Almost a month after my first solo international trip (not work-related), hooray because I can now post the picture after adulting strikes. It may sound cliche but a week of getting out of your usual routine awakens something in you and you either realize what makes you happy or simply just remember what used to make you happy.
Admittedly, I was initially hesitant to push through because of some"financial challenges" but I remembered how I thought it was a blessing that I should also grab.
When #GoRewards prompted me for flight deals, I was excited to check if Da Nang, Vietnam was included in the destinations redeemable with points. So when it was not included on the home page of the #CebuPacific app, I explored more and was more than happy that I could redeem flights via minimal points. Nice di ba? Pero siyempre hindi pa dun nagtatapos yun, dahel limited budget, I checked first if I could get a good accommodation ng di butas ang bulsa. As if it's meant for me nga, I found an #Airbnb na pasok sa budget, as in more than half the cost of our Baguio accommodation san ka pa?! So dun ako napasabi, Lord gusto mo to for me, no?!
Dahel aliw na aliw ako sa travel na ito, and I am proud of my first solo international travel, let me share some deets, Okay?!
So here's the deal I got from Cebu Pacific. Salamat sa GoRewards! Hahaha! Promise kaya halos sa Rob Magnolia na tambayan namen ni Pia eh para sa rewards. Charet.
And here's the usual airfare going to Da Nang. If based on Google monitoring, Php 13,500-Php18,000 is considered low fare, and anything below Php 13,500 is a deal. So isang pat on the back naman diyan . Haha!
Tapos, for less than Php 5,000, I got to book an 8 days/7-night stay in the Pink room of Pina and the room was super sulit for its price. Air-conditioned room with a King-sized bed, spacious T&B, mini-ref, TV, study table, a large cabinet with hangers and hooks, electric kettle, and may free 2 bottled water daily. Although the room rates fluctuate depending on the season, I took it as a sign that God wanted me to experience something new kaya opportunity aligned itself to me.
What's great pa, there are shared amenities sa ground floor where you can borrow dining stuff and use the microwave. So kung cheapid traveler talaga ang balak, you can bring your food without worries. The place is very much sulit without compromising comfort and amenities.
And by the way, Pina Home is about 6-8 minute walk from My Khe Beach plus there are lots of restaurants within the vicinity with marts, ATM, pharmacies, and laundry near the area.
Bonus, for staying at this home, the free access to the rooftop kung saan pwede mag muni-muni o makipag kwentuhan kung sociable ka.
Okay, now for the itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival at Da Nang
My flight was 7:30 PM and since three hours ang byahe, I arrived at Da Nang ng 9:30PM (10:30PM, PH time). Oia picked me up from the airport. He is a local who drove for me and was my pseudo-tour guide during my stay. Dung, the Airbnb host, referred him.
Day 2: Chill Schedule
My first official tour day started with a visit to the Pink Church, then having coffee at Cafe Cua Ngo, lunch at Bai Duong, a quick change of clothes at Pina, exploring Marble Mountains, and walking around the Love Bridge.
Day 3: Ba Na Hills
One Whole Day dedicated to enjoying Ba Na Hills
Day 4: Rest Day at the Beach
After a long enjoyable tour of Ba Na Hills, I had a chill day at My Khe Beach and around An Thuong area.
Day 5: Adrenaline Rush
This day together with the Ba Na Hills Day was coordinated through Oai. So my day 5 in Vietnam was spent in Ling Ung Pagoda, Cafe Marina, paragliding, and the Dragon Bridge show. I went to Da Nang to experience paragliding because my son didn't want to go paragliding with me in the Philippines.
Day 6: Walking Tour
This day together with the Ba Na Hills Day was coordinated through Oai. So my day 5 in Vietnam was spent in Ling Ung Pagoda, Cafe Marina, paragliding, and the Dragon Bridge show. I went to Da Nang to experience paragliding because my son didn't want to go paragliding with me in the Philippines.
Day 7: Feeling Like a Local Day
As this was my supposed last day before heading back to the Philippines, I allotted it for some rest (which was very needed because My Son and Hoi An require a lot of walking) and to do some last day of scouting An Thuong and making tambay as if I am a local. So it was a "just eat" kind of day.
Day 8: Leaving Da Nang
I honestly felt at home during my stay in Da Nang. I have been mistakenly identified as a local quite a few times (not surprising though) and I am sure I will return here again with my children next time!
If you're interested in visiting Da Nang, let me know!
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