Published on Aug, 2023
I was Vietnam for a total of 13 niggts. I thought the Golden Bridge was in Hanoi; when I found out it was in Danang, I ended up booking a domestic flight from Hanoi to Danang and spend my 3 nights there before flying out to Hanoi to Toronto. My first night, I spent the day exploring the beach in Danang: Mykhe, Mtan and Phuoc...all walking distance from Canvas Hotel, in the city centre. I booked this excursion mainly to visit HoiAn, which I believe is a MUST when in central Vietnam. This was full day tour. It was private with just me, so there was flexibility in the tour stops. But there was itinerary to follow. We saw Lady Buddha at Monkey Mountain but didnt see any of the unique monkeys, though I did get a glimpse of one. You see the Dragon Bridge and Love Lock bridge, although it looks better at night. My tour guide was able to accommodate my request to see it again at night on the way back to my hotel drop off, which I highly appreciated. He also gave me the option to be dropped off at the Night Market which is near the Dragin Bridge. My hotel at Canvas Hotel was apprently about a 10minto20 min walk. I was going to opt for this but being it my last night, I was too tired and needed to pack. We saw Marble Mountain, while not as steep as most of my treks in Vietnam; it was still quite a bit of a climb on stairs. With the heat, I felt the climb. There is also a way to reach the peak on the top but requires a climb that has an unconventional path to get there. Good shoes with a grip is recommended. While the buddha and pagoda at marble mountain was an interesting visit; I guess I've seen too many in Hanoi to overly excited about. But there are 3 main Pagodas which they refer to as the Pagoda triangle, located on Marble Mountain, Ba Na hills, and Monkey Mountain. Since I was at Ba Na hills the day before, I was able to visit the "Triangle" with this excursion. I had an included lunch at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant at the outskirts of HoiAn (although TBH, I would've opted for lunch in HoiAn Town). Then I was taken on a Coconut Basket Boat ride. It starts as a scenuc ride, then a stop for crab fishing, and then you end up a xentral area with "boat dancing" (locals using the basket boat and twirling it on the water to create a dance) There was a DJ with loud music to turn up the energy. It was a good balance. My boat driver didnt speak English but used simple words and body language to communicate. He was a sweet man; he also offered to take photos in prime spots. He was great. After the ride, I opted to buy a fresh coconut drink; then when I was done my tour guide quickly came over and said you can also eat yhe inside. He cracked it open for me and got me a spoon. My tour guide was patient and very thoughtful. I also liked his "zen" demeanor. Firm, organized, but not pushy at all. I felt he managed me and itinerary professionally but allowing room for my feedback and personal requests. We saw all the other stops in HoiAn with included tickets. (While interesting, I would've opted out of it to spend more free time browsing in HoiAn or even take a bike ride your (as an alternative or even at my own cost...apparently, it only takes 20 minute to do a bike tour around HoiAn ancient town) He did give me time shop at the market; I didnt feel rushed. Then, the MAIN event of the boat ride on the river while the lanterns were lit on the water. I bought a lantern to light and place on the water for like 20k VND but negotiated it for 10k VND at my tour guide's advise. The boat ride was included. It wasnt too long but enough to take great videos and pics. I wish I had more time in HoiAn. But for those who have short stay in Danang; this is a real great way to see highlights of HoiAn. It was a great value and nice treat. Most excursions are based on a double occupancy; apparently there was a glitch in the system that allowed me to book a single. I thouggt the supplier was going to cancel because of this; I am glad he didn't and greatly appreciative for the tour. HoiAn is only a short drive from Danang; I highly recommend this tour. The your had a personal tour guide who was with me through out the tour with exception while eating lunch and on the 2 boat rides. He was great. Young fellow but mature; he was friendly, patient, professional, and thoughtful. His name was Mr. Kong.
