We’ve been back in Da Nang for about a month, and though bloggers, vloggers and media are both touting it and doubting it, after being gone for 2 years, it still works. We heard a lot of people complaining about the construction, and that is absolutely happening. And yes, prices have gone up as well, but we moved back into the apartment we left 2 years ago and even though we’re paying about $150 more, it’s still a value, especially since they added a kitchen to the unit. We have been planning to return here pretty much since we left Vietnam 22 months ago, and our intention/plan is to stay for the foreseeable future. The visa runs are not a problem since it gives us a chance to go somewhere new (like Japan recently, Sri Lanka in August). There is no doubt we are slowing down a bit after 7+ years of nomadic travel, and this place—Da Nang– is one of the three places that we truly love and plan on making our semi-regular or semi-permanent home. As my token brother has said before, “We don’t live anywhere but we belong everywhere.”

Some of the rants we’ve heard and continue to hear:

> Construction: yup, it’s everywhere, including to the left of our unit as well as the right! The vacant lot that was there 2 years ago on one side is now a single story café (yay!), and on the other side is a tall apartment about 80% complete. Yes, they DO make noise, and it does seem that there is construction on almost every street.

> More tourists: oh yea, lots more. The Walking Streets are quite busy, as is the beach and the beach promenade. But that is true in almost every desirable city in the world. It will get busy, the buildings will grow to accommodate it, and hopefully the infrastructure will, too.

> Careless motorbike riders: How controversial is THIS topic! Tourists without helmets, even shoes! Rude riders (of all persuasions), and car drivers who don’t pay attention. As a bike rider for half a century I can state with certainty that this is NOT THE PLACE to learn how to ride!! You must ride like a local in order to fit in and stay safe.

> Too many… Russians! Koreans! Japanese! Westerners! You name it, people will say there are too many of “them.” Truth is, Russians are less than 5% of visitors, and the Japanese influence is more deep rooted, and they have a significant business presence. The Westerners, including Americans, Brits, and Aussie presence IS significant, especially in the An Thuong party and beer areas. Is it just cheap beer that brings them?? But the largest group, by far, is South Koreans, who look at Da Nang as being the “Seoul of Vietnam.” Generally (but not always) they have more money and stay at nicer resorts and do more high end tours. You’ll see more and more Korean eateries in the years to come.

Nothing in life is perfect, and no PLACE is either. You take the good with the bad, but even the worst part of Da Nang and Vietnam is probably better than where you left