We set off for Da Nang, with a stop at the exceptionally beautiful Khai Dinh tomb, built for the twelfth emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. The tomb is striking with its remarkable architecture, with the positioning fully aligned with feng shui tradition, and the honour guard of stone bodyguards, mandarins, elephants and horses carved to life-size, just like real people and animals. The 127 steps will lead us to the forecourt of the mausoleum, where the octagonal pavilion stands, marking fragments of Khai Dinh's life and achievements.

We continue to Da Nang for lunch and check into the hotel.

Our rest will be short, because soon we venture to the Marble Mountains. The five mountains are named after the five elements: Kim, Tui, Moc, Hoa, and Tho. There we will discover various attractions, such as the Linh Ung Pagoda – one of the three Linh Ung pagodas in Da Nang, the Xa Loi Tower, and the stunning natural caves like Tang Chon Cave, filled with shrines and spiritual images.

After the enigmatic mountains, we are greeted by Son Tra Peninsula, where the Linh Ung Pagoda is located. The highlight here is the Lady Buddha statue with an impressive height of 67 meters. It was erected to protect the local fishermen from strong waves and winds. From the height of the pagoda, a captivating panoramic view of the entire Da Nang is revealed.

We descend to the city to be impressed by the famous bridges of Da Nang. The Dragon Bridge is named after its form, which is built over the Han River flowing into the East Sea. It is the only swinging bridge in Vietnam. We will also cross the Love Lock Bridge, where couples come to pledge their eternal love. Those who wish could in their free evening time head down to the pier, hop on a boat and watch the light show along the river, accompanied by fireworks and real fire emerging from the dragon's enormous mouth.

Our last stop for the day is the covered market. There, we will immerse ourselves in the life of the locals. Street food lovers will have the opportunity to try quirky specialties from the traders' carts or directly on the floor, where nimble Vietnamese women prepare unusual things. Ladies can order a traditional Ao Dai (ao dai) to be tailored. This is the most beautiful women's clothing in these parts, consisting of two parts – a long, tightly-fitted dress with slits up to the waist, under which is a pair of trousers made from one-colour fabric. You will find entire rows of seamstresses on the second floor of the market. That's where your measurements will be taken, your fabric chosen, and the finished ao dai can be delivered straight to the hotel the next day.

Those who are not tired from the long day might stroll along the seaside promenade and feast on fish, langoustines, lobsters and various other seafood, selecting specimens straight from the aquariums in which they swim.

Aficionados of Asian massages can unwind in the hands of an experienced Vietnamese woman in one of the many studios nearby.

Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Transport: bus, 3:30 hrs