Top man-made structures in Da Nang

From the hands of God to a fire-breathing dragon, artistic architecture abounds in Danang. Located in Central Vietnam, this coastal city doesn’t only have beautiful beaches on offer, but also stunning structural marvels that make it extra worthy of a visit.

Golden Bridge Hands

Ever wondered what it would feel like to stroll through the hands of God? Well, now you can, thanks to this incredible 150-metre-long walking bridge nestled in Danang’s Ba Na Hills, 1,400 metres above sea level. The gigantic hands, which appear to be emerging from the forested hillside, proudly hold a golden walkway that offers awe-inspiring views of the mountain landscape. It’s no surprise that the bridge has become a social media sensation, attracting visitors in their droves. Located 90 minutes from Danang’s city centre, the Golden Bridge Hands offer a truly sublime experience that makes it well worth the trip.

Dragon Bridge

Stretching across the Han River, the Dragon Bridge is undoubtedly one of Danang’s finest examples of architecture – and a great Instagram opportunity. As you might guess from its name, the bridge is shaped like a dragon flying across the water – although the resemblance to the mythical creature doesn’t end there. The dragon delights crowds by spitting water and breathing fire on weekends after 9pm. Don’t let that fool you into thinking the bridge is a mere gimmick, however. Dragons are a symbol of prosperity and power in Vietnamese culture, and thus the structure represents Danang’s growth into a thriving economic hub. Whether you view the dragon basking in the sunlight or illuminated at night, no visit to Danang is complete without a glimpse of this feat of engineering.

Han River Bridge

The Han River Bridge is notable for being Vietnam’s first swing bridge, as well as for its important role in the stimulation of Danang’s economy. Designed by Vietnamese architects and built largely by the local population, the structure is an emblem of achievement within the city. It looks especially lovely when lit up in dazzling colours after dark, swinging open at 11pm on weekends where it captivates locals and tourists alike.

Lady Buddha

Buddha statues are a common sight throughout Vietnam but the tallest and most impressive is found at the entrance of Linh Ung pagoda atop Son Tra mountain. Measuring a whopping 67 metres in height, the Lady Buddha casts a protective gaze over Danang, with her striking white figure visible from almost any point in the city. Inside the statue are 17 floors, each one dedicated to a different Buddha. There’s also the chance to visit the statue’s head – provided you can cope with all the stairs.

Thuan Phuoc Bridge

At 1,850 metres long, Thuan Phuoc Bridge is Vietnam’s longest suspension bridge. It was opened for traffic in 2009 and has remained an integral part of Danang’s infrastructure ever since. The bridge has become a popular tourist attraction due to its clean, modern design and its appealing LED illumination system that makes it one of Danang’s most picturesque spots by night.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge 

Much like the Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge has won international awards for its innovative design. With an overall length of 731 metres, the cable-stayed bridge has simultaneously managed to reduce congestion in Danang and become an attractive landmark since its rebuilding in 2013. The bridge is designed to resemble a sailboat drifting down the Han River, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of this seafront city.

See more: What to know about Golden Bridge, Da Nang

Source: Internet

The most beautiful places to visit in Nepal

From adrenaline-filled activities like mountaineering, kayaking and paragliding to serene strolls among medieval temples and hidden palaces, this country offers more memorable travel experiences than can be squeezed into a single visit. An overview of the best places to visit in Nepal.

Kathmandu

The country’s cultural capital, Kathmandu is the place where most adventures in Nepal begin, as all flights from overseas land in the city’s airport. A crowded metropolis of more than 1 million inhabitants, Kathmandu is a chaotic mix of tourist shops, trekking agencies, hotels, restaurants, religious sites and artisan workshops. The city’s famous Durbar Square is still undergoing restoration after the recent earthquakes, but there are many intact sites well worth exploring. Set atop a forested hill, the ancient Buddhist complex of Swayambhunath is a can’t-miss attraction that offers sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit in Northwest Nepal offers hikers an outdoor experience nonpareil. Showcasing the varied landscapes of the Annapurna Region, the classic trek leads travelers high into the Himalayas, across plunging gorges, over desert plateaus and through lush subtropical valleys dotted by terraced farms. The trek also passes by many religious sites and quaint villages. Starting just east of Pokhara, the journey takes about three weeks to complete though many trekkers walk half of it by flying out at Jomsom Airport. There is also shorter but no less beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary Trek that takes around 8 to 12 days. It is one of the most popular treks in Nepal with lodges and tea stops at hourly intervals or less until the highest sections at least.

Bhaktapur

One of three ancient capitals in the Kathmandu Valley, beautifully preserved Bhaktapur experienced a fair share of damage during the 2015 earthquakes. Fortunately, most of the city’s temples and shrines, which are the main attractions in this place known as the City of Devotees, escaped unscathed. Less crowded and hectic than bustling Kathmandu, Bhaktapur invites leisurely walks through medieval squares, winding streets and pedestrian-only thoroughfares. The city’s Durbar Square, or “noble court,” features a must-see site known as the 55-Window Palace, a 15th-century structure that is now home to the National Art Gallery.

Pokhara

With its tranquil lakes, verdant shorelines and mountain views, Pokhara is a popular resort destination for travelers from around the world. Known as the gateway to the Annapurna region in northwest Nepal, the lakeside city offers respite to weary hikers, and provides opportunities for outdoor adventures too, ranging from leisurely paddle-boat rides to white-water rafting. The largest of Pokhara’s three lakes, Phewa Lake is lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. The lake also features an island with a temple dedicated to the goddess Barahi Bhagwati where ceremonies are held nearly every weekend.

Khumbu

Each year, the determination to trek to the summit of Mt. Everest brings thousands of adventurous travelers to Khumbu, the Everest Region located in northeastern Nepal. The journey begins at the Lukla airstrip where a clear two-lane trail eventually leads hikers to Everest Base Camp. Located primarily within the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu is home to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar where most expeditions to the mountainous peaks are staged. The country’s foremost Buddhist center, the Tengboche Monastery, is located in the Khumbu as well. There’s a variety of comfortable accommodations available at the monastery, many of which offer stunning views of the tallest mountain on the planet.

Nagarkot

Perfect for those who want to experience the beauty and majesty of the Himalayas without arduous physical activity, Nagarkot is best known for the views, and it offers of the mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Perched on a high ridge to the Northeast of Bhaktapur, the village of around 4,500 inhabitants commands views of eight Himalayan ranges. In addition, there is a variety of appealing hotels in every price range in Nagarkot, many of which are located within walking distance of the Nagarkot view tower, known as the best place to visit in Nepal to view the sun rising over the Himalayas.

Read more: 7 unique souvenirs you can purchase when travelling in Nepal

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7 most stunning churches in Philippines

All around the Philippines, amazing centuries-old churches stand as silent witnesses to their town’s culture and history. Many of them have been declared national treasures, and therefore during Holy Week these places of worship will not only attract worshippers, but also visitors interested in the unique architecture and relics these churches have to offer.

Manila Cathedral

Formally known as the Kalakhang Katedral Basílika ng Maynilà, the Manila Cathedral is a Roman Catholic basilica dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It also serves as the See of the Archbishop of Manila. Originally established in 1571, the eighth and current rendition of the cathedral was completed in 1958. It was renovated and repaired for earthquake retrofitting and subsidence prevention in 2012, and re-opened to the public after a complete renovation in 2014.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish

Barasoain Church or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Malolos City, Bulacan is such a big part of Philippine history that it would be a shame not to visit it at least once in your lifetime. It was also dubbed the "Cradle of Democracy in the East" upon having been chosen as the site of the First Philippine Congress after the Spanish-American War.

Mt. Carmel Shrine

Mt. Carmel is the type of church you remember from childhood-quiet, intimate, and somewhat kitschy. The statue of Mary cradling Jesus as a child is the most prominent feature of the church’s façade and inside, four more sculptures of the blessed Virgin Mother beckon you to offer prayer. It has been around since 1975, witnessing countless marriages under its high ceilings.

Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Church

In the 1720s, Cagsawa, then a sitio of Albay, began to progress, but its 4,000 inhabitants still saw its location at the foot of Mayon Volcano as a threat to its livelihood. So they asked that their town and church be transferred to Daraga, a village farther south of Cagsawa. The structure atop a hill and overlooking the majestic Mayon was then consecrated in 1854 as Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Church. Now, Daraga Church is famous for its mixture of Renaissance Gothic and Mexican Baroque, according to historian Alicia M. L. Coseteng in her book Spanish Churches in the Philippines. It is the only surviving church in the country that has adapted the salomonica columns (the four spiral columns in its façade).

Santuario Del Sto Cristo Church

Originally constructed sometime between 1602 and 1604, the structure was damaged by a fire, and was restored in 1641. Another fire consumed the church in 1763, but the parish persevered. The current sanctuary has been standing proud since 1774. May they never feel the urge to paint over its beautiful stone façade, which transitions to a marble altar inside. The church has a strange trapezoidal arch, but the wooden panels make it easy on the eyes.

Miag-ao Church

Also known as the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, Miag-ao Church was also called the Miag-ao Fortress Church as its two uneven bell towers served as a tactical location for the town’s defense against Muslim raids. It is one of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and contains the limestone image of the Birhen ng Barangay, traditional Filipino clothing recovered from the 1982 excavations, and the original late 1790s images of Saint Thomas of Villanova.

Church of the Angry Christ

St. Joseph the Worker Church was later known as Church of the Angry Christ because of its famous (and controversial) mural titled “The Last Judgment” by Filipino-American artist Alfonso Ossorio. There are also mosaics all over the structure, from its façade to the walls by the entrance, made by Belgian artist Ade de Bethune. The church itself was designed by Czech architect Antonín Raymond, who employed a modern design when it was built in 1949.

Read more: Great things to discover in Manila

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