Day 7: Da Nang Scooter Adventure – Lotte Mart and Cộng Cà Phê

Julie

2024-11-25

Day 7: Da Nang Scooter Adventure – Lotte Mart and Cộng Cà Phê

Discover Da Nang’s charm with family-friendly scooter adventures, practical shopping at Lotte Mart, and iconic coffee at Cộng Cà Phê.

Morning Pool Time

It was our last day in Da Nang, and Sweetie had one request: swimming! She woke up asking to play in the “place with water.” So, we spent the morning enjoying the rooftop pool at our hotel. Watching her splash around with the sunny Da Nang skyline as a backdrop was a perfect way to start the day.

Scooter Negotiation and Exploration

For the afternoon, we decided to rent a scooter again to explore more of Da Nang. The rental shop owner initially insisted on the full-day rate of 100,000 VND (about $5). However, after some negotiation (and a reminder that we rented from her two days ago), we secured a half-day rental for 60,000 VND. With 20,000 VND (about $1) worth of fuel, we were ready for our adventure.

Lotte Mart Adventures

Our first stop was Lotte Mart, a familiar name for us Koreans. While many travelers visit for souvenirs, we came with practical needs in mind—diapers for Sweetie.

Shopping Highlights
We compared prices and quantities to find a pack of Pampers (54 pieces) for 277,000 VND (~13,850 KRW). It wasn’t as cheap as we’d hoped, but still manageable.
Additionally, we stocked up on Vietnamese coffee to enjoy during our upcoming travels and a lightweight bag for extra carry-on items to avoid airline overage fees.
Local Insights
While shopping, I noticed that locals protect themselves from the sun with full-coverage motorbike jackets that extend to their wrists. My sunburnt hands could have benefited from the same. Lesson learned!

A Coffee Break at Cộng Cà Phê

Next on our list was the iconic Cộng Cà Phê, a must-visit spot we had missed in Ho Chi Minh City.

Unique Atmosphere
The cafe’s military-green exterior and vintage decor transported us back to the Vietnam War era. Inside, the rustic wooden furniture and nostalgic artifacts added to the ambiance.
What We Ordered
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk (Cà phê sữa đá): Bold and rich, the intense coffee flavor was beautifully balanced by the sweetness of condensed milk.
- Coconut Smoothie Coffee: This became Julie’s favorite, with its creamy texture and tropical twist. Sweetie loved sharing sips of this treat.
Fast Wi-Fi
Surprisingly, Cộng Cà Phê had the fastest Wi-Fi we’d experienced in Vietnam, comparable to speeds back home in Korea.

Finding a Park for Sweetie

After our cafe break, we decided it was time for Sweetie to burn off some energy. She had been incredibly patient tagging along with us all day. Without any specific destination in mind, we rode our scooter toward a city park.

Unplanned Discovery
As we wandered, we stumbled upon a small but charming park where Sweetie could run freely. She laughed and played, reminding us of the simple joys of travel with a child.

Tips for Traveling with a Child

Be Flexible
When Sweetie wanted to swim, we adapted our plans to fit in pool time. Having a flexible schedule keeps everyone happy.
Prepare for Sun Protection
Vietnam’s sun can be harsh. Consider using local motorbike jackets or gloves to shield yourself, especially if you’re renting scooters.
Carry Essentials
Stock up on child essentials like diapers and snacks at places like Lotte Mart to avoid stress during travel days.

Local Travel Tips for Da Nang Scooter Travel with Family

Scooter Rentals
Don’t hesitate to negotiate rental rates, especially for short durations. Half-day rentals are often possible if you’re persistent.
Cộng Cà Phê
This cafe is a must for coffee lovers. Try both the Vietnamese iced coffee and the coconut smoothie for a complete experience.
Lotte Mart
Perfect for both tourists and locals, this is a one-stop shop for groceries, souvenirs, and daily necessities.

Travel Reflections

The Joy of Negotiation
Bargaining for the scooter rental reminded me how satisfying it feels to communicate and find a fair deal in a foreign country. It’s a small victory that adds to the fun of travel.
Savoring Simple Moments
From Sweetie’s laughter in the park to Julie’s delight over a perfect coffee, it’s the little moments that make world travel with family truly special.
Gratitude for Time Together
As our time in Da Nang came to a close, I felt immense gratitude for these experiences. Every day brings something new, and sharing it with Julie and Sweetie makes it all the more meaningful.