THE sun appears with all its glory when I ascend the world's longest non-stop single track cable car system towards Da Nang's renowned Ba Na Hills.
While on another cable car ride to reach higher altitudes, the day gets light showers that intersperses with bouts of sunshine, giving a feeling of all the four seasons here within a day.
My penultimate stop at Ga Louvre Station leads straight to the sprawling Ba Na Hill Resort. Looking at its eye-catching buildings with European-inspired architecture, it is not difficult to reflect on Vietnam's rich history associated with this amazing place.
Getting its name from the abundance of banana groves, Ba Na Hills was discovered by the French in the late 19th century and its year-long cool climate attracted a steady stream of homesick colonial administrators who yearned to enjoy weather similar to France.
After a brief period of war inflicted desolation, Ba Na Hills rose like a phoenix from the ashes in the late 20th century to claim pole position as a key tourist spot in Da Nang.
CITY WALKS
Back in the city, early lunch comes in the form of a sumptuous chicken rice meal at A Hai restaurant.
Located within the bustling Thai Phien Street area, a brief after-meal walkabout presents an opportunity to peek into shops selling a variety of traditional items like intricately woven bags and flavourful cakes.
The opportunity for local culture experience continues at the Marble Mountains, a complex of five conspicuous outcrops with vast tunnel and cave networks, mineral formations and an impressive temple with towering pagodas.
This place was said to have come into existence from the remnants of a hatched dragon egg.
With the rabbit sign set to gain prominence this Chinese zodiac year, I head off to Son Tra Peninsula in search of furry rodents at the Linh Ung Pagoda complex. Highly valued for its architectural and artistic magnificence, this famous tourist spot is best known for its gigantic Goddess of Mercy statue which watches over the local fishermen.
After searching in vain for more than an hour, two small white objects suddenly come into sight after walking past bonsai trees at the Arhat Garden.
Moving closer to have a better look, my heart skips a beat as the objects turn out to be lawn decorations in the form of cute rabbit statues.
With my search ending in success, I head off to the souvenir shop for a celebratory memento. Minutes later, a rabbit keychain safely in my pocket!
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
I journey back to Golden Bay Hotel for a well-deserved rest. Venturing back into town after a quick nap, the rest of the evening is spent at the Cham Museum.
The evening comes to a fitting end with a boat cruise to view the Dragon Bridge which spews fire and water during weekends.
In the midst of the spectacular visual show, I take time to reflect upon my maiden trip to Vietnam.
Without a doubt, Da Nang appears to be an excellent choice with its wide array of attractions that caters to visitors of all ages.
Right from my comfortable layover at Tune Hotel at KLIA2 and the pleasant AirAsia direct flight, the things seen and wonders experienced after landing at Da Nang International Airport.
Among my favourite places are the captivating night markets, stunning Da Nang Cathedral and endless scenic beaches.
I resolve to return again to Vietnam in the near future and visit its other cities with hopes that they will be just as exciting as Da Nang.
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