By aussiematesvietnam G’day! Step into a World of Optical Illusions in Da Nang
Crikey, mates! Ever found yourself in a place where nothing is quite what it seems? Where you can surf a giant wave, hang off the edge of a building, or be attacked by a dinosaur—all without leaving the comfort of an air-conditioned building? Well, that’s exactly what Tracy and I stumbled upon during our latest adventure in Da Nang, Vietnam.
After nearly two decades of calling Vietnam home, you’d think we’d have seen it all. But this vibrant country keeps surprising us old-timers with new attractions. The Art in Paradise 3D Museum in Da Nang is one of those gems that had us giggling like a couple of schoolkids, camera phones at the ready.
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For all you fellow Aussies planning a trip to Vietnam, particularly those who’ve been around the block a few times like us, this interactive museum is an absolute ripper. It’s perfect for a fun day out when you need a break from the beach or when the weather’s turned a bit ordinary. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let me spin you a yarn about this unique attraction that’ll have you reaching for your camera more times than at a family Christmas.
What is Art in Paradise? Not Your Average Museum, Mate!
Let’s get one thing straight—this isn’t your traditional stuffy museum where you’re afraid to breathe too loudly. The Art in Paradise 3D Museum, located in Da Nang’s Hải Châu District, is a playground for adults and kids alike. It’s part of a chain of 3D museums that originated in Thailand and has since spread across Asia.
Spanning three floors and over 9,000 square meters, the museum houses more than 150 interactive artworks that use trompe-l’œil techniques (fancy French term for “deceive the eye”—I looked that up specially for you lot). These optical illusions create the appearance of three-dimensional scenes on flat surfaces. The magic happens when you position yourself within these artworks and snap a photo—suddenly, you’re part of the art!
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Tracy and I spent a good three hours here, and I reckon we could have stayed longer if our camera batteries hadn’t started giving us the warning. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself saying “just one more photo” about fifty times.
Getting There: Finding Your Way to the Land of Illusions
For those of you staying in Da Nang, the museum is pretty easy to get to. It’s located at 25 Trần Nhật Duật Street in the central Hải Châu District. Any taxi driver worth their salt will know it—just mention “Art in Paradise” or “3D Museum” and you’ll be right as rain.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous (or trying to save a few dong), you can also rent a motorbike, which is how Tracy and I usually get around. The museum has its own car park, so no dramas if you’re driving. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Da Nang’s famous My Khe Beach and not too far from the iconic Dragon Bridge.
A little insider tip from yours truly: try to get there early, around 9 or 10 in the morning. We rocked up around 11 AM on a Tuesday and had plenty of elbow room, but I’ve heard it can get pretty packed with tour groups later in the day, especially on weekends. Nobody wants to wait for ages to get that perfect shot!
The Cost: Is It Worth Parting with Your Hard-Earned Cash?
Let’s talk turkey—at the time of writing, tickets were priced at 200,000 VND for adults (roughly $13 AUD) and 120,000 VND for kids (about $8 AUD). Sure, it’s not the cheapest attraction in Vietnam, where you can often find incredible experiences for just a few dollars. But in my humble opinion? Worth every cent!
Consider this: you’re not just paying for entry to a museum; you’re getting a solid few hours of entertainment, countless photo opportunities, and memories that’ll have your Facebook friends back home green with envy (or confusion—some of these illusions are pretty mind-boggling).
Tracy and I are always on the lookout for value, being typical Aussies who hate getting ripped off. We agreed that for the amount of fun we had, this place delivered in spades. Plus, it’s air-conditioned throughout—a welcome relief from Da Nang’s sometimes stifling heat.
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What to Expect: A Walkthrough of the Mind-Bending Zones
The museum is divided into nine themed zones, each offering different types of optical illusions and interactive art pieces. Let me walk you through some of our favorites:
Classic Art Zone
This section features recreations of famous artworks with a twist—you can be part of them! Tracy had a ball posing with the Mona Lisa, while I channeled my inner artistic genius alongside Van Gogh. The staff are absolute legends here, suggesting poses and helping you nail the perfect angle for your shots.
Under the Sea
Being from Australia, we’re no strangers to marine life, but this zone still had us impressed. You can appear to be swimming with dolphins, getting grabbed by a giant octopus, or even sitting inside a whale’s mouth. I got a ripper shot that makes it look like I’m being attacked by a shark—sent that one to the grandkids and gave them a good laugh!
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Jurassic Adventure
Any dinosaur enthusiasts out there? This zone lets you interact with prehistoric creatures in ways that would make even Steven Spielberg jealous. Tracy nearly wet herself laughing at my pose where it looks like I’m running from a T-Rex. Strewth, I didn’t know I could still move that fast!
Natural Wonders
This section recreates some of Earth’s most spectacular natural phenomena. You can appear to be hanging off a cliff, crossing a rickety bridge over a deep canyon, or standing beneath the Northern Lights. For a couple of travel bugs like us who’ve ticked off quite a few bucket list destinations, it was a hoot to “visit” places we haven’t made it to yet.
Fantasy World
Probably the most popular zone with the younger crowd, but don’t let that stop you! Tracy and I embraced our inner children and had a crack at everything. There’s a piece where you can appear to be flying on a magic carpet—gave me flashbacks to watching Aladdin with the kids back in the ’90s!
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Tips for Getting the Best Photos: From This Old Bloke’s Camera Roll
Now, I’m no professional photographer—just ask Tracy, who’s endured years of my wonky holiday snaps. But after our visit, I’ve picked up a few tricks that might help you get the most out of your experience:
- Wear solid colors if possible. Busy patterns can mess with the illusion sometimes.
- Each artwork has a marker on the floor showing the best spot to take photos from. Trust these markers—they know what they’re doing!
- For the best effect, use a proper camera if you have one, though smartphones work just fine too. We just used our iPhones and the pics turned out a treat.
- Don’t be shy about asking other visitors to take photos for you. Everyone’s in the same boat, and we found people were more than happy to help out.
- Take a few shots of each pose. You’d be surprised how often the first one doesn’t quite capture the illusion properly.
- Consider brightening your phone screen to maximum. Some areas are a bit dimly lit for checking your photos.
One of the best tips I can offer is to watch others before your turn. Tracy and I picked up some brilliant pose ideas just by observing the creative ways other visitors were interacting with the artworks.
Is It Just for Kids? This Boomer Says No Way!
Let me tackle the elephant in the room—some of you might be wondering if this is just a glorified playground for kids. Fair question, but as a couple of aging Aussies who’ve seen their fair share of attractions around the world, Tracy and I can assure you that Art in Paradise is fun for all ages.
In fact, I’d argue that us older folk might even appreciate it more. There’s something wonderfully liberating about letting go of your dignity for a bit and posing like you’re being swallowed by a giant fish or balancing on a tightrope. After almost 20 years in Vietnam, it’s experiences like these that keep life interesting!
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We noticed plenty of other visitors our age having just as much fun as the youngsters. It’s one of those rare attractions that bridges generational gaps—we saw families with grandparents, parents, and kids all laughing together and helping each other get the perfect shot.
When to Include Art in Paradise in Your Da Nang Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Da Nang, you might be wondering where to fit this into your schedule. After living in Vietnam for two decades and hosting countless friends and family, I’ve become a bit of an expert at crafting itineraries.
The Art in Paradise museum is perfect for:
- Rainy days when the beach is a no-go
- The hottest part of the afternoon when you need a break from the sun
- A fun activity after visiting some of the more serious historical sites
- Breaking up long stretches of beach time (your sunburn will thank you)
We visited in between a morning at the Marble Mountains and an evening street food tour, and it worked out perfectly. The museum is open from 9 AM to 8 PM daily, giving you plenty of flexibility.
The Verdict: Would This Old Aussie Go Back?
In a heartbeat! Tracy and I have already decided we’ll be taking our next batch of visitors from back home here. It’s the kind of place that appeals to everyone—from our adventure-loving mates to my sister who thinks a wild day is ordering something different at the RSL.
What makes Art in Paradise stand out from other tourist attractions is that it’s genuinely interactive. You’re not just wandering around looking at things; you’re actively participating and creating unique memories. In a world where we’re all increasingly glued to our screens, there’s something refreshingly engaging about this kind of entertainment.
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As we’ve settled into our life here in Vietnam, Tracy and I have become pickier about how we spend our time. We’ve seen enough pagodas and tried enough street food to last several lifetimes. So when we find something that still manages to surprise and delight us after all these years, we reckon it’s worth sharing with our fellow Aussies.
Final Thoughts: A Museum That’s Actually Fun? Believe It!
If you’d told me twenty years ago that one of my favorite experiences in Vietnam would be pretending to climb out of a painting or pose with imaginary dinosaurs, I’d have thought you’d had a few too many VBs. But here we are! The Art in Paradise 3D Museum in Da Nang is a brilliant example of how art can be accessible, engaging, and downright hilarious.
For all you Aussie boomers planning a trip to Vietnam, do yourselves a favor and add this to your itinerary. It might not have the cultural significance of Hoi An Ancient Town or the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, but it’ll give you some of the best holiday photos you’ve ever taken and memories that’ll bring a smile to your face for years to come.
As Tracy said while we were leaving, “Who knew art could be this much fun?” Who indeed, love. Who indeed.
Until next time,