It was 2022 when I first set my foot in Da Nang, and that particular moment was indescribable. There’s something with DaI was there to attend VITM 2022, but I didn’t get to explore as much, which is why I promised myself to come back. Who knows that after a year, I will be able to come back and experience the magic? Just this December 2023, I joined the fam tour for travel agents, organized by Restour. By reading this article, you will understand why I was spellbound in Vietnam as I share my Vietnam 2023 travel highlights.
If you are one of my followers on Facebook, you already have seen my daily updates during my Vietnam trip (fully-loaded tours, food diaries, OOTD, and shopping) I have too may photos and video clips to share, that’s why I ended finishing up only half of Day 4. Time flies so fast, and the next thing I know, it’s 2024! 😅😂🤣 I felt a twinge of guilt as I wasn’t able to keep my promise, but one thing is for sure– that I will share my Vietnam 2023 travel highlights here on my blog. It has to be published this month (by hook or by crook)
What’s Special about Da Nang?
Probably you have been wondering why I fell in love with Da Nang, and I even came back 😁 Okay, here are the reasons why Da Nang is special.
- It has a vibrant city center, breathtaking beaches, and an impressive cultural heritage.
- There is a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities and thrilling activities available to all types of travelers.
- It boasts delectable cuisine. The seafront eateries and street food stalls make this a dream destination for foodies.
- Da Nang is an easy-to-access hub that connects Hoi An, Hue, and My Son.
- I love the people’s warm hospitality.
Direct flight to Da Nang ✈️
I was really glad, there’s a direct flight to Da Nang now. (2 hours and 30 minutes travel time) Before, we had to land to Ho Chi Minh first, then transfer to Da Nang Airport 😴 It’s very convenient and that was made possible by Cebu Pacific, which has launched direct flights to Da Nang on December 7, 2023.
Manila-Danang flights operate thrice a week-every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Vietnam DAY 1
My Arrival in Da Nang
Although we arrived in Danang in the evening, I wasn’t exhausted; in fact, I was excited! To my excitement, I wasn’t able to go to an ATM machine to withdraw cash 😅 On our way to the arrival area, we were welcomed by the Restour Tean.
On our way to our hotel, Sir Phu, our tour guide shared with us some interesting facts about Vietnam. It totally explains why it’s safe to travel to Vietnam and tourists keep coming back.
- No poverty
- No drug addicts
- No robberies
- No garbage on the roads and beaches
Our Home for 3 nights in Da Nang
EDEN HOTEL DA NANG is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ beachfront hotel in Danang. For 3 days and 2 nights, it was our home.
Location 📍 294 Vo Nguyen Giap, My An Ward, Nguyen Hanh Son District, Da Nang City
One thing I like about EDEN HOTEL is its location— it’s just a few steps away from the beach!
When we got off the bus, we saw the welcome greetings on the screen from the main entrance of the hotel 🏨 Our tour guide (Phu) and the lovely Ms. Hoa escorted us to the lobby and gave us instructions.
Although the hotel was not large or luxurious, it had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and I knew I would have a great time staying there. Probably the holiday atmosphere was set by the Christmas tree and other holiday decorations, but it was the hospitality of both the hotel staff and restaurant team which created the heartwarming experiences.
Our partial seaview room 💓
We stayed in a partial sea view room with twin beds. We were unaware of the partial sea view at first because we didn’t bother opening the curtain.😅🤣😂
After a quick room inspection, I was certain it had met my standards:
- soft and comfy bed and linens ✔️
- spotless room 🫧✔️
- spacious toilet with bath tub and hot shower 🛀✔️
- strong WIFI connection 📶✔️
- a comfortable desk where I can have my morning coffee and work ✔️
- a whole-body mirror where I can take a look at my reflection and say ” Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who is the most drop-dead gorgeous blogger among them all?” 🪞🪄✔️
And the mirror responded: ”It’s still you, THE BLOGGER PRINCESS 👸, but you need to freshen up because you look haggard today!” Oh, well! It was time to change my outfit. La-di-da-di-da…🎶 Ta-da!
OOTD 💃
And it’s OOTD time– My roommate and I just grabbed something comfy in our luggage 😍 We needed to go out anyway because we need to find an ATM machine to withdraw some cash.
Uhmmm, we didn’t talk about what we were going to wear, huh? It just happened that we picked the same style. 😂😂😂
Coffee Time! ☕at Highlands Coffee
While we were walking and searching for an ATM machine, we passed by Highlands Coffee. We were so exhausted and we knew we needed a dose of caffeine, so we checked if we can order using our debit card because we don’t have any money 😂. We were lucky because they accept cards 💳 , so we were saved for the night.
Here’s what we ordered:
Ca Phe Phin (blended iced coffee ☕️) and Banh Mi Que (Vietnamese Bread )🥖 Stick Baguette Snack with Chicken and Cheese )
Price: 39,000 Vnd or ₱89.35
The coffee was kinda strong enough to keep us stimulated and awake– to plan for our Vietnam adventure. We had to unpack and organize our stuff. It was a blessing that Queen was assigned as my roommate. We are both “kikay”, and best of all, I was inspired because of her stories– just in time to keep me motivated.
Vietnam Day 2
When we woke up, we fell in love 🥰 😍 with the stunning view of the beach. We were unaware that we had a partial ocean view because we checked in at night 😂
OOTD 💃
On Day 2, we’ll be heading to Ba Na Hills for our first tour, which is why we chose to wear a dress for the photoshoot. At first, I was hesitant to wear the pair of sneakers because I thought it wouldn’t look good with the girly red dress, but on the contrary, it actually looked good on me. 😉
Breakfast 🥞☕️
I enjoy breakfast buffets because they offer a variety of options. In any staycation, This is something I look forward to, because I’m sure I will have a happy tummy.
If you book a 5-day and 4-night Da Nang travel package with Tripsdiary Travel and Tours, you can expect a comprehensive itinerary and a magical adventure. Keep on reading, guys! Fasten your seatbelts and let’s take a sweet ride.
My Ba Na Hills Adventure
You shouldn’t miss Bana Hills when you’re in Vietnam 🇻🇳 This is worth visiting not only for its incredible and breathtaking views, beautiful and colorful gardens, entertainment, and a unique culinary experience. The magic begins with a pose at the main entrance.
Cable car 🚠. ride
The Golden Bridge is located on the top of the mountain and can only be reached by boarding a cable car .🚡 It’s the perfect spot to take in the panoramic view of Da Nang and the lush jungle that surrounds it while enjoying the ride.
The Golden Hand Bridge
It’s a totally rewarding experience to have a walk on Vietnam’s most iconic and instagrammable bridge 😍 I was pleased that the weather was good because the last time we came here, it was foggy, which restricted me to miss out on great photos.
Le Jardin D’amour
The L’Jardin D’Amour garden is a haven for thousands of flowers. Tourists are drawn to see its magnificent landscaping artistry due to its captivating charm.
Buffet Lunch @ Ba Na Hills
I totally enjoyed the buffet lunch 🥰 I’ve already mentioned that I love buffets because it allows you to choose your own food instead of being constrained to a set menu.
Because you have the freedom of culinary exploration, here’s what I have tried– strawberry-guava juice with condensed milk 🥤💓 There’s also a variety of food options: different chicken dishes, pasta, pizza, and pastries. Our bellies were satisfied once more, so we were prepared for another half-day activity!
French Village
Take a trip back in time by immersing yourself in the enchanting French Village at Ba Na Hills. A unique experience of French culture in medieval Europe awaits you at the village. 😍❤️ Take a stroll through the streets with charming cafes, cathedral, fountain, and the town square.
Visiting Ba Na Hills in December was a trip of a lifetime as we were transported to a breathtaking European-inspired winter wonderland. You will be blown away by the festive atmosphere as you marvel at the sparkling pearls of vibrant colors, Christmas trees, Santa Claus in his red suit, and the enormous gift carts. The kids and the kids-at-heart will definitely love it!
Yeah, it was tiring, but I totally enjoyed Ba Na Hills.If I had the opportunity, I would have liked to stay for a night at the Mercure Danang French Village to complete the magical experience, but it wasn’t included in our itinerary. This is something I want to put on my list for my next trip to Da Nang.
Da nang Mikazuki Japanese Resort & Spa
After the magical experience at Ba Na Hills, we had a quick ocular at Da Nang MikazukiJapanese Resort, a 5-star resort in Da Nang, Vietnam. It is situated on the pristine white sand of Da Nang Bay and offers a unique blend of Vietnamese and Japanese hospitality.
Quick Ocular at Da Nang Mikazuki Japanese Resort & Spa
As soon as we stepped into the luxury hotel and resort, we felt the urge to spend the night there. I think it’s because of the relaxing ambiance 🥰 Picture yourself waking up to the sound of the waves and the breathtaking ocean view. What else can you ask for?
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Mikazuki team for allowing us to view one of the luxurious rooms and world-class amenities.
The Deluxe Ocean View room
The Deluxe Ocean View Room is a great choice for couples to spend their romantic and memorable vacation.
Here are the special features of the room:
- Has an area of 70 m2
- With 2 types of bed (twin or king)
- A private bathroom 🚽 with shower 🚿 and an outdoor tub 🛁
- A spacious terrace with panoramic seaview
Although this room category is the lowest, in my opinion, it is enough to have a comfortable and memorable stay. Imagine what more can you experience in higher room categories—pure bliss and pampering!
My Onsen Bath Experience
When I learned from Ms. Hoa that we would have the opportunity to try the Onsen Bath, the world-famous Japanese method of health care, I was filled with excitement..
Benefits of the Osen Bath:
- Increase blood circulation and metabolism
- Reduce stress and sleep better
- Relieve pain
- Reduce hypertension and arteriosclerosis
- Treat skin problems
- Improve the healing process of wounds and cuts
- Strengthens the body’s resistance
Bathing steps:
1. Wash your body before entering the bath.
2. Check water temperature 🤒 by your feet and rinse the body.
3. Slowly soak half of your body and then the whole body into the bath so that the body gradually adapts to the temperature.
4. Take a sauna. 🧖
5. Soak in the cold water.
6. Relax and drink water after bathing.
We totally enjoyed our Day 1 activities–a combination of adventure and relaxation.
Dinner 🍲
For dinner, we had authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Son Duong Restaurant.
What did I eat?? I loved the spicy tofu dish and vegetable soup.
I couldn’t believe that I had a lot of energy for the day. We even managed to take a walk and I was in the mood to stay up after the very loooooong day.
My Vietnamese Massage Experience
We rewarded ourselves with a whole body massage after the tiring day. We were able to negotiate a one-hour massage for only 160 Vnd or ₱368.32
It was my first time to try the street massage, and I loved it. If you want to try a Vietnamese massage but have a limited budget, this is the option for you.
Vietnam Day 3
If Day 2 is more focused on adventure and relaxation activities, Day 3 is about exploring Vietnamese culture.
Breakfast
Recharging for the day with my usual favorites: eggs, pastries, and coffee!
Son Tra Peninsula
Yay! I have unlocked 🔓 the beauty of Son Tra Peninsula (also known as the Monkey Mountain) This is the perfect place to get away from the hectic city life and explore the pristine and beautiful nature.
Chua Buu Dai Son Monastery
Along the way to the Son Tra Peninsula, there is a colorful Buddhist temple called Chua Buu Dai Son.. Here, you can pray fervently if you believe in superstitions.
One of the most stunning pagodas in Da Nang is the Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula, which also boasts the tallest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam. The temple features a 67 meter tall statue of Buddha in a female form.
OOTD tip: Like other temples, it is advisable to wear an appropriate clothing. Do not wear shorts, sleeveless tops, or any revealing outfits.
Tien Hieu Marble Handicraft Sculptures
On our way to Hoi An, we made a stop at this store that features items from jewelry to sculptures.
I didn’t buy anything though I was tempted to buy a set of jewelry. Why? Aside from I didn’t have the budget for that, it wasn’t effective for me. I purchased a ring with a large black stone in 2022 with the intention of bringing luck, but it didn’t prove to be a good choice.
Coconut Forest
It’s my first time to ride in a basket boat to visit the green coconut 🌴 forest. This is a popular eco-tourism area that creates a unique experience for tourists who love nature.
It was indeed a very enjoyable experience— watching the boatman do stunts, tricks, dance, and entertaining the tourists with the live performances. The Coconut Forest basket boat ride is a must-try activity when you are in Vietnam.
Lunch at Caffe Thien Trung , Pho Co Hoi An
This is the time that I couldn’t get to eat anything. Thanks to my co-travel agents who gave me 2 hard-boiled eggs 🙏😁❤️
Thang Loi Co Silk Factory 🏭
After lunch, we stopped here to see the process of silk making, which includes breeding silkworms, harvesting them, and weaving them into silk.
You can order for customized dresses and have them delivered to your hotel. Aside from the silk fabrics and ready-made dresses, they also have silk lanterns, shirts, and other stuff.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Our next stop was Hoi An Ancient Town. It is situated in the center of Vietnam’s Quang Nam province, on the northeastern shore near the mouth of the Thu Non River.
In 1999, UNESCO recognized Hoi An as a World Heritage Site due to its excellent preservation of a Southeast Asian trading port during the 15th to 19th centuries. The buildings are comprised of both local and foreign influences and cultures.
Cafes, restaurants, and other shops 🏬
The sparkling lanterns, old yellow houses, and traditional Vietnamese cuisine will leave you in awe, along with the affordable souvenirs.
Coconut Coffee ☕️ Experience
It would be a shame to miss out on trying the coconut coffee on the sidewalk when visiting Vietnam. Would you believe it’s only 20,000 VND or P45.79— not bad at all😁
The Quan Cong Temple
Hoi An Ancient Town’s Quan Cong Temple is well-known for its distinctive spiritual and architectural craftsmanship, as well as its preservation of traditional cultural values.
Tan Ky Old House
Cultural heritage has been preserved in Tan Ky’s old house, which is considered to be the oldest and most beautiful old house in Hoi An. Many valuable antiques have been preserved and it has become a popular spot for tourists.
Shopping at the Market 🛍️
Shopping in the market is fun! There’s a lot of inexpensive items to choose from. I bought coconut coffee, biscuits, shirts, and other souvenirs. I wanted to buy more, but I need to consider my baggage weight; otherwise I might end up paying over the counter.
Dinner
When I dine with other people, they can’t help but notice that I’m a very picky eater. Why? Regardless of how delicious or scrumptious the food is, I won’t eat it, especially if I detect traces of seafood, pork, and beef. It was fortunate for me that there was soup, tofu, and chicken to satiate my hunger that night.
It was also the moment of truth for the Restour Team to discover my li’l secret 😳 Miss Hoa’s honesty and sincerity in pointing out that I should have shared my dietary preferences with her earlier is something I appreciate. I told her that I didn’t want to bother them, so I opted to remain silent and eat whatever I could eat. I observed that she was taking notes. Perhaps she will take into account my dietary preferences for the remaining days. Oh, well! There was a part of me that was upset, but the other part was relieved. Being honest is the best thing to do at all times, after all.
Pajama Party 🎉 with the Da Nang Beauties 😍
It was a long day, but we needed to plan everything since we were going to transfer to Hue on the following day. We thought of having the mini-Christmas party and exchange gifts that night. It was fun meeting new friends with common interests.✈️🧳
Vietnam Day 4
Beach 🏝️
It was our last day in EDEN HOTEL DA NANG , so we decided to go out and enjoy the beach before breakfast. Sayang naman ang beachfront hotel 
, di ba? So, yes! It was time to hit the beach 🏖️
Breakfast
Oh, yeah! The thought of starting another day an adventure filled us with excitement. I was curious about the experience of visiting Hue. I knew that this time would be different because we have the opportunity to stay at a five-star resort with an incredibly relaxing ambiance.
Bye, Da Nang!
So, it was time to say goodbye to Da Nang and our home for 3 days and 2 nights, Eden Hotel. After a few hours, we will be staying at the Pilgrimage Village Hue.
OOTD 👗
I opted for blue floral jumpshorts to create a feminine and relaxing vibe while we were visiting two five-star resorts.
Vedana Lagoon Resort Ocular
After checking out at Eden Hotel Danang, we had a quick ocular at Vedana Lagoon Resort.
Nestled on the shores of an idyllic and peaceful lagoon, The Vedana Lagoon Resort offers stunning views of one of the largest lagoons in Southeast Asia.
Upon our arrival, we received a warm welcome from the staff. After traveling from Da Nang to Hue, they served us hot tea and gave us cold towels, which was exactly what we needed to relax.
Special thanks to Ms. Nina Vo Thi, the Assistant Operations Manager, for the warm welcome.
The rooms
I was swept away by the beauty of Vedana Lagoon Resort. If I had the chance to stay for just one night, I would, but we already had our plans.
Hillside Pool Villa
This luxury villa is tailored towards guests who value contemporary and amenities with intricate design. The hillside villa, tucked away in the middle of a massive mountain forest, features a private pool overlooking the lagoon and mountain.
View: Lagoon & mountain view
Location: Hillside
Size: 210 m2
Bed: 1 king size bed or 2 single beds
Bathroom: En suite bathroom with freestanding marble bathtub 🛀and outdoor shower 🚿
Amenities:
- Individually controlled AC & heater
- Flat screen TV 📺
- Individual safe deposit box
- IDD telephone ☎️
- Mini bar/Refrigerator
- Writing desk
- Seating Area 🛋️
- Hairdryer
- Alarm Clock ⏰
- Bathrobes and Slippers 🥿
- Daily flowers and fruit bowl 💐
- 6:00 to 24:00 room service
- Turn-down service
- High-speed WIFI 📶
- His & Hers vanity with bath amenities
One-bedroom water villa
The Water Villa is an over water villa with a large terrace that overlooks the lagoon. In this villa, you can enjoy sunrise, sunset, peaceful fisherman’s boat sounds, distant view of the mountain, and the singing of the birds, which makes your stay in Vietnam memorable.
View: Lagoon
Location: Over the water
Size: 130 m2
Bed: 1 king size bed or 2 single beds 🛏️
Bathroom: En suite bathroom with freestanding marble bathtub 🛀and outdoor shower 🚿
- Individually controlled AC & heater
- Flat screen TV 📺
- Individual safe deposit box
- IDD telephone ☎️
- Mini bar/Refrigerator
- Writing desk
- Seating Area 🛋️
- Hairdryer
- Alarm Clock ⏰
- Bathrobes and Slippers 🥿
- Daily flowers and fruit bowl 💐
- 6:00 to 24:00 room service
- Turn-down service
- High-speed WIFI 📶
- His & Hers vanity with bath amenities
Standard room
All rooms have a view of the lagoon and are set on the edge of the waterfront. This spot is perfect for gazing at the sunrise or sunset view and the local fishing boats during a pleasant weather.
View: Lagoon
Location: Over land, waterfront
Size: 45m2
Bed: 1 king size45 bed or 2 single beds 🛏️
Bathroom: En suite bathroom with freestanding marble bathtub 🛀and outdoor shower 🚿
- Individually controlled AC & heater
- Flat screen TV 📺
- Individual safe deposit box
- IDD telephone ☎️
- Mini bar/Refrigerator
- Writing desk
- Seating Area 🛋️
- Hairdryer
- Alarm Clock ⏰
- Bathrobes and Slippers 🥿
- Daily flowers and fruit bowl 💐
- 6:00 to 24:00 room service
- Turn-down service
- High-speed WIFI 📶
- His & Hers vanity with bath amenities
Lagoon View Vill
- Individually controlled AC & heater
- Flat screen TV 📺
- Individual safe deposit box
- IDD telephone ☎️
- Mini bar/Refrigerator
- Writing desk
- Seating Area 🛋️
- Hairdryer
- Alarm Clock ⏰
- Bathrobes and Slippers 🥿
- Daily flowers and fruit bowl 💐
- 6:00 to 24:00 room service
- Turn-down service
- High-speed WIFI 📶
- His & Hers vanity with bath amenities
Pool Villa
Lunch
I really commend Restour for the well-organized fam trip. Actually, I have read in our GC that we should inform them about the participant’s dietary preferences, but I have opted not to. I didn’t want to cause any inconvenience to my co-participants. Shoutout to Ms. Hoa 🥰, when she found out that I prefer chicken and eggs, she made sure that I can eat well every day.
The Aviary
After the ocular to the different rooms, we checked the aviary. It was so relaxing. Admiring the beauty of nature while hearing the chirping of the birds made me feel like we were in paradise.
Thank you so much, Ms. Nina for accommodating us. We really enjoyed the tour! Special thanks also to Ms. Cristy Gonzales, the Assistant General Manager ❤️
KhaiDinh King’s Tomb
After visiting Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa, we made our way to Kha Dinh Tomb, a captivating tourist attraction in Vietnam located in Cha Chu mountain, which is about 10km away from Hue City.
This tomb is regarded as having the most prominent and impressive structure. Combining European and Asian cultures, it has a perfect balance of classic and modern elements. The harmony of many architectural features, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Roman, and Gothic, is remarkable.
The tomb’s placement was chosen in line with traditional feng shui.
Interesting facts:
- Khai Dinh was the last king to build a mausoleum for himself. He started building Ung Lang as his resting place at the age of 35.
- The tomb was constructed over the course of 11 years. He passed away 5 years after the construction.
- Khai Dinh Tomb has become a popular and visited attraction in Hue due to its magnificent architecture and historical value.
Check-in at Pilgrimage Village Resort
📍130 Minh Mang Road, Hue, Vietnam
We stayed in a Honeymoon Bungalow twin room. The resort has a calming ambiance. I was tempted to just relax in our room, but we needed to go for another tour. After a quick tour of the room, I refreshed myself by taking a bath.
We were planning to book a spa treatment and have a quick night swimming, but we were too exhausted.
After the relaxing shower, we were ready for the afternoon tour! Let’s go, baby!
Hue Imperial Citadel
In Vietnam, the Hue Imperial Citadel is one of the most impressive heritage sites.. The art and architecture, as well as the history of this pivotal era, make it a worthwhile visit. Located on the northern side of the Perfume River, the complex entails the Forbidden Purple City, royal burial spots, pagodas, temples, the royal quarters, a library, and a museum. Hundreds of monuments dating back to the early 19th century can be found here.
Dinner at Song Huong Floating Restaurant
Thank you so much, RESTOUR Team for the token 😘💓
Shopping 🛍️
This is the part I totally love—shopping!!! I bought a small hand carry suitcase for only P800. I totally need this because I bought a lot of stuff and pasalubong 😁
Room Sweet Room ❤️❤️❤️
After shopping, as much as I would like to swim that night, all I wanna do was to rest. It took me more than an hour to pack everything because the resort staff will be picking up our luggage at 7:30am. If only we stayed in a pool-access room, it would have been easier.
Vietnam Day 5
Good Morning ☀️
What a beautiful morning! I loved our honeymoon bungalow and I was sad to leave early. Huhuhu 😢😢😢
Breakfast
Oooh-lala! I definitely loved the buffet breakfast, especially the pastries and Vietnamese iced coffee.
Check-out at Pilgrimage Village
Baby, let’s cruise 🚢
Thien Mu Pagoda
After checking out at The Pilgrimage Village, for our last day of the tour, we proceeded to Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest temple in Hue City.
Shopping 🛍️
Lunch
Marble Mountain
Dinner
Departure back to Manila
As expected, my luggage has exceeded its weight, so I had to purchase another checked baggage 😁 Thanks to Phu for assisting me in organizing my stuff and weighing the luggages.
It was time to leave and go back to Philippines. We had Vietnamese dong to spend for coffee and snacks at the airport, but unfortunately, they only accept USD.
I didn’t feel upset because I knew I would be back. Hopefully, next time I will be able to experience Hanoi and Halong Bay too!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this article. Thank you so much for your support 🙏 Please follow my FB page if you haven’t done it yet. I will share more travel stories soon–after I have finished processing the transfer of Tripsdiary’s business address from Taguig City to Antipolo City. If you have travel requirements, just shoot a message to sales@tripsdiary.ph .
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