As I've said here several times, I don't believe happiness is in the next vacation. Living as a digital nomad since 2017, what I've discovered is that the balance between life and work brings more happiness than 30 days of vacation. In those years living this lifestyle, I started to incorporate a little work and walk in a single day and I confess that this made me very, very happy!
I lived in Vietnam from January to April 2020, before the coronavirus caught me and I returned to Brazil, my home country. In those three months, however, I was able to enjoy some Da Nang and put into practice my philosophy of uniting work and fun in a single day. This philosophy I call #oneday!
Today I share with you a little bit more of these days of delights that I lived in Da Nang!
Marble Mountain
Marble Mountain is undoubtedly one of Da Nang's most famous tourist spots. It is located on the way to Hoi Na, at the opposite end of another famous tourist point, Lady Buddha.
But, what's special about this marble mountain? Well, for starters, the precious rock. Already on the way, on the road itself, you can see a number of shops selling giant marble figurines. They're really impressive.
When you get to the entrance, you have to pay for a ticket that costs 50,000 dongs. If you choose to take the elevator, you will pay twice that. The marble mountain isn't really unique. It is a complex of five mountains that represent different elements of nature: wood, fire, water, air, and earth. These mountains contain temples and caves that were also used during the war as a shelter for Vietnamese who fled from bombs and American soldiers.
Despite the history and vestiges of war, the place conveys an immense peace. I particularly loved walking through the caves and temples and seeing some of the local vibes. At the top, there is a view that would be beautiful if there were no more resorts being built in Da Nang.
You will spend more than an hour visiting the marble mountain, so it's good not to have a full day's schedule. This could be a great Friday or Saturday program.
Saigon Pho
After you visit the mountain, you can be sure there'll be that little development! And since everything in Vietnam ends in Pho, I recommend you invest in this delicious soup.
Pho is Vietnam's most famous noodle and you probably won't leave the country without trying one. I really liked chicken Pho and I recommend going anywhere simple, local, and in line. Surely these are good places.
Saigon Pho was not the best Pho I ever ate. But you were so nice to the service, I highly recommend this place!
Nguyen Coffee
Full belly it's time to catch up! A very nice place to work and an absolutely amazing coffee is the Nguyen Café! They have a simply wonderful egg coffee and it was one of the best I had in Da Nang.
The coffee is small but very comfortable and they have a couple of months with a plug that is ideal for laptop placement. The staff also have impeccable service and are very friendly. Without a doubt, a good place to finish your daily to-do list!
Dragon Bridge
Da Nang is the two-in-one kind of city. The beachside is completely different from the riverside. And who connects those two different worlds are Da Nang's bridges. The Dragon Bridge is one of the most famous bridges and a postcard in the city. But that's not just because of its exotic design... Over the weekends, the dragon sets fire, really!
This is a city show anyone can see. And it's really amazing! Just make sure you stay out of your head because after the fire comes to the water and everyone gets wet! Watching the dragon set fire from the winds is really fun. And I recommend that if you're in Da Nang, be sure to watch it!
Well, that was my #oneday in Da Nang and the last in the series. I was able to enjoy a little bit of Vietnam, but as soon as the lockdown started, everything changed. I hope the coronavirus leaves us alone soon! Longing to travel and discover what an incredible place this planet is!
