Vietnam's third-largest city might also be its most unassuming. Found between Saigon and Hanoi, Danang has none of the charm of its big brothers. But that's not really the city's fault. Danang was a major theater during the American War, because of its strategic location, and was almost completely destroyed.
Five large hills look completely out of place along the otherwise-flat coastline between Danang and Hoi An. These are the Marble Mountains, each named for a different element: Thủy (Water), Hỏa (Fire), Thổ (Earth), Kim (Metal) and Mộc (Wood). They were once mined for rock, and a number of stone workshops are still found in the area, but today the mountains are a popular tourism destination.
For such a small city, Hoi An has a surprisingly rich food culture. There are dishes here which you can't find anywhere else in Vietnam, and an abundance of great restaurants and street stalls in which to try them. If in doubt, head to the central market, where a delirious hall of food stands is serving up any specialty you could possibly hope for. https://youtu.be/B4rHD5lPh2k Cao Lầu If you believe the local legends, Cao Lầu is a…
Hoi An began life as a port for Chinese traders, the more successful of whom built stately city homes for their families. Many of these ancient houses have survived the trials of time, flood and war, and can today be visited as part of Hoi An's ticket scheme. We made it to five.
