There’s a place above Hai Van Pass — higher than the Hai Van Gate by a full 194 meters, perched at an altitude of 690 meters above sea level — that few cyclists in Da Nang have ever seen with their own eyes, let alone set foot (or tire) on. We call it the “Peak of the Peak” of Hai …

In recent years, the cycling scene in Da Nang has exploded—both in numbers and in style. These days, if you step out early in the morning or late in the afternoon, chances are you’ll see people pedaling away—some on sleek road bikes built for speed and smooth tarmac, others bouncing along on sturdy mountain bikes, tackling dirt trails, forest paths, …

By Mr. Old Man Why does cycling make us happy? Are you hooked on it too? Do you live to ride, or ride to live? Of course, you can live and cycle if you like—but research says, if you want to live longer, then you’d better get on that saddle more often. I have a confession to make. I’m addicted. …

There are mornings when the weather’s just too nice to stay indoors. So I hopped on my bike, stretched my aging but loyal legs, and set off on a spontaneous ride—back to Rú Cấm Nam Ô, that mysterious stretch of forest that’s been quietly guarding its secrets for centuries. Rú Cấm Nam Ô, for those unfamiliar, is a sacred forbidden …

“You won’t know Le pass till you go. And once you do—get ready to pant like crazy.” (Chưa đi chưa biết đèo Le/Đi rồi mới biết đạp lè lưỡi ra) Le Pass, at 279 meters above sea level, stretches across Hon Tau Mountain on Provincial Road 611, right where Son Vien and Que Loc communes meet in Nong Son District, …

Front of Bằng An tower Tucked away in the quiet village of Bằng An—now part of Điện An Ward, Điện Bàn Town, Quảng Nam Province—stands one of the few surviving ancient towers of the once-mighty Champa Kingdom: the Bằng An Tower. Located just 27 km from Đà Nẵng, 14 km from the ancient town of Hội An, and only 1.2 …

Just 7 kilometers northeast of Tam Ky City and about 75 kilometers from Da Nang via the coastal route lies one of Vietnam’s lesser-known but profoundly significant historical landmarks: the Ky Anh Tunnels. Once part of Ky Anh Commune (now Tam Thang Commune), this site ranks among the three largest tunnel networks in Vietnam, alongside the famous Cu Chi Tunnels …

By Mr. Old Man, 10/2021 Located at No. 2, 2-9 Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City, the Museum of Cham Sculpture is home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of Cham sculpture in Vietnam. The artifacts on display here represent the artistic heritage of the ancient Champa Kingdom and have been unearthed from various coastal provinces of Central …

When you think of world leaders, images of formal suits, summits, and speeches probably come to mind. But behind the podium, some politicians are swapping motorcades for mountain bikes. From American presidents to European monarchs, cycling has long been a favorite pastime of many global figures. Joe Biden: Pedaling Through Politics Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, …

By Mr. Old Man, October 2021 A Mysterious Presence by the Sea Right at the heart of East Sea Park in Đà Nẵng—where Hoàng Sa Street intersects with Phạm Văn Đồng Street—stands a striking white stone sculpture. It depicts two full, round breasts cradling a large egg, mounted on a tall black granite pedestal that rises above head height. Curiously, …