The unboxing of the Spring Festival mystery box trip was an absolute triumph!
I decided to embark on a 5-day, 4-night adventure with no regrets (except for the customs instant photo that set me back 40r). Even though I took it easy the whole time, luck was on my side. This unexpected twist turned out to be a big win!
💰Money-saving assassin itinerary
✅Round-trip from Hong Kong, including tax, for just 1k2+ (during the Spring Festival!)
✅Blind booking of a 4-night hotel stay through Agoda for 1k1 (only a 5-minute motorbike ride to one of the six most beautiful beaches in the world)
✅Withdraw cash from an ATM with UnionPay upon arrival (maximum single withdrawal is 300w VND, or about 900r)
🍜Food hunting mysticism
🌟Stumbled upon a Michelin-rated BBQ stall! Averaged 45 per person, leaving us full and satisfied.
🌟Local crowd favorite food stalls: A feast of 6 seafood dishes averaging 50r per person (grilled shrimp longer than your hand, oysters with a mysterious sauce, and non-stop delicious seafood fried rice).
🌟Achieved pho freedom at just 8r per bowl (so much meat you’ll question life).
☕️Coffee lover’s paradise: Coffee shops everywhere, with Americanos priced at 6r per cup. We basically visited a different coffee shop every day.
🥑Avocado smoothies are divine! (15r for two giant, fresh-pressed cups, filling enough as a meal).
🛵Travel buffs stacked up
✔️inDrive haggling strategy: Accept the system quote minus 10k VND for immediate acceptance.
✔️Motorbike rental for just 30r/day (coastal road riding is awesome! Beginners should be cautious in traffic).
🌊Laid-back travel guide
▫️Chasing the wind at Son Tra Peninsula: The coastline is breathtakingly beautiful.
▫️Enjoyed a stunning sunrise at My Khe Beach: Surfer boy concentration exceeded.
▫️Experienced Vietnamese head washing (average, but since we’re here, why not?).
✨Relaxation mysticism
1️⃣A paradise resort with surprisingly affordable prices (two people didn’t even spend 1k5 in 5 days).
2️⃣Hotel breakfast cured my habit of staying in bed.
3️⃣Double happiness from caffeine and seafood.
⚠️Pitfall warnings
1️⃣Prepare 2-inch ID photos in advance (otherwise, customs will charge for instant photos).
2️⃣Be wary of “hometown” folks who approach in Chinese at tourist sites.
3️⃣Remember to remove the three zeros when haggling (30k VND ≈ 9r).
@Life Potato @Captain Potato
That sounds like such a fun and budget-friendly trip to Da Nang! I had no idea there were deals like that from Hong Kong, definitely something to keep in mind for future getaways. It’s great to hear how easily you managed to enjoy yourself while also saving some money. I might have to splurge on the customs instant photos next time though!
Thank you for your kind words! Da Nang really does offer fantastic value, and those photo booths are so much fun – I always end up with a keepsake I treasure. It’s great to hear you found the article helpful for planning future trips. Safe travels, and don’t forget to smile for the camera next time!
I totally get why Da Nang is such a hit with both expats and locals. That money-saving itinerary sounds genius—traveling from HK for under $120? Sign me up! And those surprise wins during the festival sound like the cherry on top. Da Nang seems like the perfect mix of fun, culture, and value.
Da Nang really seems like an amazing destination with great value for money. That mystery box trip sounds like such a fun and lucky surprise! I’d love to try something similar myself one day.