to see Da Nang’s attractions.
What a grand entrance
First on the list was Ba Na Hills – a hill station and resort in the Truong Son Mountains, renowned for its emerald landscapes, cool temperatures, and family-friendly entertainment.
Was so excited to ride the cable car!
Upon arrival, we took the cable car, which holds the Guinness World Record for the longest single-wire cable car system at nearly 5,800 metres.
It suddenly got cold and misty
Our first stop was the Golden Bridge, a large walkway propped up by two giant hands emerging from the ground. The views were stunning, but the bridge was swarming with large groups of tourists, making it hard to snap photos without a few photo bombers.
Note: I did read a few online reviews suggesting arriving right when they open/before they close for better photo opportunities
Had a pretty cool (haha) time exploring the gardens in the mist
Next was Le Jardin D’amour, a floral display consisting of 9 different gardens. The cool air suited the blooms, their striking colours and fragrance filled the air. The thickening mist made the whole place feel magical and other-worldly.
We then hopped on a second cable car system (Yes, they have two!) that took us even higher to Nui Chua Peak and headed to The French Village. This place really reminded me of Colmar Tropicale at Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. It teemed with French influences, from charming architecture to European-style attractions.
The attraction I was most excited about was Fantasy Park, Vietnam’s largest indoor amusement park. This was the place to be if you wanted action, as they boasted a wide range of attractions for all ages. Adults can enjoy thrilling rides like the Alpine Coaster and the Drop Tower, while there are interactive games, play areas, and gentle rides for families.
There’s so many food options up here
After all that excitement, our empty bellies started to rumble. We opted for a sumptuous buffet lunch at a restaurant with a wide selection of local and international dishes. Luckily, we arrived just before the lunch rush—it would’ve been nearly impossible to find a seat otherwise!
The last stop of the day was the Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple, located at the highest point of the mountain. We learnt that many locals believe this is where heaven and earth harmonise, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking peace. I have to say, the peace was appreciated after being in a high-energy environment.
We were back at our hotel by late afternoon. We decided to give the local convenience store food scene a try for dinner and it didn’t disappoint. As the night was still young, we headed for drinks at a charming bar nearby. What a perfect way to cap off the day!
Day 3: Da Nang > Hoi An – Marble Mountains
Map of Thuy Mountain near the entrance
We checked out and departed for The Marble Mountains, five marble and limestone mountains in the Ngu Hanh Son District. On the way, we learnt about the legend surrounding these mountains. According to folk legend, a dragon flew to Non Nuoc Beach and laid an egg. The egg hatched and a girl emerged from it. The eggshell then shattered into five pieces and became these mountains. Each mountain was named after the five elements of Eastern philosophy: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth). These mountains house a network of caves, tunnels, towers and pagodas built by Mahayana Buddhists and Nguyen Dynasty Kings.
Such breathtaking views from on top
We decided to focus on the largest and most popular one, Thuy Mountain. Here are some of the spots we visited:
- Xa Loi Pagoda: A 32-metre-high pagoda housing over 200 statues of Buddha. It has 7 floors and 6 sides, symbolising the 7 human emotions and the 6 senses.
- The Highest Peak: We were treated to gorgeous panoramic views of the blue and white coastline and Cham Island on the horizon.
- Am Phu Caves: This was my favourite one. “Am Phu” translates to “Hell”, and it was certainly an eerie experience seeing sculptures depicting Buddhism’s hell. The cave is 302 metres long and 40-50 metres tall, showing scenes of karma and torment for those who have sinned.
We only planned to spend a few hours at the Marble Mountains, but even our short time there managed to evoke feelings of tranquillity and relaxation (despite the groups of noisy tourists). I’m also really glad we were told to wear comfortable walking shoes because the caves and steps can be slippery at times. Can you imagine a time when these steps didn’t come with guard rails to hold on to?
Mr Quang recommended a Quang noodles stall (Haha, he’s certainly biased) for lunch. Out came a bowl filled with rice noodles, prawns, chicken, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, fried shallots, and yellow broth. It was fragrant and delicious!
Had such a pleasant time strolling down the lively streets
After lunch, we checked into the Golden Pearl Hotel and visited the spa. In the late afternoon, we were picked up for the next part of the tour: Hoi An Ancient Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a bustling trading port hosting merchants from Southwest Asia, East Asia and Europe.
Do you think that Japanese mythological monster is under the bridge right now?
We strolled past the town’s yellow historical buildings, built with European and Asian architectural influences. Brightly lit with colourful lanterns, the town exuded a warm and timeless aura, filling you with wonder. We spotted a group of cyclos, which reminded us of the ‘beca’ in Melaka, as we made our way to the Japanese Covered Bridge. We were told that the bridge was built to subdue a Japanese mythological monster believed to cause natural disasters. How interesting! The bridge was illuminated with lanterns, casting a warm glow over its red lacquered wood and sturdy stone base.
Pile all your worries onto the lantern and let it go
After sundown, we headed to Hoai River for a lantern boat ride in traditional sampans. We glided gently on the water, surrounded by small shimmering lanterns and other boats, creating a magical atmosphere. It turns out that releasing these lanterns symbolises letting go of worries and embracing new beginnings. We purchased some from the boat vendor and felt a sense of lightness as we watched them float away.
Mr Quang led us to a local restaurant for a typical Vietnamese dinner consisting of rice with various meat and vegetable dishes. This included grilled ground chicken on lemongrass skewers, caramelised pork belly, chicken stew, tofu with tomatoes, and stir-fried greens with garlic.
We returned to the hotel, exhausted but full and happy. Good night!
Day 4: Hoi An > Hue – Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue Citadel
After breakfast, we checked out and set off for Hue through the Hai Van Tunnel. This tunnel is part of the East-West Corridor highway linking Da Nang and Hue. At 6.28 km, it’s one of the longest tunnels in Southeast Asia, cutting travel time to just 10 minutes.
Khai Dinh Tomb is one of the last few architectural marvels of the Nguyen Dynasty. It showcases a unique blend of Eastern and Western designs and materials such as slate, cement and wrought iron. Unfortunately, King Khai Dinh was not a fan favourite. He gained notoriety due to his close ties with the French and a country-wide tax increase of 30% to fund his extravagant tomb.
The exterior really felt eerie
The tomb’s exterior was constructed with reinforced concrete that darkened over time, creating an eerie, gothic atmosphere.
They’re just standing there….menacingly
It has four tiers: Tier one is a large courtyard containing statues of soldiers, courtiers, horses and elephants. Tier two and three were landings connected by stairs with intricate dragon carvings on the bannisters.
I was blown away by how intricate the palace interior was
The topmost tier is Thien Dinh Palace, known for its beautiful paintings and walls inlaid with glass and ceramic mosaics. I was in complete awe when I walked into the palace—the walls and ceilings were meticulously covered in intricate carvings and murals, and the whole palace exuded grandeur.
A very peaceful complex
We enjoyed a quick lunch of Bun Thit Nuong, tapioca dumplings, and Vietnamese spring rolls before heading to Thien Mu Pagoda. This scenic pagoda is the oldest in Hue and is located on the north bank of the Perfume River. It’s also known as Linh Mu Pagoda or Heaven Fairy Lady Pagoda. The name stems from an ancient legend about an old woman who appeared on the hill where the pagoda stands, telling residents that a Lord would come to build a Buddhist pagoda for the country’s prosperity.
A few places at the pagoda that stood out to me are the Tan Quan Gate, Phuoc Duyen Tower and the Tomb of the Venerable Thich Don Hau. The serene atmosphere coupled with its location by the Perfume River, brought a deep sense of calm and peace over me. It’s definitely the kind of place to visit if you’re seeking a quiet, reflective moment for yourself.
The Meridian Gate to the Imperial City
The next stop was the Hue Citadel, a historic walled fortress that was the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, where emperors ruled and lived. It’s part of the Complex of Hue Monuments and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. This grand citadel is separated into two sections: the Imperial City, which protected the palaces inside and the Forbidden Purple City, the private residence and working space for the emperor and the royal family. Though much of this sprawling complex was damaged from disrepair and war, the good news is restoration and preservation efforts are underway.
The interior of the Hue Imperial City
When done, we checked into the Park View Hotel and invited Mr Huy and Mr Quang to join us for dinner since it was our last night here. They took us to have Pho Ga, the classic chicken Vietnamese noodle soup. The broth was light yet rich and the chicken was tender. After dinner, we returned to the hotel.
3. That’s All Folks
Day 5: Hue > Da Nang International Airport > Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Oh, it’s our last day here, I thought as I woke up. After breakfast, we packed up and checked out. Glum faces filed into the van, and a bittersweet feeling hung in the air as we headed to the airport. When it was time to board our plane, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Mr Huy, Mr Quang, and of course, Vietnam.
4. Good To Know
Weather: What to Expect and When to Visit
- Dry season – January to August. January to May is the most pleasant and June to August brings intense heat.
- Monsoon season – September to December. Rain is frequent, with its heaviest being in October and November. There’s also a risk of typhoons around this time.
- February to May is the best time to visit. Balmy weather with less humidity and rain.
- September to October is another popular choice as there are fewer tourists, the weather’s still warm and travel rates are cheaper. However, it marks the transition period to the monsoon season, so there’s a risk of rain and typhoons.
Extra Information
- Malaysia Airlines has just launched a new air route connecting Kuala Lumpur and Da Nang. This will be added to the two daily flights currently offered by Air Asia and Batik Air
- The Dragon Bridge will perform the spitfire and water show every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 PM onwards
5. Personal Thoughts
As our brief visit to Vietnam came to an end, I found myself longing to see Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and experience its rich history and warm hospitality again. From the cool temperatures of Ba Na Hills to the grand Hue Citadel, every stop gave my friends and me unforgettable memories. We were touched by the kindness of the locals, and their willingness to treat us like one of their own. And of course, the delicious local cuisine was the cherry on top of this memorable experience. Boarding our flight back, we carried not just souvenirs, but cherished moments and stories to share.
Until next time, Vietnam!
