| I'm James, Lonely Planet's Destination Editor for Southeast Asia. When I want a no-fuss beach break, I head to Danang, just a 1.5-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Located halfway down Vietnam's S-shaped 3260km-long (2030-mile) coastline, between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Danang has been on the savvy traveler's radar for the last few years for its long city beach and mountains, fresh seafood and laid-back vibes. Throw in three UNESCO sites an easy drive away - the mystical tombs and temples of Hue to the north, the thousand-year-old Cham temple-towers at My Son to the west and the atmospheric ancient town of Hoi An to the south - and you've got yourself a winning combination. Here's everything I did on a recent blissful weekend in this coastal Vietnamese city. | | | | | Destination Editor for Southeast Asia | | |  | My Khe beach | | | | Beach days start early, so arrive in time for a good night's sleep. | | | Download the Grab app, link your credit card, and you'll be good to get around by motorbike or rideshare taxi. While the main sights are easy enough to get to on your own, for a local's perspective, contact Nghia (WhatsApp +8489 988 7304) for custom tours. Born and raised in Danang, this young guide with excellent English can take solo travelers on his bike or arrange transportation for larger groups. | | | You'll want to live in comfortable beach attire during the day, but bring along a snazzy outfit for Danang's lively nighttime spots. | | | | Fire show on Dragon Bridge | | A medieval playground and a fire-breathing dragon | Morning
Start the day with a steaming bowl of mi quang - a wonderful hodgepodge of rice noodles in a rich broth - topped with shrimp, pork and quail eggs, all for less than a US dollar. Mi quang is a specialty of the region, but try it at 75 Chau thi Vinh Te, which follows a recipe said to have originated in the village of Phu Chiem, the birthplace of mi quang.
| How to spend the day
Danang's top attraction is Sun World Ba Na Hills, a wonderfully wacky theme park that looks like it was lifted straight out of medieval Europe: a French village complete with a mini Notre Dame Cathedral and glass pyramid à la Le Louvre, along with castles, waterfalls and rides. It feels super kitsch - the founders envisioned it as an entertainment park to delight the Vietnamese unable to travel abroad. The 20-minute cable car journey up to the park is a ride in itself, passing over beautiful forests.
| | | | Left: Mi quang noodle soup at Mi Quang Phu Chiem. Right: Sun World Ba Na Hills | | Dinner
Head back to Danang and sit down to a plate of sizzling crepes stuffed with shrimp and pork at Banh Xeo Ba Duong. Order the crispy pancakes with a side of grilled pork skewers, all to be wrapped in a lettuce leaf along with some fresh herbs and dipped in the thick, savory sauce.
After dark
One of Danang's most recognizable landmarks is its bright yellow Dragon Bridge, which undulates over the Han River. Every night, it breathes fire and sprays water in short, dramatic bursts. One of the best places to view it is just by the Son Tra Night Market. Arrive at around 7pm and sample the many snacks and seafood dishes on offer. Then, just before 9pm, join the locals along the foot of the bridge.
| | | Photography credits: Hien Phung Thu/Shutterstock, Cuu Studio/Shutterstock, Asia Evtyshok/Shutterstock, James Pham/Lonely Planet, Minh K Tran/Shutterstock | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
