Da Nang in Vietnam is one of those wonderful destinations that is sadly skipped because tourists are aiming to see the main destinations and in the process falling short of time. Generally tourists come here to visit hotspots like Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh or simply because it is a transit stop. What you don’t know is that this dynamic coastal city in Central Vietnam holds more treasures than you might think. Da Nang’s unbeatable value, its history, sprawling nature, delicious food and amazing things to do is sure to satisfy your wanderlust. There is something for everyone here!
15 Fun Things To Do In Da Nang Vietnam
Da Nang, the third-largest in Vietnam has a lot going for it and definitely deserves a spot in your list. Here’s our list of the top things to do that will make your Da Nang experience even more special.
Walk The Golden Bridge
One of Da Nang’s most popular photogenic locations is this magnificent bridge in the Ba Na Hills. In the midst of the clouds, this 500-foot-long golden bridge looks as though it is being held in two enormous hands. To take a picture on the bridge without any crowds, arrive early in the morning. You may take in breath-taking views of the East Sea and the Annamite Mountains as you traverse to get from the mountaintop cable car station to the magnificent Paradise Gardens. The sculpture has served as a tourist attraction, drawing crowds of people who are strolling or taking pictures on the bridge. To get to the bridge, you must ride the Ba Na Cable Car. The “Hands of God” are the perfectly carved hands that support the bridge. Purple Chrysanthemums that have been planted along the bridge only enhance its overall splendor.
Go Snorkeling At Cham Island
If an underwater adventure is what you’re looking for, then head straight to Cham Island. Cham Island is a cluster of beautiful islands and is just an hour’s boat ride from Da Nang. This spectacular island is one of the most popular islands to visit in Da Nang as it has some of the best snorkeling options. Sign up for a snorkeling tour and get to swim amongst beautiful fish and coral, get to walk underwater and get to relish some delicious seafood. The tour is also inclusive of a visit to the local fishing villages, what more can one ask for. The crystal clear turquoise water of Cham Island makes it a perfect destination for snorkeling. We assure you that a day’s trip to Cham Island will be filled with snorkeling, swimming and exploring many historical and cultural sites.
Spend A Day At Ba Na Hills
On the Truong Son Mountains in Da Nang, at an elevation of 1489 meters, is the well-known resort complex and hill station known as Ba Na Hills. It is also called Nui Chua, and it has a theme park with rides. Guinness World Records has recognized the Ba Na Cable Car as the longest cable car operating on a single track. Fantasy Park, Alpine Coaster Road, Flower Garden, French Village, and the wax museum are notable attractions. The Ba Na hill station attracts visitors because of its breathtaking scenery, including the East Sea and the mountains that surround it, as well as its lush vegetation. Both adults and kids can spend a full day at the fantasy park taking in the wonderful gardens and buildings built in the French architectural style. Unlike other regions of Vietnam, the climate here is consistently cool and pleasant.
Climb The Marble Mountains
Five marble and limestone hills make up the Marble Mountains, which are close to Da Nang city. These five hills, which honor the five elements of nature, are a well-known destination for pilgrims. The only mountain that is accessible to tourists is Thuy Son Mountain, which is surrounded by these hills on all sides and is home to several caverns, grottoes, tunnels, and temples. To experience breath-taking views that extend to Non-Nuoc (My Khe Beach), climb the mountains. These hills are still marked by the war, just like the rest of Vietnam, and bullet holes can be seen on them. There are other early 17th-century pagodas and other caves that have not yet been investigated. Additional walks will take you to amazing locations including Lantern Cave, Riverview Tower, Van Nguyet Grotto, and Tam Quan Gate.
Cross The Famous Dragon Bridge
Dragon Bridge, which was opened to the public in March of 2013 is the one of the best additions to the tourism of the city. The 666 meters long, 37 meters wide bridge with six lanes connects the airport and other major roads in the city. This iconic landmark of Danang is designed in the shape of the dragon that spits out fire and water, while the body changes color. Although it is a beautiful sight at all times, Dragon Bridge is at its best during the weekend when it is illuminated with colorful lights. Make sure you are here during the weekend to catch the famous Dragon fire show. The impressive fire breathing and water spraying performance is held every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00pm. Because of its unique design and dazzling light effect, this bridge has become a popular place among photographers.
Relax On Non Nuoc Beach
Da Nang in Vietnam, Non Nuoc Beach is situated 8 kilometers to the southeast of the city’s core. The Non Nuoc beach resort is so beautiful that even those who have never been there are immediately mesmerized, and hence this place is the answer to what to do in Da Nang. From above, it appears to be a circular emerald green lake with long, soft white sand beaches, gentle slopes, clear chalcedony, and green palm trees that wrap around the base of Ngu Hanh Son Mountain. Non Nuoc Beach continues to keep its original attractiveness despite the increasing number of people visiting it, growing more and more brilliant with each passing year. Standing on the shore, you can see shoals of white anchovies floating since the water is so pure. No wonder Da Nang beach is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world.
Have Fun At The Sun World Amusement Park
Theme and entertainment park Sun World features hundreds of games and stunning architectural simulations. The ten largest circles in the world, the Singapore Sling, the Golden Sky Tower, the highest free-fall tower in the nation, and a Monorail can all be found in Sun World. It can be reached by cable car and is located atop the Ba Na Hills. Children can also experience the same thrill and adventure in a different dimension at Sun World. It is a place where adults can explore limitless adventures. Things to see at sun world, Da Nang city is the Indian Manipuri dance and the stunning colors of the Mid-Autumn Festival in the Philippines, Bacolod, and Visayas, which hosts a number of Asian cultural festivals. Since all the attractions are included in the Guinness Book of World Records, the Sun World amusement park is referred to as a “Park of Records”.
Tour The Museum Of Cham Sculpture
With more than 300 displays honoring the Cham tribe’s history, customs, and way of life, the Museum of Cham Sculpture is devoted to Cham art. The world has no other museum like this one. Ten exhibition spaces, each of which features artwork from a different region, make up the display. The Museum of Cham Sculpture building, which is in Da Nang’s Hai Chau District, proficiently combines French, colonial, and Cham elements in its design. This area was formerly referred to as the “garden of sculptures” before becoming a museum and it has since undergone two expansions. Additionally, it includes collections from Kon Tum, My Son, Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, Binh Dinh, and others. Hiring an MP3 audio guide is the most effective way to tour the museum. This is one of the best things to do in Da Nang city and a must add to your tour itinerary.
Watch An Ao Dai Show
Through captivating performances, Ao Dai Show tells a wonderful story of Vietnam’s past and present culture. The performance takes place on Tran Van Dan Street in Danang City’s Culture House of Ngu Hanh Son neighborhood. Each show lasts one hour. The performance, which is also known as the Nguyen Dynasty Royal Show, recreates on stage the Imperial Palace of the Nguyen Dynasty, the 100-year history of ancient Ao Dai, traditional wedding attire, school uniforms, a lotus dance, and stunning Ao Dai collections. The Vietnamese national costume, known as Ao Dai, consists of a vibrant, ankle-length tunic layered over trousers. A more form-fitting variation, first worn during the Nguyen Dynasty, is still considered formal attire in Vietnam. The Ao Dai Show highlights the nation’s history and other important cultural facets. The programmer begins with an overview of Vietnamese dynasties before exploring more deeply into the Nguyen Dynasty and its traditions.
Explore My Son Sanctuary
The UNESCO world heritage site, My Son Sanctuary is about 43 kilometers southwest of Da Nang. One of the most stunning and majestic Cham temples is this tower complex. Every temple has a distinctive architectural design that shows the various Champa kingdoms’ historical eras. A collection of nearly 70 partially destroyed Hindu temples built mostly for Lord Shiva makeup Site Archaeological de My Son. The mysterious remnants of the ancient Cham Dynasty are located at the historical site of My Son. Majority of the artifacts in this area are finely carved shrines and rock-cut temples. These temples were partially destroyed by American bombing raids during the Vietnam War. It is thought to have served as a focal point for prayer during the reign of the Cham kings. This location, which looks out upon a lush jungle of greenery, combines the beauty of nature and man-made structures.
Go Biking In Hai Van Pass
The 21 km long Hai Van Pass, sometimes known as the “ocean cloud pass,” connects Da Nang with Hue. It is a portion of the Annamite range which descends to the East Vietnamese Sea, and is reputed to be the highest pass in Vietnam, rising to a dizzying height of 500 meters above sea level. Bike rides are well-known in the exciting Hai Van Pass. It offers a mystifying view of the mountains and beautiful skies. The persistent fog that envelops the mountains gives Hai Van Pass its name. If you want to take it easy for four to five hours while taking in the expansive scenery, you can choose a jeep tour with views of Son Tra Peninsula, Tien Sa Port, Da Nang City, and the South China Sea. As a result, Hai Van Pass provides you with the mesmerizing views of natural beauty that it contains.
Admire The Towering Lady Buddha
The remarkable Lady Buddha statue, which is white and measures 67 meters tall, is located in the Son Tra Peninsula’s Linh Ung Pagoda courtyard. The powerful, yet kind faced Lady Buddha statue is supported by a lotus framework that has a 35-meter diameter, or the height of a 30-story skyscraper. Lady Buddha’s feet are perched on a white Lotus. The holy water bottle is held in the left hand of the Lady Buddha and her eyes are fixed on the ocean. The vistas around the statue make the arguably difficult hike it takes to get there worthwhile. According to estimates, the building can be seen from approximately 35 kilometers afar. Each of the statue’s 17 storey has a distinct Buddha, whose name effectively means “The Enlightened One.” The monument rises amidst some beautifully designed topiaries with structures. One of the best and must visit places at Da Nang.
Navigate Your Way To The Monkey Mountain
About 12 kilometers from Da Nang’s central city, a structure known as the monkey mountain protrudes from the Son Tra Peninsula. Although it is referred to as Nui Son Tra in the native tongue, American soldiers gave it the name Monkey Mountain. The monkey mountain served as a battle base during the US-Vietnam battle. Because of its strategic location with Da Nang on one end and the Hai Van Pass on the other. It was recently made accessible to tourists, and today it is a well-liked bicycle route. Each day, thousands of visitors are drawn to the mountain’s summit by the vista. Views of Cham Island, Da Nang City, and Son Tra Peninsula stretch as far as the eye can see. This place should be part of your Da Nang activities, as it is one of the fun things to do at Da Nang, Vietnam.
Authentic Shopping Experience At Han Market
One of the buzziest sites in Da Nang is the two-story indoor market known as Han Market. It resembles a market in the middle of a city and offers a wide range of products, including apparel, household appliances, fruits, and vegetables. Han Market has been divided into categories similar to other markets. Locals shop for fresh produce, seafood, and butchered meat in the early morning at the ground level of Han Market. There are four distinct portions i.e., local food, dried goods, clothing and shoe area. It includes a number of food stands selling regional specialties below the stairway area. Interact with locals to get a fantastic glimpse into their local life. It is also a great place to bargain for the best prices with the vendors. Those who enjoy shopping and want to experience Da Nang’s local culture, this bustling market is the place to be.
Relish On Some Local Cuisine
You just can’t leave Vietnam without sinking your teeth into some mouthwatering local cuisine. Da Nang cuisine is heavily influenced by other regions. So, it is no surprise that there are a multitude of good food options in Da Nang. Most restaurants in Danang serve their regional dishes in restaurants and even in food stalls across the streets. Sink your teeth into some popular dishes like banh xeo (rice flour crepe), and the very famous bowl of pho. But the mì quảng (a chewy rice noodle with meat in peanut and garlic oil) is the one that you just cannot miss when you visit Da Nang. Also savor the popular Hue dumplings such as bánh bèo and bánh nậm. The aromatic fish paddies and slurp-worthy noodles are always made to absolute perfection.
Suggested Reads: Here’s 5 Reasons You Must Travel To Vietnam This Year
Da Nang, also popularly known as the “Miami of Vietnam” definitely has a lot more to see and do. So the next time you are in Vietnam or en route to another country, step out of the airport to see this vibrant and modern city. If you’ve already traveled to Danang before, do share your experience with us in the comments below.
FAQ’s On Da Nang, Vietnam
One can get to Da Nang either by Flight, Bus or Train. As Danang airport is a busy airport handling domestic and international flights, there are many flights coming in from many destinations. Bus stop is just 3 kilometers west of the city center and there are regular buses running between Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An. The train station is also just outside the city center and there are train connections that can take you anywhere in Vietnam.
Dry season in Danang is from April to August and the monsoon season from September to March. So ideally the best time to visit is the dry months of May and June. The months of July and August are also ideal times to visit if you are fine with the heat. Months from November to January are the coldest.
The best way to commute within Danang is by Grab Taxi, Motorbike and Private Cars.
Grab Taxi – The easiest and economical way to go around is in a Grab Taxi. All you need to do is download the app and you are good to go.
Motorbike: Renting a motorbike is the most fun option of them all. You can see the place at your own pace.
Private Car – Renting a car with a driver is one of the best ways to see Danang. By renting a car you don’t need to stress about where to go and how, the driver will take charge of things. You just need to sit back and enjoy the journey.
Although one day is enough to see all the top attractions, we recommend that you spend at least 2 to 3 days for a wholesome experience.
Both Da Nang and Hoi An are two cities which are a short distance from each other. So no matter where you stay, all the popular attractions are easily accessible from both the places.
