Centrally located along Vietnam’s beautiful coastline, Da Nang makes a great base for exploring beaches, mountains, Hoi An and Hue. There are so many things to do in the nearby vicinity of Da Nang.
Da Nang is readily becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in Vietnam. Every year thousands of tourists and vacationers visit the city to witness the unique amalgamation of Vietnamese culture, tradition, and modernity.
Among the largest cities by population in Vietnam, Da Nang is the perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional values. So whether you’re a travel enthusiast who loves natural and scenic beauty, a culture vulture excited to explore unique cuisines and traditions in a foreign land, a fan of history, or simply looking for a laidback beach vacation, this is the place for you.
Da Nang’s best things to do
The city has so much to offer that you’ll be spoiled for choices. It’s also full of affordable accommodations like the rest of Vietnam, with no shortage of top 5-star hotels in Da Nang.
Once you’re in the city, one of the most convenient ways to travel around is to hire a motorbike. They are easily available with most hotels and rental companies. However, you may require an international license or a Vietnamese license to rent one.
Walking or cycling is not advisable as the major attractions of Da Nang are scattered all around the city. So if biking is not your cup of tea, you can try taking a public bus. Almost all public buses in the city are air-conditioned and provide locals and tourists with an easy and economical way to move around the city. You can also hop in a taxi if you like.
Now that you know how to get around the city, we’ve curated a list of things you can do in Da Nang to make the most of your vacation to Vietnam.
Here are the top tourist attractions in Da Nang, Vietnam, in no particular order:
1. Hit the Beach
Being a coastal city, Da Nang offers some of the most beautiful beaches. Whether you choose to visit the My Khe Beach, sunbathe at Non Nuoc Beach, or relax at Pham Van Dong Beach, you won’t be disappointed. So, don’t forget to pack your flip-flops and sunscreen because you’ll probably spend a lot of time at the beach when in Da Nang.
The best part about the beaches in Da Nang is that there’s a lot to do there. For example, at My Khe Beach, you can go fishing, jet-skiing, fishing, etc. On the other hand, Non Nuoc Beach is a popular spot for enjoying seafood cuisines. Want to ride the waves? Take out your surfboard and head out to China Beach or My Khe Beach to go surfing! Every beach of Da Nang is not only unique but also has something fun to offer.
2. Explore the Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills is a famous tourist attraction. It was founded by French colonists in 1919 when they built the Ba Na Hill Resort as a vacation destination for French tourists. Here, you can enjoy cooler weather, take cable car rides, admire the view and natural beauty of the region, and stroll around the Disney-esque French village.
The picturesque hill station seems to have come out of a fairytale book! Moreover, the Ling Ung Pagoda is situated nearby. You can also take the cable car to visit the Golden Bridge and check out some of the best views in Vietnam. Guests can even stay overnight at the luxurious Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills.
Address: An Son Village, Hoa Ninh Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang
3. Motorbike Hai Van Pass
Talking about the best views in Vietnam, Hai Van Pass offers some of the most breathtaking scenic views. Located 500m above sea level, this place deserves a place on your tourist attractions list. Apart from the natural beauty, you can also marvel at the French-built fort on the pass. The fort is dilapidated now but still good for taking some artsy and memorable photographs.
Address: Lăng Cô, Phú Lộc, Thua Thien Hue
4. Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture
A visit to the Museum of Cham Sculpture is nothing less than a tribute to the Cham lifestyle, history, and practices. The Cham tribe dates back to 192AD! No wonder there are statues and artifacts in the museum from the 7th to 15th centuries. If you’re a history enthusiast, this is a must-visit spot for you.
Even if you are not particularly interested in history, it’s still a great idea to take the daily guided tour at the Cham Museum to closely observe the culture of Vietnam.
Address: Số 02 2 Tháng 9, Bình Hiên, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000
Explore the My Son Sanctuary
Visit the My Son Sanctuary to admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the ruins will take you back in time to the Champa Kingdom. The sanctuary is a famous tourist attraction, and most people visit it as part of a guided tour. You can marvel the ancient yet magnificent structures, learn more about the history of this monument, and enjoy the scenic landscape.
Address: Duy Phú, Duy Xuyên District, Quang Nam Province
5. Trek through the Marble Mountains
A cluster of five mountains, the Marble Mountains provide a spectacular landscape. You can take the stairs cut into the mountainside to reach the top of the smooth marble limestone hills. If you’re not up for a hike, there’s an elevator too.
Midway up the mountainside, there’s a cave entrance at the base of the mountains that you can check out. However, keep in mind that the locals often refer to the cave as the entrance to hell. This is mainly because of the eerie statues and engraving inside the cave, which depicts the afterlife.
The marble Mountains are also famous for the pagodas and shrines that are scattered across the five hills. So keep a map handy to make sure you don’t miss out on any temple or shrine while hiking through these picturesque hills.
Address: 52 Huyền Trân Công Chúa, Hoà Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000
6. Check out the Pagodas
Like most other cities of Vietnam, Da Nang also offers various pagodas that you can explore. Set amidst lush green gardens, Phap Lam Pagoda is one of the most famous and must-visit temples of the city. Here you will find the statues of Dai The Chi Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercury, and a 1.1-meter high statue of Buddha along with multiple sculptures.
Address: 574 Ông Ích Khiêm, Nam Dương, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000
Linh Ung Pagoda is another temple that you don’t want to miss out on when in Da Nang. It’s known for being home to the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercury. Apart from that, you will find multiple statues of Buddha set inside a larger Buddha statue, which is around 67 meters in height.
Address: Chùa Linh Ứng, Hoàng Sa, Thọ Quang, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng
8. Day trip to the Cham Islands
Located almost an hour away from the main city by boat, the Cham Islands provides the prime getaway for those looking to get out of the city. Go snorkeling, swim in the clear water, take boat rides, enjoy the local cuisine, and even camp overnight. The pretty coral reef will only add to your experience.
If you’re in Da Nang, don’t forget to plan a day trip to the neighboring Cham Islands off the coast of Hoi An. It’s made up of eight islands, with the largest called Cu Lao Cham.
Address: Tân Hiệp, Hội An, Quang Nam Province
9. The Golden Bridge
The Golden Bridge is another major attraction of Da Nang located in Thein Thai Garden of Sun World Ba Na Hills. Even if you know nothing about Vietnam, you have probably seen the images of this awe-inspiring bridge on the internet. Opened in 2018, the Golden Bridge depicts two hands emerging out of the mountain to hold a delicate gold pathway, which is generally packed with tourists.
The bridge showcases a panoramic view of the breathtaking valley below all the way to the ocean.
10. History lessons at the Fifth Military Division Museum
History buffs will appreciate this place. Dedicated to educating about the history of Vietnam and the Vietnam War, the Zone 5 Military Museum provides a moving experience. Find touching photographs and letters written by the soldiers. Apart from that, the huge museum is filled with war antiques.
Address: Duy Tân, Hoà Cường Bắc, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000
11. Spend a day at the Asia Park
Asia Park – Sun World Da Nang Wonders has it all – it has an Amusement Park, a Central Zone, and a Cultural Park. It’s a perfect getaway from the city for children and adults alike. The park is located a few miles out of the city. However, the main attractions of Asia Park, including the 155-meter high Sun Wheel and the renowned clock tower, are totally worth the travel.
Address: 1 Phan Đăng Lưu, Hoà Cường Bắc, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng
12. The Dragon Bridge
Open in 2013, the Dragon Bridge is the iconic symbol of Da Nang and depicts a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon, passing through the structure of the bridge. Located over the Riven Han, it actually spits fire and water on weekends and holiday nights at 9 pm. It spans 666 meters long and 38 meters wide across 6 lanes of traffic.
The intricately designed bridge is an architectural wonder that you must see when in the city. No wonder it won the 2014 Diamond award for Engineering Excellence. You can catch a show here on the bridge or simply admire it while walking along the riverside nearby.
Address: Phước Ninh, Hải Châu District, Da Nang 550000
Now that you know all about Da Nang, you can make the most of your visit! Be sure to add some of its finest tourist attractions to your local itinerary.