Vietnam, September 2024
Day 25: Da Nang, Vietnam
Change in itinerary had me forgoing Penang for Da Nang and so glad I did. I got a chance to be on the inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Da Nang on Malaysia Airlines. The plane was spotless and we were treated like royalty.
Once I was checked into my hotel, I had plans to meet up with my former tour guide, now friend Minh and our day did not disappoint.
She brought her friends (will tag them later ❤️) along and we had an incredible day. Lunch, followed by Vietnamese coffee (so delicious), then shopping. After shopping and a small break, we set out to support the Saigontourist Travelat a football game (soccer). The good guys got a 3-1 win. Woot woot! We capped the night at the Oq Lounge Pub, a disco night club.
So much fun. And we’re already making plans for when I can come back! I want to visit Minh’s hometown with her.
Tomorrow, meeting up with Lam Huynh ❤️
Day 26: Da Nang, Vietnam
Lucky for me I didn’t have an early wake up since we stayed out at the Disco Club late the night before. I met Lam at 10:15 and first we went for breakfast. In true Lam style, as he waited for me, he was helping other guests. He is truly perfect for this job. After breakfast, we went to one of his favorite coffee spots and I instantly knew why. The decor was absolutely beautiful. I could have sat there for hours. And what a relief to have good Vietnamese coffee after the past 2 weeks of instant coffee. We made tentative plans for my next trip to Viet Nam which includes the Ha Giang Loop and then a 3 week stay in Da Nang. Must learn how to ride motorbike during the next year and some simple Vietnamese phrases. I’m convinced more than ever that Da Nang could be home for me. While it is a big city, it feels so small and comfortable.
After coffee, we walked to the clinic so I could get my third rabies shot. Sadly the scratch is not healing so they had to clean it, and I got another round of antibiotics. Actually two of them! And for those of you wondering, the medical facilities have been top notch. Clean, efficient, fast, everything you would want in a health facility at home.
After the clinic, I made my way to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture. The Champa Kingdom are an early society of Vietnam (2-17 centuries). The intricate sculpture always blows my mind. I then made my way to the Dragon Bridge along the water and back to my hotel.
I intended to go to the night market later in the evening but the antibiotics were not making my stomach feel well.
Tomorrow: I finish the last segment of my month long trip with a white glove train ride and a 5 star resort. (Hint, hint: I’m here now and it is luxury at its finest).
Day 27-28: Sông Cầu, a town of Phú Yên province
This chapter is called paradise. It was a late add-on after reading about the Vietage by Anantara train ride and the Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô in Condé Magazine. Located in south central Vietnam, right on the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), this place did not disappoint. From the white glove service on the 6 hour train ride to the welcome at the hotel. And seriously, I’m not sure where you can find this type of place in the Caribbean Sea for the same price point.
The views are to die for and the infinity pool is like heaven on earth. A rain shower in the late morning only helped to cool it down rather than ruining the day. And while I wanted to avail myself of all the activities available (Spa services, local lifestyle tour, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling on their own reef), I chose the pool. The atmosphere created was so relaxing, I fell asleep in the water. I capped my time at the pool with a walk along the sea.
My only regret is not giving myself a couple of extra days here to truly enjoy it. I hope to come back sooner rather than later.
Day 29: heading home
It’s been a trip. I’ve learned so many things. There are so many people I want to say thank you to. And well, I have some other thoughts to share as well. And over the next few days, I will be sharing all of that.
But today, sharing the sunset last night (I have one tonight as my flight doesn’t leave Ho Chi Minh City until til 11:45) because I had an incredible view above the city. And some other photos from my drive to the airport including a Cham temple.
Also enjoy the video of the frog snagging his dinner 🐞