The Ultimate Guide to Da Nang

Da Nang has a long history as a commercial harbour and has quickly developed to become one of the most important cities in Vietnam. It is one of the main cities in the central part of the country. The most common mistake people make is only using it as a transit point to Hoi An and missing out on all the things to do in Da Nang. The city already attracts many Vietnamese and Asian tourists for several reasons. First, because of the accessibility through its international and domestic airport (with cheap flight tickets from other Vietnamese cities), but also because of the famous beaches, its amazing food and affordable accommodations, and of course the famous attractions and historical sites nearby. If you plan on coming for a few days, or if you are just passing by, discover all the things to do in Da Nang make the most of your journey!

When to visit Da Nang?

Climate and weather

Da Nang has two seasons: the dry season from April to August and the wet season from September to March. During the wet season, rainfall can happen occasionally but usually come by outburst. The temperature varies between 18°C and 31°C. During the dry season, the city experiences high temperature and humidity level. The average high temperature is 35°C. It is, however, the most visited period of the year, with many Asian tourists coming to the city to enjoy the beaches. The best time to visit is from February to May. With fewer tourists and less humidity, it is a nice period to visit.

How to get there and around?

How to get there

From other cities

The most common way to get there directly is from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh by plane.
You can also get there from other cities by long-distance bus or private car (depending on your budget and time).
If you’re feeling adventurous, and want to further enjoy the scenery, you can opt for a motorcycle road trip from any nearby city. This way, you’ll be able to go on the Hai Van Pass (see below for more information).

How to get there

From the airport to the city centre

Taxi

As the airport is located very close to the city centre, do not ask for a flat rate but use the meter. There will be an extra 15.000 VND airport toll fee, but the total price should be very reasonable.

Grab

You’re probably already familiar with Uber. Well, Grab is the Vietnamese alternative. With Uber leaving the scene, Grab is dominating the market. Booking your rides through their app for a cheaper price as they often have coupons.

Getting around

Public buses

This is the cheapeast alternative. There are 5 lines of public buses in Da Nang, with fares as low as 5000 VND. More information about bus itinerary and schedule.

Taxis

Taxis are still an affordable way to get around (with starting fee of 12.000 VND (0.50$), then 15.000 VND($0.65) per kilometer). Scams are not that common, but to be careful, look for legitimate companies such as Mai Linh, Vinasun and Taxi Xanh. Make sure to ask for the meter, as many drivers like to negotiate for a flat rate. Otherwise, Grab is the more affordable option if you need a ride due to its pre-ride fixed price and additional coupons.

Motorcycle taxis

If you want to have an authentic Vietnamese experience, try the motorcycle taxi. Often cheaper than traditional cab (with rides bt 10.000 and 15.000 VND ($0.40 – $0.65), it’s also faster. You will cruise through the traffic in no time. Free travel apps such as Grab can come in very handy if you want to avoid scams either for taxis or moto-taxis.

What to see?

Top Attractions

Visiting My Khe beach is one of the best things to do in Da Nang

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Visiting Pham Van Dong beach is one of the best things to do in Danang

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Mỹ Khê beach

If you are a beach lover, you have come to the right place! With clear blue water and white soft sand, Da Nang’s beaches will not disappoint you. We suggest you visit Mỹ Khê beach, a 20-mile stretch of white sand, also ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by Forbes. It’s a good surfing spot, with many luxurious accommodations nearby to boot.

Phạm Văn Đồng beach

Location: Pham Van Dong Street, Phuoc My ward, Son Tra district

This beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Da Nang. With a good location, surrounded by rivers and mountains, it attracts many tourists but is not overcrowded. Since it holds its reputation as a popular spot, various festivals and events are sometimes held here as well.

Dragon Bridge

One of the most famous things to do in Da Nang is to ride through/look at/watch shows of one of the symbols of Danang, the iconic Dragon Bridge. For its interesting designs and colorful lights glowing against the dark shaping a dragon in the night, it naturally attracts tons of photography enthusiasts. Furthermore, at 9 PM every Saturday and Sunday, the head of the dragon spouts fire and water and its body is illuminated with changing bright colors. Quite a show alluring curious travellers of all ages.

Museum of Cham sculpture

Location: 1Ð Trung Nu Vuong
Price: 40.000 VND ($2)
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

This museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts. Immerse yourself in the art of the Champa era with more than 300 stone and terracotta workpieces ranging from the 7th to the 15th century.

Marble Mountains or ‘Five Elements Mountain’

Location: 2 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son (8km from the city centre)

The marble mountains are composed of five mountains, each called after the name of the five basic elements of life: Moc Son (Mt. Plant), Kim Son (Mt. Metal), Thuy Son (Mt. Water), Hoa Son (Mt. Fire), and Tho Son (Mt. Soil). Mount Water is home to many pagodas and temples. Take your time to explore, and don’t hesitate to try every path. You may come across hidden temples and small caves, and even a hidden climbing path leading to one of the best views of the Mount. Some of the most famous caves include Huyen Khong Cave and Pho Da Son Cave.

Entry fee: 40.000 VND ($2)

The Hell Cave is another site nearby Mount Water. It’s a very worth-looking site. It has two main paths: one descending, leading to “Hell”, and one going upwards to “Heaven”. The Hell Cave can get very narrow, and the dim light adds a very mysterious atmosphere. The Heaven part is accessible through a huge, steep and slippery stairway. Be careful of other people when walking those stairs as they can get quite crowded. The view from the top makes the hike worth it though.

Entry fee: 40.000 VND ($2)

Fun fact: On your way to the Marble mountains, you will pass through Non Nuoc Jewel village, a crafting village specialised in marble. In order to preserve the remaining marble from the mountain, the artisans started using other natural resources to make their statues. If you want to bring an interesting and authentic souvenir, check out the village shops.

Visiting the Marble Mountains is one of the best things to do in danang

Credits: gottagoindochina.com

Credits: justgola.com

Lady Buddha

Location: Son Tra Peninsula
Entry fee: Free

Staring peacefully at the sea, here stands Lady Buddha, the highest marble statue of Vietnam. This site is mostly visited by Asian tourists coming to pay their respects to this gigantic Buddhist figure. Apart from the statue itself, which is very impressive, you will get an amazing view of the sea from the site. You can visit the Linh Ung pagoda, with many Buddha statues. Next to the site, there is also a beautiful lying Buddha statue. If you have time, you can visit the Son Tra Peninsula, and if you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the monkeys it is famous for.

Admiring Lady Buddha is one of the best things to do in danang

Ba Na Hills (35 kilometers southeast from Da Nang)

Located on Nui Chua Mountain, Sun World’s Ba Na hills is a resort that offers various attractions.
Entry fee: 700.000 VND ($30) for adults and 550.000 VND ($25) for kids, including two-way cable car (free for children under 1m)

Visit Fantasy World, one of the best things to do in Danang

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Try the Bana hills cable, one of the most interesting things to do in danang

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Fantasy Park & World’s longest cable car

This fantasy park is a very nice family-friendly spot, designed on the novels of the famous french fantasy writer Jules Verne “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” and “Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea”. From 5D cinemas, forests, attractions to up to 90 free games, you will not get bored!

Linh Ung pagoda in Bana Hills, one of the things to do in danang

Credits: vietunique.vn

Linh Ung Pagoda of Ba Na Hills

Probably the most impressive pagoda on Ba Na Hills, it’s a replica of the Linh Ung pagoda in the Son Tra peninsula. With a giant Buddha statue sitting on top of the mountain, it’s truly a must-see in Ba Na Hills.

Golden Bridge

Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Also part of Sun World’s Ba Na Hills, the infamous golden bridge, sitting nearly 4,600 feet above the sea level, offers a panoramic view of the valley. With two huge hands coming from the soil of the mountain, the bridge is very unique. It has become a very touristy spot, so be aware that it can get very crowded.

What to do?

Top activities

Ride on the hai van pass, one of the best things to do in danang

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1. Ride on the Hai Van Pass

Sitting at 500 meters above sea level, the Hai Van Pass is the highest pass in Vietnam. You can join it either from Hue, Hoi An or Da Nang and use it as a way to travel between those cities. It is possible to complete the ride in a day, but if you want to enjoy it more and even discover attractions on the way, we advise you to do it on two days. If you’re looking for an experience in some of the most beautiful road scenery, try this motorcycle ride!

Credit: Afar

2. Surfing

If you’re a surf lover, you won’t want to miss out on the gorgeous beaches of Da Nang. My Khe is considered by many as a perfect surfing spot!

Credit: Xe-Jeep-da-nang

3. Jeep tour

Apart from renting a private car, going on a jeep tour can be a more original way to discover all the attractions near Da Nang. The jeep will take you through forests and less visited paths. You will have all the comfort and freedom of a private car, but with an extra adventurous touch.

Enjoy the nightlife in Danang, one of the best things to do in danang

4. Nightlife

Da Nang has become a very developed city and is pretty well-known for its busy night-life. You can find plenty of bars and clubs, but people especially fancy rooftop bars. The most famous one is the Sky36 Club at Novotel Danang Premier Han River. Located on the 36th floor, it’s the highest rooftop bar of Da Nang. This place attracts a lot of affluent travelers and the local elite. Because of that, drinks there are more expensive than anywhere else.

Watch the Charming Danang show, one of the best things to do in danang

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5. Charming Da Nang Show

Location: Culture House of Labor Da Nang – 2 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Hoa Cuong Nam Ward, Hai Chau
Time: Every day from 7:30PM to 8:40PM

An immersion in Vietnamese culture through local dances. Performers wear beautifully designed costumes to enchant your eyes. With Ao Dai and conical hats, this show is a unique way to discover local customs and history.

Visit Nui Than Tai resort, one of the best things to do in danang

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6. Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park

Location: Ba Na-Nui Chua Nature Reserve, 14G Highway, Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District
Opening hours: 6:00AM – 8:00PM
Entry fee: 300.000 VND for adults and 150.000 VND for kids (free for children under 1m)

Looking for a getaway from the heat and the city? Nui Than Tai is a huge water park covering 60 hectares of forests and offering various activities. If you’re looking for a natural retreat for your body, or if you love thrilling sensations, Nui Than Tai has it all. You can either relax in some of the mineral baths, hot springs, try one of the slides, do some mud fighting with your friends or even visit a cave! The park also has cinemas and restaurants. It’s a very fun and relaxing place in an amazing location surrounded by majestic forests.

Near Da Nang

Hoi An

Located approximately 30km from Da Nang, it would be a shame to miss out on the city of Hoi An. It’s a completely different atmosphere and scenery, and there are so many things to do there. You can go from Da Nang to Hoi An either by taxi, bus (N°1 Bus) or private car.

What to eat?

Da Nang Specialities

Since Da Nang is near to the sea, you don’t want to miss on all the dishes made from fresh fish and seafood. Trying food specialties is one of the best things to do in Da Nang!

Credits: cookpad.com

My Quang

A specialty of Da Nang’s people, you can’t miss out on this dish. Quang noodles are made from rice and cut in long pieces. The dish can be made from either chicken, beef bones, shrimp, fish, crab or pork. It’s served with green chilies, peanuts, rice crackers, and lime to enhance the flavours.

Bun Cha Ca

This noodle dish is also one of Da Nang’s signature dishes. Served with grilled fish cakes and various vegetables (pumpkin, tomatoes, cabbage, etc.).It’s a fresh and healthy dish that will amaze your tastebuds.

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Bun Thit Nuong

Another noodle dish, but very different this time. The rice vermicelli are served without broth, topped with grilled pork, vegetables accompanied by a grinded peanut sauce. You can also eat it with some chili sauce mixed with lemon.

Vietnamese Seafood BBQ

What best place to enjoy a fresh seafood BBQ than Da Nang? In addition to being a convivial activity that you can enjoy with friends, it’s a simple way to taste Da Nang’s best seafood.

A seafood BBQ is one of the best things to do in danang

Credits: pullman-danang.com

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancakes)

The iconic sizzling pancakes can be eaten anywhere and still manage to satisfy any palate. Made from rice flour and turmeric powder, the pancakes are filled with bean sprouts, pork and shrimps. Served with fresh vegetables, you’re supposed to make wraps with rice papers and dip them in the special sauce.

Banh Trang Dap

An original snack from Da Nang sold on the streets. It’s basically rice cakes and rice crackers topped on each other that create a pile of 4-5 layers. The way you eat the snack is the interesting part: the name Banh Trang means “rice cracker” and Dap “to crush/hit”. You’re literally meant to use your palm and press down on the pile of rice crackers to make the layers stick together. Then crush them into smaller pieces and dip them in the anchovy fish sauce.

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Try some coconut jelly, one of Da Nang's specialties

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Rau Cau Trai Dua (Coconut Jelly)

A special and refreshing Da Nang dessert. Served in a coconut shell, you can enjoy it on the side of the Han river. The dish is composed of a layer of custard, coconut cream-like, on top of coconut jelly.

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (Sliced pork rolled with rice paper)

A simple rolled pancake with fatty pork pieces and fresh vegetables, but the thing that makes it different is the special anchovy sauce from Da Nang.

Trying Da Nang's specialties is one of the best things to do in danang

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The Ultimate Guide to Da Nang