Known as the 3rd largest city in Vietnam, Da Nang is quickly making its way to the top of every tourist’s travel list. From its bustling city streets to its quaint tropical beaches and numerous culinary delights, it’s obvious that these Da Nang attractions are not only bountiful but fundamentally life-changing and the proof is in its picturesque attractions.
Tourists are instantly treated to the deep blue waters of Khe Beach that is adored for its calm waters and pristine sand. For those looking to increase their heart rates the spectacular views from the Marble Mountains will titillate those with a passion for the great outdoors. Travellers looking for a cultural escape are encouraged to explore one of the city’s oldest boulevards, Tran Phu street or take a walk through the ancient temples and Danang Cathedral for a unique cultural experience.
Fully immersing yourself in this diverse coastal city centre will shock and delight all five of your senses … leaving you wanting more of the numerous Da Nang attractions on offer.
Here is an overview:
Here are some tips of things to do in and around Da Nang, Vietnam
Son Tra Night Market
Experience Chợ Đêm Sơn Trà – Wonders Night Market in Da Nang, the absolute highlight of the city. Enjoy yummy food and a relaxing stroll.
Son Tra Night Market is located at the intersection of Ly Nam De Mai Hac De, An Hai Tay Ward, Son Tra, Danang, in a prime location near Dragon Bridge and Bridge of Love. Here you will find everything your shopping heart desires while in Danang.
The Wonders Night Market in Da Nang is a foodie’s paradise, offering a variety of delicacies, including the famous Vietnamese noodle soup Phở. But there is so much more food to try. Just pass the different stands and see what they offer. Then decide what you would like to try.
You could try Vietnamese summer rolls, bánh xèo rice pancakes, and the national dish, phở.
In addition to culinary delights, you’ll also find clothes, electronics, suitcases, and more at this night market. However, local souvenirs such as specialties, pottery, lanterns, clothing, and traditional conical hats are particularly noteworthy.
The market opens at 6 pm and closes at midnight.
While exploring the market and feasting, you can admire the impressive Dragon Bridge that breathes fire and water, visit the romantic Love Bridge, relax in the park or just enjoy the bustle of the Han River.
Do a Food Tour in Da Nang
We have experienced many street food tours around the world and have to say that those in Da Nang are really good.
There are few things better than enjoying local delicacies while strolling the streets and learning about the city and its history from an enthusiastic local.
Something for all gourmets!
Da Nang Food Tour By Motorbike
Embark on a sensory food tour journey on a motorbike through exotic Vietnamese cuisine and be enchanted by the delicious dishes. Explore the hidden treasures of the city and experience the authentic local cuisine by wandering through lively backyards and alleys.
Feel like a local as you speed through traffic on a motorbike.
Visit different tasting places and be tempted by the amazing Vietnamese dishes. Feast your way through Da Nang’s best street food at six tasting stations with eleven delicious samples.
Explore secret places not found in the usual guidebooks and experience the real Vietnam.
On your tour, you’ll also pass famous landmarks like Dragon Bridge, where you can watch a breathtaking fire show every weekend at 9:00 pm. Sounds tempting, right?
The tour lasts 4 hours and starts at 5 pm.
What you get with this tour is really good:
First of all, you’ll have ‘state-of-the-art’ transportation that will get you to your destination in comfort and safety. Best of all, your personal English-speaking driver and guide is always at your side to show you the best of the city!
But that’s not all: You can also rent a motorcycle and explore the area on your own – with a rental helmet, of course!
In between, you can enjoy no less than 11 different dishes at 6 different tasting locations – no culinary wish is left unfulfilled! And to make sure you don’t get thirsty, there are plenty of soft drinks and even a cold beer at the end. What more could you ask for?
- Sample local rice cakes (Beo, Nam, Loc cakes, etc.)
- Vietnamese Baguette
- Vietnamese beef noodle
- Local Coffee
- Vietnamese pancake
- Vietnamese BBQ (Pork BBQ, Chicken BBQ, Seafood BBQ)
Impress your friends and family back home with your newly acquired cooking skills from Jolie Da Nang Cooking Class!
Want to have a unique experience in Da Nang? Then join a cooking class and become part of the local community!
Explore the largest market, organic farms and fishing village to find the freshest ingredients for your dishes and learn more about the city. You can choose between a morning or afternoon program, depending on what works best for your itinerary.
Arrive at the cooking site on time or be conveniently picked up from your hotel. With your guide, you will visit organic gardens in the countryside where you can watch local farmers at work and learn about their way of life. Then head to the city’s largest supplier market where you can shop Vietnamese style and enjoy haggling over prices.
Take a break at the nearby roadside shop for a Vietnamese coffee.
Finally, pick up a fish or two for your class and use the fresh ingredients to create your own Vietnamese favorites!
Experience an unforgettable cooking class in Da Nang and learn how to prepare local delicacies and specialties! An English-speaking chef will help you discover the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine.
Immerse yourself in the region’s culinary heritage and recreate classic dishes in real time for an unforgettable experience! Master the art of cooking with detailed step-by-step instructions for four dishes and a seasonal dessert.
Explore the city’s largest marketplace and visit several organic farms, depending on the package you choose, for a culinary adventure!
What’s included in the cooking class
For one, they provide you with insurance through the organizer, so you can concentrate on enjoying yourself. They also have an English-speaking chef who will make your mouth water with his recipes.
They provide all the ingredients and if you get thirsty in between meals, they have bottled water ready for you. Last but not least: Their (English) recipes will blow you away!
Monday – Wednesday – Friday
- Pho Noodle
- Deep fried spring rolls
- Papaya Salad with Shrimp and Pork
- Steamed Fish Dipped in Tomato or Tamarind (Red Tilapia)
Tuesday – Thursday – Saturday
- Pho Noodles
- Fresh Spring Rolls
- Xeo Cake (Vietnamese Pancake)
- Steamed FishDipped with Tomato/Tamarind (Red Tilapia Fish)
- Pho Noodle
- Papaya Salad with Shrimp and Pork
- Xeo Cake (Vietnamese Pancake)
- Steamed Fish with Tomato/Tamarind (Red Tilapia)
Note, menu subject to change based on season and availability of ingredients.
Dragon Bridge in Da Nang
As its name suggests, Dragon Bridge illustrates the image of a dragon flying towards the sea with architecture inspired by the Ly Dynasty.
This relatively new bridge is indeed a stunning structure and has a significant symbolism: it marks the 38th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Stretching 666 meters across the Han River in the Vietnamese port city of Da Nang, the fascinating Dragon Bridge is truly an engineering marvel.
Capable of spewing impressive fire or even fountains of water, this elegant little beast towers majestically over six lanes of traffic traversed by an endless wave of cars – but there are also sidewalks for pedestrians on either side.
While the bridge is incredibly beautiful on its own during the day, at night it is illuminated by 15,000 Philips LED lights that bring the dragon to life.
Even before its opening, Da Nang was known as the “City of Bridges” – and with the opening of the Dragon Bridge in 2009, the city has more than confirmed its reputation as a bridge master.
The architecture of the Dragon Bridge in Danang is not only impressive, but also incredibly fascinating. Those who see it for the first time will be amazed by the function of the fire-breathing and water-spraying dragon. The breathtaking performance takes place every Saturday, Sunday and holiday at 9 pm and is an absolute highlight.
If you’re planning a trip to Danang, be sure to spend at least one weekend night in the city to see this spectacular spectacle live.
The opening of the show begins with a breathtaking 2-minute fire-breathing show in which the fire is ignited a total of nine times. This is immediately followed by the water spraying show, which lasts three minutes and includes three rounds, with water being sprayed only once per round.
The combination of dazzling lights, fire and water spraying from the dragon’s mouth is sure to thrill spectators and is an incredible highlight in Danang.
Here are the best spots to view the Dragon Bridge show
- Right on the Dragon Bridge: Before the show starts, no vehicles cross the bridge, so you can enjoy the performance right on the bridge. However, you should stay away from the dragon’s head to avoid getting wet during the water splash show.
- From Tran Hung Dao Street: Tran Hung Dao Street crosses the Dragon Bridge right under the Dragon’s Head, so it is the best place to enjoy the performance. There are many food stalls along the street where you can enjoy local drinks and watch the spectacular performances while sitting on a plastic chair. Love Bridge and Riverside Park on Tran Hung Dao Street are some of the best places to watch the show.
- From hotels and rooftop bars: An exciting place to watch the performance is from hotels and rooftop bars near the bridge. From these places, you can enjoy both the performance and the poetic beauty of the Han River. The best places are Vanda Hotel, Brilliant Hotel, Danang Riverside Hotel, Senriver Hotel and Memory Hostel.
Visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang
If you drive south on the coastal road from Da Nang towards Hoi An, you will see the Marble Mountains (Vietnamese: Ngũ Hành Sơn = Mountains of the Five Elements) after about 9 km.
These five forested cones of marble suddenly rise up to 100 m out of the landscape and offer a breathtaking view.
Each mountain is named after one of the five elements (Ngũ Hành) according to classical oriental philosophy: Kim Son (Kim: metal), Moc Son (Mộc: wood), Thuy Son (Thủy: water), Hoa Son (Hỏa: fire) and Tho Son (Thổ: earth).
The mountains contain some interesting caves, grottoes and Buddhist temples with natural entrances and connected by tunnel systems. Hindu, Taoist and especially Buddhist deities are worshipped here to this day.
For the Vietnamese, it is a famous place of pilgrimage, while for us tourists, it is a place to explore, climb and marvel at the diversity of Vietnamese worship.
When you climb Thủy Sơn, you will have an unforgettable adventure. The way to the top is through hundreds of steep stone steps, most of which are carved into the rock. After about 150 steps, you will reach Tam Quan Gate, which will lead you to Vong Giang Tower. From there you will have a breathtaking view of Kim Son and the surrounding coasts of My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach.
Follow the path through the gate and discover a series of caves and pagodas. Van Nguyet Grotto is nestled between high cliffs and is illuminated by diffused rays of light falling through an opening far above.
To the left of Van Thong Cave is a statue of Buddha, while to the right is a path leading to the top – the “Road to Heaven”. When you finally reach the path, you will find yourself in front of an opening about one meter in diameter. Climb through and enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding area.
During the descent, you will also pass by the Linh Ung Pagoda, which offers a view of the nearby sea.
The descent from the mountain takes more than 100 steps and leads down to a stonemason village where both tourists and locals can find statues of all sizes and shapes. Here you can watch the stonemasons at work, as the area around the Marble Mountains is world famous for its stonemasonry.
Please remember that sturdy shoes are a must and that Vietnam is hot and often humid. So you’ll need a certain level of fitness to tackle the steep path, but it’s definitely worth it. It’s an exhilarating experience you’ll never forget.
There are several ways to get to the Marble Mountains from Da Nang
- You can hire a taxi (approx. 80,000 dong = approx. €3) or be taken there on a motorbike (helmet compulsory, approx. 20,000 dong = approx. €1), as long as you are sporty and heat-resistant.
- If you feel fit, you can also rent a bicycle.
- Another option is to ride a motorcycle yourself, but the rules and traffic in the area are impenetrable and should be considered carefully.
- Public transportation, such as buses from Da Nang, will also take you to the Marble Mountains.
- Or you choose an organized tour. See below for more info.
Tour to the Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula from Da Nang
With this tour of the Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula, you will first visit the spectacular caves and enjoy the breathtaking view from the top of the mountain. Then you will visit Am Phu Cave which houses a replica of “Heaven and Hell”. Then continue to Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village – a unique handicraft village that you must visit.
Once in the north, Son Tra Peninsula awaits you, 693 meters above sea level and located 10 kilometers from Da Nang city center in the northeast. Visit Son Tra Linh Ung Pagoda, known as one of the largest pagodas in Da Nang City. The most prominent feature of this gigantic pagoda is the enormous Lady Buddha statue, one of the tallest in Vietnam, which dominates the skyline. From here you have a fantastic view of the entire city, the Son Tra peninsula and the Marble Mountains with their white sandy beaches. The picturesque landscape creates an unforgettable impression that you won’t find anywhere else.
Good to know
The tour lasts 4 hours and takes place in a small group with a maximum of 15 participants. You will be picked up and dropped off directly from your hotel in the city center (except Son Tra Peninsula). Transportation is included as well as entrance fees, bottled water and travel insurance. They have English speaking tour guides, and could even arrange other languages upon request and for an additional fee.
During the tour you will visit the Marble Mountains and use the one-way elevator. Please note that tips and personal expenses such as shopping, telephone and drinks are not included in the price.
My Khe Beach
If you are looking for a relaxing vacation spot, My Khe Beach with its gently sloping coastline and pleasant temperatures is the perfect destination for you. The surrounding nature gives the place a romantic atmosphere and the breathtaking sunsets over the sea attract many, including many brides and grooms.
My Khe Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Vietnam, located east of Da Nang on the coast. The name comes from the American soldiers who used to relax on the lee side of Son Tra between military missions.
The perfect combination of gentle sandbars, brilliant sunlight and refreshing waves make this beach a real highlight.
Mai Khe is exceptionally easy to get to. Here you will find luxurious villas and five star hotels with immaculate rooms. There are also many restaurants ready to satisfy even the most exquisite needs.
A wide strip of soft and white sand stretches for more than fifty meters. There are several rows of sunbeds under shady umbrellas. The beach is accessible to everyone and offers the perfect environment for relaxation.
Here you can relax and unwind in an ideal and safe environment. The area is very close to the city center and offers you toilets and a refreshing fresh water shower. Your physical well-being is taken care of, as there are not only food and drink stands, but also numerous restaurants in the area. In addition, qualified rescue personnel are always ready to act quickly and professionally in case of an emergency. For sports activities, there are several options available to you, including water sports. How about a flight behind a parachute attached to a boat?
The coast is a dream – coconuts and picturesque tropical plants as far as the eye can see. Best of all, the coastline stretches a full 32 km! There is one beach after another to explore.
But the real hotspot is about a kilometer in the center. This is where you will find the best accommodations that meet international standards and are visited by guests from all over the world.
Da Nang attractions: Drive the Hai Van Pass
If we are discussing popular attractions in Da Nang we cannot leave the Hai Van Pass off of our list. This is a 21km road which zig zags through the mountains to link Danang with Lang Co offering you exquisite panoramic views of the city centre. The pass is renowned for its natural scenery, aesthetically lush mountain ranges and epic views. Better yet, the Hai Van Pass was even featured on BBC’S Top Gear!
Explore the city of Hue
Hue is a city in central Vietnam that was the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors and the national capital from 1802 to 1945. A major attraction is its vast, 19th-century Citadel, surrounded by a moat and thick stone walls. It encompasses the Imperial City, with palaces and shrines; the Forbidden Purple City, once the emperor’s home; and a replica of the Royal Theater.
Immerse the senses in Hoi An
Hoi An is a city on Vietnam’s central coast known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, cut through with canals. The former port city’s melting-pot history is reflected in its architecture, a mix of eras and styles from wooden Chinese shophouses and temples to colorful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese tube houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge with its pagoda.
Take a tour by Cyclo to include the Japanese Bridge, Phung Hung old house, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and local market, where the food scene will shock and delight you. Keep in mind that you will be on your feet whilst exploring the city centre, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes.
Discover the temples of My Son
Book a My Son sanctuary tour. Not far from Da Nang is the impressive Champa temple area. Here are the vestiges of the former spiritual center of the kingdom. Overgrown temples, towers, tombs, sculptures and red brick buildings characterize the appearance of My Son.
Mỹ Sơn is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples in Quảng Nam province, central Vietnam, constructed between the 4th and the 14th century by the Kings of Champa, an Indianized kingdom of the Cham people.
The temples are dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva, known under various local names, the most important of which is Bhadreshvar.
These Buddhist temples can be spotted all over a DaNang map, ensuring that this impressive assorted collection of historical beauty is easily accessible to those looking to do a deep dive into the religious elements of this former ancient village and all of its incredible Bhuddist statues.
The area is home to 70 temples and other buildings, some of which need shoring up because they were severely damaged during the Vietnam War. The Viet Cong used the area as a command center before it was bombed by the Americans.
Since 1999, My Son has been a proud member of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The 70 buildings are spread over 142 hectares and were built in five different locations.
If you prefer a more personal route, you can take a taxi or ride a motorcycle.
If you want to drive yourself, just follow the road to Vinh Dien. When you reach Highway 1A (you will pass under it), turn left onto Route 1. After about 7 kilometers in Nam Phuoc, turn right and follow the signs to My Son (you will see a blue sign). From there it’s only 30 kilometers to your destination.
Bana Hills
How about an unusual excursion? How about a trip to the Bana Hills? It’s only 40 minutes from the heart of Da Nang.
If you already know Europe well and want to explore something new, the Bana Hills may not be your destination of choice. However, if you want to see a fascinating mix of European architecture and Vietnamese temple complexes, while sheltering from Vietnam’s scorching heat, you should definitely consider a visit. Be inspired by a trip to the Bana Hills and experience a unique combination of cultures and architectural styles.
A lot has happened since the days when the French decided to make Bana Hills a resort for the elite. Today, Bana Hills is a place that tourists love to visit because it offers a replica of a medieval French town, a small amusement park, magnificent gardens, breathtaking scenery and a cool climate.
There is no official itinerary, but with this plan you can see everything there is to see in a short time. So here we go!
If you book your tickets online at Bana Hills, you can get a discount on your ticket. Once you have your ticket, walk through the large main gate.
Just behind it is a beautiful replica of old Hoi An with beautiful gardens. Here you can take a leisurely stroll and take great pictures. After enjoying the gardens, it’s time for the cable cars.
The mountain slope
If you want to climb the mountain, there are three cable car lines to choose from. But I recommend you to use the Hoi An station!
The cable car will take you to Marseille station where you can get off and explore. There is so much to see! How about a walk through the beautiful gardens or a visit to the wine cellar?
Of course, you can’t miss the Linh Ung Pagoda and the Golden Bridge is simply breathtaking.
When you’re done exploring, be sure to stroll over to Le Jardin Station and take the stunning cable car to D’Amour Station. While there isn’t too much to see or do in this area, I recommend walking straight to Debay Station and taking the cable car up to Morin Station.
There is an incredible view and much more to see!
At the top of the hill
As you exit Morin station, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a historic French town square, surrounded by majestic churches, fountains and castles.
Your journey of discovery continues through the picturesque streets and alleys, where you will find plenty of photo opportunities. The area is especially popular with Vietnamese couples for their wedding photos.
If you want to go a little higher, stairs lead to the pagodas, which offer an unforgettable view of the medieval city. A small teahouse invites you to linger.
When it’s time for refreshments, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here you will find not only French, Russian and Turkish specialties, but also Asian dishes that will make your mouth water.
When you’re ready, head to Indochine Station and take the cable car back to the parking lot.
Small-Group Tour BaNa Hills and Golden Bridge
Experience the fascination of the Ba Na Hills first hand on a guided tour that takes you on an unforgettable journey of discovery from Da Nang or Hoi An. Discover the spectacular Golden Bridge, climb the mystical Chua Mountain, explore historic cellars where fine alcohol was distilled and visit the Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple.
The tour takes a total of 9 hours and is fully refundable if cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. The tour provides the pick up and drop off service from your hotel in Da Nang or Hoi An. The driver will contact you the night before to confirm the exact pick up time.
The price includes a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable tour guide, entrance fee to Ba Na Hills and water to drink. There are tours, which include lunch, but isn’t it nicer to choose yourself where you would like to eat? So you are responsible for your own lunch, which makes the tour also cheaper.
This is a small group tour and it is also available as a private experience, you can have this option at the time of booking.
Experience an unforgettable tour to the Ba Na Hills and enjoy the comfort and amenities!
Stay in a Private Pool Villa at Banyan Tree Lang Co
Located just 60-minutes from Danang International airport, Banyan Tree Lăng Cô is nestled in a unique crescent bay framed by a three-kilometre picturesque beach on the Central Coast of Vietnam. The area is renowned for its pristine coastline, tropical jungles, rugged mountain peaks and close proximity to three of the world’s most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the cities of Hue and Hoi An and the relics of My Son. Designed to offer absolute privacy and exclusivity, Banyan Tree Lăng Cô features a lagoon pool, famous beaches and exclusive beach pool villas, each of which is equipped with its own private pool, pavilion deck and king-size bed.
Guests can indulge in a spa treatment at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa with one of the largest treatment offerings available. Visitors can also turn their hand to a Vietnamese cookery class known for its renowned Vietnamese food. You also have the option to take an excursion in a traditional basket boat to explore Lăng Cô’s beautiful lagoons within a local fishing village which is loved for its wild waters.
It is also imperative that travelers treat themselves to a decadent, freshly brewed cup of coffee as Vietnamese Coffee is known to be some of the best in the world. Once can also explore the breath-taking natural beauty that surrounds the resort. From exciting water sports, national parks and access to famous beaches, it’s clear that Da Nang attractions are catered to all tastes and ages.
Fully diving into the wonders of this dazzling city centre would be near impossible given how expansive all of the Da Nang attractions are. That being said, from Monkey Mountain to Dragon Bridge, Rooster church and all of the beautiful beaches made available to the public, Da Nang truly is for everyone.
If you are ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, it’s time that you throw your night behind witnessing all of the spectacular Da Nang attractions in person. We highly recommend including this region in your Vietnam itinerary before your next trip to a city desperate to whisk you away and sweep you off your feet.
