Sailors, officers and civilian personnel from the USS George Washington are spending their shore leave exploring Da Nang, visiting cultural landmarks and enjoying some of Vietnam's best-known regional dishes during the US Navy aircraft carrier's port visit.

The visit, which runs from July 30 to August 5, includes cultural exchanges and sightseeing activities organized throughout the central Vietnamese city.

Exploring Da Nang's landmarks

During the seven-day stay, members of the ship's company have rotated ashore in groups to visit some of Da Nang's most popular attractions.

Before arriving, many sailors said they were eager to try iconic Vietnamese dishes, particularly pho, banh mi and Mi Quang, the signature noodle dish of central Vietnam.

Their itinerary includes visits to the Marble Mountains, Hai Van Pass Gate, Ba Na Hills, the city center, traditional markets and the Nam O fish sauce village, where they have learned about local history, culture and daily life.

Discovering local flavors

Food has become one of the highlights of the visit.

Crew members have sampled a variety of regional specialties, including Mi Quang, banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes), salted coffee and coconut ice cream.

Many sailors said it was their first opportunity to taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

They enthusiastically asked chefs and local residents about ingredients and cooking techniques while taking photographs and videos to document their culinary experiences.

Beyond organized tours, many crew members also spent time at sidewalk cafés, sampled local street food and browsed traditional markets to experience everyday life in Da Nang.

The USS George Washington's port call forms part of ongoing exchanges between Vietnam and the United States.