Central Vietnamese city Đà Nẵng will welcome the crew with a festival atmosphere for the first time in the race’s history Coastal city Đà Nẵng is known for its 60km-long sandy white beach and resorts, the imposing Truong Son Mountains and its impressive fire-breathing Dragon Bridge.
Watching water and fire spout from the illuminated Dragon Bridge during a pyrotechnic show at the weekend is a hobby of the locals and visitors. A traditional symbol of Asian prosperity, the dragon also symbolises Đà Nẵng’s growth and development as an important Vietnamese centre for culture, business and education. Landscapes like Hai Van Pass, Đà Nẵng Bay and Son Tra Peninsula can be explored on day trips, or by motorbike.
Đà Nẵng is also a gateway to various world heritage sites including the walled fortress and palace and the former imperial capital of Vietnam, the Hue Citadel, Hoi An old town and My Son sanctuary, a collection of partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and the 14th century.
Vietnamese cuisine is characterised by dishes made from rice and flavoured with plenty of raw herbs and spices. Đà Nẵng specialities include Quang Noodles, pork rolled in rice paper, fish cake noodles, pancake, coconut juice and Vietnamese milk coffee. Visit traditional markets like Con Market, Han Market or Phuoc My Market for an authentic Vietnamese street food experience.
Visitors wanting to get immersed in local life should also visit the various bars and cafes around the Han River for a sugar cane beverage or local beer.
