Danang Excursions

DANANG CITY TOUR

The first stop of the tour is the Cham Museum in Danang which houses the finest collection of Champa sculptures; some may date back to as early as 7th century. Afterwards, enjoy a one-hour cyclo ride along the Han River with a stop at a local market. Continue to visit Marble Mountains, a scenic spot with caves, temples, shrines, pagodas and a great view of the surrounding area. The caves can be reached by climbing steep steps or taking the elevator to the top (subject to surcharge).

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CYCLING AND LANTERN-MAKING TOUR

Explore the back-roads of Hoi An and its surroundings by bicycle. Ride along rice paddies and picturesque landscape to arrive at a famous lantern-making village. Visit a local family and try your hand at the handicraft. Of course, you can take home your own lantern.

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HOI AN AND SURROUNDINGS

Explore the Ancient Town of Hoi An and its surroundings. Known to early Western merchants, Hoi An was one of the major trading centres of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a mixed Chinese-Vietnamese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses are constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs.
Take a short boat ride across the river to a boat builder’s yard and woodcarvers. You will also visit a pottery and brick-making village. Return to the town for a discovery tour on foot through Hoi An Ancient Town which has been enlisted as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 1999. You will visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship and the famous Japanese covered bridge.

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MY SON SANCTUARY – A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

My Son, located 69 km southwest of Danang, was an imperial city during the Cham dynasties, between the 4th and 12th centuries. My Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers that connect to each other with complicated red brick designs. The main component of the Cham architectural design is the tower, built to reflect the divinity of the king. On the way back, stop for a short visit to the Sa Huynh Champa Culture Museum in Tra Kieu.

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COOKING CLASS AT RED BRIDGE COOKING SCHOOL

Drive to Hai Scout Café in Hoi An town for a welcome drink. Visit Hoi An’s colourful market and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. Take the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.
Board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is ready.
On arrival, explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours. The Red Bridge chefs first demonstrate each dish before you prepare the same dish yourself. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, you may indulge in your cooking results.

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LIFE AS A FARMER IN TRA QUE VEGETABLE VILLAGE

Nearly 60% of Vietnam’s population engages in farming. In order to get a real insight into the hardship of growing vegetables, spend some hours helping the local farmers with their daily tasks. On the edge of Hoi An Ancient town lays Tra Que vegetable village, known for scented vegetables that spice up local dishes.
Upon arrival, take a tour around the vegetable gardens and join the farmers in preparing and fertilizing the land. Get to know the villagers’ daily working routines, like raking the ground, sowing, watering and picking greens and many more gardening activities.
Your work will be rewarded with a delicious locally prepared meal.

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CYCLING AND FISHING LIFE

Commence the tour with a leisurely bicycle ride along picturesque country roads. You will witness the Vietnamese rural life, offering endless photo opportunities.
Then board the boat for a river cruise down to Cua Dai. Meet and engage with local fishermen and get hands-on experience of traditional round net and cast net fishing.
You will also have the chance to manoeuvre the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats while exploring coconut-palm flanked waterways.

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FISHERMEN AND WATERWAYS OF THE PAST

Visit a local fishing village and learn about the daily lives of local Vietnamese fishermen, their families and communities.
Then board the boat for a river cruise down to Cua Dai. Meet and engage with local fishermen and get hands-on experience of traditional round net and cast net fishing. You will also have the chance to manoeuvre the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats, joining in a basket boat race.
Explore the coconut-palm flanked waterways of the past war and hear recounts of the extreme conditions endured by the servicemen.

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SUNRISE CRUISE

Have an early start and board the boat for a river cruise down to Cua Dai.
At sunrise witness the local fishing boat fleet returning after a hard night of work from the Cua Dai Sea. Observe the daily morning routine of local fishermen, unloading their boats which carry a variety of fish, crabs, shrimp and shellfish. Traditional fishing skills have been passed down from generation to generation and many families in and around Hoi An still make their living with traditional fishery. Watch the fishermen’s wives waiting at the dock to receive the night’s catch and rushing off to offer it fresh for sale at the nearby bustling Hoi An market.
You can join in and help the local fishermen to remove the fish from the nets. You also have the opportunity to learn how to manoeuvre a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat.
Return to the boat for a coffee and a traditional fisherman’s breakfast.

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SUNSET CRUISE

Transfer to the pier and board the boat for a river cruise down to Cua Dai.
Observe the passing parade of the local fishing boat fleet setting sail to the sea and witness the magic of the sun slowly sinking down in the western sky.
Meet and engage with local fishermen and get hands-on experience of traditional round net and cast net fishing. You also have the opportunity to learn how to maneuver a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat.
Return to the boat for a cold beer or a soft drink and a Vietnamese snack.

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