Thanks Ronnie, it’s just an observation of my time I’ve spent here. Cheers.

Appreciate the article. I’m trying to choose between the two for a trip in May.

James, using the presence of chains like McD’s or Starf*cks as a proxy for how “international” a place is, is a very narrow lens, don’t you think? It really just measures the reach of Western consumer brands, not the diversity, connectivity, or global integration of a city.

Most of Africa doesn’t have either brand and I bet you won’t find a more international city than Nairobi. A city like Nairobi is a great counterexample. It’s a major hub for diplomacy (UN offices), tech (often called “Silicon Savannah”), regional business, and international NGOs. You’ll find people, languages, and cultures from all over the world there, arguably a much richer form of “internationalism” than a familiar coffee chain on every corner. Plus, Vietnam and Kenya offer FAR better coffee.

It’s difficult for me to see businesses I associate with genocide operating in places filled with such incredible people, food and culture.

Furthermore, 7-Eleven is Japanese owned and run. The Japanese did what the Americans couldn’t.

By way of background, I’m an international hotelier who has worked across Europe, America, and Africa. I’ve also travelled widely, so I write from the perspective of both a seasoned traveller and a citizen of the world.

You might want to reconsider your metrics.

Ronnie

Thank you James.

The coastline on Da Nang is an open beachfront so it is a different coastal experience to the bay of Nha Trang. Cham Islands (off the coast of Hoi An) offers the best snorkelling and diving experiences in the area.

Thanks, enjoy Da Nang!

There is some surfing outside of the city beach, but not as good as Da Nang.

wow that’s awesome! I saw the old beach airport operating but I didn’t think to take any photos of planes coming into land over th ebeach.