Escape to Da Nang & Hoi An

You can view my video log here:  Here.

Travel Period: 5D4N

Travel Mode, Time & Cost:
KL- Da Nang - KLFlight: Air AsiaFlight Duration: 2 hours 25 minutesCost: RM 667 inclusive of hotel / pax (Booked via Air Asia Go)

Accommodation:

Hoi An Emerald Waters Hotel & SpaLocation: Strategic. 10-mins cycle to Old Town & An Bang(two major highlights at Hoi An) beach respectively.(There was a renovation going on in my first room which was near to a renovation site but they quickly changed my room the next day. In my new room, while sound-proof was much better, the shower's heater was not working efficiently.)

Service: Prompt and efficient. (No tips asked)

Rating: 7/10 

Visa:
Malaysians / Singaporeans travel visa free. 
You can check your visa requirements here: https://airasia.traveldoc.aero/

General Remarks:

i) An escapade ideal for a good mix of small town bustle, beach activities and relaxing.ii) Cheap foodiii) Affordable escapadeiv) From where I live, bicycles are provided for free and I can cycle around conveniently.

*MYR 1.76 = 10,000 VND

Top 5 Food to Try at Hoi An:

Remarks: While you can easily find many road side stalls, cafes and restaurants at Old Town, but the list below is your MUST TRY!\

1) Banh Mi Phuong
Address: 2B, Phan Chu Trinh, Cam Chau, Hoi An

Price: 20,000 VND - 30,000 VND/ banh mi / smoothie
Remarks: Banh Mi (filled crispy french baguette) here is so good, you won't want to have it else where. Their smoothies like avocado smoothie is pure too! For less sweet option, you can opt away their condensed milk.

2) 85 Celcius Cafe

Address: 19 Duong nguyen Phuc Chu, Phuong Minh An (Old Town)

Price: 20,000 VND - 50,000 VND /drink

Remarks: It is on the quieter side of the street, across the bridge at Old Town. Seats at the front of the cafe is perfect drinks in the evening, with free live band from the neighbouring restaurant. My chill place after dinner for 3 nights!

Photo credit: Google Images

3) Soul Kitchen, An Bang Beach

Address: Lo 9B, Tp, Hoi An, Quang Nam (An Bang Beach)

Price ~350,000 VND/ pax for a main course, drinks and dessert
Remarks: If you would like to sit closer to the edge/beach, reservation is needed for dinner crowd. A live band will kick start about 8 PM. Food was not too bad given the surround ambiance and price.

Photo credit: Google Images

3) Mango Mango

Address: Nguyen Phuc Chu, An Hoi, Thanh pho Hoi An (Old Town)

Price: 350,000 VND / meal excluding drinks
Remarks: This meal was the most expensive I had in Vietnam but it was definitely one of the most fulfilling one. I had duck and it suited my taste buds with generous portion.

4) Hoi An Night Market

Location: Old Town

Price: 10,000 VND/skewer
Remarks: Roast meat skewers are famous in Hoi An and you'll see them everywhere but there's this shop at night market which was one of the best and cheapest I had at Hoi An.

5) Hoi An Roastery Cafe

Location: Old Town (several branches)

Price: 50,000 - 90,000 VND / drink
Remarks: Vietnam coffee is world-famous and the one I had in this cafe (twice, different branch) was strong, unique with their own flavour such as coconut.; You can also buy some coffee beans / ground powder and coffee filters home as souvenirs, like we did!

If you had enough of the summer, escape the heat from Hoi An and head to Ba Na Hill, Da Nang which is about 1-hr drive from Hoi An. Ba Na Hill has the longest cable car in the world.

Ba Na Hill, Da Nang

A French village themed with flower dome and garden, classic and modern restaurants, theme park for some youthful fun and the longest cable car ride that will bring you various places. 

Sadly when I was there, the outdoor Buddha bridge was closed for renovation.

Some dreams are not consistent with reality.