Inspired by the late Anthony Bourdain's love for Vietnam, Chris Dwyer from Singapore's Channel News Asia (CNA) embarked on a 72-hour journey to Da Nang. Bourdain, who filmed eight shows in Vietnam, once said, "Vietnam grabs you and doesn't let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever." Dwyer's trip confirmed this sentiment, showcasing how Da Nang, Vietnam's third-largest city, seamlessly blends food, culture, scenery, and history.
Dwyer's first stop was Son Tra Mountain, also known as Monkey Mountain, home to the red-shanked douc langur. These monkeys reside in a nature reserve that shares the mountain with one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular resorts, where Dwyer chose to stay during his visit.
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The Michelin-starred restaurant at Dwyer's resort. Photo: Danang Fantasticity |
The Michelin-starred restaurant at Dwyer's resort. Photo: Danang Fantasticity
To experience Da Nang's culinary scene, Dwyer joined a small-group street food tour led by enthusiastic bilingual guides. Helen from danangcuisine took him to four locations, starting with mi Quang, Da Nang's signature noodle dish. The dish featured fresh greens, banana flowers, herbs, rice noodles, and shrimp in a slow-cooked broth of pork, beef, fish, and chicken, accented with turmeric. Dwyer added lime, cilantro, peanuts, and crispy crackers, creating a symphony of flavors.
Another highlight was banh xeo, a savory crepe, at Ba Duong, considered by many to be the best in the city. The crispy crepe was wrapped in rice paper with pork and herbs, then dipped in a rich sauce made from pork liver, peanuts, chilies, garlic, shrimp paste, and other ingredients.
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The banh xeo Dwyer enjoyed in Da Nang. Photo: Chris Dwyer |
The banh xeo Dwyer enjoyed in Da Nang. Photo: Chris Dwyer
Dwyer also explored Da Nang's other affordable culinary offerings, advising visitors to simply look for crowded establishments. He described Da Nang as a major port city with a tree-lined promenade along My Khe beach, dotted with restaurants and bars. Getting lost in the city's streets, Dwyer observed, offered a glimpse into local life and culture.
The Dragon Bridge, especially when illuminated at night, is a must-see. Nearby is the Son Tra Da Nang night market, offering street food and souvenirs. Further west, the Golden Bridge, a 500-meter pedestrian bridge held aloft by giant stone hands, is another popular attraction.
A trip to Da Nang wouldn't be complete without a visit to Hoi An, a 35-minute drive away. This ancient town is an iconic central Vietnam destination known for its lantern-lit alleys, charming river, temples, and French-colonial architecture.
Hoi An is a shopper's paradise, famous for its tailor shops offering ready-to-wear and bespoke clothing, often completed in under 24 hours. Visitors can replicate favorite designs or create their own from a wide selection of fabrics.
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Locals and tourists windsurfing in Da Nang. Photo: Nguyen Dong |
Locals and tourists windsurfing in Da Nang. Photo: Nguyen Dong
Dwyer chose a random tailor, Simon the Tailor, near the popular Banh Mi Queen. The young tailors helped him choose a style and fabric, delivering a beautifully fitted blazer for under 70 USD in less than 24 hours. Hoi An's art galleries cater to all tastes and budgets, while lanterns and decorations are popular souvenirs. Foodies should consider Hoi An chili sauce, a unique condiment for cao lau, a local noodle dish with smoked pork, herbs, and bean sprouts.
For fine dining, Dwyer recommends the Michelin-starred La Maison 1888 at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. He savored Japanese butterfish cooked in brown butter with shaved pear and gnocchi with saffron, black olives, and basil broth, all paired with wine. Other upscale options include Cabanon Palace for French seafood, The Golden Dragon for Cantonese cuisine, and Si Dining for Italian with a Vietnamese twist. Dwyer also mentions Tingara, a new Japanese restaurant by chef Junichi Yoshida, offering teppanyaki, sushi omakase, and an extensive sake collection in a circular dining space overlooking the ocean.
Hoai Anh (CNA)
