Da Nang is a city in central Vietnam known for its fire breathing dragon bridge, sandy beaches, ancient temples, delicious vegan food and cultural museums. It is the fourth largest city in the country and is located on the eastern coast, along the South China Sea.
Da Nang has a pleasant climate and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. The city’s beaches, including Non Nuoc Beach and My Khe Beach, are considered some of the most beautiful in Vietnam. This is a place you should not miss!
Check out the best things to do in Da Nang Vietnam! ( And if you have time, here’s a beautiful 2 week Vietnam itinerary!)
1. Stay in Mỹ An and not the city centre
The Mỹ An beach area is quiet and calm and the beach is really beautiful. They have a great deal of restaurants and vegan food around the area. Stay around An Thượng 1, An Thượng 2, An Thượng 3, An Thượng 4 for a great location.
2. Watch the sunrise and sunset on My Khe beach
If your hotel is close by, this is really easy to do. Sit on one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll see in your life and admire the sunrise and sunset. People watch, swim a bit and relax.
3. Experience the Dragon Bridge that breathes fire and water
Every Saturday and Sunday night at 9pm, the Dragon Bridge lights up and breathes fire and water in a spectacular show. Arrive early because it gets crowded, or watch the show from a restaurant or coffee shop nearby (Molly Coffee has an incredible view of the bridge from their rooftop). People who stand on the bridge will get completely soaked from the water spitting from the Dragon’s mouth so stand below the head on the ground to avoid a drenching.
4. Explore the night market near the Dragon Bridge
While you’re waiting for the dragon bridge show, cross the road and wander through the bustling market. Street food, karaoke, souvenirs, clothing, toys, they have it all here!
5. Put a love lock on a bridge with your sweetheart
If you’re travelling with your partner, have a beautiful memory of buying a lock, getting it engraved and locking it on this bridge. It’s located close to the Dragon Bridge.
6. See Lady Buddha, the Linh Ung Pagoda and the Xa Loi Tower
Hop in a Grab from Da Nang and see this beautiful lady Buddha statue. Linh Ung pagoda is a Buddhist temple that is known for its 67-meter-tall statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, which is one of the tallest statues in Vietnam. The pagoda is situated on the Son Tra Peninsula, which is also known as Monkey Mountain. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda to get a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The pagoda also features a large hall for worship and several smaller shrines and statues.
7. Wander around the Son Tra Peninsula
The Son Tra Peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches and forests, and is home to a number of important natural and cultural attractions. The peninsula is home to the Son Tra Nature Reserve, which is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the rare red-shanked douc langur. The peninsula is also home to several beautiful beaches, including Bai But and Bai Rang, as well as the Linh Ung Pagoda, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
8. Discover the Cham Museum
The Cham Museum is a museum that is dedicated to the art and culture of the Cham people. The Cham are an ethnic group who lived in central and southern Vietnam, as well as parts of Cambodia and Thailand. The museum houses a collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts, including statues, reliefs, and inscriptions. It is considered one of the best places in Vietnam to learn about the history and culture of the Cham people.
9. Climb Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are a group of five hills made up of marble and limestone that are located just outside the city centre. The hills are named after the five elements (water, wood, fire, earth, and metal), and each hill contains several caves and tunnels that were used during the Vietnam War and also as temples and places of worship for centuries. You can explore the caves and tunnels, as well as climb to the top of the hills for beautiful views of the surrounding area. If you arrive at Gate 1 at 7am, you can possibly have the large Huyen Khong Cave all to yourself like I did.
10. Visit Ba Na Hills and the Golden Hand Bridge
Ba Na Hills Sunworld is an amusement park 20kms from Da Nang. It has the Golden Bridge, which is a pedestrian bridge that is shaped like a giant pair of hands and is made of steel and fibreglass. The large hands appear to hold up the bridge. The bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and has become a popular spot to take photos. It’s mainly for local tourists and if you have limited time in Vietnam I recommend giving this place a miss.
11. Take a boat over to the Cham Islands to do some snorkelling and diving
The Cham Islands are a group of eight small islands located off the coast of Da Nang and Hoi An. They are a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, and are known for their clear waters and rich marine life. The islands are home to a small fishing community, as well as several beautiful beaches and a number of historical and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the islands by boat, and can also visit the marine protected area and the Chuong Beach coral reef.
12. Motorbike over the famous Hai Van Pass
The Hai Van Pass is a mountain pass that stretches along the coast of central Vietnam, between Hue and Da Nang. It is located on the National Route 1A, and is known for its beautiful views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. The pass is also a popular spot for motorcyclists and tourists, who come to enjoy the winding roads and scenic views. The pass is part of the larger Truong Son mountain range, and has a length of about 21 kilometers (13 miles). It is also sometimes called the “Ocean Cloud Pass” because of the clouds that often form along the top of the pass.
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