Exploring Da Nang Vietnam Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Son Tra Night Market

Welcome to Da Nang, Vietnam's dynamic coastal city where modern life and tradition meet the sea. This is a place of golden beaches, dramatic mountains and some of the most spectacular bridges in Asia. In this episode, I'm going to take you on a spiritual journey to the Lady Buddha, rise above the clouds to the Golden Bridge at the Ba Na Hills and try some of the most tasty food in Vietnam. So whether you're here for culture, adventure or just to relax by the ocean, there's something for everyone. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show. Our journey begins at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, flying with Philippine Airlines. A smooth three and a half hour flight to Da Nang. We chose PAL for its comfort and convenient daily flights to Vietnam. When we arrived, the weather couldn't have been much better. This time, the entire MyPhilippines crew joined for the adventure. Traffic everywhere. Expect a bit of congestion at immigration, but aside from that, everything went smoothly. And just like that, our Vietnam journey begins. So for some of you first timers here in Vietnam, they do have Grab app and it's the same app as we use back home in the Philippines and extremely convenient. Beautiful. For this trip, we're staying at the Four Points by Sheraton Da Nang, part of the Marriott Group, right along the beautiful coast of Maiki Beach. After checking in, we explored the amenities and the view from the gym up here is absolutely breathtaking. Not to mention the stunning infinity pool, offering incredible 270 degree views of the ocean and the vibrant city of Da Nang. Truly the perfect spot to unwind and take it all in. After a refreshing swim and a little sun on the dad bod, it was time to unwind with a relaxing steam and sauna session. And nothing beats a sauna after an intense workout with an amazing view. Look at that. Da Nang is often called the And from these shots, it's easy to see why. Maiki Beach stretches for miles with soft golden sand, clear waters, and a perfect balance of calm and energy. Early mornings are filled with locals jogging, swimming, or practicing Tai Chi. While later in the day, you'll see families and travelers relaxing under umbrellas or strolling along the shore. It's clean, safe, and beautifully maintained. The kind of beach that makes you want to slow down, breathe in the sea breeze, and simply take it all in. Getting around Da Nang is pretty easy with plenty of taxi options like Grab available everywhere. But since I like a bit of independence and freedom to explore, I decided to rent a motorbike for my stay. All right, so one day is 150,000 and then deposits 500,000. If we want to Okay, so 150,000 for 24 hours and then we can extend. Okay, and then I've given you 500,000 deposit. Okay, thank you. See you. All right. Okay, let's ride. My best advice is to ask your hotel lobby to arrange a motorbike rental. Most companies will deliver straight to your door. Just make sure you have a valid license and actually know how to ride safely. So as you can see, the roads are really clear and it's not too humid like back home in the Philippines. It's actually really nice to ride and it's about 2.30 p.m. right now. So yeah, it's actually very nice. Driving along Maiki Beach is such a breeze. The roads are wide, clean, and well-maintained with palm trees lining the coast and the stunning ocean view right beside you. It's a perfect place for a relaxed coastal ride. Maiki Beach, this is the famous beach on the left side. Look at these streets, beautiful and clean and clear. Vietnam really knows how to take care of its cities. 50,000 please. Da Nang enjoys tropical climate with warm temperatures almost all year round. The best time to visit is from March to September when the skies are clear, the sea is calm, and there's plenty of sunshine for the beach and outdoor adventures. From October to February, expect cooler days and occasional rain as the monsoon season sets in. So if you're planning your trip, stick to the summer months for that perfect coastal getaway. Our first stop is the iconic Lady Buddha statue at the Leng Umpagoda on the scenic Sontra Peninsula. Perched high above the coast, the drive winds through lush jungle and opens out to sweeping views of the city and the sea. It's a peaceful yet dramatic welcome to Da Nang. As you make your way up the steps towards the Lady Buddha, there's a calmness that fills the air. The sound of the wind and the gentle rustle of leaves makes each step feel almost spiritual. Surrounded by gardens, incense, and breathtaking coastal views, it's a moment of peace before reaching the statue itself. Behind me is one of the most important spiritual landmarks in the whole of Central Vietnam, the Lady Buddha, and at 67 meters tall, she's the tallest in the entire country. And to put that into perspective, she's as tall as a 30-story building. So when you look up from Da Nang, you can see her watching over the city. Inside the statue are 17 floors, each with its own collection of Buddha figures, a design that beautifully represents Buddha within Buddha. Around the Lady Buddha, visitors and locals come to offer prayers, a quiet moment of reflection and gratitude. Beyond its beauty, this place holds deep spiritual significance for many. And right beside the Lady Buddha lies the main temple hall of Linh U, serene gardens, sweeping sea views, and ornate architecture frame the space. So whether you're wandering through the bonsai-lined courtyards or pause in a shrine, you'll feel the peaceful heart of this sacred site. Before entering the temple, I was asked to remove my shoes and cover my legs, a simple sign of respect when stepping into a sacred place. Inside, visitors often bow three times to honor the Buddha, his teachings, and the monastic community. The intricate carvings of dragons and lotuses reflect strength and enlightenment, making every detail here a symbol of peace and devotion. From temples to bridges, Da Nang truly earns its title as a city of bridges. The Han River is lined with stunning crossings that come alive in color each night. One of them has even been transformed into a peaceful walking bridge, offering the perfect spot to take in the skyline. While just beside it, a striking modern span symbolizes the city's growth and innovation. To the Gang Chi Lee and the Nguyen Van Choi bridges, this riverside walk is the heartbeat of the city. As night falls on this beautiful city, we make our way towards the Dragon Bridge. But before heading out for the evening, we stopped along the beach to meet up with our friends from Grab, the perfect warm-up to experience Da Nang's vibrant nightlife. Welcome to the Grab concert! Grab Riders, thank you so much. Maraming salamat from the Philippines. After proudly representing the Philippines in Grab Karaoke, the day slowly fades into dusk over Maiki Beach. There's something peaceful about this moment when the buzz of Da Nang starts to awaken beneath the fading daylight. And as evening settles in, it's time to head to our third and final bridge. The Dragon Bridge is one of Da Nang's most iconic landmarks, stretching across the Han River in the shape of a golden dragon, symbolizing power, prosperity and good fortune. Every weekend night at 9pm, crowds gather along the riverfront to watch this incredible display of fire and light, a show unlike any other in Vietnam. And just when you think it's over, the dragon cools down, spouting water into the night sky. A perfect finale to Da Nang's fiery spirit. Chodem Sungka Sung Cho Dem Sung Ja Chodem Sungka Okay, that's where we are at! We've arrived at the busting Son Cha Night Market, right beside the river and illuminated by the city's evening glow. It's a vibrant mix of street food, souvenir stalls and lively ambience, where grilled seafood, quirky gifts and local chatter come alive. Best visited around 5.30pm to midnight, this market pairs perfectly with the Dragon Bridge just a short walk away. Thanks for the coffee. Yes, sir. How about it? I have stir-fried beef. Okay, we'll get one of these. With seafood. You want a noodle or seafood? Seafood. Is this the only place in the whole city that does this, this night market? Only this part of the city. The only place in the city? Just one place. Oh, nice. So we've come to the right place. We just have one. And we already closed one of the night markets. Because this is bigger? Yeah, this is bigger. Big case, yeah. Because it's the only one. Oh, nice. Okay, so we'll try the must-try and then this one. Okay. And then, did we order this? Yeah. Okay, we got that one. And how about with rice? With rice, I have one chicken. Very good. I want a beef fried rice. Yeah, beef fried rice. Let's do it. Okay, one beef fried rice. Okay. Okay, yeah. Thank you. Yeah, with three persons. One beef fried rice, one mixture, and one beef noodle. Okay. Thank you, sir. With a fist bump. Seals the deal. The must-try one. Very good. Yeah, yeah. Oh, wow. Ice cream. Oreo ice cream. It's so fast. Wow, Oreo flavor. The question is, is Nick going to have some? If he pays, I'll eat it. So this is a souvenir area. So we've got the food on this side and then all the souvenirs on the other side. Oh, oh, how much? 250. What a night in the best market in town. Afterwards, we took a stroll along the Bakhtang walking street by the river, soaking in the lights, music, and energy that make Da Nang come alive after dark. It's the perfect way to kick off the evening festivities. We are here now at the Sun World Barna Hills, which is a French theme resort 1,500 meters above sea level, and it's home to the very famous Golden Bridge. So let's go inside and check it out. Barna Hills is one of Da Nang's most popular attractions. A mountaintop resort built by the French in the early 1900s as a cool retreat from the summer heat. Today, it's a mix of history and fantasy, featuring European-style villages, gardens, and the world-famous Golden Bridge. We're off now to the cable car station. To get there, you'll take one of the longest and highest cable cars in the world, offering breathtaking views all the way to the top. It's a beautiful place, absolutely wonderful. As you make your way to the cable car, you'll pass through beautifully landscaped gardens filled with vibrant flowers, fountains, and European-style pathways. It's a peaceful and colorful introduction to the charm that awaits at the top of the Barna Hills. I can't even count how many escalators we've been up, but it's very high now, and we're still going to ride on the cable car to the top of the resort. So join us on our journey. This is the first ride. There's 20 minutes. I think we're nearly there, literally up in the clouds now, five kilometers from where we got on, and 1,400 meters high from sea level. Look, we're nearly there, we're nearly there. Five kilometers up from the bottom, the longest single-track cable car in the world, and as I mentioned earlier, we are 1,500 meters above sea level. I'm excited, I'm excited. Look at this place, absolutely wonderful, amazing. It's a little bit like Disneyland. I'm getting Disneyland vibes. Barna Hills is truly like stepping into another world, a mountaintop escape that blends European elegance with Vietnamese charm. Built to resemble a 19th century village, it's complete with cobblestone streets, flower gardens, cafes, and even a gothic-style cathedral, all surrounded by rolling mist and mountain views. The cool air, cheerful music, and castle-like architecture make it feel like it's straight out of a fairy tale. Everywhere you look, there's color, texture, and a sense of wonder, and it's no surprise many call it Vietnam's very own Disneyland in the clouds. Roasted lamb. I love lamb. Barna Hills also offers a feast for the senses, from international buffets and cozy cafes to local Vietnamese favorites. Whether you're craving comfort food or something new, there's no shortage of delicious options up here in the clouds. Well, if you get to visit, you're certainly not going to get hungry. There's all different kinds of options, pizza, Vietnamese food, Chinese food. It's really nice. High up in the Barna Hills lies a place of peace and tranquility away from the crowds and the colorful attractions. This is the spiritual zone which celebrates Vietnam's deep Buddhist traditions. As you climb higher into the spiritual zone, the energy begins to change. The air feels calmer, the sounds grow softer, and the atmosphere shifts from excitement to serenity. Surrounded by statues, temples, and ancient pagodas, this sacred area offers visitors a quiet space to reflect, pray, or simply take in the breathtaking mountain views that stretch beyond the clouds. And it's official, we are 1,487 meters above sea level, and you can actually feel the temperature is a lot lower here. Wow, fresh air, love it. After some quiet time in the spiritual zone, I continued exploring Barna Hills, where peaceful temples give way to lively French-inspired streets, grand plazas, and charming landmarks that feel straight out of Europe. They've really done well trying to replicate a lot of the French landmarks. For example, this one, this is the Louvre Pyramid. After all that walking, it was finally time for lunch, which luckily was included in our ticket. Barna Hills offers a generous buffet at their very own on-site restaurant. We are in, lunch of the four seasons. Was it, is it really like the real four seasons? Lunch here was a real treat, a generous buffet featuring a mix of local Vietnamese dishes and international favorites. After exploring all morning, it was the perfect place to relax, enjoy a meal, and take in those stunning mountain views. After lunch, it was time to visit one of the highlights of our trip, the Golden Bridge. Okay, so this cable car takes us to the Golden Bridge, get on. And here it is, the Golden Bridge, one of Vietnam's most iconic landmarks. Stretching 150 meters along this mountaintop, it looks like two giant stone hands are lifting gently out of the mountain. Wow, look at this bridge, it looks like something out of a Hollywood movie. And the music, the ambience, we're up in the clouds, wow. So just when you thought the Barna Hills couldn't surprise you even more, you find yourself here at the Fantasy Park, an indoor theme park literally built in the side of the mountain. Now whether you're into 4D experiences or arcade games, it's got something for everyone. Oh yes, and my personal favorite, bumper cars. Five minutes to let off some steam before heading back down to sea level. Nope, and I'm definitely not trying that. Vietnam's food scene is incredible, from vibrant night markets to hidden street stalls, you're truly spoilt for choice. But one thing you can't miss is an authentic Banh Mi sandwich, freshly baked bread, crisp vegetables, savory meats and that signature Vietnamese flavor. Simple, delicious and best enjoyed right on the street. When I come to Vietnam, I have to try the Banh Mi, the Vietnamese sandwich. Why? Is that the most famous sandwich? It's delicious. Which one's your best seller? In your opinion? Do you have four flavors? What other flavors do you have or is this, this is everything? This is the, this one is good. Chicken, I love chicken. Okay, we will try, let's get one of these. And we want to try this one as well. Okay, okay, thank you. Wow. Oh, what's this one? Okay, I think we better try the shrimp. We do one beef and one shrimp. Yes, yes, fresh and hot, I like that. That wraps up an unforgettable journey here in Da Nang. From its golden beaches to its mountain pagodas, this city has shown us why it's one of the most beautiful in Vietnam. But our adventure doesn't stop here. We're now flying south to one of the biggest and busiest cities in the country, Ho Chi Minh. So I'll see you in the next episode. Bye-bye.