Da Nang 10 Best Things To Do | Travel Guide

Da Nang is halfway between the capital Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. It is the fourth largest city in Vietnam. Apart from some historical sites, the famous Hai Van Pass, the Son Tra peninsula, and the beaches are the main reasons for staying here.

5 reasons to visit Da Nang

  1. Drive a motorbike over the Hai Van Pass
  2. Explore the Son Tra peninsula
  3. Rock climbing at the Marble Mountains
  4. Relax on the beach
  5. Watch the fire show of the Dragon Bridge

What is in this Da Nang travel guide

Practical Information 

Recommended days to stay

ATMs & money exchange

Local events and holidays

If you are in Da Nang in the right season, it is a great place to stay for a few days at the beach. If you desire a bit more culture and things to do, it is recommended to skip this city and stay in the neighboring town of Hoi An.

There are ATMs everywhere in the city, including several international banks.

 

 

Danang International Fireworks Festival: Held in May or June, with spectacular displays of international fireworks teams illuminating the river and bridges.

The best time to visit

  • Dry season: April – August
  • Monsoon season: September – March
  • Warmest months: June – August (with the highest average temperature of 35 ° C)
  • Coolest months: November – January (with the lowest average temperature of 18 ° C)

10 best things to do in Da Nang

Not long ago, Da Nang was a port town like so many can be found in Vietnam. However, in a short time, Da Nang has developed into one of the largest and most modern cities in Vietnam. The beautiful beaches of Da Nang and the surrounding area have made the city one of the best beach destinations in Vietnam.

There are lots of things to do in Da Nang, but especially around it. It is located right between the two ancient cities of Hoi An and Hue and you can find impressive national parks and stunning coastal roads.

1. Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass Hai Van Pass
The Hai Van Pass tops the list of must-see attractions in Da Nang, gaining fame from an episode of the Top Gear TV show. This 21 km mountain pass, linking Da Nang and Hue, is a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts and adventurers seeking unique experiences in Da Nang. It offers breathtaking ocean views and, thanks to a newly built highway tunnel, sees minimal traffic. For a day trip, rent a scooter in the city and set out early in the morning.

2. Son Tra

Son Tra beach Son Tra monkeys
The Son Tra peninsula, a stunning rainforest extending into the sea from Da Nang, is another highlight. By renting a scooter, you can explore the newly paved road to the peninsula’s end, enjoy the nature reserve, and reach the summit for a spectacular view. With some luck, you might spot the rare red-shanked douc langur monkey. The peninsula also boasts numerous pristine beaches, making it one of Da Nang’s most beautiful and unspoiled areas.

3. Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains Vietnam Marble Mountains temple cave

Just 7 km from the city, the Marble Mountains are a must-visit. This cluster of marble and limestone hills is filled with caves, tunnels, and Buddhist shrines. Climbing to the top offers magnificent views of the surrounding area. For those seeking more adventure, the Marble Mountains also provide opportunities for rock climbing and abseiling.

4. Ba Na Hills

Golden Bridge Vietnam Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is one of the best-known landmarks in Da Nang, particularly for Vietnamese tourists. It is one of the newest and most exciting projects in Vietnam. It is a mountain village on top of a mountain that looks like a medieval castle, but within these stone walls are modern accommodations, restaurants, and a Fantasy Park full of exciting attractions. The newest addition is the golden bridge that is being held by two giant stone hands.

5. Relax on the beaches

My Khe beach My Khe beach

The best beaches in Da Nang are known for their clear water and fine sand. The more popular beaches, such as My Khe and Non Nuoc, are relatively close to the city center and are often full of locals during the weekend and on public holidays. You can also find plenty of local restaurants with fresh fish and Da Nang specialties at affordable prices. Beaches further from the city are often a lot quieter. View here the list of the most beautiful beaches in Da Nang.

6. Dragon Bridge

Dragon Bridge Da Nang Dragon Bridge Da Nang
The Dragon Bridge is a long bridge with six lanes and a popular place among photographers. This unique bridge is built in the shape of a golden dragon. Although it is a beautiful sight at any time of the day, Dragon Bridge is special (and full of tourists) during the weekend because it is illuminated with colorful LEDs as the fire exhales and water spits out from 9 p.m.

7. Cham Island

Cham Island Vietnam

If you want to see coral reefs, colorful fish, tropical beaches, and islets, then the best thing to do in Da Nang is to take a trip to Cham Island. It is a cluster of beautiful islands that are only an hour’s boat ride from Da Nang. It is a great day trip or you can spend the night there. On a day trip, you visit a few islands, you go snorkeling and you can relax on the beach.

8. Cham Museum

Cham Museum Cham Museum

Cham Museum shows the age-old culture, lifestyle, and customs of the indigenous Cham tribe in Vietnam, dating back to 192AD. Founded during colonial French rule in 1915, it is known as the only museum of its kind in the world. Cham Museum Da Nang is divided into ten rooms, where 300 terracotta and stone sculptures from the 7th to the 15th century are exhibited.

9. My Son

My Son temples My Son temples

My Son is approximately a 40-minute drive from Da Nang. Several companies organize trips there, or you can drive there yourself with a scooter. This attraction is not as big as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, but it does offer a good insight into the past of the country. There is a small museum at the entrance and all the ruins have information boards.

10. Hoi An

Hoi An Hoi An night market
The most famous landmark in the region is the old town of Hoi An. If you do not plan to stay in Hoi An, this is the best thing you can do from Da Nang. Read here how to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An. In this well-preserved old trading city, you can easily spend a whole day seeing and visiting old buildings, markets, and lanterns that give a nice atmosphere in the evening.

Best hotels & hostels in Da Nang

Where to stay

On the beach – One of the best things to do in Da Nang is enjoy its beautiful beaches. So for obvious reasons, this is the best place to stay. There is a very long strip along the beach with different neighborhoods like Son Tra, An Thuong, My An, and Khue My. This is also the place with the most hotels and (western) restaurants.

Near the river – The Han River is a very popular place to find a hotel in Da Nang with many restaurants, bars, and good nightlife.

Staying in Hoi An – Most tourists choose to stay in Hoi An for a better atmosphere and take a day trip to Da Nang. It is only 45 minutes from Da Nang to Hoi An.

Best hostels & hotels in Da Nang

Budget hotels & hostels

  • Barney’s Danang Backpackers House
  • Travelers Nest Hostel
  • Danang Backpackers Hoste

Mid-range hotel

  • Halina Hotel and Apartment
  • Mitisa Hotel Danang
  • John Boutique Villa Apartment
  • Frangipani Boutique Hotel Da Nang
  • Avora Hotel

High-end hotel & resort

  • Monarque Hotel Danang
  • Grandvrio Ocean Resort Danang
  • InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

Food and Drink

Restaurants

There are many places where you can eat well in the city of Danang. Due to its location, in the middle of Vietnam, you can find many types of food from the rest of the country. In addition to local dishes, there are also many international-style restaurants, with dishes like pizza, pasta, hamburgers, and Indian food.

  1. Thien Ly Danang-style
  2. Madame Hanh
  3. Market’s
  4. Tamarind Tree Restaurant Da Nang
  5. Sofia Restaurant
  6. Red Sky Bar & Restaurant
  7. Lam Vien Restaurant
  8. Madame Lân
  9. Ngon Villa Danang
  10. Burger Bros

Nightlife

The nightlife and nightlife in Da Nang consists of a collection of rooftop bars, sophisticated lounges, friendly expat bars, and lively nightclubs.

Rooftop bars

  • Sky 36
  • Brilliant Top Bar

Clubs

  • New Phuong Dong Nightclub
  • Golden Pine
  • OQ Bar


Itinerary 2 days in Da Nang

DAY 1

DAY 2

In the morning you take a trip to the Marble Mountains. Explore the caves and temples here or choose to go rock climbing. When you get back to Da Nang you explore the city, including the Cham Museum and the Dragon Bridge. You enjoy the late afternoon on the beach where you stay for food and a drink.

You rent a motorbike or cross the Hai Van Pass on a tour. You stop at several viewpoints and take a dip in the river at a waterfall. Later in the evening, you can enjoy the view of a rooftop bar by the river.

 

Others

How to get there

Flights to Da Nang

The busy Danang airport has many domestic connections and popular international flights to Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Singapore. There is also a growing number of connections with Laos, China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Domestic flights to destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Dalat, and Nha Trang are operated by regional airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Jetstar.

Busses to Hanoi

Buses run regularly between Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An. There is a large Danang bus station on Dien Bien Phu Street, 3 kilometers west of the city center. From there, there are buses to all major destinations in Vietnam, including Quy Nhon, Hue, Nha Trang, and Hanoi.

Buses run regularly between Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An. There is a large Danang bus station on Dien Bien Phu Street, 3 kilometers west of the city center. From there, there are buses to all major destinations in Vietnam, including Quy Nhon, Hue, Nha Trang, and Hanoi.

Trains to Da Nang

The Da Nang train station is just outside the city center and you will find a train connection that can take you anywhere in Vietnam. The train ride to Hue is one of the best in the country and is worth taking on itself as an excursion.

How to get around

Grab / Taxi: Getting a Grab taxi anywhere in Da Nang is pretty easy. This saves money compared to a normal taxi. You just have to download the app and have an internet or data connection. To avoid expensive taxis, you must choose a well-known taxi brand: Mai Linh Taxi, Vinasun Taxi, Tien Sa Taxi.

Motorbike rental: Traveling by motorbike is the most fun option of all. The average price for renting a motorcycle is 130,000 VND ($ 6) per day.

Private car: If you want to make a day trip to certain places of interest or a place outside Da Nang, you can rent a car with driver.

More tips for traveling in Da Nang

Where to go next?

It is very easy to travel from Da Nang to other cities in Vietnam due to its airport with very good domestic connections. You can fly to Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Dalat, or Nha Trang. In addition, it is also located a 45-minute ride to Hoi An and a 1,5-hour ride to Hue.

Da Nang with kids

Da Nang is a great place to bring children. There is a huge beach where they can play, different attraction parks such as Ba Na Hills and Asia Park, and plenty of day trips you can do from here.

Language

Da Nang is a very international city, so most people in hotels and restaurants speak a decent word of English.