In early December 2025, my wife and I boarded a flight to Da Nang, Vietnam, with almost zero preparation. We had no detailed itinerary, no research, and no proper information about the country. We had only one goal—to make the most of our time there and enjoy ourselves.
We booked the trip three days before flying. It was one of those decisions that happened spontaneously, thinking, “let’s just go somewhere.” Vietnam wasn’t even a long-held dream destination for us. It just happened. We had initially planned to visit Thailand, but because the visa process took a long time, we had to find an alternative and do it quickly.
We boarded the flight, and little did we know that what awaited us wasn’t just another trip; it was a series of experiences that shocked us, delighted us, and changed our perspective on travel and life.
First Impressions: A City That Felt Alive
Stepping out of the airport, the first thing that hit me was the blend of energy and peace. Da Nang is Vietnam’s fourth-largest city, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming like some megacities. Instead, it balances a vibrant urban life with wide roads, clean beaches, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
From the moment we arrived, we felt like we had landed in a place that needed no hype. It simply existed, and that was enough. We were super excited for our journey ahead.
The food wasn’t just good. It was unforgettable.
If I had to pick one thing that Da Nang surprised us with the most, it would be the food. Not just the flavors, but the way of eating.
We wanted a trip to relax and have a wonderful time together. Lying on the beach, drinking refreshing beverages, and taking amazing pictures—that was what we thought we would do. But, as soon as we checked into our hotel, we went for lunch. That first taste of Phở and Bánh mì introduced us to what we were about to experience. They came from a small street-side shop with plastic stools that looked like they’d collapse under any real pressure. No fancy menu; just steam rising from massive pots and locals slurping noodles like it was a sacred ritual.
We also tried Mi Quang (turmeric rice noodles in a rich, savory broth with herbs and meat), Bánh Xèo (crispy, savory Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp and pork), and Fresh seafood straight from the beaches, grilled or steamed with lemon grass and lime.
One sip of the broth, and my wife looked at me like, “Why doesn’t food taste like this everywhere?”
Everything tasted fresh, clean, and balanced. Even the simplest dishes had depth. What shocked me most wasn’t just how good the food was — it was how accessible it was—incredible meals for the price of a coffee back home.
The food was so good that we would be full at any time of the day.
Vietnamese coffee is a whole different religion
Vietnamese coffee—just wow!
Let’s just say I thought we “liked” coffee before Vietnam, but Vietnamese coffee redefined what coffee could be. The salt coffee was our favorite. Then, we tried coconut coffee and egg coffee (yes, real egg). I was skeptical about egg coffee at first, but it ended up tasting like a liquid dessert—creamy, rich, and strangely comforting.
The coffee made each cup feel like a mini ceremony. Even now, we still crave that bold, slightly sweet sip each morning.
We drank at least three cups of coffee every day. Sometimes, we also tried Matcha drinks, which were of a whole other level.
The coffee culture really shocked us. There were cafes everywhere. They weren’t the loud, rushed kind. Instead, these were places where people sit, talk, think, work, or do absolutely nothing (except scrolling on their phones). People would drink coffee and matcha every day, even at night.
The language barrier didn’t become as much of a problem as we thought.
We didn’t know a single word of Vietnamese—not even “Hello.” Yet somehow, we never felt lost.
Yes, it wasn’t easy to communicate with the locals. It is sometimes reduced to hand gestures, smiles, and pointing at photos on menus. But something was interesting about that. People were patient, kind, and genuinely helpful.
Shop owners would laugh with us, not at us. Taxi drivers would double-check destinations instead of pretending to understand. And cafe staff would take extra time just to make sure we were comfortable.
It reminded me that human connection doesn’t depend entirely on language and words. Instead, sometimes it just needs warmth and mutual curiosity.
The motorbikes were pure chaos (yet somehow, organized)
Nothing prepares you for Vietnamese traffic. Motorbikes everywhere, flowing like water. Crossing roads was a challenge sometimes. They felt like a psychological test. But, thankfully, we are from Nepal—the situation is much worse here.
So we figured it out eventually. After a few hours on the road, we were casually walking through traffic as if we belonged there.
It was shocking to me how something that looked so chaotic actually worked so smoothly. There was an unspoken rhythm to it—one that made sense once you surrendered control.
The work culture that quietly impressed us
One of the most unexpected surprises was the work culture.
We saw young people everywhere—working in cafes, markets, small shops, and creative spaces. Many restaurants were filled with people working on laptops, designing, editing videos, creating content, or managing online businesses. They had coffee in hand and a focus in their eyes.
They worked hard, without the constant stress we often associate with work. It transformed how I thought about productivity and work—balanced, intentional, and human.
Everything was shockingly cheap.
Vietnam reset entirely our understanding of value. A full meal—noodles, meat, herbs, and soup—often costs less than a cup of coffee back home. We ordered food, ate until we were full, and still double-checked the bill because it felt unreal.
The coffee was so good and shockingly cheap. It was less than $1 on the streets and a little over $2 in fancy cafes. That’s unreal.
Groceries like fresh fruits, vegetables, snacks, and drinks were ridiculously affordable. We’d walk into a local store, grab a bag full of items, and walk out shocked at how little we paid (often less than $10).
Even cafes with beautiful, aesthetically pleasing spaces where people worked for hours charged prices that made us stay longer without guilt.
The best part was that cheap didn’t mean low quality. The food was as good, and the coffee was on a whole other level.
Exploring Da Nang—Beaches, Views, and Hidden Gems
Da Nang surprised us with more than just flavors and vibes. Its landscapes were equally awe-inspiring.
Beaches for Days
Our hotel was near My Khe Beach, which welcomed us with soft white sands and gentle seas that seemed to melt away stress with each wake. Locals jogged, played volleyball, and cooled off in the turquoise water as the sun dipped low over the horizon.
Bà Nà Hills and the Golden Bridge
We took a cable car up to the Bà Nà Hills, high above the city, where cool mountain air and the iconic Golden Bridge (supported by enormous stone hands) felt like something out of a fairytale.
The views were unreal, and the sight of people walking on that golden arc made our spontaneous trip feel like destiny. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t perfect when we reached the hills. It was slightly raining and heavily clouded, yet we still spent a fantastic afternoon there.
Dragon Bridge: Fire and Lights
At night, the famous Dragon Bridge lights up and even breathes fire and water on weekends—a spectacle that made us pause and laugh at how unexpectedly awesome our trip had become.
Marble Mountain and The Lady Buddha
We also visited the famous Marble Mountain and the Lady Buddha statue in two separate days. They gave us insight into ancient culture and artistry, reminding us that this city is steeped in deep history as well as modern charm.
The Trip That Became a Story
We went to Vietnam with no expectations. And maybe that’s why it hit us so hard.
Vietnam shocked us with how affordable, kind, flavorful, and balanced life felt there. It showed us that you don’t need luxury to live well. Instead, you can easily access good food, strong coffee, meaningful work, and human connection if you want.
Sometimes, the best trips aren’t planned. They’re felt.
Vietnam stayed with us long after we boarded the flight back home.