sam heart travel

Day 2 - Da Nang Travel Diary: A Whirlwind of Markets, Marinas, and Missed Opportunities Our Marble Mountain adventure wrapped up around 4:00 PM, leaving us with a thirst for more of Da Nang's vibrant offerings. Next on the agenda: the famed Son Tra Market. A Grab ride, costing around 60k VND and clocking in at nearly thirty minutes, transported us from the mountain's rocky peaks to the promise of bustling market stalls. The journey itself was a mini-tour of the Vietnamese countryside. Da Nang unfolded before our eyes, revealing a tapestry of clean streets, charming houses, and a glimpse into the everyday lives of its residents. The weather, a welcome change from the mountain's intensity, was calming. The heat had mellowed into a warm embrace, the kind of afternoon weather that gently nudges you toward a nap. Upon arriving in Son Tra, we hit a snag. Our driver informed us that the original Son Tra Market was under renovation and had temporarily relocated. Furthermore, it wou...

Day 2 - Da Nang Travel Diary: Conquering Marble Mountain Day 2 in Da Nang was all about Marble Mountain! After our quick stop at the marble sculpture factory (seriously, those guys are talented!), we hopped in a Grab car and headed to the mountain. Right off the bat, we were a little confused. There are actually two separate attractions: Am Phu Cave and Marble Mountain. Am Phu Cave has its own entrance fee of 20k VND (around 40 PHP). From what I've heard, it's a pretty intense cave with depictions of heaven and hell. We skipped it this time, but maybe next time we'll check it out. We opted for Marble Mountain, which cost 40k VND (about 80 PHP). Now, here's a pro tip: for an extra 15k VND, you can take an elevator up five stories! Trust me, it's worth it, especially if you're not feeling super energetic. We grabbed our tickets and zoomed up in the elevator. It was already 2 PM when we started exploring. The weather was gloomy, but the wind still felt hot and dry....

Day 2 - Da Nang Travel Diary: Day 2 - A Marble Mountain detour Following our Han Market lunch, we returned to the hotel at 1:00 p.m. to freshen up before our 1:30 p.m. trip to Marble Mountain. We booked a Grab, a ride-hailing service, which cost 100,000 Vietnamese Dong (approximately ₱200). The 30-minute journey offered a captivating glimpse of Da Nang city under the bright daylight. Our driver, however, suggested a detour to a nearby marble sculpture factory. Experienced travelers know that such suggestions are often worth considering. He assured us it would only take 30 minutes and was free of charge. The factory, conveniently located near Marble Mountain's entrance, proved to be quite impressive. We were warmly greeted by the staff and given a tour of the factory. While I mentally braced myself against any potential sales pressure, the skill of the artisans was undeniable. The intricately carved marble sculptures were truly breathtaking. The showcase room, however, revealed th...

Day 2 - Han Market - Da Nang Travel Diary: Day 2 – Han Market and the Great Slipper Quest Day two in Da Nang, and the mission was clear: find the perfect slippers for Mader! Our adventure led us straight to Han Market, a bustling hub that’s impossible to miss. Seriously, this place is HUGE. Han Market, for those who don't know, is like the beating heart of Da Nang's shopping scene. It’s a massive indoor market where you can find just about anything – from fresh produce and local delicacies to clothes, shoes, and souvenirs. Think of it as a super-sized palengke, but with more variety and a lot more tourists. As we stepped inside, we were immediately hit by a wave of sights, sounds, and smells. The ground floor was a treasure trove of souvenirs, dried goods, and all sorts of interesting raw materials. We spent a good while just wandering around, checking out the different stalls and marveling at the sheer variety of products on offer. Of course, we did a little price checking too...

Day 2 - Da Nang Travel Diary: The Joy Cafe – A Hidden Gem for Coffee Lovers Our second day in Da Nang was dedicated to finding the best coffee in town. We initially aimed for a highly-rated spot called "Rich Cafe," just a short walk from our hotel, Center Hotel. The early morning walk was peaceful, with the city gently waking up under a gloomy sky and a light drizzle. However, upon reaching Rich Cafe, we were disappointed to find it closed. Luckily, just around the corner, we stumbled upon The Joy Cafe. From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by its aesthetically pleasing interior and the vibrant display of souvenirs. The coffee was surprisingly affordable, costing only 35,000 VND (about ₱70). We ordered a cafe latte and an espresso. One of the best things about The Joy Cafe is its multi-level setup. They have dining areas on the ground floor, second floor, and even a fifth floor with a view of the Han River! We opted for the fifth floor and took the elevator up...