About a month or so back, I was invited to visit Da Nang again, this time, to attend the first ever Beach-leisure and M.I.C.E Travel Mart (BMTM 2016). The purpose of this travel mart was to explore the potential for Da Nang as a new hub for M.I.C.E (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) business ventures, especially through its vast travel-worthy spots.

That's a lot of technical jargon, so here's an easier to understand version. Da Nang wants you to visit.
I wrote 2 years ago about the beauty you can find in Da Nang, and some of the must-visit sights when you go. This is more of a follow up post on how Da Nang is transforming itself into a beach paradise that you really should consider visiting.

You can read the previous post here: http://www.lifeofbudak.com/2014/09/5-must-do-things-in-danang.html

Da Nang has some of the most exquisite beaches around. On the last trip to Da Nang, I was able to visit a few beaches, namely, the Bac My An and My Khe beaches. This time, I was fortunate enough to frolic along the sandy white paradise that was Non Nuoc Beach, nestled along the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Spa in Da Nang.

The waters were crystal clear, just like my mind as soon as the waves lapped my feet. There's something strangely therapeutic about the beach. No wonder they call it "Vitamin Sea".

Now imagine if you convinced your boss to bring the whole company over to Da Nang to hold your annual company trip.

With an insanely beautiful beach and the promise of a relaxing time, THINGS WILL GET DISCUSSED. MEETINGS WILL BE MET. ISSUES WILL BE RESOLVED. That's how much of potential Da Nang has as a M.I.C.E hub.

Beaches aren't the only things that get me wet. I am probably never going to be able to use that line anywhere else. Da Nang also offers plenty of tourist attractions to suit the everyman.

The Marble Mountains, for one, provides scenic views of the city and the My Khe beach. But a beautiful view doesn't come without a cost, as you will need to trek about 10-15 minutes to reach the top.

Including this forest-side "cafe".

But what a view!

Named after the elements metal, wood, water, fire and earth, the Marble Mountains is probably one of the best ways for you to sweat it all out, while also enjoying the sights of Buddist temples and sanctuaries untouched by the ravages of time.

Of course, walking and trekking may be good for exercise and some team building, but it sure ain't going to help you and your colleagues with finding the proper relaxation needed to squeeze those creative juices. That's where the Galina Mud Bath and Spa comes into the picture.

Trust me when I say this; there is no other place in this entire universe that I would like to have a discussion on about the marketing strategies our company needs to move into the big leagues than when I am sitting in a mud bath absolutely soaked in mud. Did you know that mud has healing properties for your skin. It's one reason why the Vietnamese are all so fair*

*Point totally mine

I'm not even kidding. This is what Galina promises on their page, and I quote: "Galina also provides a comforting, yet stimulating atmosphere in which customers will be able to relax both their body and mind, reconnecting their daily lives to their true purpose." Wow. That is a brazen claim to make, but one I totes believe in because I too sat in the mud. But not long enough for me to discover my true purpose in life. I should probably go back.

One of the downers of visiting Da Nang is probably the lack of international flights that are able to directly fly into Da Nang International Airport. This means that a transit is required to Ho Chi Minh International Airport before finally arriving at Da Nang, often with long transit hours . But because Da Nang wants to position itself as a tourist hub, there are plans in place to expand on a new international terminal, which is expected to be completed in 2017. This will undoubtedly allow for more international flights from all over the world to fly direct into Da Nang.

I only wish the Da Nang Dragon could fly me back whenever.

If leisuring on the beach is your thing, or if you ever plan to have a company trip where you can be guaranteed a good time of relaxation, productivity and teamwork, Da Nang is probably the place for you to head to. Better start letting your HR department know about the existence of this wonderful beachside resort city.

Cheerios!