A Travel Guide To Da Nang, Vietnam’s Charming Coastal Getaway
Find out what to do in Da Nang in our Da Nang Travel Guide, including attractions to visit, cuisine, activities and more.
When planning a trip to Vietnam, an up-and-coming destination not to be missed is Da Nang on Vietnam’s central coast.
While not as well known as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang is stealing tourists’ hearts with its beautiful beaches, delectable cuisine, vibrant restaurant and bar scene, and surrounding forests and hills. In fact, Da Nang was rated as one of the top must-visit cities in 2024 by Time Out magazine.
In our Da Nang travel guide, we explore what makes this city a rising star in Vietnam’s tourism scene, and share top attractions and activities with you for your next trip.
1. Why Da Nang is a Must-Visit Destination
Stunning Beaches
Wide, sandy beaches and inviting blue waters make Da Nang a top destination for beachgoers in Vietnam. Here are just a few of Da Nang’s gorgeous beaches:
- My Khe Beach is not only one of Da Nang’s most beautiful beaches, but it was rated as one of the six most attractive beaches worldwide by Forbes. We will discuss what makes this beach special in detail later in our Da Nang travel guide.
- Red Beach: For a beach with an entirely different look and feel, head to the aptly-named Red Beach. The name refers to the reddish hue of the sand. US Marines landed here in 1964, so there is some wartime history here. But today the beach feels incredibly peaceful.
- Nam O Beach: With its rocks covered in bright green moss, Nam O Beach is a uniquely picturesque destination. In addition to taking photos of the unusual rocks, those who enjoy snorkeling will love exploring the coral reefs here.
Fascinating Natural Landscapes
Da Nang’s beaches are not the only stunning natural landscapes to discover. While you are in this coastal city, take time to venture to some of the surrounding outdoor destinations.
Chief among them is the dramatic Hai Van Pass, which we will tell you more about in just a bit. Some other natural attractions to check out near Da Nang include the Marble Mountain, Son Tra Mountain, and Hoa Nghiem Cave.
Rich Cultural Heritage
The Da Nang area’s natural beauty is matched by its cultural splendor. Venture to the pastel pink Da Nang Cathedral with its famous rooftop chicken sculpture, or enjoy ancient art at the Museum of Cham Sculpture.
Incredible Food Scene
One of the reasons Da Nang is becoming a highlight for so many travelers is because of its culinary delights. Its numerous restaurants, cafes, lounges, and street markets offer you the chance to savor countless Vietnamese dishes and snacks such as fish ball noodles, Vietnamese pancakes, beef noodles, Vietnamese fish salad, Quang noodles, and more.
Modern Attractions
Along with its historical and natural sites, Da Nang is home to many exciting modern attractions. Take a day trip to Sun World Ba Na Hills theme park, or visit Art in Paradise Da Nang, which touts itself as the largest 3D visual art museum in Vietnam. Both are popular locations for taking vacation selfies.
Accessibility and Convenience
One more reason to love Da Nang is how easy and convenient it is to get around. Multiple transportation options are available: riding in taxis, renting electric scooters or motorbikes, or taking bus rides to your destinations.
In addition, Da Nang has built an international reputation for accessibility. Visitors and locals with limited mobility, for example, will find many wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the city, especially in resort and beach areas.
2. Can’t-Miss Experiences in Da Nang
Watch the Dramatic Dragon Bridge Show
While you are exploring Da Nang, you can’t possibly overlook the sight of the Dragon Bridge. While beautiful during the day, the bridge is doubly so at night, with the sinuous curves of the dragon all lit up.
For a truly astonishing spectacle, at 9:00 PM, head to Tran Thi Ly Bridge or stand along the Han River, and face the bridge. Over the next 15 minutes, you will behold a dazzling display that brings the bridge to life. During the Dragon Bridge Show, the dragon breathes fire, the bright plumes of flame and smoke lighting up the sky nine times. Three times, it jets water, for a very different but equally majestic effect.
Try to pick your spot early so you can get a good view. This popular show draws locals and tourists alike, and it can get pretty crowded around the bridge each night.
Indulge in Delicious Local Cuisine
There are so many amazing restaurants in Da Nang where you can explore the flavors of Central Vietnam. Some highly-rated places to eat include Bếp Cuốn Đà Nẵng, Thìa Gỗ Restaurant Da Nang, Cô Ba Phở bò, and Nhà Bếp Xưa Restaurant.
These restaurants serve a wide variety of local cuisine. Some even use fresh local ingredients, giving you the most authentic culinary experience of the region.
Don’t forget to also try Vietnamese street foods such as spring rolls, rice noodle soup, rice paper salad, sea snails, or egg coffee. Some of the most unforgettable morsels are served at unassuming street stalls.
Visit Son Tra Peninsula to meet Red-Shanked Douc
The Da Nang area is home to the red-shanked douc, which is a type of endangered monkey. It is pretty hard to find a red-shanked douc; most people will never have the privilege. But you might be lucky enough to spot one if you visit the Son Tra Peninsula. Around 300 individual red-shanked douc monkeys are known to inhabit the peninsula. Some researchers think this may be the densest concentration of this species anywhere in the world.
For your best chance at spotting one, visit the peninsula during the dry season when the flowering trees are in bloom. Try to go to secluded spots, not crowded ones. A local guide can help.
Cruise on the Han River
While the streets and bridges of Da Nang offer many amazing experiences, what to do in Da Nang should always involve spending some time on the Han River.
At sunset, you can embark on a Han River cruise. Most cruise boats offer delicious onboard dining, along with entertainment. You’ll have a relaxing time sipping on a refreshing beverage, eating scrumptious food, and gazing out at the city lights reflecting in the water.
Many Han River cruises take you to the Dragon Bridge as well to watch the fiery show. This is a great way to do so from a unique vantage point, completely unobstructed by crowds.
Take a Scenic Drive Over the Hai Van Pass
The world-famous Hai Van Pass is located just 20 kilometers outside of Da Nang. As you take the switchbacks up the mountainsides, you’ll pass through scattered low clouds to behold a magnificent view encompassing both land and sea.
Bring your camera to capture some of the picturesque vistas. But be sure to also spend some time just sitting and gazing out at the majesty surrounding you, meditating on the beauty of nature.
Walk Along the Golden Bridge and Experience Ba Na Hills
We mentioned Ba Na Hills theme park and resort earlier in our Da Nang travel guide. Let’s talk a more about this exciting park and all that it offers.
The most iconic attraction at Ba Na Hills is the Golden Bridge. This unusual bridge features a pair of giant fiberglass and wire mesh hands that appear to be holding it up. You will cross over this bridge when you are walking from the gardens to the cable car station. The cable car goes to and from the resort, and is the world’s longest non-stop single-track cable car, spanning a distance of 19,032 feet.
The resort features a scenic French village where you can stroll, shop, take photos, and relax. Another fun feature is the Fantasy Park three-floor entertainment zone, featuring video arcades, a cinema, and a drop-and-twist tower that plunges 29 meters. There is also a cool narrow coaster that can take you around the perimeter of the village, with jaw-dropping views all around.
While you are at the park, you can also enjoy the beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere of the Linh Ung Pagoda. This site houses around 200 religious statues in its 7 floors as well, showcasing more of Vietnam’s art and culture. Wherever you go and whatever you do at Ba Na Hills, you can enjoy cool, comfortable temperatures thanks to the elevation.
Relax on My Khe Beach
As one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, My Khe Beach is a must-see destination for any traveler wondering what to do in Da Nang.
At this beach, you can stay at a luxury resort, sunbathe on white sand, or take a dip in crystal waters. There are opportunities to rent sunbeds. You also can grab a tasty drink at a conveniently located bar.
As the water is shallow and there is a lifeguard watching over swimmers, it is an ideal beach to bring your family. If you come any time between February and September, you should find the water temperature particularly comfortable. This season also tends to feature calm, safe conditions. If you want to catch the sunrise, be sure to visit the beach in the morning.