Da Nang Street Food Tour Review: Han River Cruise & Bites

So, you are looking for a great way to spend an afternoon and evening in Da Nang? Well, I tell you what, I just tried one of those “Da Nang Street Food Tour with Han River Sightseeing Cruise” things and thought I would jot down my experiences for ya.

What to Expect from the Da Nang Street Food Tour

The tours usually kick off around late afternoon, that is so you hit all the yum spots just as they’re gearing up. I went with a local outfit because I really wanted an authentic experience, and frankly, I got exactly that! You should be expecting to be driven or to ride, too it’s almost certain it will be by scooter through the crazy streets, hitting food stall after food stall, trying all sorts of dishes you might not normally pick.

One thing to note, it isn’t just a food coma, too, there’s always a guide giving the lowdown on what each dish is, how it’s made, and, frankly, a bit about the local culture too. It felt like hanging out with a well informed friend who really, really loves food and sharing it.

Must-Try Dishes on the Tour

Okay, so the tour guides, they are gonna have their favorites, you know? Yet there are, that is so I feel at least, some staples you simply gotta try. Like your Banh Mi – not just any sandwich, that’s for sure. We are talking crispy bread filled up to the rafters with flavorful meats, pickled veggies, and this chili sauce that gave a pleasant little kick. I can almost taste it thinking about it now!

And Cao Lau? I’d never even heard of it before, yet it’s, that’s a mix of thick noodles, pork, greens, and crispy croutons with a dash of broth. So very nice! I tell you what, what made it amazing was the noodles are only made using water from one specific well, a local secret, that is so I learned. Then there was the Banh Xeo. In other words a sizzling pancake. Unlike those you would get at your normal breakfast venue, you get a crispy crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, and all dipped in a peanut sauce.

Don’t let me forget the seafood, too, very Da Nang. The tour took us to this, is that almost like, open-air spot right by the sea, and, well, the grilled clams with this spring onion oil… man, they were to die for. Seriously, I nearly asked for seconds… or thirds!

Han River Cruise: A Floating Finale

Right when I thought I couldn’t eat another thing, that tour took an unexpected turn… for the better. We ended up, too it’s almost certain, heading to the docks for a cruise on the Han River. You will think that seems crazy when you are already so full but it’s absolutely an experience you need to sign up for. Frankly, that is where you see the city from a completely different angle!

The city skyline all lit up at nighttime is great, that’s definite, and so very picturesque. Now, it isn’t just sitting there doing nothing, you also get to see the Dragon Bridge breathe fire! Seriously, every Saturday and Sunday night, the dragon lets out a huge roar and spits actual fire. It might be touristy, too, but, basically, it’s pretty darn awesome and, well, just a little bit magical.

Why Choose a Guided Tour Over Solo Exploring?

So, you might be asking yourself if you could just, in a way, go check this stuff out alone, you know? Sure thing! But, honestly, going with a local guide really amps up the experience a bit. I think, too it’s fair to suggest, you can get lost just walking around trying to guess which spots are safe and worth checking out. A guide gets you straight to those hole-in-the-wall places only the locals know about.

Another plus, it isn’t just the food. You get, well I certainly did, some insight into the local culture and traditions. My tour guide, that’s so they told me, had some crazy stories about Da Nang back in the day, so, I feel at least, those kinds of personal insights add a whole different level to things. Plus, let’s be real, they handle all the ordering and payment stuff, that’s definite, and so all you gotta do is chow down and have fun.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

If you are thinking of booking one of these things, here are a couple of things to keep in the back of your mind.

• Come hungry, you: It seems really obvious, yet I saw at least one person on the tour that ate a big lunch and just picked at all of the cool options we tried.
• Wear comfy footwear: So there’s probably some walking involved between locations.
• Bring small change: Right, even if everything’s technically paid for, you might wanna tip your guide, or, by the way, grab an extra drink.
• Don’t be scared to try new stuff: Honestly, this is the whole point! Yeah, you might not enjoy everything, yet you could just find a brand new favorite bite, too.
• Tell your guide about any allergies: So, so, so crucial! You really don’t want anything ruining your evening with unexpected consequences.

#DaNang #Vietnam #StreetFood #FoodieAdventure #HanRiverCruise