Da Nang: Vietnam's Coastal Gem

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tam byet]
• YesCó
  [koh]
• NoKhông
  [kohng]
• Please/You're welcomeXin vui lòng
  [sin vooi long]
• Thank youCảm ơn
  [kam uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [buhn kweh kohng]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [kweh. kohng buhn]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [buhn koh noy tyeng ahng kohng]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hyeu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem menu, xin vui lòng
  [toy muhn sem menu, sin vooi long]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng an tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chuhk sook kweh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, xin vui lòng
  [toy muhn thanh toan, sin vooi long]

• Help!Giúp!
  [yoop]
• Go away!Đi đi!
  [dee dee]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy kahng saht]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy lahk doong]
• I'm illTôi ốm
  [toy ohm]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy muhn mooa...]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem thôi
  [toy chee sem thoy]
• How much is it?Bao nhiêu tiền?
  [bahow nyeu tyen]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [daht kwah]
• Can you lower the price?Bạn có thể giảm giá không?
  [buhn koh thee ziam zah kohng]

• What time is it?Bây giờ mấy giờ?
  [bahy zoh may zoh]
• It's one o'clockMột giờ rồi
  [moot zoh roy]
• Half past (10)Mười giờ nửa
  [mooee zoh noo-a]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwowee sahng]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwowee chee-oo]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwowee toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hohm kwah]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hohm nigh]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [nyai my]
• 1Một
  [moot]
• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [bohn]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bahy]
• 8Tám
  [tahm]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [mooee]

• Where's a/the...?Chỗ...ở đâu?
  [cho...uh doh]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dia chee la zee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [buhn koh thee chee cho toy (trern ban doh) kohng]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào có chuyến xe buýt tiếp theo?
  [khee now koh chuyen se bwit tyep theo]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đi ...)
  [moot veh (dee ...)]

Da Nang's history stretches back to the ancient Champa Kingdom, which flourished between the 2nd and 15th centuries. The Cham people, known for their maritime prowess and Hindu-Buddhist culture, established My Son Sanctuary, a complex of Hindu temples, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site located near Da Nang.

In the early 14th century, the Nguyen lords began to take control over the Central Vietnam region, including Da Nang. This period saw the integration of Da Nang into the greater Vietnamese cultural and political sphere, influencing the city’s development and architecture.

Da Nang became a significant port under French colonial rule in the mid-19th century. Known then as Tourane, the city was a crucial hub for trade and military operations. The French influence is evident in various colonial buildings that still stand today.

During World War II, Da Nang was occupied by Japanese forces from 1940 until 1945. The city played a strategic role due to its port facilities and airfields, which were vital for military logistics in the region.

Following World War II, Da Nang became a battleground during the First Indochina War between the Viet Minh and French forces. The city’s strategic importance made it a focal point for both sides, leading to significant military engagements.

Da Nang was a major base for American and South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. The Battle of Da Nang in 1965 marked one of the first major engagements of the war, and the city continued to be a strategic military base throughout the conflict.

After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, Da Nang underwent extensive reconstruction and redevelopment. The city's infrastructure was rebuilt, and efforts were made to restore cultural and historical sites damaged during the war.

In recent decades, Da Nang has emerged as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic cities. With significant investments in infrastructure, tourism, and technology, Da Nang has transformed into a modern urban center while still preserving its rich historical heritage.

Da Nang is serviced by Da Nang International Airport (DAD), which is located just a few kilometers from the city center. The airport has regular flights from major cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as international flights from destinations like Singapore, Bangkok, and Seoul. Alternatively, Da Nang can be reached by train from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with the train station located conveniently in the city. Buses also operate from various parts of Vietnam, connecting Da Nang to other major cities.

Within Da Nang, transportation options include taxis, motorbike taxis (xe om), and ride-hailing services like Grab. The city also has a public bus system that connects most parts of Da Nang, though it can be challenging for non-Vietnamese speakers to navigate. Renting a motorbike is a popular option for tourists, offering more freedom to explore. Bicycles can also be rented for a leisurely way to see the city. For short distances, walking is a viable option as many attractions are conveniently located.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions and at local markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Da Nang, and currency exchange services can be found at the airport and in the city center. It's a good idea to have some small denominations for convenience.

Da Nang is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid leaving belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Areas along the Han River and the beach are generally safe, but be aware of your surroundings at night. Some neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city may have higher crime rates, so it's best to stick to well-known areas.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for medical emergencies. Da Nang has several hospitals and clinics that offer medical assistance, including Da Nang Hospital and Family Medical Practice. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak basic English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering temples and pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. Avoid touching someone's head as it is considered disrespectful. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food and accept food offerings graciously. Don't leave chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl of rice as it resembles incense sticks used in funerals.

To experience Da Nang like a local, visit the Han Market and Con Market for fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals, who are usually friendly and willing to share their culture. Don't miss the Dragon Bridge's weekend fire and water show. For a unique experience, visit the Marble Mountains and explore the caves and pagodas. Enjoy a sunrise at My Khe Beach and indulge in local cuisine at street food stalls.