It rained the last three days in Danang. With rain came high humidity and lots of fog. The fog finally lifted this morning. I used this small window of clear air to rush halfway up the Monkey Mountain. I wanted to see the Linh Ung Pagoda — a Buddhist temple sanctuary on the absolutely stunning Son Tra Peninsula.
Monkeys were playing between in trees while groups of visitors strolled around the extensive site and marveled at the ornate devotional art and buildings.
Inside the Pagoda
I am blown away by all of it. Sad that there is so little to find about this on the English Wikipedia and even on-site there was not a lot to read in English. An exhausting but insightful day on the mountain nonetheless.
I now understand what they mean when they say that the tourist path through Vietnam is well established. Almost a little too much. The upside is that all western amenities and comforts are readily available.
Danang especially in My An can be a bit much for me on some streets but other streets are blissfully relaxed and quiet still.
The My Quang right outside my door is delicious, the coffee as abundant as ever and the water of the East Sea refreshingly cold. The humidity of a constant >80% is something I need to get used to.
It was already dark when I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. First impression: Coffee. Coffee everywhere anytime. Doesn’t matter if it is in the middle of the night or early morning.
Also, the food is pretty good here (understatement). Next morning Breakfast Banh Mi. I always get a tactical one for the road as well.
After only two short nights in Sydney I am heading out to Vietnam where I will probably stay for a longer time. I again found a very reasonably priced flight and on Sunday 16th of February I left the Southern Hemisphere. I can see myself visiting Australia again in the future but for now I want to explore SEA.
Taking me over Australia and Indonesia to the south of Vietnam
Lady Buddha, 67m
Inside the Pagoda
The second Pagoda, Reclining Buddha
White Coffee in Cafe Phoung, 45000 VND
Another view of the dragon bridge
Small temple in Da Nang
blended coconut ice with pour-on coffee shot, water
Jetstar flight from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City
Taking me over Australia and Indonesia to the south of Vietnam