Capturing a rainbow on Bana Hills, Danang
Sometimes, the best holidays are not about ticking off famous landmarks—they’re about the people you share them with and the memories you create together. This year’s birthday trip to Da Nang, Vietnam was exactly that: a wonderful combination of breathtaking scenery, exciting adventures, delicious food, and quality family time.
From walking across the iconic Golden Bridge to snorkelling in the clear waters of Cham Island, every day brought a new experience that made this birthday one to remember.
Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills
Our adventure began at the famous Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) at Ba Na Hills. Despite being one of Vietnam’s most photographed attractions, seeing the giant stone hands supporting the bridge in person was still an incredible sight.
The cool mountain air provided a refreshing break from Da Nang’s tropical heat, and the surrounding gardens, cable car rides, and European-inspired village made it easy to spend an entire day exploring.
The Magical Lanterns of Hoi An
No trip to central Vietnam is complete without visiting Hoi An Ancient Town.
As evening fell, we released lanterns onto the river while making wishes. Watching hundreds of colourful lanterns gently float downstream created a peaceful atmosphere that photographs simply cannot fully capture.
The narrow streets, historic buildings, cafés, and local shops make Hoi An one of the most charming places I’ve visited in Southeast Asia.
Coconut Basket Boat Adventure
One of the most entertaining experiences was riding the famous coconut basket boats.
Our boatman enthusiastically spun the round boat several times, leaving everyone laughing (and trying not to lose their balance). It’s touristy, but definitely one of those uniquely Vietnamese experiences worth trying at least once.
Snorkelling at Cham Island
One of the highlights of the trip was snorkelling around Cham Island.
The water was wonderfully clear, and although the coral reefs aren’t the largest I’ve seen, there was still plenty of colourful marine life to enjoy. Sometimes it’s refreshing to simply float in warm tropical waters and appreciate nature at a slower pace.
A 15-Year-Old Camera That Still Delivers
One thing that surprised me during this trip was just how well my old Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3 performed.
The waterproof camera was released back in 2011 and is more than 15 years old, yet it is still in excellent working condition. With a single dedicated button to start recording underwater, it was incredibly simple to use while snorkelling. There’s no fumbling with touchscreens or worrying whether the camera has started recording.
I’ve tried using smartphones inside waterproof pouches before, and honestly, I haven’t found the experience very satisfying. Touchscreens often become difficult to use once they’re sealed inside a waterproof case, and capturing spontaneous underwater moments can be frustrating.
Rediscovering this little Panasonic camera felt like unearthing a hidden treasure tucked away at home. Sometimes older gadgets continue to do exactly what they were designed for, and they do it remarkably well.
Many of the underwater and waterpark scenes in my video were filmed using this trusty little camera—a reminder that you don’t always need the latest technology to capture meaningful memories.
Fresh Seafood Every Evening
Da Nang certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to food.
Every seafood dinner featured an impressive variety of fresh prawns, crabs, shellfish, fish, and local Vietnamese dishes. The seafood was fresh, flavourful, and surprisingly affordable compared to many other destinations.
If you enjoy seafood, Da Nang is definitely worth visiting.
Relaxing Vietnamese Massage
After long days of sightseeing, a relaxing Vietnamese massage was the perfect way to recharge.
Whether you’ve spent the day walking around Marble Mountain or exploring Ba Na Hills, your legs will certainly appreciate the break.
Marble Mountain
Marble Mountain offered a completely different side of Da Nang.
Exploring the caves, Buddhist temples, and panoramic viewpoints was both peaceful and fascinating. The climb involves quite a few steps, but the scenery along the way makes the effort worthwhile.
Mikazuki Water Park
No holiday is complete without a little fun.
We spent time at Mikazuki Water Park, enjoying the slides, wave pools, and relaxing facilities. It was a great way to unwind and brought out everyone’s inner child.
Celebrating Another Birthday
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was celebrating my birthday over a lovely dinner.
Birthdays become less about presents as we get older and more about appreciating the people around us. Sharing a meal, laughing together, and simply enjoying each other’s company made this celebration especially meaningful.
Grateful for Family
One of the greatest blessings from this trip wasn’t a place or an activity—it was the opportunity to travel with my family.
Although my marriage ended in divorce, I’m thankful that we have remained on good terms and continue to put family first. Life doesn’t always unfold the way we imagine, but relationships can evolve with mutual respect and understanding.
Being able to celebrate my birthday together and create new memories reminded me that families can take different forms, and meaningful connections don’t always disappear simply because circumstances change.
For that, I feel genuinely grateful.
Final Thoughts
Da Nang offers an excellent mix of nature, culture, adventure, relaxation, and fantastic food. Whether you’re admiring the spectacular Golden Bridge, floating lanterns in Hoi An, snorkelling around Cham Island, or simply enjoying fresh seafood by the beach, there’s something here for every traveller.
This birthday trip wasn’t just about visiting beautiful places—it was about making memories with people who matter most.
Sometimes the best souvenirs aren’t the things we buy, but the experiences we share.
🎥 Watch the full travel vlog below!
I’ve attached my complete YouTube video at the bottom of this post, featuring highlights from our journey—including underwater snorkelling footage filmed with my trusty 15-year-old Panasonic underwater camera. I hope it gives you a glimpse of just how memorable this Da Nang adventure was. Happy watching!
