Changi Airport has always been on the top of a long list of
International Airports for a reason: The convenience, among many others. Today,
Changi Airport serves as a central hub between Singapore and the rest of the
world, shrinking the globe in many ways. Singaporeans hence have the privilege
of utilizing this world-class airport to our advantage. Given today’s hectic
lifestyle in cosmopolitan Singapore, live a little and travel. When traveling
comes to mind, especially a destination for which plane tickets need to be
booked, many stop at their tracks. What still remains to be explored is how
Singapore is linked to whole spectrum of beautiful destinations, all less than
four hours away. Over the next couple of weeks, explore 10 different
destinations to which there is a route less than four hours. It is all only a
short flight away.
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| Da Nang Skyline |
One of the friendliest cities for backpackers in Vietnam, Da
Nang is popular for the bustling Ho Chi Minh in the south and the scenic Hanoi
in the north. Da Nang is the place
to be if you are looking to enjoy soaking up the sun on isolated beaches. As the
first city to witness colonization in Vietnam, Da Nang is also home to numerous
buildings with beautiful French architecture. Da Nang has hence become a
destination which has adapted influences from its very historic past into its
own culture.
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| Da Nang Beach |
During your stay at Da Nang, you will be able to take day
trips to the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hill and My Son Sanctuary archeological
site to make the most of your time.
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| Marble Mountain |
The marble mountains are a cluster of five marble and
limestone hills that represent the traditional Vietnamese elements; earth,
water, fire, wood and metal.
Be sure to bring your walking shoes, as much of this area has to be
explored on foot. You will be able to walk up only one of the five hills, Thuy
Son (water hill) and the walk up is filled with Buddhist monuments and statues
of Buddha. The summit provides visitors with a panoramic view of the
surrounding area and the other hills.
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| Marble Mountains Summit |
Ba Na Hill was a popular “hill station” developed by the
French in the 1900’s. Be sure to take the cable-car ride to the top of the
mountain for views of unspoilt natural evergreen vegetation.
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| Da Nang Waterfall |
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| Da Nang Hill |
My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is some
of the ruins of the Cham Empire that once ruled in modern day Vietnam. While
the ruins here are not as majestic as the temples of Angkor or inspiring as the
ruins at Borobudor, it is well worth the trip to indulge in an experience of
ancient Vietnamese history.
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| My Son Sanctuary |
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My Son Sanctuary
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A quiet escape from Singapore filled with beauty, fun and
historic significance, Da Nang is not to be missed. Silkair runs eight weekly flights from Changi Airport to Da Nang.
