Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam

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Da Nang’s History

Nestled on Vietnam’s beautiful central coast, Da Nang stands out as a bustling city, renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history. As the country’s fifth-largest city, Da Nang boasts a strategic location at the mouth of the Hàn River, making it a key port city and transport hub.

Once a part of the ancient Champa Kingdom, Da Nang has a deep-rooted history that is evident in its diverse culture and architecture. The city’s name, derived from the Cham Pa language, means “the big river flowing into the sea,” reflecting its location and thriving development. Over the centuries, Da Nang has evolved into a modern metropolis, blending French colonial influences with traditional Vietnamese charm.

Da Nang’s Climate

Da Nang’s climate is characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is from March to May and September to October, when the weather is pleasant (much cooler than in Ho Chi Minh City) and rainfall is minimal. We visited Da Nang in March, and it rained maybe twice during that time.

Places to Visit in Da Nang

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes of the Pacific Ocean and the Truong Song Mountains, Da Nang is in close proximity to several charming cities and attractions. To the south, the ancient town of Hoi An awaits, with its well-preserved architecture, rich history, lantern festivals, and tailor shops. To the north, the imperial city of Hue offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past, with its stunning citadel, historic monuments, and delicious food.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Da Nang offers a unique blend of old-world charm, modern convenience, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in Vietnam.

Dragon Bridge

If you end up staying at any of the taller apartment buildings in the city, you will likely be able to see the majestic Dragon Bridge. It is huge! The bridge, designed in the shape of a dragon, symbolizes prosperity and power; locals believe that the dragon’s presence brings good luck and protection to those who cross the bridge.

As the sun sets, the bridge comes alive with an intricate light show, illuminating the dragon’s body in a mesmerizing array of colors. Legend has it that the Dragon Bridge is more than just a bridge; it is a guardian of the city, watching over its people and warding off evil spirits. According to local folklore, the dragon that adorns the bridge is a descendant of the dragon demigod, who once saved the city from invaders by spitting fire and water to create a protective barrier.

Speaking of fire and water, on weekend days at 9PM, the dragon actually spits out real fireballs and after the fire, spits out quite a bit of water. So, unless you want to get absolutely soaked, do not stand directly in front of the Dragon’s head AND be aware of the direction of the wind, as the water will blow in that same direction onto the people below.

The Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains technically lie outside Da Nang’s city limits, but they’re such a short 15-minute Grab ride away that I decided to include them here. My top tip? Head to the Marble Mountains right when they open at 7AM. This way, you can beat the heat while exploring the caves and avoid the crowds of tourists. My boyfriend and I, however, didn’t make it there until around 8 AM because, well, we wanted to sleep in lol. By then, it was already starting to get pretty crowded.

Now, you might be wondering if you have to hike all the way up the Marble Mountains. The answer is no! There’s an elevator available for about 75 cents one way per person, which takes you up most of the way. But be prepared for some wonky steps and trails even after taking the elevator. We opted for the elevator both ways, and the whole trip from Da Nang and back took us about 2 hours.

Lady Buddha

If you’re tight on time and debating whether to visit the Marble Mountains or Lady Buddha in Da Nang for sunrise, I’d suggest the latter. Lady Buddha is incredibly peaceful in the morning, and you might even catch a glimpse of some monkeys.

We rented some bikes from Bee Bike – Bike Tours and Bike Rentals in Da Nang the day before our ride because of how early we were going to set out. The whole trip took us about 3.5 hours, and we started around 5:30AM to catch the sunrise.

I was initially worried that the ride on the way there would be too steep and difficult for me. However, this was not the case at all! Don’t get me wrong, there were maybe 2-3 hills that I had to walk my bike up, but it wasn’t too bad. Plus, the ride on the way down is really epic. You have the ocean on one side of you, and monkeys/cool jungle views on the other.

Be sure to wear modest clothing, as this is a religious site. I highly recommend this excursion!

The Son Tra Peninsula

Da Nang is a much more relaxed city with less traffic than Ho Chi Minh City. Just a short drive away from the city center lies the Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain. This tranquil oasis is home to the Son Tra Nature Reserve, offering lush greenery, pristine beaches, and stunning ocean views. The peninsula is perfect for nature lovers and can be explored by motorbike or car.

Tom, from the Vietnam Coracle, put it well:

By far the best way to explore Son Tra is by motorbike. The roads are good, the distances short, but the rewards huge. In fact, this is one of the most scenic stretches of coast road anywhere in Vietnam. A day or two riding the swirling tarmac on Son Tra Peninsula is definitely one of the best things to do in Danang.

When I was researching things to do in Da Nang, I found his blog posts extremely useful. I highly recommend you check out his blog: here

Take Surfing Lessons

Cowabunga, am I right? Taking a surfing lesson in Da Nang, was definitely a highlight of my trip. Prior to this class, I had never even held a surfboard, let alone stood up on one. But, guess what? Not only did I catch a couple of waves, I got a high five from my surfing instructor, which felt like an even bigger accomplishment.

There a lots of surf shops to chose from in Da Nang, it is truly a beginner surfer paradise. My friend Brittney and I chose the Da Nang Outdoor Adventures Company, simply because we thought their value offering was the best out of the places we looked at. For a 2 hour private surfing lesson, we paid $93 USD, meaning, each of us paid $46.50. Based on our research, this is a pretty good deal considering you get 2 whole hours with the instructor. Other places offered $80.11 per a 75 minute private lesson.

It is important to note though, that, as a beginner, you will likely not be able to sustain learning to surf for 2 whole hours. Brittney and I were completely exhausted (and totally sunburnt) after about an hour and a half.

The surfing shop we went with, also offered a discount on surfboard rentals ($8 for a half day rental), if you took a lesson with them.

Explore Local Markets

The local markets in and around Da Nang are vibrant and bustling! One of the most popular markets is Han Market, located right in the heart of Da Nang. Here, you can find a wide range of goods, from fresh produce and local delicacies to clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs. I would combine a trip here with a trip to the Dragon Bridge, as they are a short walking distance from one another.

Another must-visit market is Con Market, known for its fresh seafood and local specialties.

Just a short drive from Da Nang is the An Thuong Night Market, where you can shop for handmade crafts and enjoy a variety of street food. These markets are not only great places to shop and eat, but also offer a glimpse into the local way of life, making them a must-visit for anyone exploring Da Nang and its surroundings.

Get a Massage

Something that is super popular here, in Vietnam, are massages. This, I assume, has to do with Vietnam’s current cost of living (it is very low) and how affordable massages can be when compared to the United States. For example, Alex and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary in Da Nang, and to commemorate that fact, we booked a fancy couples massage at the Belle Maison Hotel’s Spa for about $56. This is what was included in that price:

• Welcome tea and snack
• 15 minute herbal foot soak
• 15 minute sauna session
• 15 minute steam shower session
• 75 minute massage (I chose the traditional Vietnamese bamboo massage)
• 60 minute facial (I chose the facial targeted toward combination skin)
• More tea

So, in total, we spent about $112 between the two of us, for a 3 hour spa experience. That is a deal when you compare it to American prices, when a luxury spa could run you $200 just for 1 massage.

Day Trips from Da Nang

Hue

Hue is known as the “imperial city of Vietnam” and has a lot of interesting history and architecture. It is only about a 3 hour train ride or a 1.5 hour bus ride from Da Nang. I highly recommend you take the train at least for one part of your trip. Tickets for a private, air conditioned, 2 person cabin are about $20 each and the trip itself is wildly scenic. We didn’t love taking the limo bus (about $10 USD per person) on the way back, so I cannot recommend that. If there are four people in your group, hiring a private car for about ($60 USD per car) is much more worthwhile.

For accommodations, you can book a pretty sweet 5 star resort for less than $100 USD a night that includes access to a sauna/steam shower (if you have a good travel card, you can book a hotel with points). My boyfriend and I stayed at the Silk Path Hotel, and absolutely loved it. We ordered room service for about $30 USD and watched a show in the evening. The perfect way to end a full day.

Hoi An

Hoi An is another city that may be worth visiting. Book yet another sweet hotel, either by the beach or closer to the city, enjoy the complimentary bike rental and take a ride through Vietnamese countryside (just bring some big spay).

Our weekend schedule is below, hopefully you’re a foodie, like us:)

2.5 Day Hoi An, Vietnam Itinerary:

Saturday:

• 8AM – Breakfast in Da Nang at Roots Plant-based Cafe – I loved getting the combo meal
• 9AM – 35 minute Grab ride to your Hoi An hotel (we stayed at the Lasenta Boutique Hotel), check-in and bag drop
• 10AM – 20 minute walk to Hoi An’s Old Town, explore the area
• 12PM – Stop at Reaching Out Teahouse for tea and snacks
• 2PM – Quick Cao lầu lunch at Hai Chiến Cao Lầu stall E034 that is located within the Chợ Hội An (Hoi An Market)
• 3PM – Second lunch at Nostalife – make sure to get the Morning Glory and White Rose Dumplings
• 4PM – Second (herbal) tea stop at Mót – don’t be afraid of the inevitable line, it moves very quickly!
• 5PM – Bahn Mi at Madam Khanh – The Bahn Mi Queen – so. good. I got the mixed meat one
• 6PM – Find a bar along the water to people watch during the lantern festival
• 7PM – Purchase lanterns and tickets for the iconic lantern boat ride
• 8PM – Head back to your hotel

Sunday:

• 8AM – Check out free bikes from your hotel and take a ride through some rice fields
• 10AM – Park your bicycles and grab a coffee or a juice at Cafe Slow
• 12PM – Bike to Soul Kitchen, a yummy restaurant on the beach
• 1PM – Return bikes to the hotel and cool down in your room or at the hotel pool
• 2PM – Take a taxi to the iconic White Rose Restaurant for some dumplings
• 3PM – Walk to Hoi An’s Old Town and explore all of the shops
• 4PM – Eat some CƠM GÀ (chicken and rice) at Cơm Gà bà Thuận
• 6PM – Return to your hotel for a pre-scheduled spa treatment (we chose the Traditional Vietnamese Massage)

Monday:

• 9AM – Be a true tourist and go on a pre-booked coconut boat tour
• 11AM – Explore more of Hoi An’s Old Town or head back to Da Nang

Bạch Mã National Park

Bach Ma National Park, while located near Hue, is easily accessible from Da Nang, making it a popular day trip destination for visitors to the coastal city. A highlight is the trek to Bach Ma Mountain’s summit, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare species such as the red-shanked douc langur and the giant muntjac. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to cool mountain streams, and take a dip in the refreshing waters of the five lakes trail. The park is easily accessible from Da Nang, making it a popular day trip destination for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature.

Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills, near Da Nang, Vietnam, is a popular destination known for its stunning mountain views, cool climate, and iconic attractions like the Golden Bridge and French Village. While many visitors flock to see the Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands, my friends and I decided to skip it.

Da Nang’s foggy conditions often obscure the view of the hands, and the area tends to be crowded with tourists. Additionally, the line for the mountain coaster, another popular attraction, can be quite long and time-consuming. I just figured I would include this popular day trip here, so you can make a more informed decision for your own Vietnam trip.

Da Nang Waterfalls

If you’re seeking adventure, consider booking a tour with Da Nang Waterfalls. These guides are experts in the area and have discovered some truly amazing spots. I highly recommend adding on the easy rider and lunch options. We opted for these and were picked up right at our rented apartment.

Once you hop on the back of the motorbike, you will head off on a beautiful 1 hour drive through the Vietnamese countryside. I will say to be prepared for the drivers to go fast. When I say fast, I mean about 50-70 kilometers an hour (I know this doesn’t seem too fast when I talk about it, but just trust me, when you’re on that motorbike, it feels like you’re zoomin’ haha).

Once you arrive to this mysterious location (somewhere near here), you will begin an hour long, mostly uphill, trek through the jungle. When I say the jungle, I am not exaggerating. At one point, we were on a more mainstream path, when our guide just turned into the thick jungle (we asked him how he found this place, and he simply said, “by exploring”).

Then, you are rewarded with 3 beautiful, remote waterfalls, some deep enough to cliff jump into. It was absolutely worth the sweaty uphill hike!

Conclusion

From exploring ancient temples and historical sites to relaxing on long, pristine beaches and indulging in the bustling local markets, Da Nang offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Da Nang has something to offer. With its warm hospitality and picturesque landscapes, Da Nang is truly a destination that should not be missed.