Da Nang Proved Us Wrong (After Bangkok)

After a couple of months in Thailand, Sam and Kita spend 48 hours in Da Nang doing it their own way — no sightseeing, just wandering, eating, and finding good bars. They are struck by the cooler air (26°C compared to Bangkok's 33°C), quieter streets, and noticeably lower prices. Their mid-range hotel with river views, breakfast, pool, and rooftop bar costs £22 a night. Meals run about £1.26 at a vegan restaurant and £8 total for three meals plus two juices. Fresh beer at a local bar is £0.42. They explore Han Market for about 45 minutes — finding it extremely busy but fun — and Sam picks up a jacket for £4.80 and a t-shirt for £2. A pedicure costs £5.70. They dine twice at Loving Vegan, a sit-down restaurant, and watch the Dragon Bridge fire show from their rooftop. The couple compares Da Nang favorably to Bangkok: more walkable, less tourist-saturated, and easier on the budget. They head to Hoi An next for their cheapest accommodation of the trip.