My main focus for March was the Marathon and yet I still managed to fit in a lot of other fun things—Da Nang a more happening spot than I realised!
Pool
Managed to have some leisurely fun in both definitions of the term
Billiards
They are mad about billiards in Vietnam, with loads of halls dedicated to it. Luke, whom I met in Thailand and Cambodia was in Da Nang when I arrived, so we met up for a few games. Won 3 in a row against him… just sayin’.
Luke and The Champ
Played a handful of games in the Shamrock too, although was mostly watching the experts play—honestly the best players I’ve ever seen. A joy to watch the ex-pats and locals alike as they absolutely clean up.
Swimming
Not so much a swimming pool, but an ice bath. ReCharged offers nice sauna/steam room, a baltic ice bath, a good remote working area, and tasty food too! It’s 400000 VND for the day (about €14) and you can stay as long as you like.
I really enjoyed it after the long runs in the build up to the marathon. And set a personal best of 15 minutes in the sauna followed by 5 minutes in the ice bath—my heart rate going from 140 down to 40!
Recharged Ice Bath
Holi Fest
The Festival of Colours, Love, Equality and Spring! I’d often heard about this festival—which is even celebrated in Galway—but this was my first time attending.
Got a glorious day for it and the location was idyllic too, right on the beach. It was a full day thing with multiple colour wars, music throughout, and a fire show when the sun went down.
It also coincided with the start of Vietnam Nomad Fest. I considered doing this but in the end I gave it a miss, although it was nice to touch base with a few people I had met through Nomads in Wonderlands back in Siem Reap.
Ready for a colour fight!
Paddy’s Day
Naturally enough, boozing and running don’t bode well together, so in the weeks leading up to the marathon I was on the dry. Aside from March 17th, of course.
My gaff was beside a cool speakeasy style cocktail bar which didn’t have menus—you describe what you are after. “Something green” says I.
Don’t know what this was but it tasty damn fine
After that I went over to the Shamrock, a nearby Irish bar. The tunes and cans of Guinness were flowing and overall a great atmosphere there. Had some good craic with a pair of Aussies and then admired the pool players, before heading home in a hape—surely costing me a few minutes in the marathon.
Shamrock Sports Bar
The Dragon Bridge lit up in honour of the Irish… maybe
Liberation
March 29 marked 50 year since Da Nang’s liberation, which was great cause for celebration. I headed over to the Dragon Bridge on that Saturday evening to watch the firework display unfold over the Hàn River.
50 years liberated
DavAI SummAIriser
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