13 Best Spots for Breakfast and Brunch in KL, Malaysia

Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but they also know that brunch is the one you’re more realistically going to wake up for! In case you’re looking for some incredibly good spots for brunch in KL, you have opened the right article!

Personally, I love brunch. I love coffee, tea and I (shamelessly) love hipster hangouts that play Vance Joy with a moustached, top-knot wielding hunk behind the coffee machine.

If you feel the same, below I’ve made a list of 3 of the best brunch and coffee spots around Kuala Lumpur (hipster barman subject to availability). I’ve also created a list of bonus recommendations at the end of the article that I didn’t get to try out myself; fear not, they come recommended with great reviews and they’re pretty popular.

Let’s begin:

3 Amazing places for the best brunch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – GATW approved!

1 – Merchant’s Lane

Merchant’s Lane Kuala Lumpur

Dubbed as the most Instagrammable coffee shop in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find this café tucked away off the busy streets of Chinatown. Once you arrive, you’ll understand why this café is so popular among the snap-happy ‘grammers. The exposed walls are covered in leafy greens and floral decor, rattan chairs with colourful cushions are dotted around wooden tables and you’ll find picture-perfect corners to settle into while you dig into your dish from their Asian fusion menu.

Yes, this place is very aesthetically pleasing, but this doesn’t mean their food, drinks or service is anything less. I personally loved the chill atmosphere; plus, lots of locals frequent this place, which means it’s more than your classic tourist trap. Would definitely return here! 

NOTE: Yes, this place is super popular but, unfortunately (or luckily, I’m not sure), they don’t take reservations. They work on a simple walk-in system, which means waiting time will depend on your luck!

Merchant’s Lane Kuala Lumpur menu

WHAT WE HAD:

USEFUL INFO:

OPENING HOURS: 

Weekdays from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Weekends from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

Closed on Wednesdays

ADDRESS: 150 Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

FACEBOOK: Merchant’s Lane 美真林

FOR THE GRAM: @merchantslane

RELATED READ: 12 Things to Do in KL (Kuala Lumpur), Tours, Restaurants & More

2 – LOKL

LOKL Kuala Lumpur

I love the ethos at LOKL, the pride they have for being locals from the neighbourhood and their aim to create a shared space where everyone is welcome to meet and eat together. They promise you’ll always find a friendly face there and they encourage you to come to them with questions you may have on what to see or do in the area… Isn’t that absolutely amazing? And they’re right in the historical heart of Kuala Lumpur.

You can get both western coffee and local kopi at LOKL, which is a great way to gain some confidence in making your first kopi order in Malaysia. What is a kopi, you might ask? In short, kopi is black coffee made with Robusta beans instead of Arabica, which have a higher amount of caffeine. Energy rush, we welcome you!

Their food menu is very good and it offers an Asian spin on your international favourites, with a lot of thought put into the flavour combos.

LOKL Kuala Lumpur menu

WHAT WE HAD:

USEFUL INFO:

OPENING HOURS: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

ADDRESS: 30 Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

WEBSITE: loklcoffee.com

FOR THE GRAM: @loklcoffee

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur – 5 Best Areas and Hotels

3 – Leaf & Co

You’ll find Leaf and Co. inside Mingle Hostel at Julan Sultan KL, right near the well-known shopping street called Petaling Street. The décor is cool with a retro swing chair set in the corner, a mishmash of stools and shabby-chic walls with peeling paints and wallpapers. The style is that of a post-modern kopitiam that perfectly matches their menu of traditional Malay dishes with an international twist.

This historical coffee shop is a perfect choice for the best brunch in KL with Banh Mi sandwiches, chicken satay, doughnuts, marshmallows, pasta, coffee, milkshakes and everything in-between.

Leaf & Co Kuala Lumpur food

WHAT WE HAD:

USEFUL INFO:

OPENING HOURS: Daily from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

ADDRESS: 53 Mingle Hostel, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

FACEBOOK: leaf & co. cafe

FOR THE GRAM: @leafandco_cafe

RELATED READ: Top 10 Instagrammable Places in KL, Malaysia

BONUS: 10 Other notable brunch places in KL

notable brunch places in KL

If you’re a breakfast or brunch lover just like me (seriously, I could eat breakfast food any time of the day!), then 3 recommendations are definitely not enough. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we need to eat every day, right?

This is exactly why, after extensive research, I made this additional bonus list with some of the best brunch places in KL I could find on the web. I, unfortunately, didn’t get to try these spots out, but I’ve only heard amazing things about them. Maybe you’ll check them out for your next Sunday brunch in KL, eh?

1 – BREAKFAST THIEVES KL

This super cool and super popular KL breakfast cafe is definitely one of the best choices out there. They have everything you can think of, from the classic French breakfast dish Croque Madame to granola, toast, fresh fruit and, of course, some excellent coffee. Breakfast Thieves was born in Melbourne, Australia, but their location in Kuala Lumpur has increased in popularity as well recently – and with good reason!

Find it on Google Maps here.

2 – FEEKA COFFEE ROASTERS

 If you’re looking for specialty coffee paired with filling brunch dishes and incredible desserts, this should be your choice. A visit to Feeka in Changkat Bukit Bintang means indulging in delicious food (ricotta pancakes, eggs on toast, poached eggs, smashed avo on sourdough toast, tacos and lots more) while relaxing in their cosy, sun-drenched tiny front yard.

Find it on Google Maps here.

3 – THE HUNGRY TAPIR

If you love pastel pink, search no further than this cute food spot on Petaling Street. They have lots of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes on their menu (sweet potato fries, vegan meatballs, miso ramen, tempeh bowls, veggie burgers and more!). And seasonal cocktails, too!

Find it on Google Maps here.

4 – NIKO NEKO MATCHA

Matcha lovers (myself included), this one’s for you! Niko Neko is known to serve some of the best matcha drinks in the entire city, from colourful lattes to green tea mocktails. On their website, you can also find matcha powders to buy, because yes, they make their own!

Find it on Google Maps here and here.

5 – NIPPORI BISTRO

I like big breakfasts and I cannot lie! Nippori Bristo is a well-known Asian Fusion restaurant that also has a special breakfast menu that combines English and Japanese dishes, which sounds absolutely wonderful if you ask me. Regardless of whether you love sweet or savoury brunch dishes, you’ll find lots of options here. One note, though: this place has a reservation-only policy and you can reserve your spot using the link on their Instagram profile @nipporibistro.

Find it on Google Maps here.

RELATED READ: Ultimate Foodie Guide: Where to Eat in KL, Malaysia + Foods to Try

good places for brunch in kl

6 – BIRCH

If you’re up for a bit of waiting (especially if you’re visiting during the weekend), this is where you’ll find (probably) the best Sunday brunch in KL. Shakshouka, a classic English breakfast, fried chicken burgers and more, plus a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere – for me, this sounds like the perfect brunch combo!

Find it on Google Maps here.

7 – COMMON MAN COFFEE ROASTERS KL

This place might be for the common man, but their coffee brews are definitely not common! In fact, some people mention that here at CMCR you can find some of the best coffee in the entire city. And their breakfast-brunch menu is pretty damn cool too: fluffy pancakes, veggie dishes and club sandwiches. This one may be a bit on the pricier side, but the entire setting is surely worth it. Plus, they have an all-day brunch menu!

Find it on Google Maps here.

8 – YEAST BISTRONOMY

If you’re looking for a classic Parisian restaurant in the heart of Bangsar, Yeast Bistronomy is definitely the best breakfast cafe in KL. Their main chef worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, so you’ll know for sure that the food will be top-notch. You can choose from classic egg dishes, fresh pastries and some French staples such as smoked duck, for example. 

Find it on Google Maps here.

9 – NUTMEG

Here’s another KL breakfast place that offers an all-day breakfast menu – one of my favourite concepts ever! They have lots of delicious dishes on their menu to choose from such as classic French toast, sausages, cakes and pastries, all made in-house, which I think is pretty great. Plus, they periodically showcase local artists in their cafe bar, which is designed to look homey and chill.

Find it on Google Maps here.

10 – PICKLE & FIG

Let’s end this list in style with one of the most stylish spots out there for a nice breakfast in KL, regardless of whether you’re going out during a weekday or weekend. Their menu is bursting with incredible combos: pastrami sandwiches, colourful smoothies, granola bowls, seafood pasta, luxurious salads and more. The interior design is super pretty as well and the entire place has lots of potential for Instagrammable pictures!

Find it on Google Maps here.

RELATED READ: Sky Box KL Tower Guide – Is It Really Worth It?

This was my complete list of superb brunch spots in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Regardless if you’re a passionate foodie looking for the best breakfast in KL or a generously-sized brunch at any given hour during the day or evening, I’m absolutely sure you’ll find a perfect choice for you in one of my two lists above. The first list presents 3 gorgeous brunch spots that I visited and tested myself, while in the second, I included some extra options that are super popular among tourists and locals alike, but that I didn’t get to visit myself. Regardless, I’m sure you’ll be in good hands!

I’m 100% sure I missed lots of other good brunch spots too – there are so many in KL, it would be impossible to combine them all in a single post! But if you have a favourite spot that I missed, do let me know in the comments below and maybe I’ll check it out during my next trip to Kuala Lumpur.

In case you need more help planning your trip to Kuala Lumpur, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about this amazing city. And here you’ll find all my articles and stories about Malaysia. Enjoy your reading!

xoxo,

Melissa

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Da Nang Marble Mountain, Vietnam – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Are you planning a trip to the Da Nang Marble Mountain in Vietnam? That’s an amazing idea, as this is a unique destination and one of the highlights of the entire country! In case you’re wondering when to go, how to properly organise your trip and which tours to choose from all the options out there, I’m here to help. Scroll down to find my complete Marble Mountain guide!

A visit to the Marble Mountains is one of the most popular day trip ideas, especially if you’re in Hoi An.

But let’s start with the beginning:

Where are the Marble Mountains?

The world-famous Marble Mountains are a cluster of 5 limestone and marble hills 7 km south of Da Nang in Vietnam, in Ngũ Hành Sơn District. They’re located in central Vietnam, right on the coast.

Here’s a Marble Mountain map, so you can clearly understand their location in the country:

Da Nang Marble Mountains map

Why visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang?

The mountains are named after the elements: Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), Tho (earth) and Kim (metal). As I mentioned in the introduction, the Marble Mountains in Da Nang have become one of the most popular attractions in Vietnam over the years!

But what’s so special about them? Well, on one hand, the site is famous for its importance in the crafts of stone sculpting, but it’s also an important place of worship for Buddhists; some statues there are more than 400 years old. Needless to say that this place has big cultural importance and a rich history as well!

What can you see there?

Da Nang Marble Mountain
Thuy Son Mountain Da Nang

Even though you might be expecting just a simple mountain, there’s quite a lot to see here! You can spend around half a day on-site (let’s say around 3-4 hours), just walking around and exploring the numerous caves, tunnels, pagodas, temples and a beautiful summit. There are even some bullet holes dating back to the Vietnam War!

Thuy Son Mountain

As said before, there are a total of five Marble Mountains. The only mountain available for tourists to explore is the ‘Water’ Mountain (named Thuy Son), where you can find caves that lead to beautifully built pagodas, a few viewpoints, lots of outdoors temples and constructions, and so much more! The best part? Thuy Son Mountain also has the highest summit of them all, so you’ll have a unique, panoramic view of the other mountains and the entire coast as well.

You’ll find a little stall at the entrance where you can pay for your entrance ticket, and then you can choose whether you want to take the stairs or the elevator. The hike to the summit consists of 156 rather steep marble steps. It’s not really a breeze, but it’s not that hard either! But, in all honesty, the elevator is so cheap that I wouldn’t blame you if you chose to shorten the ride.

Non Nuoc Village

Non Nuoc Village Marble Mountains

Underneath the Marble Mountains, you can find the stone-carving village of Non Nuoc. The village is a part of Da Nang city and it has been a stone carving hub since the 17th century. There are over 600 families around the village producing statues, jewellery and artwork using the marble collected from the mountains. The stone itself and the products made from it have been exported to many countries and they’re quite popular!

Ticket prices

To enter the mountain and its tourist attractions, Hòn Thủy Sơn, you must pay a small entrance fee. There is an additional fee for those who would rather go up the mountain using the elevator, but you can avoid that fee by taking the stairs instead.

Marble Mountain Da Nang entrance fee: 40.000 VND (1.80 US$)

Elevator fee: 15.000 VND (0.65 US$)

How to get to the Marble Mountains

Da Nang Marble Mountain Vietnam

The Marble Mountains are located around 10km from the city of Da Nang, on the Southeast side. Because of its prime location, it is quite easy to get to this destination, no matter if you’re visiting from Da Nang or Hoi An. 

You have two options here: you can either join an organised tour, where a professional guide will take care of everything, including roundtrip transportation – or you can take a taxi if you want to visit on your own. You can order a taxi on-demand using the Grab app, which is basically the Vietnamese version of Uber. They have lower fees than regular Vietnamese taxis and your trip will be stress-free. 

FROM HOI AN

A Grab from Hoi An to the Marble Mountains should cost around 250.000 VND to 350.000 each way (11 to 15 US$). There is around 20km between the two points and the ride should not take more than half an hour.

FROM DA NANG

From Da Nang to the Marble Mountain, the Grab costs around 100.000 VND each way (4.30 US$). The ride takes around 5 minutes.

Alternatively, if you’re in Da Nang already, you can also hire a scooter for the day of your visit – this way you can also go and explore other places as well. The cost is around 5 US$ for the entire day and the scooter parking at the Mountains is 3.000 VND (0,15 US$).

Best tours of Da Nang Marble Mountains

Da Nang Marble Mountain Vietnam
Da Nang Marble Mountain Vietnam

If you’re looking for that extra bit of information about the mountains and that extra insight on the Buddhist culture from a local guide that knows what he/she’s talking about, taking a tour would be ideal for you. Plus, the tours are excellent if you want to squeeze in some other close-by destinations such as My Son Sanctuary or Son Tra Peninsula. There are numerous tours from different travel agencies you can take, but they will all offer a similar experience. 

Here are the best options I have selected for you. All of them offer different itineraries and activities, so you can pick your Marble Mountain tour depending on your preferences:

TOURS FROM DA NANG:

TOURS FROM HOI AN:

When to visit the Marble Mountains

Unlike most tourist sites in Southeast Asia, the crowds didn’t seem to be an issue at the Marble Mountains. Instead, you will be battling the heat and sweat of the midday sun! For that reason, I would recommend avoiding the midday heat (if you can’t, please bring a hat and lots of water) and visit either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

What about cloudy weather? Well, that isn’t necessarily bad either – unless it actually rains! But, in fact, a less sunny day will make your experience a lot nicer, as it won’t be that hot. Now I know it sounds like I really hate summer right now, but I actually don’t. I love it. BUT. Trust me, the heat in Vietnam during summer is… something else!

Marble Mountains opening hours: 7.00 AM – 5.30 PM, open year-round

My experience

Da Nang Marble Mountain
Da Nang Marble Mountain Vietnam

Truth be told, I didn’t have very high expectations of the Marble Mountains when we visited. It seemed like a huge tourist trap to me. But, when we got there, I realised that the site is actually much more than a few souvenir shops and an elevator that leads to a viewpoint. On. The. Contrary! 

The Marble Mountains actually have a lot to offer! The map at the entrance helped us a lot to figure out where we were and what was available for us to see, so don’t forget to take a copy after you buy your ticket. After that, we just walked around and explored the countless temples and pagodas in the mountains. The more I think about it, the more I realise that the Da Nang mountain surprised me a lot. For a (very) small entrance fee, you’ll get an activity that fill at least half a day, and you’ll learn a lot about Buddhist culture and architecture. The only negative I have is that we visited a bit later in the morning – so we really ended up feeling the heat! Sweating our way around the site wasn’t what I had in mind when planning the visit, but we still had a great time. So be wiser than us and visit early in the morning!

BONUS: What to pack for your visit to the Marble Mountain

Packing list for Da Nang Marble Mountain

I won’t mention the heat again. Heh, I’m sure you already know all about it now. So if you really can’t avoid visiting in the middle of the day, here’s what you HAVE TO bring with you to survive:

Marble Mountain Da Nang dress code: there’s no dress code for visiting unless you’re entering the temples. If you want to enter the temples (and you will want to!), it’s advised to cover your shoulders and knees. Don’t worry if you have nothing that fits the bill – so you can simply bring a scarf along for this.

And here we are! This was my complete guide to one of the most popular mountains of Vietnam – the Marble Mountains in Da Nang! In this post I have collected all the information you may need before you visit, such as when to go, how to visit (by yourself or with a guide), how much it will cost and everything else in-between.

The Marble Mountains are a very interesting destination that I totally recommend adding to your Vietnam itinerary in case you’re in the mood for some history, culture and awe-inspiring views of the coast. 

In case you want to find out more about other exciting places in Vietnam, I recommend clicking here to read all about my adventures in this country.

xoxo,

Melissa

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Vietnam Guide to the Marble Mountains
Guide to the Marble Mountains in Vietnam

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10 Unmissable Da Nang Tourist Attractions – A Complete Guide To The City

Are you planning a trip to Da Nang, Vietnam? I hope you’re ready to have an amazing time! If you’re wondering about the top Da Nang tourist attractions, scroll down to find my complete list, together with some hand-picked hotel recommendations, as well as what to eat (and where to eat it) and how to get around the city!

Da Nang? What’s that?

In case you never heard of this city, you have no idea what you’re missing out on! I think it’s such a shame that Da Nang (also spelled Danang) is often omitted in most Vietnam itineraries, although the city has SO much to offer! A trip to Da Nang can be as exciting as one to Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, trust me! 

Where is Da Nang in Vietnam?

To which I answer: on the coast! It’s actually halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh and it’s the third-largest city in the country. Which means Da Nang is an excellent destination if you want to soak up some sun on the beach and enjoy both the modern and traditional side of Vietnam.

where is da nang in vietnam

This being said, let’s find out about the best things to see in Da Nang city:

10 Best things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam

There are SO many things to see and do in Da Nang! Although it’s hard to choose, here are the 10 top things to do in this city:

1 – Linh Ung Pagoda

Linh Ung Pagoda

D’uhhhh, of course I’m recommending a pagoda as the first thing on this list – after all, we’re in Vietnam! No, really, this is actually one of the main attractions in Da Nang, located at Son Tra Peninsula / Son Tra Mountain (more info below). The Linh Ung Pagoda is nationally famous for its Lady Buddha statue, the tallest of its kind in Vietnam. Enter through the giant Buddha, only to find… more buddha statues! The courtyard is filled with beautiful bonsai trees and you’ll find references to the Buddhist religion in the architecture, gates, stairways, and more.

2 – Son Tra Peninsula / Son Tra Mountain

Da Nang Son Tra Peninsula : Son Tra Mountain

The Son Tra Peninsula (which translates to the ‘Monkey Peninsula’ or ‘Monkey Mountain’ in English) is part of Da Nang National Park. The Peninsula has an altitude of around 600 meters above sea level, which means you’ll find some great hikes up here, along with stunning viewpoints. And the name wasn’t randomly chosen. No, sir! The peninsula is the habitat of a rare species of red monkey – the macaques.

TIP: Sadly, tourists have taken to feeding these monkeys over the years and there have been reports that they can get a bit aggressive with humans. Be careful and keep your distance unless you want to be chased off the peninsula!

3 – Da Nang Fresco Village

Da Nang Fresco Village
Da Nang Fresco Village

Created to promote tourism to Danang, it was only recently (March 2018) that the Da Nang Fresco Village project was opened. A local area of alleyways was painted with murals of traditionally Vietnamese scenes to create a kind of ‘street art treasure hunt’. These bright, colourful murals took three months to complete and feature the work of fifty different artists. 

You’ll find rice pickers tending their fields in the countryside, a crowd cheering on a coconut boat race, two young ladies sitting in a flower field and much more on this cultural experience through art and time.

4 – Bac My An Market

Da Nang Bac My An Market

The Bac My An Market is a great place to come for a wander, check out the goods on sale and try a few local snacks from some of the food vendors. You’ll find all sorts on sale here from fake designer watches to sunglasses, fresh fruits and live frogs. Heh, trust me, exploring the market is a real experience! You’ll also find many street food stalls here where you can try some local dishes such as bahn xeo (savoury egg pancakes), pho (noodle soup), oc len xao dua (stir-fried snails). Often for cheap prices, too!

TIP #1: My favourite, which I recommend you all to try, is the avocado ice cream! They mix fresh, pureed avocado with frozen coconut ice cream. Yes, it sounds a bit bizarre and not very appetising, but trust me, it is delicious!

TIP #2: Alternatively, you can also go to Con Market, which is just as good.

5 – Dragon Bridge

Da Nang Dragon Bridge
da nang dragon bridge

There is no way you can miss the Golden Dragon bridge on your trip, as it’s one of the top places to visit in Da Nang city. You will probably cross it many times when travelling between the different attractions across town. 

On Saturday and Sunday, walk down to the waterfront at 9.00 PM to see the light show. The dragon changes colour while breathing fire, before changing to spurt water from its mouth. In short, this bridge is one of the most exciting things to see in Danang!

FUN FACT: The dragon is a symbol of good luck in Vietnam and the gold colour represents wealth, prosperity, royalty, happiness and change. 

TIP: If you want to see the Dragon Bridge show while sippin’ on a beer, I recommend reserving a table at 7 Bridges Brewery – it offers an amazing view of the bridge!

6 – Love Lock Bridge

Da Nang Love Lock Bridge
Da Nang Love Lock Bridge

This cute little bridge, lined with love-heart lamp posts and home to many couples’ declarations of love padlocks, isn’t actually a bridge… at all. It’s more of a short jetty, as it doesn’t connect the two sides of the river. It’s the perfect place to get a good view of the Dragon Bridge for a more parallel perspective and one of the greatest spots to watch the weekend light show in Danang as well.

RELATED READ: 9 Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam – A Complete Hoi An Guide

7 – Marble Mountains

Da Nang Marble Mountain
Da Nang Marble Mountain

RELATED READ: Da Nang Marble Mountain – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Here’s a fun fact: the Marble Mountains are a cluster of five hills made of limestone, named after the elements wood, metal, water, fire and earth. The hills were once the main place of exportation of marble. They now are a famous tourist spot where you can find several Hindu and Buddhist Sanctuaries and a viewpoint guaranteeing a fantastic view of Da Nang! One of the best places to visit if you’re into photography for sure!

8 – My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach in Da Nang Vietnam

Looking for some beautiful beaches in the city of Da Nang? I got you! Running from the Son Tra Peninsula down to the Marble Mountains, this 20-mile stretch of silky white sand is the reason that Da Nang is such a well-known destination for international and domestic tourists alike! For the active traveller, there are excellent surf opportunities here from September to March, along with numerous beach clubs and spas along the coast for those who prefer a leisurely pace in need of pampering. The seafood restaurants found on the waterfront are a bit more pricey than the ones you find in town, but the fish is fresh and you get panoramic views of the ocean!

TIP #1: If you want to take some surfing lessons while you’re at it, I recommend this Surfing Lesson by Surf Shack in Da Nang.

TIP #2: Alternatively, another beautiful beach in Da Nang is Non Nuoc Beach, located less than half an hour by car from Da Nang centre.

9 – Ba Na Hills / Golden Bridge

Da Nang Golden Bridge

The Ba Na Hills is one of the most popular Da Nang attractions due to the fact that they home the Insta-famous Golden Bridge, a fabulous place for the snap-happy to visit year round. Two Hands erupt from the mountainside, holding up the bridge, which passes through the hills. It’s definitely an impressive sight, but it’s not 100% the authentic experience it’s portrayed to be. 

GOOD TO KNOW: To access the bridge you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 750,000 VND (around 36$) into a kinda kitschy theme park (Ba Na Hill Fantasy Park) and then take a cable car up to the summit. By the way, the cable car up to the summit has the world record for being the LONGEST cable car ride (non-stop, single track)!

To save you time and hassle, my recommendation is to visit this attraction with an organised day trip such as this one – Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Day Tour.

10 – My Son Ruins

My son jungle temples and sanctuary

My Son Ruins, also known as My Son Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the most important sanctuaries of the My Son civilisation – a civilisation that existed in coastal Vietnam from the 4th to the 13th centuries. These sanctuaries were the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom and feature many references to the Hindu religion. They also showcase some of the Cham engineering, religious and political advancement.

TIP: You can visit the ruins with an organised tour with a guide, which ends up being quite cheap, or by yourself if you want to explore it on your own.

BONUS: Extra things to do in Da Nang if you have more time

Da Nang Cathedral

In case this is not your first time in the city or if you have some more days on your hands to fully experience and understand Da Nang, rest assured that you simply cannot run out of things to do here! So in case you’re bored of lying on the beach, here are some more activities in Da Nang that are definitely worth trying:

RELATED READ: Travel Guide to Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Tours VS Visiting By Yourself

Best tours of Da Nang by type of traveller

golden bridge da nang
Best tours of Da Nang Vietnam

Da Nang is a complex destination that offers plenty of things to do for all tourists out there. In case your bucket list is getting longer and longer and you find yourself unable to fit everything into your itinerary or if you simply want to make the best out of your given time, I have a suggestion. You can book some organised tours with professional guides! This is a great idea if you want to truly experience Danang and learn about its history and culture. And an excellent way to save some precious time as well, why not?

Here are my recommended tours for different types of needs and travel styles:

Organised day trips from Da Nang

Day trips from Da Nang Vietnam

When you’ll organise your itinerary for Danang, you’ll quickly realise that some of the top attractions here such as the Marble Mountains, My Son Sanctuary and the Monkey Mountain are not located inside the city, but a bit outside of it. This means you’ll have to either go there by yourself, or you’ll have to take some organised day trips. I totally recommend going for the organised tours, as this means no stress and hassle from your side! Tours usually have transportation included, so you just need to wake up in the morning and get ready for a day of exploration!

Here are the BEST day trips options (with great prices!) I have selected for you:

Where to stay in Da Nang, Vietnam

Pullman Danang Beach Resort

RELATED READ: If you want to read more about the absolute best hotels in Danang and the best areas where tourists can stay in Da Nang, make sure to check out this article before your visit: Where to stay in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Of course, the best area to stay in the city if you want to explore all the main attractions in Danang is the city centre (or Hai Chau District). Or you can choose to stay as close to the beach as possible if you want a vacation of relaxation under the sun.

Here’s my recommended accommodation, hand-picked for all types of travellers:

LUXURY: Pullman Danang Beach Resort – if you want the absolute best in the city.

MID-RANGE: Danang Boutique Hotel – if you prefer to be in the centre of Danang but also not far from the beach; 

BUDGET: Danang Beach 2 Hotel – this one’s located close to My Khe Beach; 

HOSTEL: Rom Casa Hostel Da Nang – located between Han River and the beach;

ENTIRE APARTMENT: Minh Tran Apartment and Hotel – in case you’re dreaming of an apartment with an outdoor swimming pool;

What to eat in Da Nang & Best restaurants in the city

Of course, you simply cannot visit Da Nang without indulging in some traditional food, am I right? Vietnam is known for its ah-mazing cuisine and unique dishes, and Da Nang is a special place full of local dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s my list of unmissable dishes to try during your visit, as well as the BEST places in Danang to taste each of them:

MI QUANG

Beefy broth, rice noodles and different types and meats. Surprisingly enough, this is what people in Da Nang eat for breakfast! Some of the best bowls of Mi Quang are served at Mi Quang Ba Mua.

mi quang dish in vietnam

CHAO TOM

This is a dish consisting of prawn and garlic paste, wrapped on a sugarcane, usually served as an appetiser, grilled to deliciousness. Quan Com Hue Ngon is a good place to go for this dish, as well as traditional Vietnamese BBQ.

chao tom dish in vietnam

BUN CHA CA

This is basically a fish ball noodle soup with rice noodles, veggies, pineapple (yes, it’s delicious!) and shrimp paste. And fish balls as well, of course. It’s funky and super delicious! Go to 109 Nguyễn Chí Thanh for one of the most flavourful versions of this dish.

BANH XEO

You can find this dish, together with the famous Banh Mi sandwich and Pho soup, all around Vietnam. Banh Xeo is a sizzling savoury pancake made of rice flour, filled with veggies, pork, shrimp and crunchy bean sprouts. The best Da Nang restaurant for this dish is Banh xeo Ba Duong.

banh xeo dish in ho chi minh

BANH BO

Butter cakes! These are pretty similar to little round, fried doughnuts, only they’re a bit savoury as well and they’re served with chili sauce. Exciting and so yummy! I recommend going to Quán Bánh Bơ for the most delicious ones.

banh bo dish in vietnam

TIP: In case you want to make sure you don’t miss anything, I recommend opting for this Da Nang Local Food Tour.

Getting around Da Nang

Getting around Da nang Vietnam

Getting around Da Nang is, as you will find, not a hard task at all! There are multiple ways of travelling around town and its surroundings and I have listed them all below:

TAXI

Taxis are probably the best way to explore Danang, as they’re easy to find and pretty cheap as well. Fares start at 0,50$ and you’ll be charged around 0,65$ per kilometer. The most reliable taxi companies in Danang are Mai Linh Taxi (green), Vinasun Taxi (white) and Tien Sa Taxi (yellow). Alternatively, you can get a Grab – the equivalent of Uber in Vietnam.

MOTORCYCLE TAXI / XE OM

A famous means of transportation in Vietnam, these are very similar to taxis, only they’re motorcycles – I bet you weren’t expecting that! The advantage here is that they’re faster, as they can successfully avoid hectic traffic, unlike cars.

BUS

Although this is a valid option (and a super cheap one as well, as a ride only costs about 0,20$), it’s not that convenient, as buses are usually super slow and kind of crowded as well.

RENT A MOTORBIKE

This option is excellent for adventurous travellers that want to go everywhere by themselves. Riding a motorbike through Da Nang is exciting and not that expensive either – the price is about 6$ per day (130,000 VND). A good place to rent your motorbike is at The Motorbike Station.

HOW TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY

Luckily for travellers, Da Nang International Airport is located extremely close to the city center (around 2.5 km away). For your convenience, you can look for private airport transfers such as this one if you want to travel hassle-free to your hotel. It’s pretty cheap as well!

TIP: Before booking your airport transfer, please check with your hotel – some of them can arrange free pick-up for their guests!

RELATED READ: 12 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – A Complete Guide To the City

Phew, this was my complete Da Nang travel guide in Vietnam! This is one of the best tourist spots in the country if you’re planning an adventurous, culture-rich vacation. Danang is a famous beach destination and, regardless if you’re going to do some sunbathing, admire the best view over Danang from the top of Hai Van Pass, explore the wonderful Ba Na Hills, visit some pagodas or taste some authentic food, rest assured that you won’t be disappointed.

I hope this guide will be useful for your upcoming visit! In case you want to further explore the country of Vietnam, I recommend reading all about my adventures here in this section.

xoxo,

Melissa

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Vietnam Danang A Complete Guide
Vietnam Danang A Complete Guide

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