Travelers can now reach Da Nang, the largest city in central Vietnam, without the need for connecting flights and layovers at other airports. Cebu Pacific’s (CEB) newly introduced route enables travelers to arrive in Da Nang within three hours, saving a minimum of 7 hours in travel time compared to alternative low-cost airlines, CEB president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao said during the flight’s recent inauguration.
This milestone makes Cebu Pacific “the first and only Philippine carrier to fly directly to Da Nang,” added Lao. “For as low as P7,000, our customers can already book an all-in round-trip ticket to one of the cultural cities of Vietnam.”
CEB’s Manila-Da Nang flights now operate thrice a week – every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The flight departs Manila at 7:25 p.m. (PH time) and arrives at Da Nang at 9:30 p.m. (Vietnam time). The return flight from Da Nang to Manila is from 10:30 p.m. (Vietnam time) to 2:25 a.m. (PH time).
Previously, passengers from Manila had to book a connecting flight from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or a nearby country and spend at least 10 hours traveling to Da Nang.
Da Nang is a popular destination for tourists seeking a mix of cultural experiences and recreational activities. We had a chance to explore this multi-faceted city and nearby city, Hoi An, in a media familiarization tour. Here are some noteworthy places to consider for your itinerary in the “City of Bridges.”
Explore Sun World Ba Na Hills
It’s a breathtaking experience in itself to reach the place — you take a five-kilometer cable car ride that offers a scenic view from an altitude of 1,487 meters above sea level. Within the entertainment complex, there are several activities to enjoy. A must-not-miss would be taking snaps at the iconic The Golden Bridge while admiring the pristine landscape of Da Nang City. There’s also a quiet, romantic spot called the Le Jardin D’Amour flower garden, also known as Ba Na love flower garden, the “fairy ground on earth” or “the way to heaven.”
Vietnam was colonized by Spain for 26 years (1858 to 1885) and it’s fascinating to see replicas of classical and romantic French architecture at the French Village. The Sun God Waterfall is a sight to behold with 40 golden Greek mythology themed statues, arranged along the steps of the waterfall.
After exploring the enchanting surroundings, you might find yourself a bit tired from all the walking. Worry not, as there are several dining spots within the complex. We opted for a lunch buffet at the Beer Plaza Restaurant, which offers a wide array of food choices.
If you and your companions still have extra energy to spare, there’s also an amusement park there called Fantasy Park inspired by two iconic novels, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” by the French writer Jules Verne. This adds an extra layer of adventure to your visit to Sun World Ba Na Hills.
Location: An Son Village, Hoa Ninh Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City
Have a relaxing bath at Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park
This 60-hectare property nestled in Ba Na–Nui Chua Nature Reserve is an all-around leisure destination for the whole family. There, guests can rejuvenate their bodies and commune with nature in its hot springs bath area. Visitors can also experience the traditional Japanese “onsen bath” service, as well as its array of spa services massages and baths (mud, coffee, milk, tea, herbal, wine baths — name it!).
Adrenaline junkies, on the other hand, can make a splash at the water park, complete with waterslides, wave pools, jacuzzi and more. There’s also a river there where guests can practice their kayaking skills. Kids (and kids at heart) would be surely be delighted to take a stroll at the Dinosaur Park, which has 100 dinosaur models up to 30 meters tall — the dinos can move too! Lastly, don’t forget to take a souvenir shot at the Dragon Head area.
Location: Highway 14G, Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, Vietnam
Enjoy a romantic cruise along Han River
Da Nang is famous for its bridges that cross the eight-kilometer stretch of Han River — earning it the title “City of Bridges.” Among its 10 bridges, six are celebrated for their distinctive designs: Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Han River Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, Tien Son Bridge, and Nguyen Van Troi Bridge. The most famous would be the Han River Bridge, which is the only swing bridge in Vietnam, situated right in the center of the city. It rotates on Saturdays and Sundays between 11 p.m. to 12 midnight. The Dragon Bridge, on the other hand, spits fire and water starting at 9 p.m. every Saturday, Sunday and on important occasions.
A ferry cruise at night allows tourists to enjoy the gentle night breeze all the while being treated to a captivating light display along the Han River. At Poseidon, guests are also treated to a cultural show, cool disco music, and a delectable buffet menu.
Location: You can find the Poseidon ferry along Bach Dang St., Hai Chau District, Da Nang City, Vietnam
Indulge in Vietnamese cuisine
Vietnamese food is generally healthy — low in calories, packed in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Plus, they’re totally affordable and incredibly satisfying.
Helio Night Market is a 22,000-sqm food paradise where you can try traditional and contemporary Vietnamese cuisines. During this festive season, from Christmas to New Year, the market is open daily, said the food market’s manager, Nhat. Among the hearty dishes we discovered, the Beef Hot Pot (Bang Trang Cuon That Heo) was most memorable for me, with its harmonious blend of savory, spicy, meaty, and herb-infused flavors.
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At Mi Quang Ech, we found the tastiest, crunchiest fried seafood spring rolls (Cha Gio – Ram Cuon Cai), which pairs well with its noodle dishes. This place is also known for its special frog quang noodles and grilled pork rolls.
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We indulged in fresh spring rolls at Am Thuc Xeo. A combo meal worth 499,000 VND (about P1,1000+) consisting of grilled meats, beef and pork patties, fried shrimp spring rolls, cheese spring rolls, veggies, noodles, fresh fruits, and more, can already feed about 10 pax, we think.
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If you want to try to make your own banh mi and experience the art of Vietnamese coffee-making, make your way to Viet Sense. On the third floor of the same establishment, you can also have your pictures taken dressed in traditional Vietnamese costumes known as ao dai.
Watch a traditional Ao Dai Show
If you’re not well-versed in Vietnamese history, watching an Ao Dai Show is an entertaining way to appreciate the evolution of this country and its people through music and fashion. The program artfully depicts the transition from royal court to folk traditions, as well as the fusion of traditional and modern cultures.
Focusing on the iconic Ao Dai, which has been the national dress of Vietnam for nearly 300 years since the Nguyen Dynasty, the show features various segments depicting scenes from a royal court, old Vietnamese markets, schools, traditional weddings, and a performance inspired by Vietnam's national flower, the lotus.
Location: 1A Tran Van Dan Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang City, Vietnam
Make a side trip to Hoi An
A 30- to 45-minute drive from Da Nang takes you to the city of Hoi An, known for its cultural attractions (museums, heritage houses), lively shopping district, and an amusement park called VinWonders, among other highlights.
During our brief three-hour visit at VinWonders Nam Hoi An, we had the chance to sample the delicious food offerings at its in-house restaurant and take a boat ride to see the animals at its River Safari. We also explored their craft village and learned the traditional art of making dó paper and the tricky process of making quang noodles, and discovered the intricate production of silk—by observing silkworms at work.
But there’s so much more to see in this 50-hectare amusement park. The park features an array of thrilling rides, including roller coasters, a drop tower, and a spinning coaster, as well as water slides and wave pools. The park boasts nearly 100 indoor games and more than 20 outdoor games, ensuring there's something for everyone. To make the most of your visit, consider allocating a full day to explore the diverse attractions and entertainment offerings within the park.
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As night falls, take a stroll towards Hoai River, which by this time would be illuminated by the gentle glow of lantern-lit boats drifting along its waters. You may also opt to do some shopping for souvenir items at the rows of stores there.
Photos by Rhia Grana