CategoriesLifestyle By admin

Why is Dragon Bridge the Most Iconic Landmark in Da Nang?

As a transportation structure connecting the two banks of the Han River, Dragon Bridge impresses visitors with its striking Asian dragon design and unique ability to breathe fire and spray water. Dragon Bridge is not just a symbol of the city but also attracts millions of tourists each year.

1. The Dragon Bridge and Its Historical Significance

Construction of the bridge began on July 19, 2009, and it was inaugurated on March 29, 2013, coinciding with the 38th anniversary of Da Nang’s liberation. Stretching 666 meters in length, the Asian dragon design concept was chosen not only because it’s an important symbol in Vietnamese culture but also because it represents the strength and prosperity of Da Nang City. This is also the longest dragon bridge in the world, leaving visitors in awe when they see it. If you’re planning a trip to Da Nang, don’t forget to visit this remarkable landmark.

Dragon Bridge

2. Experience the Dragon Bridge Fire and Water Show

What makes Dragon Bridge stand out from other bridges is its ability to breathe fire and spray water from the dragon’s mouth. This is the only bridge in Vietnam and one of the few in the world with this feature.

Every Saturday and Sunday night at 9:00 PM, as well as during major holidays, visitors can witness a spectacular 15-minute fire and water show from the dragon’s mouth. This one-of-a-kind experience draws thousands of spectators, making it one of Da Nang’s top tourist attractions.

3. Best Photo Spots

Dragon Bridge is one of the most famous photography locations in Da Nang. Here are some excellent angles that tourists shouldn’t miss:

  • From the grassy banks of the Han River: This angle allows you to capture the entire bridge with the complete curving dragon shape.
  • From Love Bridge: This position helps you photograph Dragon Bridge with the backdrop of the Han River and Da Nang city at night.
  • From high-rise restaurants and cafes along the river: Many restaurants and cafes offer beautiful views of Dragon Bridge, especially those located on upper floors of buildings near the Han River.
  • From tourist boats on the Han River: Experiencing and photographing Dragon Bridge from the water provides a unique and impressive perspective.

4. Must-Try Activities

Besides sightseeing and taking photos, visitors can participate in many interesting activities around the Dragon Bridge area:

  • Walking along the Han River: The beautifully designed walkways on both sides are perfect for a relaxing evening.
  • Taking a boat tour on the Han River: Viewing Dragon Bridge from the water is spectacular, especially in the evening when the bridge is brilliantly illuminated.
  • Enjoying local cuisine: The area around the bridge has many restaurants and eateries serving Da Nang and Central Vietnam specialties.
  • Participating in cultural events: The area near Dragon Bridge frequently hosts cultural and artistic events, especially during holidays and festivals.

5. Nearby Attractions

Dragon Bridge is located in the city center, making it convenient to connect with many other famous tourist destinations in Da Nang:

  • Cham Museum of Sculpture: About 2km from Dragon Bridge, this museum preserves valuable artifacts from the Champa culture.
  • Love Bridge: Approximately 500 meters from Dragon Bridge, it’s a romantic spot to view the Han River.
  • Han Market: Da Nang’s largest traditional market where you can shop for specialties and souvenirs, only about 500m from the bridge.
  • Asia Park – Sun World Da Nang Wonders: A modern amusement park with many exciting rides, about 3km from Dragon Bridge.
  • My Khe Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, approximately 4km from Dragon Bridge.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Dragon Bridge.

Does Dragon Bridge breathe fire every day?

No, Dragon Bridge only breathes fire and sprays water on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays at 9:00 PM. This schedule allows both locals and tourists to plan their visit accordingly. To secure the best viewing spot, it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes early, as the bridge area tends to get crowded before the performance starts.

Is there an entrance fee?

The best time to visit Dragon Bridge is in the evening, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. During this time, the bridge is illuminated with colorful

No, visiting Dragon Bridge is completely free. You can enjoy the stunning architecture, LED lights, and the fire show without any charge. However, if you want to enhance your experience, you might consider booking a Han River cruise or dining at a nearby rooftop restaurant for a premium view.

When is the best time to visit Dragon Bridge?

The best time to visit Dragon Bridge is in the evening, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. During this time, the bridge is illuminated with colorful LED lights, creating a spectacular view. If you visit on a weekend or a public holiday, you can also witness the impressive fire and water show at 9:00 PM. For a more immersive experience, consider taking a walk along the Han River or enjoying a boat tour to admire the bridge from different angles.

Dragon Bridge is not just an architectural masterpiece but also the soul of Da Nang tourism. With its unique beauty, impressive performances, and convenient location, Dragon Bridge will certainly leave an unforgettable impression on visitors. If you’re looking for a highlight destination during your Da Nang trip, add Dragon Bridge to your list today!

CategoriesLifestyle By admin

Vietnam’s Most Common Seeds & Nuts For New Year

During Tet, every family in Vietnam prepares a special tray of snack to offer guests, containing a variety candies, biscuits, jam, fruits; and roasted nuts are essential components of the tray. Vietnamese people eat roasted nuts with the main purpose to create a cheerful and friendly environment in which the hosts and the guests enjoy nuts together.

Unlike the already de-shelled seeds found in bulk store, cooked seeds are kept intact in Vietnam and sometimes trying to separate the edible part from the hull can be both an art and a time-consuming activity. Who would want to rush in Tet anyway? A cup of tea would be even more perfect and the discussion can last forever, just plainly with tea and nuts. In addition, each type of nut has its own nutrition considered to be good for health and the diverse flavor that can only feel by tasting them all. Below are top 5 most common roasted nuts and seeds in Vietnam during Tet.

Hạt dưa (Watermelon seeds)

If you have enjoyed watermelon, you should have seen numbers of black seeds inside the fruit. Those are actually hạt dưa we are discussing about. However, only the biggest nuts will be chosen to be dried under the heat and then be roasted in big pans to have the final product. There are 2 type of hạt dưa: red and black depending on the natural pigment used to color them.

Hạt dưa is a clean and healthy nut with a lot of nutrition such as protein, glucid, lipid; vitamins B1, B2, E; calcium, iron, zinc, etc. Especially, protid inside hạt dưa is an essential component for nervous system and the growing of muscles, blood and bones. Eating a handful of hạt dưa everyday may enhance memory and protect from coronary heart diseases.

Hạt bí (Pumpkin seeds)

Selecting from the biggest seeds of ripe pumpkin, hạt bí is among the most favorable nuts during Tet since it is easier to open than hạt dưa. The process of cooking hạt bí is exactly the same with hạt dưa, however, there is not any pigment to color the nuts.

Both traditional and modern medicine proved that hạt bí containing many substances which benefits human health such as protid, lipid, glucid, calcium, magnesium, fiber and L-tryptophan. This nut is now being remedy for diseases like kidney disease, intestinal disease and coronary heart disease.

Hạt hướng dương (Sunflower seeds)

The name of this nut indicated its origin quite clearly that is collected after sunflowers fully grown. After being dried and roasted under adequate heart and sometime added with additional flavor like salt and licorice, delicious hướng dương is ready to be enjoyed. This nut is the favorite snack of children and youngsters in Vietnam that it is eaten in the whole year, especially with ice-tea or lemon tea, not only during Tet. Besides possessing similar amount of nutrition like other nuts mentioned above, hạt hướng dương can also be used to slow the aging process of human, accelerate cell generation process and enhance memory.

Hạt điều (Cashew nuts)

Hạt điều has its origin from Northern China and Mongolia is among the most luxury type of roasted nuts because its trees can only produce fruits one time per 4-5 years. Hạt điều is usually roasted with salt for better preservation as well as improve its taste. In Vietnam, the food is regarded as a symbol of luck.

Hạt điều contains many healthy substances like vitamin B1, B2, B3, calcium, protein, phosphorous and cholesterol-free. Monounsaturated in Hạt Điều may reduce the risk of having cancer; and an ideal choice for people who are on diet due to a huge amount of fiber.

Hạt dẻ cười (Pistachio)

Pistachio is originated from Persia (Iran) is the most luxury and expensive type of roasted nuts available in Vietnam. Due to similar shape and the way to eat with chestnut, pistachio is called hạt dẻ cười (Chesnut is “hạt dẻ” in Vietnamese). The nuts is especially match with a cup of tea or snack for beers and wine since alcohol is the most common drink in Vietnam during Tet.

With its rich amount of nutrition, pistachio may reduce the oxidation process and stress; good for digestive system as it contains the highest level of fiber in all types of nuts. Heart diseases is also believed to be demolished by eating pistachio frequently.

CategoriesAgency Cleaner Office Cleaning By admin

5 Things You Should Know About Visiting Vietnam During Tet

Tet is coming, soon. We say that every year when November hits. Even though the Lunar Calendar varies from year to year, Tet often falls somewhere between mid January and mid February – which means that it is coming in no time. And just as Walmart starts being loaded with Christmas decorating items and gifts as early as late October (well, Halloween has not even passed yet), elsewhere in the world, Tet is already in the conversation of Vietnamese people 2-3 months ahead of the real date. Some remind that the year is almost over, others are expecting a new one will better weather and economic condition.

As a traveler, you might not need to get all the Vietnamese’ excitement and emotions, though there are certain things that you probably should know about. At least you should have an idea whether your upcoming holiday in Vietnam will coincide with this grandest event of the year. Vietnam Online creates this guide as a special early gift for those visiting Vietnam during the New year, in the hope that upon leaving, many will say “I am glad…”. If you have anything to ask or to add to the list, share with us: editors@vietnamonline.com.

Transportation

This is one big concern that seems to occur to most holiday travellers. Without doubt, it is quite difficult to plan your trip when air, trains and coach are mostly fully booked. Tet holiday is when domestic travel volume rockets, especially South-North route before Tet and North-South after Tet. This is because during the year many Northern people migrate to Southern provinces where gather many industrial park and businesses. Tet, just like Thanksgiving, is a time for family reunion and consequently, air and trains connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are sold out well in advance.

In January 2021, Vietnam Airlines will add hundreds of flights to serve increasing traffic during Tet – which is a relief for many. However, we strongly recommend that you book your air tickets as early in advance as possible. Expect some price hike on international routes, just like Christmas time, because many overseas Vietnamese return to the country to celebrate Tet. On domestic routes, price will not change much but tickets are hard to get, especially on Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City and vice versa. The same rules for train tickets reservation: beware of popular route such as Hanoi – Sapa, Hanoi – Danang, Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang and vice versa. Some will see up to 30% fare increase while most agents will turn down your request for tickets if you traveling date is too closed.

Accommodation

Unlike popular myths, hotels and hostels in Vietnam during Tet are abundant – there is no need to worry about overbooked hotel rooms. Tet holiday is a not a leisure travelling time for most domestic so you will have many choices with regard to accommodation. Some hotels will have special nights or New Year celebration so check with them in advance to be part of the fun.

Note, however, that most accommodation service will raise the price if you stay during Tet holiday attributing it the “hot season” occasion. Check before you book!

Sightseeing

The bad news: many museums, mausoleums, indoors exhibition place and art houses will be closed for at least 4 days.

The good news: beach will be empty, cities will be vacant (on the actual date of Tet) – overall a great time for those who enjoy the tranquility.

You can turn both of these news to your advantage, however, by planning your itinerary accordingly: visit the museums and such just before or after Tet, and during Tet, relax yourself or with your loved ones in a walk around Hanoi Old Quarter or sunbathing in Mui Ne beach.

Food

To many’s dismay, most restaurants will be closed during Tet, be it local or foreign-owned. Most will be open until late last day of old Lunar year and reopened in the 4th or 5th date of lunar January. Wet markets will still run though vendors are scanty. Thus Tet may not be the best time for culinary tour fans. But Tet is like no other events in the year – there is a great variety of Vietnamese food that is not available elsewhere or else-when such as Banh Chung, Boiled Chicken, Pickled Onions. If you are invited to a Vietnamese family, that would be the ideal case. Otherwise, a visit to Cho Tet – special wet markets selling New Year stuffs, will surely be an amazing experience, whether you are in a big city or rural mountain province. Get your camera ready!

Shopping

Like restaurants, many shops will be closed for the first few days of the lunar new year. Some market will still be open, with much fewer vendors than you normally see, even in major trading points like Dong Xuan market or Ben Thanh. To your surprise, many products will be sold at a very reasonable price because most sellers want to start a smooth sales year. Try not to haggle or if you do, do so politely or else it will be considered to bring about bad luck for the whole new year.