Where is Da Nang Vietnam and is Da Nang worth visiting? This is a question often asked when planning a trip to Vietnam and we give you the answer in our Da Nang Travel Guide.
The seaside resort city of Da Nang sits on a sweeping coastline in Central Vietnam. In fact, Da Nang’s coastline is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam and is a popular tourist destination for both Vietnamese and international visitors alike.
You will find a fabulous range of attractions both within the city and further afield, so let’s get ready to discover the best things to do in Da Nang with our Da Nang Vietnam travel guide.
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What to see and do in Da Nang
The city of Da Nang is split in two by the Han River, and this gives the city two distinct personalities. One embraces a lively beach scene which is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy fun in the sun, great food, and good times.
The other is a mix of old and new, where the dazzling lights of the Dragon Bridge and vibrant coffee culture meet traditional markets and museums dedicated to telling the story of Vietnam’s past.
Quick overview of attractions covered
Here is a handy list of the must visit attractions of Da Nang. Keep reading below for in depth details on each one.
- Da Nang Beaches
- Trying Seafood by the Beach
- Snorkelling in the Cham Islands
- Dragon Bridge at Night
- Exploring Son Tra Night Market
- Checking out the Love Lock Bridge
- Visiting the Lady Buddha
- Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Visiting Imperial City of Hue
- Trying Da Nang’s Signature Dish Mi Quang
- Visiting Marble Mountains
- Cruising the Han River
- Visiting An Bang Beach
- Basket Boat ride
- Da Nang Vietnamese Cooking Class
- Visiting My Son Sanctuary
- Museum of Cham Sculpture
- Ho Chi Minh and the Fifth Military Zone Museum
- Hai Van Pass via US Army Jeep
1. Da Nang Beaches
Da Nang boasts 30 km (18 miles) of continuous beaches, and two of the most popular are My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach.
My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach is one of the closest beaches to Da Nang city and is a fabulous base for exploring Da Nang and the surrounding region. Here you will find sheltered waters with views overlooking the Cham Islands and the Lady Buddha on Son Tra Peninsula.
As the sun rises you can join the locals on their early morning dip. Late risers can lounge lazily under a shady umbrella between swims or if you are feeling adventurous, skip through the waves on a jet ski or go parasailing for a bird’s eye view of the coast.
My Khe Beach has a huge assortment of accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget. Many of the hotels line the foreshore and have fabulous views overlooking the bay.
Click here to book the My Khe Beach Hotels
Non Nuoc Beach
A little further afield is Non Nuoc Beach which is the location of many five-star resorts. Here you can take full advantage of the picturesque turquoise waters and white sandy beaches while enjoying the privacy and luxury of the resort.
Non Nuoc Beach is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Da Nang. You will find that most resorts offer a range of tours and activities that can be taken directly from the resort.
Click here to book the Non Nuoc Beach Resorts
2. Eat Fresh Seafood by the Beach
Da Nang is famous for its seafood restaurants which showcase the large variety of the region’s seafood. While away the afternoon with a cold beer and a delicious selection of local fish and shellfish.
You will find many seafood restaurants across from My Khe Beach and within the alleyways behind the foreshore.
3. Go Snorkelling in the Cham Islands
When you visit Da Nang, you will see the Cham Islands out in the distance. The Cham Islands are a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and the perfect place for spotting marine life as you snorkel within the coral reef.
Take a break from snorkelling and relax on the beach or go swimming in the warm waters of the Cham Islands.
Click here to book the Cham Island Snorkelling Tours
4. Visit the Dragon Bridge at Night
Da Nang has many bridges that cross the Han River but the most spectacular would have to be the Dragon Bridge. Whether you cross by day or night you can’t help but be impressed by this massive dragon which is the symbol of Da Nang.
Of course, by night the Dragon comes alive as colourful lights dance over the dragon’s face and roll down the dragons back.
The best time to visit the Dragon Bridge is on Saturday and Sunday at 9pm when the Dragon lives up to its legend by spitting fire and smoke. This is a truly memorable sight to see, and it is advisable to get there early as the bridge gets crowded.
5. Explore Son Tra Night Market
Son Tra Night Market (Cho Dem Son Tra) is a short walk from the Dragon Bridge and the nearby Love Lock Bridge.
This lively walking street market has a good assortment of street stalls selling seafood and other local Da Nang dishes. The market is a great place to grab a bite to eat or browse the stalls for arts & craft, jewellery, clothing, bags, and souvenirs.
The Son Tra Night Market opens at 6pm.
6. Visit the Love Lock Bridge Da Nang
The Love Lock Bridge is one of Da Nang’s best kept secrets. Sitting along the walkway under the Dragon Bridge, is a small foot bridge which is beautifully decorated with trees of hearts.
The bridge is a favourite with couples who place locks on the bridge as a reminder of their love. The bridge is also a pretty backdrop for photos, framing not only the Love Lock Bridge but the Dragon Bridge which can be seen in the distance.
7. Admire the Lady Buddha
The Lady Buddha sits on Son Tra Peninsula and is the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam. The statue stands in one of the most beautiful spots in Da Nang, overlooking the beaches and waters of the bay.
The Lady Buddha is just one of the attractions of the Linh Ung Pagoda Buddhist temple complex. When you visit you will find peaceful gardens filled with religious sculptures and see stunning views of Da Nang.
Click here to book the Lady Buddha Tours
8. Have fun at Ba Na Hills
When you think of Ba Na Hills the gigantic hands of the Golden Bridge instantly spring to mind. Once you arrive you will discover that Sun World Ba Na Hills is so much more than this iconic bridge.
Sun World Ba Na Hills is a theme park which is centred around a French village and has a wide variety of attractions and live entertainment. As you walk around these charm filled cobbled streets you will find Medieval castles, churches, stunning gardens, Buddhist temples, fair rides and landmarks that will take your breath away.
Check here to book the Ba Na Hills Day Tours
Of course, the Golden Bridge takes centre stage, and while most people have seen photos, nothing compares to seeing it in real life, especially if you stay overnight and see it as the sun rises at golden hour.
Ba Na Hills is 21 km (13 miles) from Da Nang and can only be reached by cable car. When visiting Ba Na Hills, you have the choice of taking a tour or staying overnight to see the bridge at golden hour, when it is at its most spectacular.
Click here for overnight accommodation at Ba Na Hills
9. Visit Hoi An Ancient Town
Taking a Hoi An Ancient Town day trip from Da Nang is one of the most popular activities in our Da Nang travel guide.
Step back in time to the 15th to 19th century on a trip to Hoi An Ancient Town. This well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a world-famous trading port and is the place to admire the architecture and relive the history of this bygone era.
These golden hued buildings offer a glimpse into Hoi An’s glory days. Within the streets and alleyways, you will find character filled shophouses selling artworks, leather, tailor made clothing and local Hoi An crafts.
You will also see the family homes and assembly halls of the international seafaring communities who called Hoi An Ancient Town their home.
Of an evening watch Hoi An Ancient Town become a magical fairyland of light as the buildings emit a golden glow and colourfully lit boats take to the waters of the river. Many visitors include a few days staying in Hoi An to fully explore the town and surrounding beaches. .
Click here to book the Hoi An Ancient Town Tours
10. Marvel at the Imperial City of Hue
Taking a day tour from Da Nang to Hue is a way of combining two unforgettable attractions, the Hai Van Pass, and the city of Hue, the former Imperial capital of Vietnam.
When you take the 104 km (64 mile) journey from Da Nang to Hue you will travel over the Hai Van Pass. Here you will have the chance to see magnificent coastal scenery as you drive to the city of Hue.
Between 1802 and 1945, Hue was the national capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. When you visit Hue, you can walk in the footsteps of the Emperors as you explore Hue Imperial Citadel and the tombs and temples which are scattered around the city.
Click here to book the Hue Imperial City Tours
11. Try Mi Quang – Da Nang’s Signature Dish
A Da Nang travel guide would not be complete without introducing Da Nang’s signature dish of Mi Quang.
This delicious concoction is made with rice noodles, pork, quail egg, shrimp and fresh herbs served in a rich yellow broth which gets its colour from turmeric. Mi Quang is flavoured with an assortment of spices and is one of the tastiest dishes in Vietnam.
Pull up a chair at your local street food vendor or take a street food tour to try other Da Nang delicacies.
Click here to book a Street Food Tour
12. See the Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are five towering limestone karsts which are dedicated to the elements of earth, water, wood, metal, and fire. The mountains hold deep religious significance and are home to numerous Buddhist temples and caves.
The top of the mountain can be reached by either walking up a steep stairway or by taking a lift. Once at the top you will see spectacular views of the Da Nang coastline and have the chance to visit the shrines and caves that are scattered across the mountain.
At the base of the mountain, you will find marble sculpting factories and small shops selling marble figurines and Buddhist religious items.
Click here to book a Marble Mountains Tour
13. Take a Han River Cruise
The Bridges of the Han River are their prettiest at night and one of the best ways to see them is to take a Han River cruise.
Marvel at the beauty of Da Nang as you sail past the Love Lock Bridge and Dragon Bridge. Admire the colourfully lit buildings of Da Nang as the lights sparkle and cast reflections upon the river.
Click here to book the Han River Cruise
14. Relax on An Bang Beach
For a glimpse of Vietnam village life make sure to visit An Bang Beach which is outside the city of Hoi An and around 30 km (18 miles) from Da Nang.
An Bang Beach has a laid-back village vibe, a place where you can see locals shopping at the morning market wearing traditional conical hats called Non La and a colourful pyjama like outfit called Ao Ba Ba which is often worn by the older ladies of the village.
Along the foreshore of An Bang Beach, you will find a collection of beach bars and restaurants selling local seafood and other traditional Vietnamese and international dishes.
15. Have fun in a Basket Boat
Basket boats can be seen sitting on the beaches all along the coastline of Da Nang. One of the best ways to learn how to use a basket boat is to take a tour to the coconut forests of Hoi An to try your hand at fishing with local fishermen.
This is so much fun and a fabulous way to experience rural life as you explore the rice fields and farms of the area.
Click here to book the Basket Boat Tours
16. Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class
Have fun learning about the intricacies of Vietnamese cuisine when you take a cooking class in Da Nang. Discover the excitement of an authentic Vietnamese market as you shop for fresh and unusual produce.
Uncover a range of new and interesting techniques that will have you cooking Vietnamese food for your friends at home. Finish the day by savouring a selection of dishes made with your own hands. A fabulous way to spend a day in Da Nang.
Click here to book the Vietnamese Cooking Class Tours
17. Learn the history of My Son Sanctuary
If you are looking for a historical and cultural tour in our Da Nang travel guide, a day trip to My Son Sanctuary may be for you.
Vietnam has had a long history but one of the most ancient is the Champa Kingdom. My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site which dates to the 4th to 13th century.
This Hindu religious site contains the beautifully carved remains of temples that were dedicated to the Gods Shiva, Krishna, and Vishnu.
My Son Sanctuary is 46 km (28 miles) from the city of Da Nang and is best visited early in the morning to beat the heat of the day.
Click here to book the My Son Sanctuary Tour from Da Nang
18. Museum of Cham Sculpture
If you don’t have time to visit My Son Sanctuary, you can learn about the history of the Champa Kingdom and see many fine examples of Cham sculptures and artworks at the Museum of Cham Sculpture which is located near the tail end of the Dragon Bridge.
You can either visit independently or combine it with a tour of the Lady Buddha and Marble Mountains.
Click here to book the Museum of Cham Sculpture Tour
19. Ho Chi Minh and the Fifth Military Zone Museum
If you are interested in Vietnam War history our Da Nang travel guide highly recommends visiting the Ho Chi Minh and the Fifth Military Zone Museum.
Da Nang played a major part in the Vietnam War (American War) until its capture in 1975. Walking around the grounds of the museum you will find a large collection of aircraft, tanks, and artillery.
Inside the museum you will find displays and more memorabilia that tell the history of the battles of the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese point of view.
20. Take a US Army Jeep to Hai Van Pass
Feel the wind in your hair as you take a ride up the twists and turns of the Hai Van Pass in a restored US army jeep. This is a fabulous way to admire the impressive views of the Hai Van Pass.
Along the way stop off at Lang Co Beach and Elephant Springs. This is a unique and fun way to experience the hidden beauty of Da Nang Vietnam.
Click here to book the US Army Jeep Tour
Travel to Da Nang Vietnam
Travelling to Da Nang is easy as there is a good selection of transport options from destinations across Vietnam. The quickest is by air and you will find direct Da Nang flights from many popular Vietnamese tourist hubs.
Direct Da Nang Flight Times
- Hanoi to Da Nang flights – 90 minutes
- Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang flights – 90 minutes
- Nha Trang to Da Nang flights – 75 minutes
- Da Lat to Da Nang flights – 65 minutes
- Phu Quoc to Da Nang flights – 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Can Tho to Da Nang flights – 90 minutes
Click here to book Da Nang Flights
Hanoi to Da Nang by Train
After flying the most popular choice of transport between Hanoi and Da Nang is the overnight train. The Hanoi to Da Nang train takes 16 hours and 40 minutes to complete its journey and there are a range of 2 and 4 berth cabins and seating to choose from.
If you have your heart set on a 2-berth cabin, we recommend booking well in advance as they sell out quickly.
Click here to book the Hanoi to Da Nang Train
Other Da Nang Transport Options
You will also find a network of bus, minivan and sleeper bus routes travelling between the cities of Vietnam. Taking the bus is a good option if you are on a budget and have plenty of time to explore Vietnam.
Da Nang Vietnam Weather
Da Nang weather is divided into two seasons, the dry season, and the rainy season which also coincides with typhoon season.
The dry season brings sunny days and steamy humid weather. During the rainy season you may experience flooding around Da Nang and nearby Hoi An.
Da Nang Seasons
- Dry season – January to August
- Rainy season – September to December
Da Nang has a tropical monsoon climate with average dry season temperatures ranging from 26C to 34C (79F to 93F).
Average rainy season temperatures are from 32C to 25C (90F to 77F). The rainiest months in Da Nang are from September to November, so expect some flooding during this time.
Last Words on Da Nang Travel Guide
We trust that you have enjoyed discovering the many place of interest in Da Nang. We believe that our Vietnam Da Nang travel guide will give plenty of reasons to extend your stay in Da Nang and the surrounding area.
The Da Nang region of Central Vietnam is one of our favourite places in Vietnam and we hope that it will soon be yours.
