After exploring the area around Bac Cuong Hotel as well as the beach, we decided to head to the city area to explore. Perhaps due to the light lunch we had earlier, we were already hungry in 2 hours time. So we dropped by the restaurant beside our hotel and ordered our second lunch. It was surprising tasty considering that it was just a random restaurant we picked. The fried noodles were very springy and the texture was just perfect. As for the beef pho, the broth was thick and well flavoured but we felt that the amount of meat they gave was a bit to stingy. Great lunch, but we were occasionally irked by the flies who came to join the party,
Beef Pho
Fried noodles with beef
After we have filled our stomach, we took a cab to the Cho Han, or Han Market, one of the largest market in Danang. We were greeted by the smell of dried seasonal food as well as spices when we entered the market. There were 2 levels in the market. Kind of like Tekka Market in Little India back home. The first floor sell products such as dried food, and various items that you would expect in a wet market. When we went up to the second level, we found ourselves enveloped in a myriad of colours. There were scarfs, traditional dresses, shoes in every colour you can think of. We got ourselves some comfortable pants and we were able to bargain for a good price.
Han Market
We left the market and strolled along the Han River which separates the east and west Danang. There were a number of bridges connecting the two riverbanks. One of which was the famous Dragon Bridge. This bridge, build in the shape of a dragon, will showcase some seriously badass fire breathing on weekend nights at 9pm.
The tail of the Dragon Bridge
We took a breather at one of the cafes recommended by our fellow travellers. This cafe is called Cong Caphe, which serves coffee, tea and alcohol too. Unfortunately, they do not have a wide variety of food. We ordered this Dracontomelon Fruit Drink and a hot chocolate. The Dracontomelon is a type of uncommon fruit that is found these areas. It has a sour taste (kinda like plum) which makes this drink all the more refreshing. I also heard that the Vietnamese used this fruit to make soup too.
Dracontomelon Fruit Drink
Hot Chocolate
As it was a weekend there were many people and activities along the river.
We walked along the Dragon Bridge to catch the fire breathing show later that night.
Our dinner, Banh Xeo, a savoury fried pancake stuffed with silvers of fatty pork, shrimps and bean sprouts.
Look at the crowd gathering near the Dragon head as it approaches 9pm.
Roar! The Dragon came to life and started to breathe out balls of fire followed by dousing the spectators with water. That spectacular show was a great way to end our first day at Danang and we cant wait to have for fun in the coming days!
