From Chau Doc to Da Nang: A Journey Through South to the Central Vietnam

From Chau Doc to Da Nang: A Cultural Adventure

The journey from Chau Doc to Da Nang wasn’t just about moving from one place to another; it was an adventure shaped by local quirks, unexpected lessons, and the rhythm of Vietnam’s daily life.

My last morning in Chau Doc started serenely enough. After breakfast at the Paris Hotel, I made my way to the bus station. However, as with many things in Vietnam, plans quickly took on a life of their own.

Geographical Insights and Travel Details

Chau Doc, located in the An Giang province in Vietnam’s southwest, is nestled along the Hau River, one of the Mekong River’s tributaries. It’s a charming gateway to the Mekong Delta, offering vibrant floating markets, villages, and stunning natural landscapes.

In contrast, Da Nang, situated in central Vietnam along the South China Sea, is a bustling coastal city known for its beaches, culinary scene, and proximity to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hoi An and The Marble Mountains.

Traveling from Chau Doc to Da Nang in a single day covers a significant distance—approximately 1,300 kilometers (800 miles). The journey combines a 6.5-hour bus ride to Ho Chi Minh City, followed by an evening flight of about 1.5 hours to Da Nang. Despite the long day of travel, the route is manageable and offers opportunities to witness Vietnam’s diversity, from the tranquil delta to the central coast.

Traveling in Vietnam: “No Worry” as a Way of Life

At 9:30 a.m., I was ready to head to the station, but my taxi hadn’t arrived. “No worry,” the hotel staff reassured me, making me realize how deeply ingrained this philosophy is in Vietnam. By the time the shuttle arrived and took a detour to pick up passengers from other hotels, I was gripping my seat, watching the minutes tick by. Would I make it to Saigon in time for my evening flight?

“No worry,” I told myself, though it took effort. By 9:58, we reached the bus station just in time. Stepping aboard the sleeper bus, I was greeted by three narrow rows of bunk beds stacked in two levels. Shoes were removed, and passengers settled into their spaces. It felt more like boarding a plane than a bus, a unique experience for any backpacker.

Unexpected Stops and Local Encounters

The 6.5-hour journey from Chau Doc to Saigon included stops at clean, modern rest areas that felt more like airport duty-free zones. At one stop, I noticed travelers walking barefoot—rubber slippers were provided for comfort, a thoughtful touch I hadn’t expected.

At another stop, a young woman helped me navigate the layout and assured me we had plenty of time. She was just one of many locals who added a human touch to the journey.

Navigating Delays: Lessons in Patience and Connection

After 20 minutes, I returned to the spot where the bus had dropped us off. The area was crowded with buses, but mine was nowhere to be found. The “no worry” attitude of the day seemed to continue, though my patience was beginning to wear thin. My phone battery was running low, I didn’t remember the bus number, and no one around me spoke English.

Just as I began to feel a wave of concern, a young man noticed my distress and, without hesitation, led me to the service desk. I showed them my ticket, and to my relief, they reassured me: “No worry.” After another five to seven minutes, the situation still seemed unclear. I couldn’t recognize any familiar faces from the bus, which made sense, as the sleeper bus layout kept passengers out of view.

Being the only foreigner likely made me more memorable to the locals, and soon, a kind woman approached me. In English, she told me she was waiting for the same bus. What a relief! As we chatted, I learned she worked for a German family living in Vietnam for business. Her teenage daughter joined the conversation. She was fluent in English and studying at a local high school.

This encounter reminded me of something I had noticed earlier in my travels: English is taught in most Vietnamese schools, but not everyone speaks it fluently. I thought back to the determined nine-year-old girl I met at the ferry station in Phu Quoc, proudly practicing her alphabet with me—a symbol of the potential education holds for every child.

As we waited, the woman remarked that such a long delay was unusual. With a light-hearted laugh, I joked that this one must be dedicated to me. “By the end of this trip,” I added, “I’ll be as calm as a Buddhist monk.”

Travel Tip

• Always keep your bus ticket handy and know where the service desk is located at stations. Even if language barriers arise, showing your ticket can help guide you to the right place.
• Charge your phone before long trips or carry a portable charger. Having a functioning device is invaluable when delays or confusion occur.
• Engage with locals or fellow travelers. Moments of connection often lead to help, reassurance, and even enriching conversations

From Saigon to Da Nang: A Smooth Transition

Once in Saigon, I quickly booked a Grab ride to the airport. The hour-long trip cost only €6.6, even during peak traffic on a Saturday. By evening, I was boarding a Bamboo Airlines flight to Da Nang, a coastal city I had longed to explore.

For €71, including checked baggage, the flight was smooth and efficient. A young Vietnamese student, studying international economics, struck up a conversation with me. She was traveling home to Da Nang for the holidays and shared her dreams of visiting Europe one day. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and by the end of our chat, I felt a warm welcome to her city.

Practical Tips for Traveling

• Book in Advance: Use apps like 123Go or ask for assistance from the hotel to secure bus and ferry tickets, especially during peak travel times.
• Carry Cash: ATMs may be busy on weekends, so withdraw money in advance.
• Plan for Delays: In Vietnam, flexibility is key—shuttles and buses may not always run on schedule.
• Embrace Sleeper Buses: Sleeper buses offer cheap and unique way to travel long distances.
• Stay Connected: Meeting locals can help much, keep an open mind and heart.