1. Friday, August 26, 2011 S21
SPECIAL REPORT: DESTINATIONS
D
iscerning travellers
seeking a new vacation
hot spot – with tranquil
beaches, natural beauty
and luxury resorts –
should look no further than Da
Nang in Vietnam.
Located on the nation’s central
coast, Da Nang was the former
capital of an ancient Champa
civilisation and a key United States
military base during the Vietnam
war. For years, however, provincial
Da Nang was outshone by neigh-
bouring Hoi An, a Unesco World
Heritage Site. But it’s Da Nang’s time
to shine again. The central coast is
emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s
great beach destinations with a
20km stretch known as China Beach
extending from Da Nang to Hoi An.
These mountain-backed, sandy
white beaches were undeveloped for
years, but that’s all changing with a
cluster of international resorts
opening, or being constructed
along the South China Sea shores.
Each offers superb facilities,
extensive water sports, private
beaches and peace. Among the 5-
star resorts that opened last year
were the region’s first all-pool, villa-
style resort, Fusion Maia; Da Nang’s
largest beach resort Silver Shores,
with 535 luxurious rooms; and the
soon-to-be rebranded Crowne Plaza
Danang, which boasts an outdoor
entertainment centre and 24-hour
serviced Games Club. More to follow
this year include the Hyatt Regency
Danang, with 200 rooms and
residential
complex.
Away from China Beach, on the
forested Son Tra Peninsula,
Intercontinental Danang promises
to offer a new level of Vietnam’s
luxury resort experience.
Until then, The Nam Hai still
rules as Vietnam’s most opulent
resort. Lavishly appointed one-
bedroom and multiple-room pool
villas boast private gardens and Zen-
like serenity. Even historic Hoi An
increasingly caters to a more
sophisticated traveller.
Swanky new venues opening
include the hip Q Bar, bringing its
iconic lounge-bar formula to these
ancient streets, while several trendy
riverside restaurants double as
chill-out bars.
Vietnam central coast’s first all-pool, villa-style resort, Fusion Maia Resort, is at the forefront of Da Nang’s flourishing luxury hotel scene.
Peace and luxury Da Nang is the
place to go to,
writes Samantha
Coomber
VIETNAM
Da Nang’s Cham Museum