Like
top of page
To see this working, head to your live site.
Just Landed Vietnam
Expat Forum for Newbies and Longer Term Adventurers
This is a general overview of Vietnam. A lot of initial questions can be answered here.
Everything you will ever need to know about Hoi An. Nightlife. Things to do. Tourism. Work.
Everything you will ever need to know about Ho Chi Minh City. Nightlife. Things to do. Tourism. Work.
Everything you will ever need to know about Da Nang. Nightlife. Things to do. Tourism. Work.
New Posts
- Da NangDa Nang attractions comprises man-made structures and natural beauty, ranging from centuries-old pagodas, French colonial buildings and Gothic-style Cathedrals to tranquil beaches, breath-taking mountains, and verdant national parks. If you’re looking to soak up the sun while on vacation, visit Da Nang’s, My Khe Beach and Nun Noc Beach for fun-filled activities such as swimming and surfing. Set within the city centre, Cao Dai Temple and Da Nang Cathedral are religious-themed attractions worthy of a visit while the nearby Marble Mountains fascinates visitors with their many limestone caves used as both hideouts and places of worship. History buffs also have plenty to see as the city is home to several unique museums, which are dedicated to last century’s military conflicts, Vietnam’s beloved leaders, and remnants of the ancient Cham civilisation. For your convenience, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of what to see in Da Nang. Beautiful Beaches in Da Nang The sea is good for swimming all year round but especially in summer from May to August because of the mild waves, the water temperature and the beach guard team that works from 05:00 to 20:00 every day to ensure tourist safety. Other activities here are fishing, water-skiing, diving and yachting. Most beaches are easily accessible including the famous beach used by American soldiers as a RR base, My Khe Beach. This is a long strand with excellent views of the nearby Marble Mountains. Nam O Beach which is 17 kilometers northwest of Danang offers environmental boat rides to places like Hoa Bac and Hoa Bang. My Khe Beach is very popular among natives and tourists alike and offers many outdoor activities as well as featuring many hotels and restaurants. Da Nang Cathedral Da Nang Cathedral was built by French priest Louis Vallet in 1923, with a pink-painted edifice that earns its reputation as one of the most unique catholic churches in Vietnam. Standing at 70 metres, it’s also known as Con Ga Church (Rooster Church) due to the imposing bell tower that’s topped with a rooster weathercock. The church features a simple interior design of engraved motifs, rhombic-shaped arches, medieval-style stained glass windows of various saints, and statues depicting events from the Holy Bible. There’s also a grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary set behind Da Nang Cathedral, which is a replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France. As the only church in Da Nang, it serves the local Catholic community of over 4000 parishioners to this very day. Services are held in different languages daily, with English-spoken sermons on Sundays at 9:00. If you’re looking to visit this church for Mass, make sure to head there early due to limited seats. Entrance to Da Nang Cathedral is also free of charge. The cathedral is located along Tran Phu Street, about a 15-minute walk from the iconic Dragon River Bridge. Aside from its impressive Gothic-style architectural structure and quiet surroundings, Da Nang Cathedral is great for escaping the bustling city centre as its high tower offers a stunning view of the city, Han River, and verdant mountains. Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 05:00 - 17:30, Sunday 05:00 - 17:00 Tel: 156 Tran Phu Street, Da Nang Dragon Bridge in Da Nang Dragon Bridge in Da Nang is the longest bridge in Vietnam, offering a dazzling display of lights, fire, and water that no first-time visitor to Da Nang should miss out on. Measuring at 666 metres in length, it is located in Da Nang City and constructed in the shape of a golden dragon. The six-lane bridge crosses the Han River, serving as direct routes to My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach as well as a popular spot amongst travelling photographers. Dragon Bridge was officially opened in 2013 after a two-year-long construction, commemorating the 38th anniversary of Da Nang City’s liberation. According to local beliefs, which date back to the Ly Dynasty, the dragon is a significant symbol of power, nobility and good fortune. While it’s a magnificent sight at any time of the day, Dragon Bridge Da Nang is particularly cool (and packed with sightseers) in the evening as it is illuminated with colourful LED lights. On weekends and annual festivities, the state-of-the-art bridge is also scheduled to spit water or breathe fire from its mouth from 21:00 onwards. There are also plenty of riverfront bars, restaurants, and cafes offering terrace seats that overlook Vietnam’s longest bridge. Alternatively, you can opt to sit at the waterfront (where marble carvings of animals and deities are set along the Han River) to enjoy the view. Dragon Bridge in Da Nang Location: Da Nang City Centre, Da Nang Fifth Military Division Museum of Da Nang The Fifth Military Division Museum of Da Nang was built in 1977, offering visitors a glimpse of Vietnam’s tumultuous past with extensive displays of war relics, news articles, and photographs taken by soldiers of the Fifth Military Division. The museum also commemorates Vietnam’s most beloved leader with a replica of Ho Chi Minh's residence and a separate Ho Chi Minh Museum. Divided into four main sections, its outdoor display area houses authentic aircraft, military tanks, and weapons used during the French and American wars. Most of these exhibits are in pristine condition, with must-sees including the A-37 Dragonfly light-attack aircraft, Cessna O-1 Bird Dog observation aircraft, and the M48 Patton gun tank. The museum’s indoor display area comprises 12 showrooms, displaying thousands of photographs and news articles on the Vietnamese military’s establishment, struggles, and victory. There are also numerous personal belongings and interesting backgrounds of prominent soldiers, including a pair of slippers that belonged to Phan Thi Mua. She was a female special task force member who detonated an American fuel depot in 1972 by smuggling dynamite powder in her slippers. Set along Duy Tan Street in Da Nang City, the museum is a short five-minute drive from Han market. While entrance is free of charge for locals, foreign visitors are required to pay VND 40,000 for admission to the museum and an additional VND 10,000 for photos. If you’re a history buff looking to learn more about Vietnam’s struggle towards independence from foreign invaders, make sure you include this prominent Da Nang attraction in your travel itinerary. Fifth Military Division Museum of Da Nang Opening Hours: Saturday - Sunday 07:30 - 11:00 & 13:30 - 16:00 Location: 12km north of Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula Address: 1 Duy Tan Street, Da Nang Tel: +84 511 624 014 Price Range: VND 40,000 Hai Van Pass Hai Van Pass or Sea Clouds Pass offers an impressive landscape of verdant mountains and clear blue skies, overlooking Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and South China Sea. Crossing over a spur of Truong Son mountain range between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City, it stands at 500m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam. The 25 kilometre-long mountain pass is popular amongst thrill-seeking motorcyclists due to its winding roads, sudden curves and blind corners, while its lookout point offers gorgeous views of Da Nang Bay. The pass also hosts the ancient Tran Dynasty’s Hai Van Gate, Hai Van Tunnel (the longest in ASEAN), wartime gun towers, and a decrepit French-built fort that was later used as a bunker by South Vietnamese and US armies during the Vietnam War. Prior to the construction of the Hai Van Tunnel, the mountain pass was notorious for its fair share of fatal accidents – look out for small altars set along the roadside that are dedicated to perished victims. A motorcycle trip between Da Nang and Hue through Hai Van Pass takes between three and five hours, longer if you stop for seafood and coffee along the coastline. Priced between VND 150,000 to VND 200,000 per day, motorbikes can be rented from numerous hotels and tour operators in Da Nang City. Aside from requiring the use of a powerful bike, do note that Hai Van Pass motorcycle tours can be challenging for new riders – expect uphill slopes, an average temperature of 17°C, and rainy weather if you’re travelling between the months of September and March. Driving licenses are required by law and do check your insurance to see if you’re covered before… if not, go at your own risk! Hai Van Pass Location: 30km north of Da Nang Da Nang Museum Da Nang Museum, located on Tran Phu Street, displays hallmarks of the city's construction and defense over the ages, especially in the wars against the French and the Americans. Founded in 1989, the museum has more than 2,500 photographs and artifacts depicting stories and legends about Danang that were formed through years of struggle and construction. Entrance fee is priced at VND 20,000 for adults while children and seniors can visit Da Nang Museum for free. Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 07:30 - 11:30 & 13:30 - 16:30 Address: 24 Tran Phu street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang Ho Chi Minh Museum The museum features a replica of President Ho’s home in Hanoi with a fishpond, a house on stilts, its garden and other relics. It's all very genuine and feels as though 'Uncle Ho' is still there. Opening Hours: Daily 07:30 - 11:00 & 13:30 - 16:30 Address: 3 Duy Tan St, Hai Chau, Da Nang Marble Mountains in Da Nang The Marble Mountains are a cluster of five hills made from limestone and marble in Da Nang. It's also a well-known pilgrimage site with peaks, caves, tunnels and temples all just waiting to be discovered. Named after the elements metal, wood, water, fire and earth, Marble Mountains exist in a coastal area that is renowned for stone-cutting and sculpture about 9km south of Da Nang. The caves within the mountains hold many secrets including bullet holes from when troops used to spy on the US soldiers relaxing on My Khe Beach below and buildings standing within the caves and grottoes. There are also Buddhist sanctuaries and places of worship dotted across the mountains which are a much-visited spiritual site. You can even see a special circular cave here. It leads to the summit, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views. According to ancient folklore, a dragon emerged from the water on Non Nuoc Beach and laid an egg. A thousand days and a thousand nights followed before the egg hatched, and out stepped a beautiful girl. The fragments of the shell were left on the beach and eventually grew into the five mystical Marble Mountains. Today, one of the most popular highlights is climbing up the Marble Mountains and enjoying spectacular views across Non Nuoc, also known as My Khe Beach. The Mountain of Water which is home to pagodas dating back to the 17th century and a number of caves is one the most frequented climbs with a steep hike up stone steps to Tam Quan Gate and its superb vistas to Mount Kim Son or Metal Mountain and the coastline from the Riverview Tower located next to the gate. The Riverview Tower dates back to the 18th century and the reign of the Emperor Minh Mang. Close by is Van Nguyet Grotto which is a nice resting spot where you can grab a fresh coconut to drink. The Lantern Cave is also worth a look, small but deep and filled with lava along with Am Phu Cave which heads down to a very scenic viewpoint. You should allow up to four hours to explore all of Marble Mountains so its good to start early when it is not so hot and of course wear comfortable shoes, and if you can, bring a torch. Vietnamese children sell souvenirs at Marble Mountains and you can expect to be hassled until you've either bought a gift or 'tipped' them a few dollars for a 'guided tour'. Remarks: You should allow up to four hours to explore all of Marble Mountains so its good to start early when it is not so hot and of course wear comfortable shoes, and if you can, bring a torch. Vietnamese children sell souvenirs at Marble Mountains and you can expect to be hassled until you've either bought a gift or 'tipped' them a few dollars for a 'guided tour'. Price Range: There is a $1 entrance fee to Marble Mountain and an additional $1 cost for entrance to the cave at the foot of the mountains Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 - 17:30 Location: 2 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang Price Range: VND 40,000 My Khe Beach in Da Nang Considered to be Vietnam's most picturesque beach, the white sandy 20-mile stretch of My Khe Beach was named by the American troops who visited during the Vietnam War for R&R. It offers excellent surfing from September just off the shores of Danang. There are also a number of high-end resorts within the vicinity should you be in need of pampering with most offering a rich choice of treatments at their spas and a range of dining options. Sunbathing and surfing aside, there are a host of historical sites situated close by including the port of Hoi An which is only 10 minutes away by bus and offers wonderfully preserved merchant houses and small alleyways to explore. Hoi An is also a superb place to get anything you desire tailor made usually within 12 hours, and while you wait it’s definitely recommended that you try some local delights including very fresh shrimp pancakes. Once listed in Forbes Magazine as one of the 'World's Most Luxurious Beaches', the stunning sands of My Khe Beach offer surfers and sun seekers a gloriously unspoilt hideaway with a host of big brand hotels such as Raffles and Hyatt opening. The My Khe Beach area was first flung into the spotlight thanks to the My Khe Beach television show broadcast on American networks highlighting US Vietnam War soldiers enjoying rest and play in Da Nang. After the war, the beach became a well-known spot on the backpacker trail before heading upmarket to today's more glamorous resort scene. My Khe Beach benefits from being perfectly located at the heart of World Heritage sites - the ancient port of Hoi An, the mysterious Phing Nga Caves, the home place of the Champa population and the revered imperial city of Hue are all easily accessible. My Khe Beach is also reaping the rewards of an increasing number of international flight connections from Singapore, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City to name a few. My Khe Beach Highlight My Khe Beach is reached via Da Nang International Airport which is served by several flights a day from across Asia. The taxi ride should take no more than 25 minutes from airport to the sand. You don't need to bring much with you by way of clothing or surf gear as everything you need is available locally. The best time to visit is between May and October. Non Nuoc Beach Non Nuoc Beach in Da Nang takes up five kilometres of Hoa Hai Ward’s coastline, featuring soft white sands, a gentle slope, unpolluted waters and mild waves all year long. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, visitors can do plenty of sightseeing and leisure activities whilst enjoying local seafood dishes at its many beachfront restaurants. If you’re looking to surf during your holiday in Da Nang, the best time to visit Non Nuoc Beach is between the months of April and September, when the wave angles are optimum and average water temperatures of 25°C and 28°C. There are also surf and stand-up paddling lessons available for inexperienced visitors. Accessible within a 20-minute drive from Da Nang City or Hoi An, this expansive beach also hosts a number of luxurious five-star beach resorts and two international golf courses, where affluent travellers can wine and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants as well as indulge in a myriad of spa treatments. Non Nuoc Beach is a ten-minute walk from the iconic Marble Mountains, which houses 17th-century Buddhist sanctuaries and pagoda temples, sacred limestone caves, and local handicraft villages. Nature lovers can also enjoy hours of jungle-trekking or boating along Co Co River (Stork Neck River). Phap Lam Pagoda Phap Lam Pagoda is a two-storey temple in Da Nang City Centre, featuring towering trees, manicured gardens, and intricate Buddhist sculptures. Formerly known as Tinh Hoi Pagoda (until renamed as Phap Lam Pagoda), it was built in 1934 along Ong Ich Khiem Street, where Con Market is just a five-minute stroll away. Despite its location within the bustling Da Nang city centre, the atmosphere here is very serene and peaceful. You can see locals praying in the morning or getting their fortunes told while the resident monks go about their daily lives. As with any Buddhist temple in Vietnam, Phap Lam Pagoda gets packed with devotees during annual festivities such as Tet and Lunar New Year. The top floor of the pagoda is a presbytery that features intricately carved pillars, handwritten Buddhist Pali incantation, and a golden statue of Buddha while the ground floor hosts an amphitheatre that can accommodate up to 1,000 people. The courtyard of the pagoda houses a 1.1-metre-high seated Buddha statue as well as brass statues of the Goddess of Mercy (Avalokitecvara) and Dai The Chi Bodhisattva. Entrance to Phap Lam Pagoda is free of charge, but donations are welcomed. Aside from offering a quiet retreat from the bustling city, Phap Lam Pagoda is a great place to enjoy vegetarian cuisine as the temple is surrounded by local restaurants and food carts that cater to its resident monks and devotees. Phap Lam Pagoda Opening Hours: Daily 05:00 - 11:30 & 13:00 - 21:30 Address: 574D Ong Ich Khiem Street, Da Nang Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain is a breath-taking national park in Da Nang that stands 693 metres above sea level. It’s a 35-minute drive from Da Nang, making it a popular retreat amongst locals and travellers looking to escape the heat and busy traffic of the city. Locally known as the Son Tra Peninsula, the verdant mountain is also surrounded by pristine beaches such as Bai Bac, Bai Nam, Bai But, and Tien Sa Beach. Monkey Mountain was a prominent observation base during the American-Vietnam War, housing two radar domes that are now taken over by the Vietnamese military as well as a helicopter pad, which makes for a cool lookout point. The winding and inclining roads surrounding the mountain is a popular spot for motorcycling, but a powerful vehicle is required to reach the top. However, the journey is well-worth the effort as you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of Hi Van Mountain, Cham Island, Da Nang City and Son Tra Peninsula. Meanwhile, hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the verdant jungle trails and also spot rare species such as rhesus macaques, long-tailed macaques, pygmy slow loris, and red-shanked douc langurs. It takes about four hours of moderate hiking from Bai Bac Beach to the mountain summit. A prominent attraction in Da Nang is Linh Ung Pagoda, which is also set on Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain. The stunning pagoda was built during the 18th century and houses a 67 metre-tall white statue of the Goddess of Mercy, which is set atop a lotus-shaped platform. Hailed is the tallest statue of the deity in Southeast Asia, there are 17 levels within the structure and a total of 21 miniature Buddha sculptures. Entrance to Linh Ung Pagoda is free of charge, though it’s known to get crowded with pilgrimages during special occasions. Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain Location: 12km north of Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula The Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang With their roots dating back as far as 192 AD, Vietnam's indigenous Cham people lived an Indian way of life in both culture and language. The Cham Museum in Danang is dedicated to this period and the Champa existence which began predominantly in the coastal areas of Vietnam. Housing the largest exhibition of Cham sculpture in the world, the museum displays almost 300 terracotta and stone works of art ranging from the 7th to the 15th centuries. Many of the exhibits are considered masterpieces of their field showcased according to the region in which they were found with a total of ten separate interior exhibition rooms. All of the sculptures on display fall into one of the following sections – icon, pedestal, pediment, or fragment, with the area in which they were found determining where they are exhibited. When you've finished browsing the internal creations, step outside to appreciate the building itself carefully crafted with objects of worship including idols and holy animals surrounded by flowers, leaves and turrets all symbols of Hinduism. The Museum of Cham Sculpture The Kingdom of Champa governed Southern Vietnam from 192 A.D to 1697 and left behind a legacy of unique Cham motifs and Hindu-flavoured architecture defining this period. Examples of this style can be seen in the temples and towers decorating the coastal and mountain areas of Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa and Danang which is where the museum is also situated. The museum itself is also a fine example of Cham architecture with flowing simple lines, designed by the French architects Delaval and Auclair. Most of the artwork in the museum from this period takes the form of sculpture with a decidedly feminine feel and was gathered from Quang Binh up to Binh Dinh prior to the Cham Museum opening at the end of the 19th century. In addition to the abundance of Hindu-influenced pieces there are also some that have evidently drawn inspiration from Buddhism including altars and deities. This range in religion reflects the eight centuries of Champa life from its start through to its height and then decline, with some of the more decadent pieces coming from the Champa golden age. Good to Know: It is the only museum of its kind in the world dedicated to the Champa era and was founded during the colonial French rule in 1915. Other sites rich in Cham history include Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, Thap Man and My Son which were all famous Champa areas and are well worth a visit as part of a wider study into this fascinating period. There is an onsite shop selling imitation pieces and there are also English-language guidebooks for sale.Like
- Getting MarriedIn many places, getting married is as easy as making the decision, showing up at a government office, saying a few words, and signing a few papers. Vietnam is NOT one of those places. For a foreigner, getting permission to marry in Vietnam is a slightly complicated exercise requiring certified government documentation both in Vietnam and in your home country, medical certificates and, of course, fees. Two non-Vietnamese citizens may marry in Vietnam ONLY if at least one has either a permanent or temporary residency permit in Vietnam. In addition: The woman must be at least 18 and the man 20 or older Both must be: - Unmarried under Vietnamese law - Capable of making independent decisions They must NOT share any blood relatives within the last three generations Good to know: Same-sex marriage is permitted in Vietnam, though they do not yet provide legal protections for spouses. It is recommended to check with a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your home country for more details. Documentation All documents from a foreign country must be translated into Vietnamese and certified by either a Vietnamese notary public or the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in that country. One or both applicants must submit two copies of all documents to the Department of Justice in the area of residence of one of the applicants. Application via a third party is not accepted. The following documents are required: Application for marriage Registration in Vietnam Affidavit of Single Parent Status Certificate of No-Marriage Records issued within the past six months by state or provincial authorities stating that no marriage license or marriage record of the applicant was found from their age of maturity for marriage (18 for women; 20 for men); or since their divorce to present; or since their spouse's death to present. Certificate of Good Mental Health Biographic Information Sheet Certified copy Passport Temporary/Permanent Resident card (if applicable) If the foreign applicant cannot be present in Vietnam for the application procedure, they may fill out a Power of Attorney allowing their fiancé to act on their behalf. It must be authenticated by the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate after it has been certified by a notary public and the state/provincial-level Secretary of State. The above are the basic documents required by the Department of Justice. Additional documents are required if the foreigner is either divorced or widowed. The list may differ slightly depending on the country of citizenship of the foreigner, so please check the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate site of the Embassy in your country. Procedure Within 15 days of receiving the completed document package, the Department of Justice must: Interview the candidates and record the interview on paper with the interviewer's comments and signature. List the marriage for seven consecutive working days at the DoJ headquarters. Send a written request to the People's Committee of Communes in the Vietnamese applicant's place of residence. The People's Committee of Communes is responsible to list the marriage for seven working days. If there are complaints or accusations of violating marriage law within this period, the People's Committee writes a report to the Department of Justice. Issue a decision within 25 working days of receiving the complete set of documents and fee. Once the marriage certificate is signed by the head of the Provincial People's Committee, the DoJ will arrange a civil marriage ceremony within five working days. Good to know: In Vietnam, cultural norms and Vietnamese law dictate that for a foreigner to live with a Vietnamese citizen, they must be married. Useful links: Vietnam Embassy - Mariage registration BCC Visa Law - Mariage in Vietnam Vietnam consulate - Legalization documents US Embassy in Vietnam - Information on marriage in VietnamLike
bottom of page