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20 Best Things to Do in Vietnam

10 best places to visit in vietnam in 2024, 10 best beaches in vietnam, 15 must-try vietnamese dishes, ao dai – vietnamese traditional dress.

• Ho Chi Minh City

The 10 best attractions in Da Nang

The 6 best attractions in ha long city, must-visit attractions in hoi an, the 15 best attractions in dalat, 5 must-try foods in ha long, da nang travel guide.

Da Nang city is in the central part of Vietnam, which is 776 km from Hanoi to the north and 961 km from Ho Chi Minh City to the south. Da Nang borders Thua Thien Hue Province in the north, Quang Nam Province in the west and south, and the South China Sea in the east. The city is the central location connecting three famous UNESCO world heritage sites, including Hue Imperial Citadel, My Son Sanctuary, and Hoi An Ancient Town. The Hoang Sa island district is also a part of this city.

As a result, Da Nang is a city with a prime location that plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining tourism, the economy, trading, and military defense; for tourists, this city is always the top destination in Vietnam. Let’s check out the Da Nang Travel Guide video!

Da Nang tourist map

To familiarize you with the way of getting around the city, we would like to introduce you to the Da Nang tourist map, which includes its most popular destinations as well as other useful information such as restaurants, bars, and shopping. Download it for offline use and quick access.

Da Nang weather

Positioned in the central part of the country, Da Nang experiences a tropical monsoon climate that has two distinct seasons: a rainy season (from August to December) and a dry season (from January to July). Particularly, the rainy season in Da Nang is synonymous with days of uninterrupted rain. October is the wettest month of the year with high precipitation. So, traveling in Da Nang in the rainy season may limit the range of outdoor activities. The dry season, in contrast, is often humidly hot and cloudy. The hottest month is reported in June with the temperature reaching 34 °C on average.

According to the types of activities, we suggest two ideal time frames to visit this phenomenal beach city.  Late December to late March  is perfect for sightseeing and exploring activities because the weather is super advantageous with a transparent blue sky, the absence of lasting rains, and the average temperature fluctuating between 18 °C to 27 °C.

February is the most recommended month with very pleasant weather, the least rainy month, and the celebration of many local festivals. For by-water and beach activities,  late February to late April  is the best time. This is when the temperature rises to around 32 °C, just hot enough for diving in the cool and clear water in Da Nang. Also, you get enough waves and wind for water sports such as surfing and kitesurfing.

Transportation in Da Nang

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Travel to Da Nang

Da Nang is one of the most developed cities in Vietnam, which means a modern transport system. One of the highlights of Da Nang transportation, making it extremely accessible, is that its airport, train station, and central bus stations are located a short distance from the city center.

Da Nang international airport is only 3 km away from the city center and is operated by many local and international airlines, making it the most preferable way to approach Da Nang from overseas. As soon as arriving at the airport, it is (again) super easy to travel to town due to its convenient location.

The national North-South Railway contributes 30 km of its train line crossing Da Nang city, and all the train routes stop in for dropping off and picking up passengers at this station. You can travel to Da Nang by train from over 35 provinces and cities and can travel almost anywhere across the country from here.

From  Hanoi  and  Ho Chi Minh City , it often takes from 16 to 19 hours to reach Da Nang. To make the long trip more comfortable, there are many seat options it has to offer, ranging from 370,000 VND ($19) to 1,100,000 VND ($47).

This means of transportation is more environmentally friendly compared to taking airplanes and also more economical; more importantly, you can view the landscapes changing through the windows, which we believe is a very worthy experience.

You are able to check the train schedule and book tickets online at  dsvn.vn .

From neighboring cities such as  Hoi An  and  Hue , there are public buses from and to Da Nang Central bus station .  In addition, private bus companies (The Sinh Tourist and  Phuong Trang ) and many local coach services operate trips to Da Nang. The long traveling time is compensated by a very affordable price.

Travel in Da Nang

To sightsee and explore Da Nang, we suggest the following means of transport.

We prioritize public transport not only for your easy access but also for the sake of our environment. Officially, Da Nang provides 14 bus routes in town. You can check for specific trips and fares on  danangbus.vn .

Safe, reliable, and more proactive is taking a taxi to see around Da Nang. With the key attractions not too stretched out, it is quite reasonable to go from place to place by taxi. When you get in touch with a driver, it is possible to ask them for a quick tour around the city (normally lasting for around 4 hours) at a cost of 650,000 VND ($28). It is also possible to suggest that they be your private driver, which means he will follow your schedule and accompany you to wherever in the city (standardly from 9 AM – 5 PM) at a price of around 1,800,000 VND ($77).

Note: The price is subject to change according to the price of fuel, and the mentioned price could be shared among four passengers. So, it is worth considering if you are traveling in a group.

Last but not least, renting a motorbike is an obvious option to travel like a local once you are familiar with the traffic flow. The cost of renting a bike ranges from 100,000 VND – 200,000 VND/day. You are likely to be asked for a small amount of money or your personal document for a deposit.

Note: For car and motorbike options, you can easily book a ride on ride-hailing apps like  Grab ,  Gojek,  and  Be .

Festivals in Da Nang

Festival of avalokiteshvara.

Avalokitesvara Festival is a spiritual celebration wishing for harmonic weather and sending prayers for health, peace, and harmony. It is held in 3 days, including two parts: ceremony and festival. The ceremony emphasized sacred Buddhist rituals with many religious activities such as welcoming the light, preaching the teachings of Lady Buddha, and so on. The festival takes place vibrantly with various traditional and modern performances: singing folk songs, cosplaying, dancing, and calligraphy exhibition activities.

This festival takes place on February 19 of the lunar calendar every year. The location of the festival is the Marble Mountains tourist site. The festival attracts numerous tourists as well as Buddhist pilgrims coming to Da Nang.

Fireworks Festival

The Fireworks Festival is an international-scale cultural and tourist event that has been taking place annually since 2008. The festival lasts for two days in a row commemorating the liberation of Vietnam on April 30 and International Workers’ Day on May 1. Every year, the fireworks competition features a different theme. This festival attracts many developed fireworks industries, such as Japan, the United States, Italy, Russia, and so on, creating spectacular and artistic fireworks performances along the Han River. The festival is a mesmerizing performance with not only light but also music.

Throughout the festival, there are different activities such as boat racing, exhibition, and releasing of candles held in paper flowers, making it the most awaited festival in the city.

Cau Ngu Festival

This is a long-established traditional festival of the coastal villages to show gratitude and respect towards whales. According to folk beliefs, whales are regarded as the guardians of the sea. Many times, it is said that it was the whales that saved fishermen and their boats when they were out at sea and facing extreme storms and waves.

The festival takes place after the Lunar New Year festival from 14 to 16 January (lunar calendar). It is a tradition that in the 2-3 day festival, people will not cook at home but will cook and eat together. All the boats will be decorated with colorful flags and flowers, and models of boats will be worshiped and released to the ocean as offerings.

This is a unique festival that will give you an authentic insight into the traditional celebration of the coastal villages and the folk and local ceremonies.

Top attractions in Da Nang

My khe beach, son tra peninsula, dragon bridge, ba na hills, where to stay in da nang, stay in da nang, which is your favorite 5-star hotel in da nang, intercontinental da nang sun peninsula resort, must-try dishes in da nang, 7 must-try foods in da nang, other destinations, mui ne, phan thiet, ha long bay.

The 11 Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: January 23, 2024

From the Marble Mountains to the Son Tra Peninsula, here is the ultimate list of the best things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Da Nang in Central Vietnam is one of those incredible backpacking destinations that is unfortunately skipped by so many travellers.

Many people find themselves being short on time, and rush through Vietnam only aiming for the main destinations like Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long Bay.

Such a shame, because lots of people just don’t realise that there are so many amazing things to do in Da Nang!

The common theme is to fly or catch the train into Da Nang and head straight to the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, only 30km away. People often use the city simply as a transit stop, and they miss out on so much.

Even for those that know about what to see in Da Nang, this hip and thriving Vietnamese city proves to have a lot going for it. It definitely deserves catching some of your time.

The city of Da Nang is the third-largest in Vietnam and has had a tragic yet fascinating history.

If you are interested to see more of Vietnam, make sure to read our Vietnam Travel Guide !

From the 16th century, Da Nang has steadily grown in size and importance from being a small trading port to becoming a large shipbuilding site in the 19th century.

Eventually, Da Nang became the largest commercial port in the region. It was in Da Nang that the French first landed to conquer the country.

It was also the first place that Europeans arrived in Vietnam when the Portuguese explorer António de Faria anchored off the coast in 1535.

In 1965 the US military arrived and began building air and army bases around the area. The vicinity around Da Nang was heavily affected by the chemical Agent Orange.

The harsh chemical was primarily stored at the international airport in town by the United States, eventually seeping into the soil and water supply.

The Americans used Da Nang, and its gorgeous My Khe Beach (which they called “China Beach”), as a place for rest and recuperation for soldiers fighting elsewhere in the country.

These days its history is all but a distant memory for the youth and travellers who grow up and visit the city.

There is a booming restaurant and food scene developing and its proximity to natural attractions like the Hai Van Pass and the Marble Mountains make it a great place to get out and explore the outdoors.

If you are looking for the best things to do in Da Nang, then look no further than this article!

Don’t miss our complete guide on the  best things to do in Vietnam!

Table of Contents

The Marble Mountains

Take a snorkelling tour to cham island, check out the dragon bridge, son tra peninsula, relax at my khe beach, visit the cham museum, hai van pass, explore the markets and do a cooking class, eat the food, head to the ba na hills, non nuoc beach, best backpacker hostel in da nang, best budget hotel in da nang, best mid-range hotel in da nang, best luxury hotel in da nang – a lot per night, pin it for later, the top things to do in da nang.

You’ve found yourself in the city and are curious about what to do in Da Nang. Do you hit up the coast first, or wander the bustling streets?

Maybe you’re feeling hungry and want to try the famous Vietnamese cuisine!

Or if you are an adventurous person perhaps you long desire to rent a motorbike and hit up the Hai Van Pass.

From the famous Dragon Bridge to the scenery of the Ba Na Hills, to the soft sand of My Khe Beach, there are so many cool things to see and do.

The list of things to do in Danang just goes on and on, but let’s start with the five best activities in Da Nang.

The Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son or “Five Elements Mountains) are a cluster of marble and limestone hills just 7km from the city, and one of the best things to do in Da Nang!

The mountains are full of caves, tunnels and Buddhist shrines just waiting to be explored!

Ancient folklore says that a dragon emerged from the sea and laid an egg on the beach. 1000 days and nights passed and eventually, an exquisite lady was born.

The remains of the eggshells grew into the Marble Mountains that you can see today.

Over the centuries the Marble Mountains were used as a safe haven for soldiers and a place of worship for Buddhists. Today it is one of the most popular attractions in the city!

For years the hills were mined for their valuable stone, although that has been recently banned. You can see examples of intricate stonework in the roadside workshops surrounding the Marble Mountains.

If you are feeling energetic you can climb to the summit of one of the mountains, offering absolutely spectacular views over the entire area.

Don’t miss this Da Nang must-see!

Marble Mountains Entrance Fee: 20,000 VND

If you’re interested in going on a guided tour of the Marble Mountains, then the company Get Your Guide offers great value, all-inclusive tours .

Not too far from the coast of Da Nang is Cham Island, a place that not too many tourists get to, but well worth a visit.

This spectacular island is known for having some of the best snorkelling in Vietnam and is a perfect way to spend a day outside of the city.

There are a few different ways to get out there, but the best and most enjoyable way is to join a tour.

This one from Get Your Guide includes pick up from your hotel, the boat cruise, snorkeling and underwater walking (a pretty unique experience) and a delicious seafood lunch.

The Dragon Bridge is one of the best-known Da Nang attractions thanks to its unique design and interesting light show.

When the local government built it, they hired an artist to make it stand out, and the end result was this fantastic dragon-themed design.

Dragon Bridge is 666m in length and is the longest bridge of its kind in all of Vietnam.

Make sure you time your visit to Dragon Bridge to be a weekend because at 9 pm every Saturday and Sunday they turn the lights on and the dragon breathes actual fire!

The beautiful rainforest that juts out into the sea from the city of Da Nang is called the Son Tra Peninsula. At a size of over 4000 hectares, this place is massive!

Rent a scooter or motorcycle to ride along the newly-built road to the end and check out the nature reserve, and stop off to visit one of the most important religious sights in the area, Quan Am.

Keep an eye out for the red shanked duoc langars that live on the Son Tra Peninsula. They are quite beautiful if you catch a glimpse of one!

Son Tra is a perfect getaway from the city and perfect for those wondering what to do in Da Nang.

There are plenty of untouched beaches along the peninsula and some excellent viewpoints, making this one of the most pristine beautiful places to visit in Da Nang.

The beaches here are truly lovely and a real solid reason to visit Da Nang.

The long stretches of white sand are a perfect place to chill out on a hot afternoon, and with so much space it’s easy to find a spot all to yourself.

My Khe is the longest beach in Da Nang, and arguably one of the top ones in the entire country.

Head down to My Khe Beach for sunrise to see locals making the most of the start of the day, or come back in the afternoon for some delicious seafood served up in the restaurants.

If you’re a surfer, this is a perfect spot to come down to catch some small swell.

Vietnam has a fascinating indigenous history, and one of the best places to experience this is the area around Hoi An and Da Nang.

The Cham people lived in this region nearly 1000 years ago, and built some of the most iconic structures in all of Vietnam, such as the UNESCO World Heriage Site: My Son ruins .

If you love your history and want to check out another cool idea for what to do in Da Nang, head to the Cham Museum.

This museum has the largest collection of Cham artifacts in the country, and the statues and carvings you’ll find here are mind-blowing.

If you have more of an interest in Cham history, definitely book yourself into a tour of My Son ruins UNESCO World Heritage Site from Da Nang.

Made famous in an episode of the TV show, Top Gear, the Hai Van Pass has now become a bucket list item for thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts (and amateurs) and adventurers looking for alternative things to do in Da Nang.

This 21km mountain pass between Da Nang and Hue offers some of the most incredible ocean views in all of Vietnam.

A new highway tunnel that has been built to bypass the road ensures that traffic numbers now are low, although the ride can still be quite technical; especially if you are inexperienced or the weather turns bad.

Rent a scooter from town and leave early in the morning if you plan on being back in Da Nang the same day.

There are also a number of tour companies that can help you ride the Hai Van Pass if you aren’t a confident motorbike rider.

Check out our guide on riding the Hai Van Pass.

You can book a full-on motorbike tour of the Hai Van pass on Get Your Guide.

One of the best things to do when travelling around Vietnam is to explore the thousands of markets you can find in every town.

They are an assault on the senses, and it feels as though you can find just about anything you could ever need in them.

Fruits, meats and vegetables are common of course, but so are electrical equipment, housing supplies, health supplements and everything else under the sun.

In Da Nang the markets are truly amazing, but they can be overwhelming to wander through them if you’re not used to the hustle and bustle of Southeast Asian markets.

A great Da Nang activity is to join a cooking class that includes a visit to the markets.

On this tour you’ll be picked up from your accommodation and taken to the markets to pick up the ingredients you’ll need to make some delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

Afterwards you head to a real working farm so you can see how the locals tend to their fields, pick some more vegetables, and then it’s time to head to the kitchen!

You’ll be taught how to make a range of popular Vietnamese dishes, like pho, spring rolls and papaya salad. You can then take this new knowledge home with you to make your own food (and wow your friends)!

It’s a great day out, and one of the top things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam.

We didn’t know that Da Nang had such a happening food scene until we stayed at the amazing Funtastic Hostel, which is sadly now closed.

Owned by Summer from Danang Cuisine, one of the most famous food blogs in the country, she really opened our eyes to the culinary delights around the city.

Naturally, being so close to the ocean, fresh seafood is on many restaurants’ menus. There are plenty of awesome street food to try as well if you are on a budget. For our biggest and best recommendation go eat at Tam’s Pub And Surf Shop.

Make sure you have a few hours spare to listen to Tam’s fascinating stories of what life was like growing up during the war (and try her vegetarian burgers).

If you’re more of a street food type of person, then you’ll have no shortage of restaurants to eat at. Just cruise up and down the road and grab a chair at any of the busy spots!

You’ve probably seen a photo on Instagram of a long bridge high above a mountainous landscape, with huge concrete hands seemingly holding it up.

That spot is in the Ba Na Hills, and you can go visit it yourself!

Besides walking across the bridge and getting your Insta pics, a real highlight in Ba Na Hills is checking out the Linh Ung Pagoda and visiting a minority village.

If you don’t want to ride your own scooter up in Ba Na Hills, you can book a tour that includes the cable car here .

Ba Na Hills is easily one of the coolest things to see near Da Nang.

When people think of Vietnam, surfing is not something that immediately springs to mind. But still, it is possible to go surfing in Vietnam!

There is a growing surf community here who take advantage of the consistent and fun beach breaks along My Khe Beach (known more commonly among American soldiers as China Beach).

If surfing isn’t your scene you can always go for a swim or simply relax on the spotlessly clean sand.

No missing out on some chill-out time when you’re at the beach! Seriously – spending time at the beach is one of the best things to do in Da Nang!

If you really feel like splurging out make sure you check out all the incredible beachside resorts in Da Nang   (and use the code: AGODANMD10 to get 10% off your hotel stay).

Da Nang Travel Guide

Now that you have your itinerary set for Da Nang, we wanted to share our list of best places for a comfortable stay in Da Nang – no matter what your budget may be!

Where to Stay in Da Nang

There are tonnes of great accommodation in Da Nang, from 5-star beachside resorts to funky backpackers and cheap guesthouses. Really the only thing you are limited by is your budget!

NOMADasaurus readers receive an exclusive 10% off when booking their accommodation with agoda . Use the coupon: AGODANMD10

Our favourite hostel in Da Nang has now closed, but a new one has just opened up and is getting amazing reviews thanks to its trendy, funky style.

Rom Casa Hostel Da Nang is a shipping container hostel located between the beach and the Han River, giving it brilliant access to just about everything you would need for your stay in the city.

They know all of the top things to do in Da Nang, so you know you’re visit to the city is going to be perfect.

One of Da Nang’s best-kept secrets in terms of budget places to stay is the Da Nang Beach 2 Hotel . We stumbled across this place the first time we rode into town and couldn’t believe our luck!

It’s only a few minutes stumble to the beach, the staff are amazing, the rooms are bright and clean and the wifi rocks.

There are also heaps of good bars and restaurants within walking distance as well. Highly recommended!

If you want to stay somewhere that is a bit nicer, a bit more modern and has a bit more character, then make sure you head to Sofia Boutique Hotel .

Located right on the beach and only a few kilometres from the city centre, this hotel has room-service, daily housekeeping, safes in the rooms, TVs and just about everything else you could need to kick back and relax in the city, without breaking the bank!

Da Nang just happens to have one of the best luxury hotels in all of Southeast Asia – The Intercontinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort .

Now we’ll be honest – this is the kind of place you look at if you are going on a honeymoon, money isn’t an option or you just want to splash out on somewhere that will blow your mind.

Our friends got married there so we got lucky and had a chance to check out the property. All we say is: WOW!

How to Get to Da Nang

There are a whole bunch of different ways to get to Da Nang city. The easiest, and most efficient, is to fly in.

Da Nang city has an international airport that services a whole bunch of different countries, and has excellent connections with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

If you want to travel by land, the city of Da Nang is well connected with all of Vietnam via its coastal train system and bus network. You can also check out the options on Bookaway .

If you find somewhere else that is worth staying at in Da Nang make sure you leave a comment below and let us know so we can check it out next time we’re in town! We hope you found tonnes of great information in this post on what to do in Da Nang city! All the best and happy travels.

For those looking for comfortable airport transfers from the airport to Da Nang city, you can book it on Get Your Guide  for cheap.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog post about Da Nang in Central Vietnam! It’s refreshing to see such an informative and captivating guide to this often overlooked destination. Your descriptions of the attractions, from the stunning Marble Mountains to the vibrant Dragon Bridge, have truly sparked my wanderlust. The historical background you provided added depth and made me appreciate the city’s rich heritage even more. Thank you for sharing your passion for Da Nang and inspiring me to explore its hidden treasures. Can’t wait to visit and experience all the amazing things you’ve highlighted in your article! Keep up the fantastic work!

China Beach looks perfect for a morning or late evening stroll, it’s so big that I like the idea of being able to find my own private area away from the crowds, as you said.Danang is a imazing place to travel.

Thank you so much

Non Nuoc Beach is definitely great for a stroll and to be alone. There are so many great places in Danang. Thanks for your comment

We had a fantastic day to bana hills on this trip. Our tour guide was a wonderful guide and he was very funny and accommodating. I would recommend this.

So glad you had a great time. 🙂

You might reconsider your review of Tan’s Surf Burger spot. I went today and the place is a pit, with zero decor, service not good and the famous burger had a strange taste to it. So I give it a one star.

Oh no. That is sad to hear. I hope it was just an off day. The place had no decor when we were there but the food was tasty. Thanks for your comment Steve

Amazing content! It is no doubt that Danang is named the most worth-living city in Vietnam. It has both amazing landscape (hills and beaches) and developed infrastructure. I did enjoy the city and tasty local cuisine. Can’t wait to visit this lovely city again! By the way, keep up your awesome work!

It is a beautiful area. Glad you had a great time. Hope you get back soon. Thank you

Great post! Thank you so much. Beside you can visit Sen Boutique Spa, The best spa in Da Nang

Thank you for your tip. 🙂

Awesome! thanks for sharing. Very inspiring and true 🙂

I also enjoyed these all fabulous fun things during my last journey and came back with great experience.

Hi Harley, so awesome. Glad you had a great time. Thanks for your comment. 🙂

Hi Alesha and Jarryd, it was great to find your blog; stunning pictures & helpful tips! This is really useful. Hope that you will provide us with the more interesting articles about this beautiful country. Thank you so much!!!

Thank you so much. Glad we could help. Vietnam is a stunning country.

Haha I was so lucky to not miss Danang city. It’s truely amazing city in Vietnam. I have followed your post to visit all places as you did, Alesha and Jarryd. I met Mrs Tam and shown her the pic you took. She was so happy. Now, in Danang, it had a stunning Golden Bridge- you should visit when you come back. I also did a cooking class at Jolie Da Nang Cooking Class. Jolie and her family were so welcoming. They helped me to learn how to cook Pho and rice pancake. What amazing Danang is!

Thank you so much for your message Kenny. We are so happy you visited Tam. She is such a special lady. Thank you for these other tips. So glad you enjoyed your time there. 🙂

Hi, Be patient. This is especially pertinent when visiting popular tourist destinations. Everyone is there for the same reasons as you, but don’t expect them all to be considerate of you.

Definitely. We agree. No need to rush. Thank you for your comment

Da Nang is awesome! Moving from Da Nang to Hoi An is not a bad idea. Many thank for information 😀

Agree. It is a great place. Thanks for your comment Jenni 🙂

I jusr saw a pixtures of some rock giant hands holding a bridge in da nang …. i was in da nang and never heard about that bridge does anybody know about it

Its on the way to Bana hill from danang

They just opened it this summer.

If you’re in Da nang, its a must to see the dragon bridge at night. The dragon is covered with beautiful and bright lights, looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye and it also blows water and fire at 9 pm.

Thank you so much for your tip. Dragon Bridge is beautiful at night with it’s lights. Have a great day

Thank you for your efforts. Just arrived at our hotel in DA Nang and going to use your list to explore

Thank you for reading. We hope you have a great time there. If you are into to food, check out Funtastic Hostel for their great food tour.

Danang is probably the ‘most livable’ city for foreigners but still plagued by poor infrastructure, service, pollution, and industrial waste blatantly discharged into the seas/rivers.

The consequence of this are a myriad of food safety issues resulting in countless number of dead fish and other marine life washing up on beaches not long ago.

This combined with poor food safety standards and general lack of awareness/education on proper hygiene makes food consumption very those visiting.

Great blog. I will be in Da Nang for one day, arriving by cruise ship, Nov 3. What do you suggest we do? Is there a city tour company that might be independent of the ship? There will be 6 in our group. I would love to do a cooking class, but the guys won’t agree to that if they can’t also get their walking tour in.

Hi Diana, not too sure about city tours. For transport, maybe hire a van to get around? Sorry we can’t help. Have fun on your cruise. Enjoy Danang.

During my month in Vietnam i had no time left to see da nang, but it looks pretty. x

It was an awesome place. Very different to it’s neighbour, Hoi An. You will have to return and explore Da Nang next time. 🙂

I was researching on what to do in Da Nang and where to stay , thanks for the article. I will be there in december. And hope i can add some more to this thread of comments .

Hope you had a great time. Thank you for reading. 🙂

I’m Da Nang right now, so agree that it’s an amazing place. I’ve done most of the things you’ve mentioned, Ban Co Peak on the peninsula is also a must as is watching the dragon breath fire and water every weekend at 9pm.

Plus the locals are so friendly here. Vietnam is definitely my most favourite country in the region so far. ☺

Thank you for the tip Ant. We are stoked you had a great time. 🙂

Dear Alesha and Jarryd,

Thank you very much for visiting Vietnam and introduce Da Nang to everyone. This is a beautiful article for travelling. There is one small thing I would like to mention. Please don’t use the term China Beach to describe the beach in Da Nang. It is a wrong name which indicates that the beach belongs to China. The beach in Da Nang belongs to Vietnam, not China. Please change that name so that other visitors will not misunderstand it.

Thank you very much, Sincerely,

Thank you <3

Thank you Long Hoang, you are absolutely right, Da Nang never have any beach call China Beach, Please use correct name If you want introduce about Da Nang, thanks

Thank you so much for your interesting post :)) We can’t deny that Da Nang is awesome place.

Thank you so much for sharing Cherry. We really loved Da Nang and are so happy we stopped off there. 🙂

Hi Lesh & Jazza, thank you for this post. You inspired us to discover. Yes, Da Nang is a wonderful city! We’ve been there last week and now I miss the food there so much. Vietnamese pancake and nem lui (ground pork skewers) are really something very amazing that you shouldn’t miss. We had chance to do a food tour there and a home cooking class as well which were all fantastic. We will sure be back to Da Nang!

Once again, thanks for all! 🙂

Oh you are making us hungry Katie. We do miss the Vietnamese food. The food tour sounds amazing. We are so happy we inspired you to go Da Nang. Like you said, it is a wonderful city and a lot of people miss out on it. Thank you so much for reading. Happy travels

Thanks for your post. This is a wonderful city. I and my husband had a great time on the back of motorbikes food tour with girls from Danang foodie. That was fantastic!!! We’ve been too many places that I just saw from your list. All the food was so yummy!! Highly recommend this city 🙂

That sounds amazing Nadia. We missed out on the food tour but will be sure to check it our next time. The food that we did have in Da Nang was divine. We got some great tips on where to go from a local and it was perfect. Thanks for reading.

Wonderful post. Da Nang is wonderful city. Sadly many people have passed it. We truly loved Da Nang with beautiful beaches, wonderful mountains, romantic bridges, friendly people and yummy food…Travellers should not miss out this awesome city. I was impressed by Danang food. My mouth is watering when think about it. In Da Nang, i had chance to to do a Home cooking class with madam Thu and her daughter and had dinner at Tam’s Pub And Surf Shop. Fantastic!

Stoked to hear you loved Da Nang! Such an underrated place 😀

Danang is a good place to travel, we have a lot of choice to go in Da Nang such as Bana Hills, Asian Park, Hai Van Pass, or go Hoi An – 35km far from Da Nang. I really love the seasides in Danang.

Da Nang is amazing 🙂

Da Nang has a great surf School now! The My khe beach has perfect conditions to surf or Stand up paddle, don’t hesitate to visit Da Nang surf school if you like sport and adventure.

Stoked to hear mate. Will check it out if we get back to Da Nang.

Just returned from 10-day trip to Vietnam, where we stayed the majority of days in Danang. Coolest side trip was definitely the Linh Ung Pagoda and the Son Tra Peninsula. We spent a night at the Pullman Beach Resort, which was an oasis of relaxation! Just loved the people, the vibe, the food and the whole essence of Danang!

Cool to hear you liked Da Nang. Such an underrated place.

I never was to Vietnam. But reading your post I think it was just a super place to see mountain. Is there the facility to climb mountain? I like to know about this. And also Marble Mountain is this is the real marble or looking like the marble.

Yes, you can climb the mountain, and it is mostly made of marble.

Great Blog guys, What about a 7th being Ba Na Hills?i believe it has the longest cable car ride in the world! something like 5km, with glorious views and a theme park at the top along with cafes etc. The marble mountains was great too, seeing your photos makes me want to go back again..i remember driving a motorbike from the most northern end of China beach to Hoi An (about 30km) , and then stopping at Marble Mountains on the way home to the hotel, in about 38 deg heat, we were toasted by the end of the day,and then went for dinner at one of the seafood restaurants on China Beach with a few 333’s made it a perfect day

We never made it out to Ba Na Hills, but definitely sounds like it deserves the be the 7th thing to do in Da Nang! Thanks so much for reading Shannon! Happy travels.

Once again thanks for this excellent article… I truly loved Danang, which was one of the highlights of the trip to Vietnam. I would definitely add a 6th reason: the Champa Sculpture Museum, which is in my opinion of the the most stunning ones in Southeast Asia. The audio guide offers a wealth of information on this (at least for me) not well known culture. Cheers Gilles

Ah of course, the Champa Sculpture Museum! We never made it to that unfortunately as I was catching up with my best mate at the time. But I heard amazing things. I will make sure I get to it when we head back to Da Nang! Thanks for the tip buddy!

Champa museum is FANTASTIC…. One of the best I have seen. I found it enchanting…

Totally agree that it is a shame to miss Da Nang. I had an awesome time just walking around, meeting locals who were very curious and wanted to have a coffee or some rice wine, with the funny looking foreigner. 🙂

Very cool adventure you guys are having btw! Thanks for sharing!

Da Nang is such a vibrant, cool city. Glad to hear you loved it as well. Thanks for following along, Marcus. Happy travels 😀

when going to marble mountain, or china beach, do stop in at Hoa’s place, famous food and great hospitality M.Hoa and his wife Giao are legends in serving great food

We’re bummed that they were out of town when we came through. We’ll be back in the area soon enough though. Will make sure we meet up with Hoa and Giao. Thanks Sylvio!

Hi Lesh & Jazza,

Thanks for this input, I belong to the huge majority planning just to use Danang as a stop on the way to Hoi An. I would never have actually considered staying there, but your post made me curious. And with a good Hostel (Funtastic) and an owner who has real input to give, that can make it surely a really nice stay. Anyway, I will be in Vietnam in about 4 weeks (for 5 weeks) and might very well adapt my plans… Cheers Gilles

If you end up hanging out in Da Nang (and staying at Funtastic with Summer and Leon), I promise you won’t regret it! 5 weeks is a good amount of time to spend in Vietnam. We’ll be chilling in Phong Nha – let us know if you end up coming through that place. You should, it’s incredible! Thanks for reading 😀

China Beach looks perfect for a morning or late evening stroll, it’s so big that I like the idea of being able to find my own private area away from the crowds, as you said. One day we’ll make to Vietnam 🙂

China Beach really is perfect. Because Da Nang has so many high-end resorts as well, the council spends a good amount of money on rubbish collecting, so the beach is really clean.

Hi, Danang is a imazing place to travel. I love Bana Hills, Art in Paradise Danang (3D Trick Art museum), Hai Van Pass, Hoi An.Special We have My Khe beach (Not China beach, plz don’t use wrong name). Plz change that name.

Thank you so much Huong

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Things to Do in Da Nang Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on April 5th, 2024

Da Nang is a modern and vibrant city in Vietnam. There is definitely a lot more to see and do in Danang. In this Da Nang Travel Guide blog post, I will outline the things to do in Danang as well as travel information and tips to make your trip easier.

Da Nang was the first destination I start exploring Vietnam. I enjoy coming here for the unbeatable value, delicious Vietnamese food, and fascinating things to see in the city’s streets. It is an amazing place that would not disappoint anyone.

As a developing coastal city, Da Nang is a growing tourist hotspot full of adventures and pristine sandy white beaches. It is voted by Forbes as 1 of the 6 most breathtaking beaches on the planet, making this an ideal beach gateway for visitors.

Alongside Da Nang’s beaches, there are also many more beautiful and scenic spots to slowly discover. It is even best to plan a day trip to visit surrounding attractions and the UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby such as Hoi An and My Son. A great beach city that is a great introduction for beginner travelers who are looking to travel in Vietnam.

This Da Nang Travel guide is essential for a short trip to this Vietnam’s most vibrant city. We’ve included the most fun and best things to do in Da Nang as well as recommendations for the best beaches, accommodation, and food in Danang to make the most out of your trip.

Table of Contents

Best time to visit Da Nang

The best time to visit Da Nang for tourists is from February through April. The weather is not too hot and slightly chilly. Many visitors flock from all over the world to enjoy the fine weather and all the outdoor activities the city has to offer.

From May to August, the weather is noticeably hotter and it is to reach up to 40 degrees. Sightseeing is quite exhausting at this time due to the high temperatures. The rainy season begins from September until January. Rainy season means that you need to expect more rain showers and the climate is relatively unpredictable.

How To Get To Da Nang City

It’s easily accessible to Da Nang city center from the Da Nang International Airport. It is about 10 minutes away from the city center. Generally, there are three ways to get into Da Nang city from Da Nang (DAD) International Airport.

Taxi is the fastest option with plenty of taxis waiting just outside the arrival hall. One-way of the 10-minute ride will cost around 110,000 VND depending on the distance

GRAB (South-East Asia of Uber) is another option when getting into Da Nang airport to the city. You can also use this e-hailing service when traveling in Da Nang. You just need to have the app ready on your smartphone before your travels and pinpoint exact pick-up and drop-off locations. A one-way 10 minutes trip will cost around 100,000 VND.

If you are going straight to Hoi An, you can pre-book the private transfer which will take you to your hotel in Hoi An directly. The price is reasonable and hustle-free without worrying too much about being cheated by the taxi scam.

PRE-BOOK: Private Transfer from Da Nang Airport

Where To Stay

I would highly recommend staying in the beach resort if you are looking for relaxation and tranquility on Da Nang. There are many beautiful resorts and accommodations available for your perfect gateway in Danang. Most importantly, the accommodation price in Da Nang is relatively cheap for the world-class facilities and services.

We recommended Premier Village Danang Resort at Bac My An Beach and Four Points by Sheraton Danang at MyKhe Beach. Both are popular picks among travelers to Da Nang.

Alternatively, you can also consider staying in Star City Hotel & Apartments . It is perfectly situated along the bank of the Han River, offering a splendid panoramic view of the Han River, the Dragon and Han Bridges, and the city.

Things To Do in Da Nang

There are many things you can do in Danang that we included in below Da Nang Travel Guide.

Within the Danang city itself , you can get lost in the downtown area by visiting the local market, watching the Dragon bridge performance, or strolling in the romantic love bridge. You can also go to pristine beaches to enjoy the sun and sea, or travel to Son Tra Peninsula for a birds-eye view of the city

Outside the Danang city , we recommended planning a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary. Besides, the Ba Na Hills, a hilltop French-colonial entertainment park is also best to plan into the Da Nang Travel Guide.

In short, here are the best things to do in Da Nang Travel Guide :

Relaxing on Da Nang Beaches

Shopping in han market, have a vietnamese breakfast in local market, visit da nang pink cathedral, rent a motorbike to son tra peninsula, visit linh ung pagoda, admire tallest lady buddha in vietnam, watch performance at dragon bridge, romantic stroll at love bridge, eat da nang quang noodles, enjoy the cool weather at ba na hill.

• Explore Hoi An Ancient Town 
• Take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary

If you’re a fan of outdoor activities, relaxing on Da Nang beaches is one of the best things to do in Da Nang. The city is blessed with beautiful beaches and some are easily accessible right from the city itself.

Most of the beaches in Da Nang are open for tourists all day long and can be visited any time of the year. Grab your swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen and head to the beaches in Da Nang.

Among all the beaches in Da Nang, the most popular beaches are My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach.

My Khe Beach is considered one of the best beaches on the planet by Forbes. The 20-mile stretch of white sands and majestic blue water will give you a luxurious vibe when step on the soil of this beach. The beach is popular for sunbathing, fishing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and surfing. You’ll also find many high-end resorts and seafood restaurants nearby the beach.

Another one of Da Nang’s famous beaches is Non Nuoc Beach . It takes about a 20-minute drive from Da Nang City. The Non Nuoc Beach takes up five kilometers of Hoa Hai Ward’s coastline and featuring with soft white sands, a gentle slope, unpolluted waters, and mild waves. It tends to be quite calm and you’ll love to go for a barefoot walk along the pristine shoreline. Many visitors come here for leisure activities such as sunbathing, jet-skiing, and surfing whilst enjoying local seafood dishes.

Visiting a local traditional market is always a great experience to get a fantastic glimpse into local life. In Da Nang, the Han Market or Chợ Hàn is a great example of the ASEAN market. This is a great place to interact with the local people for a taste of the local life and also find a good bargain at the Da Nang’s local markets.

Han Market is the central market, located in the heart of Da Nang city , near the Han River Bridge. The 2 stories covered building is operated since the French occupancy in the 1940s. There are hundreds of stalls in the markets and you can find almost everything here. From local produces handicrafts, T-shirts, accessories, and dried food to bring back home (nuts, coffee, pickles, and snacks). Even locals love visiting Han Markets to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats for their daily living.

Enjoy the shopping sphere and bargain for the best prices with the vendors. The price was reasonable in Han Market. But be prepared to be squished in the crowd.

If you are visiting Han Market in the morning, consider having an authentic Vietnamese breakfast to kick start your day. There is a small food court in the center of the market, selling the local Vietnamese dish you can think of.

From Mi Quang(Vietnamese turmeric noodles), pho (beef noodles soup), Banh Xeo (crispy pancake), Bun Thit Nuong (dry Bun with grilled pork ), Goi Cuon (Vietnamese spring rolls), and many more Vietnamese local foods. Each of the food should cost you no more than VND 30,000. A tasty yet cheap breakfast in Da Nang.

Nothing beat having a cup of Vietnamese coffee and Vietnamese noodles in the morning like a local. We love our bowl of pho with their local sauce in Han Market.

Da Nang Cathedral is one of the famous catholic churches in Vietnam thanks to its amazing design features. It is built by the French in 1923 and serves the local Catholic community until today. The cathedral has a signature pink-painted edifice as well as colorful stained-glass windows and an imposing bell tower topped with a rooster weathercock.

Entrance to Da Nang Cathedral is free of charge and you could visit this place irrespective of your religious orientations. It is highly recommended to visit the church once as a tourist if not on a day when Mass is held.

• Opening Hours : Opening hours 11:30-14:00
• Mass Time : Monday-Saturday 5:30, 17:30, Sunday 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 15:30, and 17:30.

Also known as the Monkey Mountain, The Son Tra Peninsula is a breathtaking national park located in the northeastern part of Da Nang. It is about 13 km from the city center, away from the hustle and busy life of the city. The mountain is about 693 meters above sea level and could be reached by a 35-minute drive from the center of the city.

Son Tra Peninsula is spoilt with lush green, hilly landscapes and is surrounded by pristine beaches such as Bai Bac, Bai Nam, Bai But, and Tien Sa Beach. The winding road to the peak is a popular spot for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the natural scenery. You’ll find the verdant jungles and also spot rare species such as the red face monkeys.

Traveling to Son Tra Peninsula would be a good morning or afternoon excursion. If you’ve got a scooter or are planning on renting one while in Da Nang then going for a ride around Son Tra Mountain is a must-do in Da Nang. The views of the hills and the Pacific Ocean are fantastic, and it is very chill when driving to the mountain. This is the most experience you need to get when you come to Da Nang city for sure.

Da Nang Travel Tips : You can reach the peak by car, motorbike, and even a bike if you are strong enough. If you are a little scared of the traffic in Vietnam, you can always hire a taxi, or go on a private tour, which will take you to all of the most important places.

Visit Linh Ung pagoda is another thing to do on your Da Nang Travel guide. The pagoda is on a hill while making your trip to the Son Tra Peninsula. A perfect high point with a panoramic view of Da Nang.

After you enter the entrance gate, the lovely courtyard will mesmerize you with the well-maintained gardens with several kinds of bonsai, a small pond, and 18 different statues having different expressions. Besides, the temple houses a 1.1-meter-high seated Buddha statue and brass statues of the Goddess of Mercy (Avalokitesvara), and Dai The Chi Bodhisattva.

Despite the bustling Da Nang city center, the atmosphere here is very serene with locals praying in the morning and monks going about their daily lives. The entry to this place is free of charge, but remember to avoid it during the special occasions when it gets crowded with pilgrims. Many locals come to worship on the first and fifteenth of each month.

When walking up the steps in Linh Ung temple, you’ll find the tallest lady Buddha statue in Vietnam . It is one of the highlights when visiting the Son Tra Peninsula.

The landmark statue of Lady Buddha dominates the skyline view and is visible from many locations in Da Nang. It is 67 meters in height and 35 meters in diameter at its base. Standing at its base to admire the lady Buddha is awe-inspiring.

Da Nang possesses various beautiful bridges that’s why somehow this city is called The city of bridges. Among them, the Dragon bridge constructed in the shape of a golden dragon stands out. Locals believe the dragon symbolizes power, nobility, and good fortune.

Dragon Bridge is the longest bridge in Vietnam with 666-meter in length. The six-lane bridge is crossing the Han River, connecting the important places in Da Nang.

In the morning, the dragon bridge is busy with motorbikes and cars crossing over the bridge. It turns into one of the stunning views in Da Nang at night when the dragon is lit-on and illuminated with a colorful light display. The river reflects the sparkling and twinkling colors off the water which creates a charming scene.

Every weekend from 21:00 onwards , the dragon bridge will schedule for fire and water performance. You’ll see the dragon spit water and breathe fire from its mouth. It may not be a reason in itself for coming to Da Nang but once you’re here it would be a shame to miss it.

Just a few steps away from the Dragon Bridge is the Da Nang’s love bridge on the Han River. It is inspired by the famous love lock bridges around the world with lots of personalized locks that have been locked onto arc shape bridges. Many young couples travel to love bridge just to put their lock on the pier, hoping for a good relationship.

In the evening, the love shape lights are lit up along the waterfront, creating a romantic scene when strolling along the bridge. There are also restaurants, pubs, and bars all around the area that serve tourists at any time of day to enjoy the beautiful view.

When it comes to central Vietnam regional local cuisine in particular, you probably will eat the Cao lầu (Hoi An Style Noodles) at Hoi An. But in Da Nang, mì quảng (Quang Noodles) is the one that you’re not to be missed when you visit here.

Da Nang is heavily influenced by other regions like Hue or Quang Nam. So, it is not surprising many Vietnamese cuisines have become the regional popular cuisine. Originated from Quảng Nam Province, mì quảng is one of the best noodles from Central Vietnam, especially Da Nang city.

The turmeric rice noodles are made from rice flour and cut into flat fibers. It is commonly served with meats, vegetables, herbs, and a small amount of broth. Most restaurants in Danang are serving this regional dish and you can enjoy it in restaurants, or even food stalls in the street.

Located 40 km west of Da Nang, the Ba Na Hills has become one of the popular things to do when visiting Da Nang. This comprehensive entertainment attraction is located in the Truong Son Mountains with constant cool temperatures throughout the year.

Klook Exclusive : Roundtrip Shuttle Bus from Da Nang to Sun World Ba Na Hills

To get to Ba Na Hills, you will ride the world record longest 5801-meter long single-cable from the foot of the mountain to the top. Once you are at the top, you can start exploring the hilltop resort. The resort has a French village that looks like a medieval castle, amuse park with several adventure rides, a wax museum, and many more attractions.

The most popular attraction in Ba Na Hills is the golden bridge where the bridge is built at an elevation of 1400 mete with two hands holding on it. You will feel like being at the hands of God when you stand in the middle of the bridge.

Due to the nice weather, many people love to spend one night in this hilltop resort to experience the beauty of the 4 seasons. The Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills is the popular pick if you plan for overnight at Ba Na Hill.

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

If you have more days to spend in Da Nang, we recommended visiting the Hoi An. The ancient town of Hoi An is about 30 km from downtown Da Nang. It is a great option for a day trip. But you can also stay there for days or even a weekend.

Hoi An is a well-preserved ancient town with a historic heritage building. It was once a trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century and has a long history of exposure to foreign cultures. You will find Chinese, Japanese architecture, and French colonial buildings blend into this Vietnamese town.

The ancient town is very dreamy when the yellow town is lit up with colorful lanterns at night. You will fall in love with the ancient traditional culture and the local atmosphere.

Do you want to visit Hoi An? Check out how to plan your trip.

• Things To Do in Hoi An: A Complete Travel Guide
• Where To Stay in Hoi An: Best Homestay and Hotels

Take a Day Trip To My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of a collection of ruins by the kingdom of Champ. The ruins are about 1,300 years old now. It marks history and evokes the civilization they represent.

During your trip to My Son, you’ll see the remaining 70 temples which survive the Vietnam war, ornate carvings as well as impressive stone pillars and buildings. It is like a small version of Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

For me, there isn’t much to see here but it still provides a great insight into the country’s past. Good for a day trip to understand more about a beautiful old-time of Vietnamese central region. A guided tour is recommended if you want to know more about the history of My Son Sanctuary.

Recommended guided tour : My Son Sanctuary Tour from Da Nang

More Da Nang Travel Guide Tips

All in all, Da Nang is blessed with not only beautiful beaches but also much stunning scenery, and mouth-watering cuisine. You’ll easily find yourself being lost in a myriad of things to do and want to spend a few days exploring everything the city offers.

Lastly, we hope our detailed Da Nang travel guide blog will help you enjoy this charming city to the fullest. If you’re still unsure of what to see, we’ve packed all of our tips at the Central Vietnam travel guide blog article so you can plan out your perfect travel route through Da Nang. Find out more here.

• 5 Days in Central Vietnam Itinerary
• Da Nang & Hoi An Food Guide: What To Eat
• Where To Stay in Da Nang: Best Areas and Hotels

Traveling to Northern Vietnam :

• Things To Do in Sapa Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Sapa: Best Hotels and Homestays
• A Trip To Halong Bay: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Things To Do in Hanoi Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Hanoi: Best Areas and Hotels

Lastly, traveling to Phu Quoc? Feel free to read on our Phu Quoc travel stories.

• Ultimate Travel Guide Blog to Phu Quoc itinerary

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Event Highlights

Sun group’s journey helps promote da nang’s culinary essence globally, the “connecting central heritage” train is now…, tourism stimulus campaign 2024 – enjoy danang 2024, da nang international marathon 2024’s 11th race…, da nang is promoted as a top destination for indian visitors…, danang golf tourism festival 2023, brg open golf championship danang 2023 awards ceremony, the brg open golf championship danang 2023 will officially starts, technical press conference on the brg open golf championship danang…, danang golf tourism festival 2023 – narrowing the gap between golf and…, welcome international tourists, measures to prevent covid-19 in selected case, foreign visitors can travel freely with negative covid test, vietnam fully reopens international tourism and lifts all travel…, info for travellers on covid-19 in danang city, hawaiian brunch at hilton danang, bountiful brunch at the grill restaurant –…, hyatt regency danang resort & spa unveils…, experience the family vacation package at koi resort…, ironman 70.3 viet nam exclusive package at danang…, easter buffet brunch at sheraton grand danang resort, altara suites da nang: 6 years of magnificent moments, easter feast on 31st march at danang marriott resort…, elevate your stay with altara suites sixth-year….

Sun Group’s journey helps promote Da Nang’s…

Da nang songkran festival 2024, da nang is becoming a popular “wedding tourism…, da nang carnival festival 2024, vinfast ironman 70.3 vietnam 2024 held in da nang, get ready for an explosion of colors at the danang holi…, dragon park in son tra district, tuy loan rice paper making profession recognized as national…, the bus route from da nang airport to sun world ba na hills…, hunting the culinary treasure at azure beach lounge, discover danang’s trending check-in spot for summer 2024, cultural fusion spectacle at da nang carnaval festival 2024, my khe beach: one of the ten most beautiful beaches in asia, hoang tin cuisine – “the taste is delicious, and the presentation is…, si dining – a modern italian with a vietnamese twist – perfect place…, da nang rice paper pork rolls, quang noodles.

List of Hotels 4 Star 5 Star

Mercure danang french village ba na hills, premier village danang resort, intercontinental danang sun peninsula resort, danang marriott resort & spa, non nuoc beach villas, meliá danang beach resort, new world hoiana hotel, official partner.

• Da Nang Visitor Center

Weather Da Nang

About Da Nang City

Da Nang History

Danang International Fireworks Festivall (DIFF 2023) officially returns

Danang Festivals and Events 2023

Lotte Duty Free opens Vietnam’s largest duty free store in downtown Da Nang

Mikazuki Hotel officially opens on June 1st 2022

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A Hotel In The Heart Of Danang For Your Vacation

Wink Hotel Danang Riverside – Finest Quality High-class Smart Apartments and…

Hoa Bac Cable-stayed Bridge

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Anfernee Chansamooth

Da nang things to do: 24-hour itinerary.

If you only have 24 hours in Danang, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time.

Da Nang is known for its mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication. With a bustling city centre, stunning beaches and temples, natural attractions, and plenty of culinary delights to try, there’s no shortage of things to do in this vibrant Vietnamese city!

It’s an excellent choice for those looking to explore a buzzing city without the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Plus, the beautiful mountains and sandy beaches in the surrounding area make it a great destination for nature lovers!

Morning in Danang:

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast. Try a bowl of pho (noodle soup) or banh mi (baguette sandwich) from a local street food vendor. My wife put together a list of our fave local vendors here .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cindy & Anf (@coffeeanddessertshow)

Alternative: Grab a delicious Vietnamese coffee (called cà phê sữa đá) at one of the coolest cafés in town and enjoy the vibes.

Head to the Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) early to avoid the crowds. Explore the caves, temples, and pagodas while enjoying the stunning views of the city and coastline. Allocate around 2-3 hours for this visit.

Note: Walking around the marble mountains is free (so don’t get conned into paying for it), but you can pay extra to go inside some of the caves and visit the pagodas.

Midday in Danang:

After exploring Marble Mountains, make your way to My Khe Beach. Enjoy some beach time, relax, swim, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.

For lunch, visit a local seafood restaurant near My Khe Beach. Savor the day’s fresh catch, such as grilled fish, squid, or shrimp, accompanied by rice or noodles and a cold drink.

Alternative: Choose a local restaurant offering delicious dishes like banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancake) or com tam (broken rice with grilled pork). You can view our fave spots to get these local dishes here .

Afternoon in Danang:

Next, visit the Con Market (Chợ Cồn) to experience a bustling local market. Taste various street food options and shop for souvenirs or local handicrafts.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nguyen Ngoc Hão (@ngochao336)

If you’d prefer to skip the market, you can make your way to the Son Tra Peninsula (Bán đảo Sơn Trà) for a scenic drive or bike ride along the coast. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda and take in the panoramic views from the summit.

Read more about Linh Ung Pagoda and Lady Buddha statue below.

( Image source )

As the sun sets, you can head to the Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) and take a walk across this unique bridge. Enjoy views of the city and the Han River.

Evening in Danang:

You can explore the Chợ Đêm Sơn Trà night market for a variety of food choices.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 과영 (@hwa_koo)

If you’re looking for an unforgettable sit-down meal, the My Khe beach and Son Tra districts are crowded with a mazing restaurants .

Night in Danang:

End your day by exploring the vibrant nightlife in Danang. Walk along the riverside promenade, enjoy the illuminated Dragon Bridge, or visit a local bar or pub for a taste of Vietnamese beer or cocktails.

You can even do a funny dance at the Dragon Bridge like we did 😛

Additional options:

Here are a few more ideas if you have additional time or energy:

– Son Tra Peninsula (Bán đảo Sơn Trà): For nature lovers, this lush green peninsula offers scenic hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and a chance to spot rare wildlife, such as the endangered Red-shanked Douc Langur. Entrance to the area is free, though some attractions within the peninsula may have a small fee. It is a two-hour hike to the top of Son Tra Mountain, so be sure to bring water and wear appropriate gear.

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– Lady Buddha : Located on Son Tra Peninsula, Lady Buddha is one of Vietnam’s tallest statues, standing at an impressive 67 meters tall. Take a cable car up to the statue for beautiful views of Danang and nearby beaches.

– Ba Na Hills : Just a short drive from Danang, the Ba Na Hills is an excellent place to experience Vietnam’s natural beauty. Take the cable car up for stunning views of Danang and the surrounding area.

– Hoi An : The quaint and colorful city of Hoi An is just a short drive from Danang. Stop by for unique shopping opportunities (lots of tourists buy custom-made suits and traditional Vietnamese áo dài  here), stroll through the picturesque Ancient Old Town (especially at sunset and evening when it’s cooler and the place comes alive), experience the full moon lantern festival (happens once a month), or take a Thu Bon River boat tour.

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– My Son Sanctuary : A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary are a must for any history buff. The site is about an hour away from Danang.

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– Hai Van Pass : Hire a motorbike and take the scenic drive along Hai Van Pass. Be sure to stop at the top for breathtaking views of Da Nang, Lang Co beach, and the South China Sea. (Below is a video of our morning motorbike trip to Hai Van Pass one morning)

This itinerary ensures that you experience the best of Danang’s culture, food, and natural beauty within a short time frame.

You can easily take this 24-hour itinerary and spread it out over multiple days if you’d like more time to explore all that Danang has to offer!

Make sure to stay flexible and adjust the plan based on your interests and energy levels. Enjoy your 24 hours in Danang!

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11 things to do in Danang, Vietnam, with a 7-day itinerary

While Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An are often the first cities that come to mind when people think of Vietnam, Danang offers a refreshing change of pace for those who prefer a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. If you’re not particularly drawn to cultural sites or the hustle and bustle of big cities, Danang is definitely worth considering as a travel destination.

From stunning beaches and natural wonders to historical and cultural sites, Danang has it all. Whether you’re a foodie looking to sample Vietnam’s finest food, a history buff interested in the neighbouring cities’ rich cultural heritage, or an adventure-seeker looking for thrilling sports, Danang has something for everyone.

This article contains everything you can do in Danang, Vietnam. My full itinerary is listed down at the end of the article.

1. Cafe hop along Han River

Most travel articles will start off their list with very mainstream touristy options. But, I believe that the vibrant cafe scene in Danang deserves the first mention.

Al fresco dining is very popular in Danang. Most cafes are open-aired (but sheltered), and many of them have seats by the road. You don’t have too worry too much about the weather. Danang is constantly more cooling than most tropical countries since it’s a coastal city.

Strolling up the Han River, you’ll find a cluster of cafes and restaurants. Of which, Cong Ca Phe is famous amongst locals and tourists alike. While it is a coffee chop chain, the quality of the coffee remains uncompromised. 

Tradition Vietnamese coffee, also known as Den for black coffee, and Bac Xiu for white coffee (condensed milk), starts from VND29,000. You can also get their signature Coconut Coffee (VND55,000) .

The two other cafes that are located beside Cong Ca Phe are Ut Tich Cafe and L2B Coffee & Cake. Both menus are very similar to Cong Ca Phe; just having a different ambience. 

Cong Ca Phe

Location: 98-96 Bạch Đằng, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam (Cong Ca Phe) Opening hours: 7am-11:30pm

2. Thrifting in Danang

There are two kinds of thrift stores. The non-curated ones where prices can go as low as $1. But of course, you’ll have to sift through piles of clothes for the gems. On the other end of the spectrum, there are the curated vintage stores, where everything is already sorted out for you, everything is clean. But, prices shoot up to $30.

The thrift scene is Danang offers curated clothes at “non-curated prices”. Ralph Lauren shirts from $2, Dickies 874 work pants from $5, a range of legitimate sports bombers from $5… This is what I bought for $25: Ralph Lauren shirt, Ellesse windbreaker, Yomiuri Giants baseball windbreaker, Beverly Hills Polo Club white polo shirt, and

There are only about five thrift stores in Danang that are worth visiting, and we highly recommend Bo Vintage for apparels, and Nhim Retro 2hand for accessories.

Nhim Retro 2hand

Location: 12 Phan Tứ, Bắc Mỹ An, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam Opening hours: 8:30am-5:30pm (closed on Sunday)

3. Day trip to Hoi An Old Town

About 40 minutes drive from Danang City, you’ll find yourself in the beautiful city of Hoi An, a charming and historic city located on the central coast of Vietnam.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its well-preserved ancient town. In addition to strolling the lantern-lit streets and admiring the historic buildings, tourists can also enjoy activities such as taking a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes, getting custom-made clothing from one of the many tailors in town, or taking a bike ride to the nearby beaches and countryside.

While you’re there, remember to savour a cup of Egg Coffee (VND59,000) — one of the best egg coffees I have had in Vietnam — at Hoi An Roastery.

Hoi An Roastery

Location: 135 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam Opening hours: 7:30am-8:30pm

4. Surfing, and other water sports along My Khe Beach

If you’re a water sports enthusiast, My Khe Beach should definitely be on your list of must-visit destinations in Danang, Vietnam.

Known for its excellent waves, this beach is a popular spot for surfing, particularly during the monsoon season from September to March. Surfboards and other equipment can be rented from local shops along the beach, and there are also several surf schools offering lessons for beginners. Out of the few that are listed online (based on just the prices, duration, and location), I chose Da Nang Outdoor Adventures. You can either book the lessons on their official website, or through TripAdvisor .

For $52.55, the lesson includes a surfboard, a wetsuit, and two-hours with the instructors. Each class has a maximum capacity of six to ensure that all the students have enough time to learn from the instructors. The two-hour lesson starts off with a 30-minute introduction to the water sport, and learning the basics on land, before attempting to surf in the water. Alternatively, you can rent the surfboard for $5 for four hours.

Surfing is not the only water activity available at My Khe Beach. Jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides are also popular options for those seeking a thrill.

Da Nang Outdoor Adventures

Location: 35 An Thượng 5, Bắc Mỹ An, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam Opening hours: 8am-6pm

5. Relax at Hyatt Regency Danang

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, and are not particularly drawn to sightseeing, cultural sites, cafe hopping, or shopping, treat yourself to a resort to fully immerse yourself in your rejuvenating getaway in Danang.

Hyatt Regency Danang, a beachfront resort with a gorgeous sea view, premium Italian dining, authentic Vietnamese fare, water sports, and a spa.

Nothing screams “tranquility” like waking up to the serene rhythm of the tide. Hyatt Regency Danang’s 1 King Bed Ocean View provides an uninterrupted view of the beach. We had the full view from our balcony, and we could even see parts of it from the bathtub and our bed. You can read the full review of our stay at Hyatt Regency here .

You can easily spend one or two days in the resort even though it’s conveniently located near popular tourist attractions. For starters, a gorgeous pool, a fitness centre with a sauna in the changing room, the VIE Spa (advanced reservation is recommended), and water sports activities such as a body boarding, kayaking, and standup paddle boarding. If you’re not sure what you want to do, let the resort decide for you. Once you check in, you’ll find a schedule for their recreation activities which start from 6:45am to 8pm. These activities include yoga, beachfront meditation, boxing classes, volleyball and movie night.

Hyatt Regency Danang

6. Hue City Day Tour

Hue City is a famous tourist destination in Danang, Vietnam, and for good reason. The city served as the imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, and its rich history and cultural heritage are evident in its stunning architecture.

You can of course, rent a car, or book a private driver to tour the city alone. But, we recommend joining a day tour for a more convenient mode of transport, but more importantly, having a tour guide to tell the story of Hue to fully immerse yourself in the city.

If you’re looking for a day tour that showcases the best of Hue City in Vietnam, look no further than Klook’s Hue City Day Tour. The tour starts at 8am and ends at 6pm. Tourists will be able to visit the following attractions:

• Lang Co Bay
• Khai Dinh Tomb
• Thien Mu Pagoda
• Hue Citadel

Lang Co Bay & Hue City Tour

7. Bana Hills

The face of the city — or should I say hands — is located in Bana Hills, just about 50 minutes away from Danang city centre. 

When you’re see anyone post about their trip to Danang, you’re most likely to see a giant pair of stone hands holding up a majestic bridge. This is one of the two highlights, and also an iconic feature of Danang — the Golden Bridge.

To reach to this popular attraction, you have to either drive to Bana Hills Cable Station, and take the cable car up. An admission ticket required for this attraction. You can purchase all these together, or separately on Klook .

Just the tickets to Bana Hills itself cost $47, which also includes the round-trip cable car and admission to all the attractions except for the Wax Museum and Rain Sheltering Tea House. Meanwhile, the full package, inclusive of lunch and shuttle bus from Da Nang, costs $73. We recommend paying the small additional cost for a more convenient and stress-free trip.

Bana Hills tickets

Location: 5 Trường Sa, Street, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

8. Nui Than Thai Hot Springs Park

Located just outside of Danang, Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to unwind and relax.

The park features a variety of natural hot springs that are said to have healing properties, as well as a range of spa treatments and wellness activities.

Visitors can soak in the hot springs and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery surrounding them, or indulge in a variety of spa treatments such as massages, facials, mud baths, and more.

The hot springs park is also perfect for thrill-seekers. Aside from its spa features, the park offers exciting attractions like mountainside wave pool, twisting swimming pool slides, Long Tien Cave, and more. The complimentary 9D to 12D movie experience is also a really popular attraction amongst tourists and locals.

Tickets start from $20 on Klook.

Nui Than Thai Hot Springs Park

Location: QL14G, Hoà Phú, Hòa Vang, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam Opening hours: 8:30am-5:30pm

9. Cham Island

If you’re looking for a good mix of natural beauty and adventure, head down to Cham Island.

Located off the coast of Danang, Cham Island is home to an array of marine life and coral reefs, making it an desirable spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The island’s attractions includes its pristine beaches, scenic hiking trails, and traditional fishing villages. Visitors can also admire a number of historical and cultural sites, such as the Hai Tang Pagoda and the Cham Island Marine Museum, which showcases the island’s unique ecology and history.

The Cham Islands day tour on Klook starts from Hoi An, as Cham Islands is nearer to Hoi An than Danang city centre. For just $36, the tour includes a pick-up from your hotel, a speed boat to the island, site-seeing, a fresh seafood lunch, and snorkeling.

Cham Island day tour

10. Dragon Bridge performance and market

The Dragon Bridge is also another iconic landmark of Danang.

As the name suggests, it’s designed in the shape of the dragon, with its steel arches spanning across an impressive distance of 666m. At 9pm on weekends, the Dragon Bridge spits fire and water, while the body changes colour.

Some tourists opt for the boat tour. But honestly, you can just watch it along Tran Hung Dao road.

After the 15-minute performance, head towards the Dragon Bridge Night Market, also known as Cho Dem Son Tra in Vietnamese. They are famous for seafood, but they also have a wide variety of Vietnamese street food. On top of that, visitors can also shop for quirky local handicrafts, and test their skills at carnival games.

Location: 27 Cầu Rồng, An Hải Trung, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

11. Han Market

If you’re looking for a truly authentic shopping experience in Danang, Vietnam, then Han Market should be at the top of your list.

This bustling market has been a fixture in the city for over a century and offers a wide range of products, from traditional handicrafts to fresh produce, seafood, and clothing. The first floor sells dried goods and coffee, perfect for souvenirs, while the second floor sells local handicrafts and clothes. Be prepared to say “no”, as the vendors are very aggressive when it comes to promoting their products. 

If you’re feeling hungry, be sure to sample some of the delicious local street food on offer, such as banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), and pho (noodle soup).

Location: 119 Đ. Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

7-day itinerary in Danang 

• Cafe hopping along Han River
• Thrifting at MOMONO and Taim Cup vintage clothing stores
• Dragon Bridge performance 
• Dinner at Cho Dem Son Tea
• Marble Mountains
• Hoi An Old Town
• Bana Hills (evening package)
• Breakfast at 43 Factory Coffee Roaster
• Da Nang Museum
• Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture
• Thrifting at CCG Clothing Danang and Bo Vintage
• Dinner at Toi Bo Bit Tet ($5 steak)
• Hue City day tour
• Dinner at MO homemade pasta & dessert
• Surfing lessons with Da Nang Outdoor Adventure
• Cafe hopping at Le Quang Dao cafe street
• Thrifting at Nhim Retro 2hand
• Dinner at Bikini Bottom Express
• Cham Islands
• Dinner at Hyatt Regency (Green House)
• Activities in Hyatt Regency

The cheapest flight tickets from Trip.com

I bought my round-trip flight tickets from Trip.com at only $250. It was really convenient to pick the cheapest flights as I could easily arrange the flights from the lowest price to the highest.

Trip.com is an all-in-one online travel agency with a user-friendly booking system and easy price comparison models.

Aside from flight tickets, I also used the platform to explore different attractions in Danang to plan my itinerary. They also offer great deals, special promotions and 1-for-1 packages to save on your pocket! For additional benefits, users can earn rewards by making reservations through their platform and leaving reviews.

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Colman Cheung

There are pros and cons when being friends with Colman. You get good food recommendations and the occasional candid shots between taking snaps of the food. But there’s also the mandatory 15-minutes waiting time and the constant whining of how your noodle pull sucks. He’s also a sucker for coffee.

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Da Nang Travel Guide 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Da Nang is a city that has it all: stunning beaches, majestic mountains, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, history, or entertainment, Da Nang has something for everyone. In this Da Nang Travel Guide 2024, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to this amazing destination. You’ll learn about the climate and the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, what to see and do, what to eat, and what to buy as a gift. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to pack your bags and explore the wonders of Da Nang.

1. Where is Da Nang in Vietnam?

Da Nang City is located in the Central region, equally divided between the capital Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. Da Nang is also the center of three world cultural heritages: Hue Imperial City, Hoi An ancient town , and My Son Sanctuary. The north of Da Nang borders Thua Thien Hue province, the west and south border Quang Nam province, and the east borders the East Sea.

2. Climate in Da Nang and the Best Time to Visit

Da Nang is a transitional place between the Northern and Southern climates, with the dominant tropical climate in the South. Each year, there are two distinct seasons: the dry season from January to July and the rainy season from August to December. Sometimes there are cold spells in winter but they do not last long and the weather is not very cold.

• Late December to late March : The weather is cool and pleasant, most ideal for spring trips. Prices for hotel and food services at this time are said to be the most stable of the year. Just a note that you should bring a thin jacket because it can be chilly in the evening, and sometimes there is spring rain.
• Early April to mid-September : This is the best time to travel to Da Nang. Yet, it is also the peak summer tourism season, quite crowded and expensive. Besides that, April is the season when forest trees change their yellow and red leaves on the Son Tra peninsula.
• Mid-September to late December : The weather is no longer hot, it starts to rain sporadically but does not last long. Also, the peak season has passed, so air tickets, accommodation services, and meals are more reasonably priced.

3. How to Go to Da Nang

Tourists often travel by plane from Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. Ticket prices range from 1,300,000 – to 3,000,000 VND round trip, depending on the time of booking. Flight time is about 1 hour.

With more time, you can take the train to experience the scenery along the way, especially the section through Hai Van Pass if you come from the north. Train tickets from Hanoi or from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang cost about 630,000 VND ($26) to 1,900,000 VND ($78.5) one-way, corresponding to air-conditioned soft seats and four air-conditioned sleeper beds. Travel time is about 17 to 18 hours.

If you plan to drive your car, you need to spend at least a week on your trip to Da Nang. You should also have two drivers take turns driving or you can stop at places across the way. For example, from Hanoi, it is ideal to depart at noon or early afternoon and stay one night in Nghe An. If you go later, sleep in Thanh Hoa, and the next morning depart for Da Nang. Additionally, you can stop in Quang Binh in the afternoon to rest and explore more.

In Da Nang, you should rent motorbikes or cars to move flexibly. Renting a car is quite convenient. It can be delivered at the airport or hotel for an average price of 100,000 VND ($4) for motorbikes and about 1,000,000 VND ($41) for cars per day.

4. Accommodation in Da Nang

Tourism in Da Nang is developing rapidly. Along the coastal road, you can easily find hotels with many different prices. Besides that, Da Nang has many other forms of accommodation such as homestays, apartments, and dormitories located in the center. Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose the appropriate option. However, you should book your stay in advance to avoid being sold out on weekends and peak seasons.

Because the weather in the Central region is quite cold at night at the beginning of the year, you should choose self-contained rooms with full amenities such as a private bathroom, water heater, hair dryer, iron, and laundry service… Room prices at 4-star hotels start from about 500,000 VND per night.

On top of that, there are famous 5-star resorts and hotels in Da Nang. For example, there are InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa, Pullman, Furama Resort Danang, Four Points by Sheraton Danang, Novotel, Hilton, Fusion Suites, Danang Golden Bay Hotel… Room prices range from 1,200,000 to 10,000,000 VND per night.

5. Da Nang Top Attractions

5.1. da nang attractions in suburban.

Beautiful places outside Da Nang City include Son Tra peninsula, Ngu Hanh Son Mountain, Nam O Reef, and Hai Van Pass.

Son Tra Peninsula

Considered the precious gem of Da Nang, Son Tra peninsula possesses a large primeval forest and many beautiful beaches such as Tien Sa, Da Den (Black Rock), But Beach… The road on the peninsula winds through the mountains. The location can see the entire city from above such as Ban Co Peak, Linh Ung Pagoda, Vong Canh house, Son Tra lighthouse, “Indochina god’s eye” radar station.

Coming here, you can participate in many exciting activities. For instance, scuba diving to see coral, fishing with fishermen, admiring the city from a helicopter, on top of Ban Co… In particular, Linh Ung Pagoda is located on top of the hill. It is one of the most sacred pagodas in Vietnam and also a destination you should not miss. Especially, this is also where the tallest statue of the Lady Buddha in Vietnam is located, facing the sea. Inside the statue, there are 17 floors. Each floor has an altar of 21 Buddha statues with different shapes, postures, and facial expressions.

Attractions in Son Tra Peninsula

On the peninsula, there are side roads leading to many beautiful beaches such as But Beach, Nam Beach, Da Den Beach, Da Beach, Mui Nghe… In addition, in this area, there are also thousand-year-old Son Tra banyan trees and banyan trees “the deer” with a unique shape suitable for photography.

The peninsula is also home to hundreds of animal species. Among them, the red-shanked douc langur is known as the “primate queen” on the Son Tra peninsula, with a population of about 300 – 400 animals, strictly preserved. To spot these flocks of langurs and observe the colors emitted from their fur, visitors need to listen carefully when they cry or jump from branch to branch.

Note, visitors need to preserve the natural landscape and not feed wild animals. Routes banned from using scooters include the section from Hoang Sa Road to the thousand-year banyan tree; the intersection of Yet Kieu Road to Ban Co peak – Bai Bac; Yet Kieu to Suoi Om intersection and vice versa. These are the three main routes that people and tourists often take to visit the Son Tra peninsula. Motorcycles with manual clutch and transmission can travel normally.

In addition, the Son Tra peninsula is also attractive with its pristine beaches. Nestled in a beautiful strait, But Beach is a place where the sea, mountains, and forests meet. There is also Bac Beach, a newly developed destination for Da Nang tourism, located in the bay north of Son Tra. The waters around the peninsula have many beautiful coral reefs, but littering and the unconscious behavior of some coral divers such as stepping on, kicking, and breaking… cause serious damage.

Suoi Tien (Fairy Stream)

Suoi Tien is one of the large streams originating from the top of Son Tra. It’s one of the most beautiful destinations like a fairyland with white waterfalls, rocks in many unique shapes, and fragrant wildflowers blooming. Coming to Suoi Tien, you will be immersed in beautiful and colorful nature.

Ba Na Hills

This tourist destination is about 40 km from Da Nang. You can experience the chilly air and four-season weather during the day when visiting prominent attractions such as Linh Ung Pagoda, Debay Wine Cellars, Le Jardin D’Amour flower garden, and especially the Golden Bridge… Overnight in the French village is also an interesting experience for visitors to Ba Na Hills.

Located in the Ba Na – Nui Chua conservation area, Gieng Troi has a wild landscape that is a source of inspiration for backpackers. There are different outdoor activities in the area such as trekking, climbing, camping, or bathing in streams.

Starting from the parking lot of the Ba Na cable car area, you have to conquer 7.5 km of winding, steep mountain passes, cross streams, and forests… After passing the first slope, the remaining journey is very easy to go. That’s why this place is like an isolated place. Two streams from the west of the Ba Na forest join in a canyon and then fall.

Marble Mountains

8 km from the center of Da Nang, Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains) is home to many sacred temples and a system of natural caves. Following the coastal road stretching as far as the eye can see towards Hoi An, opening to visitors’ eyes a giant “rockery” called Ngu Hanh Son. Names given to the mountains according to the theory of the five elements include Kim Son (Metal Mountain), Moc Son (Wood Mountain), Thuy Son (Water Mountain), Hoa Son (Fire Mountain), and Tho Son (Earth Mountain). Each mountain carries its different legendary stories and mysterious beauty.

To go all the way from Quan Am Cave, Huyen Vi to Am Phu Cave, Hoa Nghiem, Linh Nha, Huyen Khong, Van Thong, Thien Long, Thien Phuoc Dia,… may take a few days. Although everything is not massive or majestic, it brings different levels of emotions thanks to its sacred and magical beauty.

Following the roads through the mountains in Marble Mountains. you will suddenly turn a corner into a certain cave or temple. At Kim Son, there are Quan Am pagodas and caves. Hoa Son has Linh Son pagoda and Huyen Vi cave, Pho Da Son pagoda and cave. Tho Son has Long Hoa and Hue Quang pagodas. Thuy Son has Tam Thai, Linh Ung, Tam Ton, Tu Tam pagodas,…

Most of the temples here have their backs against the mountain. Although they are not too high, they are quiet and sacred. With the cool breeze blowing in from the sea and the green space of mountains and trees, you will easily feel a world of peace and serenity.

Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass is about an hour by motorbike from the center of Da Nang. The pass is 21 km long, with the highest peak 496 m above sea level. Hai Van means “sea of clouds”. This place was once commented on by Jeremy Clarkson, host of the reality TV show Top Gear (UK), as “one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world”.

There are currently two roads through Hai Van Pass: the road tunnel through Hai Van Pass (not for motorbikes) and the Hai Van Pass road.

• The road tunnel through Hai Van Pass is open daily, with a fee. Tunnel closing time is from 3:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. every day to clean, repair, and maintain its items. If you follow the tunnel, you will not be able to admire the scenery or visit famous places on Hai Van Pass.
• Hai Van Pass is open daily, free of charge. You should choose this route if you want to experience the feeling of conquering the past and enjoying the scenery. Just a note that you must slow down whenever there is fog.

At the beginning of the year, visitors can take “cloud hunting” photos at the famous bend, Hai Van Quan Peak, the “cloud garden” opposite Hai Van Quan, or go down to Van Village to swim in the sea. The ideal time to visit is sunrise or sunset.

Located about 17 km from the center, Nam O Reef is in Hoa Hiep Nam ward, Lien Chieu district, Da Nang city. The name Nam O refers to the southern gate of Dai Viet country from 700 years ago. This is a densely populated place, mainly practicing fishing gear. Nam O is also famous for making traditional firecrackers and fish sauce.

This is a long rocky beach with many strange shapes covered with green moss located on the beach. Sunset and sunrise are two times when many people go to the rapids to get satisfactory photos. In this area, there are also specialties of Nam O fish salad and famous Nam O fish sauce that have been passed down through many generations of coastal villages here.

Ghenh Bang has been a famous destination among Da Nang backpackers for about 3 years now. This place is located on Son Tra peninsula, about 15 km from Da Nang city center, in the direction of Hoang Sa road. Ghenh Bang along with Gun Cape, Nghe Cape, Golden Sand Beach, and Da Den Beach… have created natural landscapes that attract tourists to explore.

With a road to the sea about 2 km long, Ghenh Bang has flat sandy beaches, large and small rocks protruding into the sea, coral beaches… Visitors to Ghenh Bang often prepare firewood, snacks, and drinking water for camping or day picnics.

Traditional Craft Villages

• 14 km southwest of Da Nang center, Cam Ne Mat Village belongs to Hoa Tien commune, Hoa Vang district. This place has long been famous for traditional flower mats, which were once present in the Nguyen dynasty.
• Tuy Loan Rice Paper Craft Village is located in Hoa Phong commune, Hoang Vang district, about 15 km from the city center. This over 500-year-old village is suitable for a journey to explore the history of Da Nang. Particularly, the village is famous for making rice paper and Quang noodles.
• Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village is located at the foot of the Marble Mountains. The nearly 400-year-old traditional craft village is famous for its beautiful and sophisticated stone handicraft products, created by the skilled hands of artisans.

Hoa Trung Lake

This is an artificial lake, providing water for daily life and farming for people in Hoa Lien and Hoa Son communes, Lien Chieu district. The lake is surrounded by floating islands, which are suitable for tourists who like to explore, camp, and picnic. You should prepare adequate food and water for camping overnight by the lake, but be careful to clean up and bring trash home.

Hoa Trung Lake is 20 km from Da Nang city center. It takes about 40 minutes to get here by motorbike. From the city, you go along Au Co Street (Hoa Khanh market), follow Ba Na’s direction, and find Hoa Ninh parish. Then, you turn left to see the concrete road and keep going all the way. You will see a trail only 30 cm wide. If you have difficulty finding your way, ask the locals.

Ecotourism Destinations

Suggested destinations are Hoa Bac Commune Ecotourism Area, Lai Thieu Ecotourism Area, Suoi Hoa Ecological Area, Suoi Luong – Hai Van Park Ecological Area, Hoa Phu Thanh Tourist Area, Ecotourism Area Thai Ngam Doi, Than Tai Mountain Hot Springs Park, Phuoc Nhon Hot Mineral Tourist Area… Most of the ecological areas provide entertainment, dining, accommodation, etc. You must pay an entrance fee.

5.2. Da Nang Attractions within the City

The bridges.

Da Nang is known as the city of bridges in Vietnam. Dragon Bridge, Han River Swing Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, and Love Bridge are attractions that you should sightsee and check-in. Furthermore, right near the Love Bridge is a statue of a carp turning into a dragon.

Dragon Bridge

It’s one of the most ornate bridges in the world . In particular, Dragon Bridge is more crowded on three weekend nights when there are dragon performances that spray water and fire. From 9 p.m., many tourists and people gathered on the bridge, on both sides of the Han River, or in nearby high-rise buildings.

Vehicles traveling at both ends of the bridge were stopped for 15 minutes during the show. You should choose a suitable standing direction to watch the performance. If you stand near the dragon, don’t forget to wear a raincoat or umbrella to avoid getting wet when the dragon sprays water.

Han River Bridge

This is the first swing bridge in Vietnam. Han River Bridge has a length of 487.7 m and a width of 12.9 m with 11 spans, including two cable-stayed spans. Especially, the bridge part located on the pier in the middle of the river can turn 90 degrees parallel to the flow direction to allow large ships to pass. The project is also a symbol of the combination and consensus between the government and the people, built by the people of Da Nang.

Thuan Phuoc Bridge

Thuan Phuoc Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in Vietnam. The bridge is 1,856 m long and 18 m wide. It has two abutments at both ends of the bridge, and two cable towers plugged into the river bed.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge

Tran Thi Ly Bridge is named after the heroine in the resistance war against the Americans from Quang Nam. The bridge is located south of Dragon Bridge, about 1.5 km. Previously, there was an old bridge with the same name. Yet, it has been replaced by the new bridge today.

My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach was voted by Forbes magazine as one of the 6 most attractive beaches on the planet. It’s also in the top 25 most beautiful beaches in Asia in 2021 by TripAdvisor. The beach stretches 900 meters on Pham Van Dong Street, in Son Tra District. Watching the sunrise on My Khe beach, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the lives of local fishermen.

City Children’s Cultural Palace

Da Nang Children’s Cultural Palace is a popular check-in point for young people thanks to its design based on the idea of the Tangram puzzle game. This work received the 2016 National Architecture Gold Award, awarded by the Vietnam Association of Architects. This destination is located on 2/9 Street, Hai Chau District. The palace has 3 floors including multi-functional areas, entertainment areas, classrooms, libraries, halls…

• The Museum of Cham Sculpture is located at No. 2, Street 2/9, Hai Chau District. This is the only museum of Cham culture, preserving relics of the ancient Champa Kingdom. The museum is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The entrance tickets cost 60,000 VND per visit. There is an automatic interpretation service and viewing of artifact information using applications and 4D scanning technology.
• Da Nang Fine Arts Museum is located at 78 Le Duan, Hai Chau district. The museum preserves and displays more than 1,000 works of modern fine art, folk art artifacts, and traditional handicraft products. Opening hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The ticket price is 20,000 VND per trip (50% discount for students).
• The Buddhist Museum is located on the campus of Avalokiteśvara Pagoda, at 48 Su Van Hanh, Ngu Hanh Son District. Coming here, you can admire more than 200 ancient Buddhist artifacts. The museum is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, free to visit.

Da Nang Cathedral

Tourane Church (French colonial period), also known as Sacred Heart of Jesus Church or Cathedral Church, was started in February 1923 on empty land on Rue du Musée Street (now Tran Phu Street, Da Nang). It was designed and built by Father Vallet. Local people often call the project by a familiar name, Chicken Church. It’s because, on the roof of the church, there is a typical gray chicken statue.

Mural Alley

Da Nang Mural Village Project at 75 Nguyen Van Linh Street (near Dragon Bridge, Hai Chau District). The mural village is located in an alley, but right at the entrance are signs introducing the destination. Visitors will park their cars outside to walk inside.

Local Markets

Located on Ong Ich Khiem Street right in the city center, Con Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in the coastal city. Con Market is considered a snack paradise with many restaurants that are always crowded, selling a variety of foods, from breakfast to lunch, and especially afternoon snacks. In particular, Banh Beo, rice paper rolled with pork, Quang noodles, snails, and sweet soup… are popular with prices starting from 10,000 VND. In addition to food, specialties bought as gifts are also sold a lot such as fish sauce, squid simmered with tamarind, beef patties, shrimp…

Han Market is located right in the city center, near the Han River bridge, adjacent to Hung Vuong, Tran Phu, Tran Hung Dao, and Bach Dang streets on 4 sides. The market dates back to the 40s of the last century. However, with a convenient location for both road and waterway traffic, this place is increasingly developed and bustling.

Other Markets

The city has many seafood markets, but the most attractive is still the area located along Vo Nguyen Giap Street and the coastal streets of Son Tra District, Da Nang. Here the stalls display all kinds of newly caught seafood, from oysters, snails, and crabs, to very fresh fish, shrimp, squid, etc.

In addition, Da Nang has bustling night markets. To elaborate, Helio night market (2/9 Street, Hai Chau), Son Tra night market (Ly Nam De Street intersects with Mai Hac De, Son Tra), Thanh Khe night market West (Yen Khe 1 Street, Thanh Khe district), Le Duan night market (144 Le Duan, Hai Chau), Hoa Khanh night market (Nguyen Canh Chan street). This is a vibrant shopping and dining paradise at night for both residents and tourists.

6. Best Things to Do in Da Nang

See da nang from helicopters and planes.

The helicopter departs from Nuoc Man Airport and flies around to see the Marble Mountains from above. After that, the helicopter circles back to Dragon Bridge, along the Han River for visitors to see the Han River Bridge, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, and the city’s impressive high-rise architectural blocks.

Arriving at Son Tra peninsula, the helicopter circles to the sea, and you can see the largest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam. Then, it circles back and flies along Da Nang Beach back to Nuoc Man Airport. The ticket price for a 12-minute tour is currently 2,140,000 VND per person.

Surfing, SUP

You can sign up for surfing and SUP lessons at the Da Nang Surf School on My Khe beach. This is the first school in Vietnam to have instructors certified by ISA (International Surfing Association). You need to prepare bathing clothes and sunscreen. The SUP rowing class is suitable for many people’s physical conditions.

Cruise on the Han River

The boat takes you from the tourist wharf down the Han River. You can view the city center at night and admire Da Nang’s unique bridges. The boat serves food, music, etc. depending on the needs of tourists. Moreover, some tours offer sightseeing experiences, dinner, and watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire on the weekend. The ticket prices range from 150,000 to 500,000 VND per person.

Da Nang has cool weather at night, even in the middle of summer. Going out to get some fresh air, you won’t feel hot. Additionally, the city is not too noisy or busy. The people are gentle and friendly. Furthermore, food and beverage services, restaurants, and bars are open late at night, making it convenient for visitors to eat and have drinks at night.

7. Best Food in Da Nang

Mi Quang Da Nang , or Quang Style Noodles, do not have an “immutable” formula. However, it’s very diverse in flavors such as Quang noodles with shrimp and meat, Quang noodles with snakehead fish, Quang noodles with crab rolls, etc. Quang noodles are a dry dish and a bowl of noodles does not include any ingredients. Now there’s a shortage of roasted peanuts and crispy toasted sesame rice paper.

If you come to Da Nang on the first day of the lunar calendar, it will be difficult to find a bowl of meat noodles. Instead, there are vegetarian Quang noodles with main ingredients from tofu, mushrooms, and tubers.

A small bowl of Quang noodles costs about 15,000 VND, a large bowl costs about 20,000 – 30,000 VND, and special bowls can cost up to 60,000 VND.

A fairly simple dish, however, it is the careful selection of ingredients that makes the dish special. Pork is only taken from the butt or shoulder. The accompanying vegetables must be fresh and green such as lettuce, basil, fish mint, banana flower, cucumber, green banana, bean sprouts, etc. Seasoning sauce of meat rolls Pork is an irreplaceable dipping sauce. Pork rice paper sold in portions costs about 50,000 – 200,000 VND per portion.

Veal Meat at Mong Bridge

Da Nang people also call this dish the familiar name “Bò Tái Cầu Mống” (Mong Bridge rare beef). When the veal is taken out of the oven, it must have two layers of rare, well-cooked meat, with the skin cooked to the point of transparency while being both crispy and soft.

Dipping sauce made from whole anchovies with sugar, garlic, chili, ginger, and roasted sesame. When eaten, it is accompanied by herbs and rice paper, similar to pork rice paper rolls. Mong Bridge veal has prices ranging from 350,000 to 380,000 VND per kg.

Nam O Fish Salad

The fish used to make this dish can be from sardines, anchovies, or tilapia,… Yet, the most delicious is still herring. The characteristic feature of Nam O fish salad is the dipping sauce made from boiled fish juice, mixed with Nam O fish sauce, chili, tapioca starch, and MSG. In addition to the usual accompanying vegetables, Nam O fish salad also has wild toadstools, bamboo shoots, brocade leaves, orchid hearts,… which only grow on Hai Van pass.

You can eat fish with vegetables and rice paper rolls or mix fish and vegetables with dipping sauce. In addition, the wet fish salad is attractive with fresh, sweet fish meat soaked in rich spicy broth, prepared from the famous Nam O fish sauce. Nam O fish salad costs about 80,000 VND per serving, enough for 2 people.

Banh Xeo with Spring Rolls

Delicious Banh Xeo shops are concentrated on Hoang Dieu, Trung Nu Vuong, Chau Thi Vinh Te, and Dong Da streets. The average price is from 20,000 to 100,000 VND per portion depending on the number of cakes and spring rolls.

Central region Banh Xeo is usually as small as a plate so it is crispy and fits better when rolled. The accompanying condiment is hot soy sauce, just the right taste for dipping the cake.

Seasoned Fish Noodle Soup

This is a popular specialty that is easy to find in Da Nang. A full bowl of vermicelli has pork, pig ears, beef patties, spring rolls, herbs, papaya fibers or thinly sliced young jackfruit, and a cup of seasoning sauce. The indispensable spices of the Quang dish are the nutty taste of peanuts and the crunchy cake.

Enjoying vermicelli fish sauce at stalls, sidewalk stalls, or at the market will give you the most complete taste.

You can try noodles with fish sauce at Con Market or Han Market in the afternoon, priced from 15,000 to 30,000 VND per bowl.

Vermicelli with Grilled Meat

Like vermicelli with fish sauce, vermicelli with grilled meat is a familiar dish to Da Nang people. This dish is very easy to find, priced around 15,000 – 30,000 VND per bowl. Grilled pork vermicelli in Da Nang is served with soy sauce, a fatty and rich taste made from pork liver, ground meat, soy sauce, and some other ingredients.

Mixed Jackfruit Salad

Mixed jackfruit is a favorite dish of many people, the main ingredients are young jackfruit, pork skin, dried beef, along peanuts, mix well and then break off a piece of rice paper and scoop it up to eat. The price of each plate of mixed jackfruit is about 20,000 VND.

This dish is concentrated in the “snack village” on Bui Thi Xuan Street, under Tran Thi Ly Bridge, or the old lady’s mixed jackfruit shop in the alley on Ly Thai To Street – there is no sign but it is always crowded with customers. If you are a tourist, you should arrive before 5 p.m. to have a seat and learn more about this dish.

Snails in Da Nang are often prepared in many flavors: from stir-fried with coconut, stir-fried with lemongrass and chili to boil, all are fragrant and hot. This dish is served with sour and spicy papaya strips according to Central taste. The price per portion ranges from 15,000 to 30,000 VND.

Salted Yogurt

Salted yogurt costs 1,000 VND a jar. It’s a type of snack sold in a section at the foot of Tran Thi Ly bridge.

The shop owner usually brings out a tray of about 10 jars of yogurt with a plate of white salt. The price is calculated based on how many jars of yogurt you eat. Da Nang salted yogurt is soft, and not too fatty. At first, you will feel the salty taste of the salt, then the sweetness of the yogurt that lingers in your throat.

8. What to Buy as a Gift?

Mr. Chanh’s cake, Ba De’s cake, Cam Le sesame dried cake, My Khe seaweed, Nam O fish sauce, fresh seafood or dried squid, dried fish, etc. are famous specialties of Da Nang, easy to find, buy, and pack in your luggage.

If you want to buy souvenirs, you can choose silk paintings, embroidery, oil paintings, decorative items made of stone, porcelain, wood,… or stone art artifacts from Marble Mountains, clothes from silk and silk fabric.

Enjoy and Have a Great Trip to Da Nang City!

Da Nang is a city that will surprise you with its beauty, diversity, and charm. It’s a place where you can experience the best of Vietnam, from its natural scenery to its cultural heritage. Da Nang is a city that will make you fall in love with its people, its food, and its spirit. Da Nang is a city that you’ll never forget.

We hope you enjoyed this Da Nang Travel Guide 2024 and found it useful for your trip. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and happy travels!

Note: This post contains affiliate links from which I can earn commissions if you use services or buy products from the blog’s partners. If you love the blog, please use the services or buy the products. In that way, you give me support for the blog’s maintenance and development. I appreciate it a lot and thank you for that!

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Khoi Nguyen

Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.

13 Comments

You have made me feel like I’ve already embarked on a mesmerizing journey through the stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and rich culture of Da Nang. And oh, the food recommendations! My taste buds are already eager to savor the delights you have highlighted. I really hope to visit da nang one day.

I’m sure Da Nang will amaze you when you visit the city. It’s actually one of the best cities to live in the world.

Da Nang looks like such an amazing area. I love the way the city reaches down to the water. You get the best of everything!

Isabellita Pabalan

Absolutely thrilled to discover Da Nang’s diverse wonders in 2024!

After reading this article and seeing all the amazing photos I am intrigued to visit Da Nang. Thanks for all the tips on where to stay, the food, activities, etc…

We lived in danang for a few months. Food amazing. People Wonderful and the family nights on dragon bridge were unforgettable

Ramil Hinolan

I love how you’ve covered everything from the must-visit attractions to the local eats. It’s like a roadmap for creating the perfect itinerary.

Thanks for your comment!

It sounds like it would be lovely to visit, i am always looking for new places to explore. i will have to add this to my list of places to visit.

Jennifer Prince

I haven’t been to Vietnam yet, but this looks like such a fab place to go. If. I ever make it there, I’m definitely visiting Da Nang!

Ntensibe Edgar

Oh wow….there is so much here in da nang. i wanna visit the traditional crafts market first and then, scour the streets for all that fish!

Shilpa Bindlish

I have never been to this place but this detailed information guide is quite helpful when I will.

Fransic verso

Great place, definitely looks worth going there but haven’t gone there yet. Thank you for sharing!

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Asia , Travel · Updated on: January 20, 2024

The most comprehensive Da Nang itinerary: spend 5 perfect days in Central Vietnam

I think every country and every destination has its charm and it teaches you a lesson you were meant to learn. For me, Vietnam was my first destination in Asia when we visited Ho Chi Minh and Phu Quoc island some years back. And I was happy we decided to go back and see Central Vietnam. Thus, here are our 5 days Da Nang itinerary and the best day trips from Da Nang you can plan for. 

The Central part of Vietnam has so many incredible attractions and left us happy we had chosen it as our destination for the Christmas holidays. There are certain things everyone should do in Vietnam: take a day trip from Da Nang to Hoi An, see the Imperial City of Hue, and eat all that delicious Vietnamese food. 

Da Nang may be Vietnam’s most popular and developing coastline destination, a great location for digital nomads and expats as well. 

But let me tell you everything about it, and all you’ll need to know when you plan your 5 days Da Nang itinerary.

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about it on our  disclosure page here .

5 Days Da Nang itinerary

How to get to da nang, vietnam.

Pretty much no matter where you are traveling from, getting to Da Nang by plane is the best option. 

Da Nang International airport is very well linked to both internal and international flights, and it will be rather easy and cheap to book such a flight. 

For instance, we flew from Hong Kong during the Christmas season and paid roughly 200 USD. I normally search for cheap flights way ahead of time on Skyscanner.com and look for the best combination and options. 

When traveling from another part of Vietnam, since driving from Ho Chi Minh City would take roughly 20 hours while coming from Hanoi 15 hours, flying in would be the fastest and most efficient way of travel from my point of view. 

However, when you want to save money, you can always take a night bus. The ride from Hanoi will take around 15 hours and will set you back around 22 USD, while the ride from Ho Chi Minh City will last more than 20 hours and cost 23 USD . You can check out travel options here!

When to visit Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue

In principle, the best time to visit Da Nang and the Central Vietnam part would be from February to May .

This being said, we went for Christmas and while I was scared it would rain a lot, we didn’t have any rainy days out of the 5 days in Da Nang. It is true we weren’t able to bathe in the sea, mainly because of the wind and waves. But when you are not particularly looking for a beach vacation, I would still consider December – February as well. 

Just bear in mind that for Christmas prices will be higher even though it is outside of the high season. 

When we went from Da Nang to Hue ancient town we noticed a slight increase in temperature and a lack of breeze. But haven’t really felt any change in the weather when traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An.

Where to stay in Da Nang

Da Nang is a bustling town, and wherever we turned our heads there was at least one construction site. That means the region is continuously developing, thus new and more impressive hotels will show up through the years.

Even so, when I headed over to Skyscanner.com to check out hotels and prices, I found it easy to book a great hotel, on the beach, with great facilities, in a quiet area, at a great price.  

What I usually look at when searching for a hotel: 

• Great accessible location with regards to the places I plan to visit.
• Good reviews (over 8 on Booking.com ) – and I usually go through them and see whether the very low ones are something that would bother me very much. People are different and have different expectations. I always check the TripAdvisor score, prices, and reviews before booking. 
• Nice view from the room, the option of getting a room with a sea view when we travel to a destination by the sea.
• Additional facilities on site – a rooftop pool, SPA, beach etc.
• Accessible price range – I’m not going for the cheapest, but not looking to break the bank either.

These, of course, can change from one location to the other, but I really enjoy coming back to a place I like after a full day of exploration. Also waking up and having breakfast with a nice view is also a plus. 

This being said, here are some options when it comes to where to stay in Da Nang. Since the town is not very spectacular and it is really crowded and crazy, we chose to stay by the beach and that’s something I suggest.

The Code Hotel and Spa – this was our choice and I’m really happy about it. Even though the hotel is the last tall building towards Lady Buddha, and you will have to get around by taxi or Grab, this means it is in a quiet place.

The people from the hotel went out f their way to make us feel welcomed and help us arrange the trip, the breakfast is delicious and very diverse, they have a rooftop pool, and the massages at their SPA are great (even though you might find cheaper places in town, but I was looking for proximity and quality over price). 

The hotel is on the beach and our room was facing the sea even though we had a room on the 18th floor I would hear the waves from my bed in the morning and just before we went to sleep.

Minh Boutique – with an impressive design, and an outside pool, just 6 minutes away from the beach, this hotel offers also bikes for rent free of charge. 

What I liked most when checking this hotel out was the super-cool green design with a lot of plants around, giving me the sensation that I am in a jungle. 

Sel de Mer Hotel & Suites – a 5* hotel I would really afford because, let’s face it, prices in Vietnam are not as high as the ones in other parts of the world (wink wink, Hong Kong). 

The view from the room with that immense blue before my eyes, the classic simple design, the interior pool, the steam sauna, and SPA were just some of the things that caught my attention and why I would book this hotel for my next Da Nang itinerary.

Visa requirements for Vietnam

Depending on where you are traveling from, you will or won’t need a visa .  Check your Visa requirements here!

The good news is you can easily apply online for your evisa, and get it in no time. For example, for Romanian citizens like myself, the visa costs 25 USD, and the same applies to US citizens.

The process is done online, and you also get all the information you might need (related to any testing, quarantine, or insurance needed). 

  Check your Visa requirements here!

Overview of Da Nang itinerary

Day 1 – Explore Da Nang

Day 2 – Da Nang to Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary

Day 3 – Ba Na Hills + time at the beach

Day 4 – one day in Hue Imperial City

Day 5 – Marble Mountain / Cham Island / Son Tra island

Day 1 – What to do in Da Nang

We found that the best way of getting around Da Nang was by Grab (or Uber or taxi if you feel safer with that). I downloaded the app on IOS (available also on Android), added a credit card, and I didn’t have any issues finding a car no matter where we were. 

Of course, you can always travel by public transportation, but I found the traffic in Da Nang a bit hectic. Thus, for us using Grab was the best option: fast, always paid between 35.000 and 75.000 VND for a ride (1.5 UDS to 3.5 USD). 

Explore Da Nang with Klook Pass and save up to 45% – exclusive ticket combos, visit and watch shows on Klook at extremely favorable prices. The pass includes general entry to some of the most popular attractions in Da Nang. Get your pass here!

A few highlights not to miss out on a day in Da Nang:

we started our day with a shopping session. Since we didn’t have any local currency we found a bank on one side of the market and exchanged some. 

Whenever we go somewhere new, we always like to head to the market and see how locals live, discover local products, and see the real prices of a place. 

Following our visit to Ho Chi Minh, we were expecting people to be more aggressive about selling their products, but we were surprised to see that the Han Market is not like that at all. 

Tens of stalls with all kinds of products, from clothes to local spices, coffee, and fruit. People wandering around looking for something in particular, tourists window shopping, and shop owners playing games just to make time pass by faster. 

Later on, we went to see also a modern western-style shopping mall. Only because it was on our way to the hotel and we were curious about prices in comparison to the ones in Hong Kong.

When you’re really passionate about shopping and want to see all these in one tour without having to stress about getting around or locations, opt for booking a Da Nang Shopping tour . 

Drink a coconut coffee

This is one drink I absolutely loved and drank daily throughout our 5 days Da Nang itinerary . Don’t let a day go by without trying this!

Once we finished our shopping session, we wandered around on some streets in the Han Market area and found a pretty little yellow traditional terrace. That’s where we sat, watching the people passing by, and tried the most amazing coffee: coconut coffee. 

This is nothing more than a traditional Vietnamese coffee (which I already loved) mixed with iced coconut. 

If you are scared it will be too sweet for you, let me tell you I don’t put sugar in my coffee. In the right place, this drink is not extremely sweet and has a great texture because of the coconut milk. 

Go on a helicopter tour

This is a hot activity, preferred by many tourists mainly because of its affordable price as compared to many other destinations around the world.

The journey to explore the mesmerizing coastal city of Da Nang departs at the Nuoc Man airport. Soaring high above My Khe beach, one of the most picturesque shores in Vietnam, you will be graced with a sweeping view of the famous Marble Mountains – a complex of five striking limestone hills that rise from the coastal sand, admiring the majestic landscape with rocky mountains, ancient moss, and many unique cultural and historical architectural works.

The ride is almost the price of a facial in Seoul , so why don’t take advantage of the experience?

Take a picture with the Dragon bridge

Maybe one of the most popular landmarks in Da Nang, this is one of the bridges you would have to cross from the airport to the hotel when staying on the beach. 

Step outside the Han Market and walk on the promenade along the river and take some great pictures.

If you want to learn more about the city’s history and its bridges, I recommend booking a half-day tour that will take you through the most important museums and bridges of Da Nang. 

Spend some time on the beach and enjoy some local cuisine

The beach stripe spreads over many kilometers. And as you would expect from a town by the sea, there is not only one beach. Check out the best beaches in Da Nang here . 

We headed towards the beach from our hotel and stopped at Temple Da Nang , where we ate a seafood hot pot and sat back and relaxed on the beach.

See Lady Buddha and Linh Ung Pagoda

As usual, we took a Grab and headed up the hill to see Laddy Buddha – the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam, and the amazing view you get from up there .

The distance from our hotel and from the beach was not big, thus in only 15 minutes, we were up and ready to explore the pagoda, and the beautiful gardens, and see the impressive statue from close by. 

Below us, the Son Tra Peninsula was spreading its beauty. The garden was filled with flowers, and the pagoda stood tall with the blue sky as a perfect background.

Once we moved forward towards the statue, some cheeky monkeys were making noise in the trees around. Thus, expect them to be running around and be careful with your belongings.

Day 2 – Da Nang to Hoi An day trip

One of the most popular destinations for many visiting Central Vietnam is the pretty, yet smaller Hoi An . And you simply cannot miss going from Da Nang to Hoi An on at least one of the days of your Da Nang itinerary. 

Another option is to book a night in Hoi An and feel the city to the fullest. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t think about that and rented a private tour from Da Nang to Hoi An with a stop at My Son Sanctuary along the way. But I would allocate one full day to Hoi An and leave My Son Sanctuary for another day later on. 

Best way to get from Da Nang to Hoi An

I always say that the best way is always the one you are the most comfortable with. And we are all different, thus have different expectations, and need something else from our vacations and day trips. 

The Da Nang to Hoi An distance is only 30 km , but that trip can be enjoyable or not so much depending on what you like and how you choose to travel between the 2 destinations.

However, having said all that, I will help you out with all the options for creating your Da Nang to Hoi An day trip.

Book a private transfer

I’ll start with the private tour/private transfer options because that’s what we did. Once again, we wanted to do the best out of our 5 days in Da Nang itinerary, and live every second to the fullest. We also thought the prices in Vietnam were not extremely big so we preferred comfort over the hassle of public transportation.  

When you want to make the best out of the price you pay, choose linking two locations together: Marble Mountain and Hoi An in this case. Or My Son and Hoi An , on a tour, as we did.

The price for a simple transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An starts from 6 USD/person and takes around 30-45 minutes . It is easy to book, and you don’t have to worry about bus stops, or having to walk around, and can be booked return as well. 

Or use Bookaway.com to best create your itinerary no matter where you are traveling from.

Travel by public bus

The cheapest, yet slowest and filled with hassle way of travel. Perfect for when you want to get from Da Nang to Hoi An on a budget. 

Bus line number 1 is the one linking Da Nang and Hoi An, which leaves every 20 minutes from the Da Nang train station. Note that the bus will leave you 2 km away from Hoi An’s old town center, which means you’ll have an extra 20 minutes to walk.

The price for a one-way trip can be somewhere between 30.000 – 45.000 VND ( 1.3 – 2 USD ), with an extra 5000 VND fee for large luggage. 

Another flexible option is taking a taxi/Grab. As I’ve said, we used Grab a lot mainly because it was very easy to order a car, we didn’t have to worry about having cash, the destinations were transparent and saved by me in the app, and I could see the cost from the moment I booked the car.

However, the price for a Grab/Uber can change from one hour to the other, depending on traffic conditions. Normally, a ride from Da Nang to Hoi An would be roughly 380.000 VDN (17 USD) , while a taxi can be up to 400.000 VDN (17.5 USD) .

This is the most popular means of transportation in Vietnam, but I will let you decide if you have the courage to rent one and drive on the mountain roads. 

Renting a motorbike for one day can be somewhere around 80.000 – 100.000 VDN (3.5-4.5 USD) .

What to do in Hoi An for a day

As soon as our driver left us outside Hoi An’s old town center, I started to see this is by far a more tourist town than Da Nang. 

Hoi An is small, charming, filled with color, and lanterns all over the place. But as beautiful as it is, it is also packed with tourists. And we were visiting somehow outside of peak season.

What should you absolutely not leave Hoi An without doing so that you could create your own one-day Hoi An itinerary?

Get something custom made

That was the first thing we did. We got drawn into a leather shop and my husband got sandals, a jacket, shoes, and a bag for me custom-made in only a few hours. 

They have great materials and colors, hundreds of models, and the best thing is everything will be your size for sure. While you walk around and discover Hoi An, they’ll be working on your perfect dress or shoes.

Visit the 5 museums in town

Be prepared to fight some crowds along the way, because Hoi An is charming, and because of that, it is crowded.

We walked around and over the Japanese Covered Bridge (packed with people) built many years ago to bring together the Japanese and Chinese populations who used to live here. While this is a bridge, it has one of the most popular temples in Vietnam right on top of it. We stepped inside an old Japanese house from the Japanese quarter, strolled the Lanter Market, entered the temple, and took plenty of pictures.

You can book a half-day tour of Hoi An and learn everything about its history and impressive culture.  Another option is to take the Hoi An and Countryside tour where you can experience a buffalo ride in the wild, and float on a traditional bamboo basket boat at the Coconut Forest.

On top, learn something about Vietnamese cuisine in a Hoi An tour and cooking class .

See the lanterns light up and take a boat ride

You simply cannot leave Hoi An behind without seeing it once the sun has set. Maybe the thing about including an overnight stay in Hoi An in your Da Nang itinerary and spending 2 days in Hoi An . Looking back, I would have done it and maybe I’ll go back to spend the night. 

Take a Hoi a 4-hour night tour with dinner , or simply jump in one of the colorful boats and let yourself be taken through the lightened lanterns.

It is hard to believe this small town can get even more charming than that, but wait until you see it come to life at night.

Should you stay longer in Hoi An?

If you can skip something from my 5 days Da Nang itinerary, I would say yes – spend at least one night in Hoi An and explore every little hidden part.

Read my full guide on where to stay in Hoi An !

Book a night at one of the following charming places, all with a score above 9 on Booking.com, and you won’t want to leave:

• Little Riverside Hoi An A Luxury Hotel & Spa – incredible design, on the river, a few steps away from the old town while offering a quiet location to its guests. Check out that impressive design and infinity pool by the riverside!
• Allegro Hoi An . A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa – from the same chain, I don’t only love the colonial architecture of this place, but also the pool, and its vibe overall. See when they are available here!
• Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort – they have an airport shuttle, so you won’t have to worry about getting from Da Nang to Hoi An, and you can even choose to spend the whole week in Hoi An at this enchanting location. Check their prices here!

Day 3 – Ba Na Hills and My Son day tour

Ba Na Hill station is a hill station and resort built by the French colonists in 1919. 

Since the resort is 1500 m above sea level, temperatures are way cooler, thus you might need to bring an extra jacket with you on your trip from Da Nang.

Take the Ba Na Cable car and experience the longest non-stop single-track cable car. 

Another attraction in Ba Na Hills is one of the most Instagrammable places in Vietnam: the Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills . When you want to take a nice picture, make sure to get here before the crowds.

Book a trip and make your way from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills, take the cable car, and discover a wine cellar.

If you would rather do it on your own, here are a few other options that will make organizing easier:

Book a private car to Ba Na Hills

Book your Ba Na Hills Ticket

My Son Sanctuary

You can choose to move forward to My Son Sanctuary , or schedule a different day trip from Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary. We did My Son with Hoi An on the same day, but I think spending at least one whole day in Hoi An is better.

We left Da Nang on a rainy morning making our way towards My Son through the steep rocks and the many statue shops. The driver slowly took us through Vietnam’s countryside: people working on rice paddies, small and simple houses along the way, and lush forest as we moved closer to the place where the sanctuary was hidden.

My Son has been built between the 4th and 13th centuries and was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom.

I still haven’t been to Angkor Wat, but moving through the forest toward the remains of what was once an impressive settlement, I could see the resemblance. The one in Cambodia is more recent and way larger but built by the same civilization. 

The settlement is impressive, even more so when you learn it has been through the war as well and can also see the living proof of that. Walking around from one group of buildings to the other, we had some time to enjoy nature and its beauty as well. This place is so far from anything and a nature lover’s paradise. 

There are plenty of ways to see My Son Sanctuary and if you stay in Hoi An or Da Nang, don’t miss it out: a trip from DaNang , an early tour from Hoi An , stop by on your way from Hoi An to Hanoi .

Day 4 – one day in Hue, the Imperial town

No matter which one, one day of your Da Nang itinerary should definitely be a day trip to Hue, Vietnam’s Imperial capital town . 

I had seen pictures of this interesting important town when we first visited Vietnam some years ago, but the distance from Ho Chi Minh City was too big thus we didn’t have the chance to visit Hue. 

That’s why a day trip from Da Nang to Hue has been one of the reasons why we booked our vacation in Central Vietnam. And that’s for sure one of the day trips from Da Nang you should also consider raking.

The drive from Da Nang to Hue can take anywhere between 2 and 3 hours depending on the route they take. For our trip, we took both options: the more straight one through the tunnel, and the longer and more scenic one through the mountains. 

What to do in Hue

We left Da Nang early in the morning with a group and guide heading towards Hue for a whole day tour . On the road, the guide told us a little bit about Hue’s history, the points of attractions we were going to visit, and the whole day’s itinerary and schedule.

Our first stop was at a pearl shop where I remembered how extremely cheap pearls are in Vietnam. Especially since I had a comparison with the recent pearls bought in Tenerife last summer. I couldn’t possibly leave without a pair of earrings. 

Moving forward, the first official stop was at the impressive Tomb of King Tu Duc.  Thanks to the guide we understood why the tomb is so dramatic: in their culture, it is believed that your house after death is more important than the one you live in during life on Earth. 

King Tu Duc broth that to another level and its tomb looks exactly like a palace, having even terracotta soldiers to protect him.

Just before lunch, we stopped by the Thien Mu Pagoda,  dating from 1601 it is the largest pagoda in Hue. We climbed the stairs all the way to the top of the hill overlooking the Perfume River lined with all the colorful Dragon boats. 

I loved the sen vibes at the pagoda, strolling around in the back garden, the pink small house, and the lotus flower pond. This place truly looked like a little peaceful corner of paradise.

For lunch, we ate at a great local restaurant. Not only the food was delicious, but also the design made us feel like we were eating inside of the Imperial City. 

One other thing that I like about taking organized tours is that you get to meet people from all over the world, and usually, mealtime is when you have the time to socialize and learn interesting things. And that’s just what we did.

Finally, we got inside the walls of Hue Imperial City . We entered through one of the gates, only to exit another. 

I could have spent a whole day strolling around the many streets and taking pictures of this impressive place. But we only had a few hours, and stopped by every now and then to learn about the history of the place, its kings, and so much more.

Part of UNESCO World Heritage, the Imperial City’s constructions began in 1804. I honestly thought it was much older, but even so, it bears a whole cultural and historical baggage. 

Hue suffered important losses during the Vietnam war, and part of the structures have been destroyed. Out of 160 buildings, only 10 major sites remain following the Tet Offensive in 1968.

No matter if you stay in Da Nang, Hoi An, or come from somewhere else, there are plenty of options for spending one day in Hue:

• take a Hue City tour and river cruise
• book a tour from Hoi An or Da Nang
• take a half-day tour and boat ride

Day 5 – so many options

With only one day left out of your 5 days Da Nang itinerary, you’ll have a tough time choosing only one of the below attractions and cool destinations to explore. 

One thing is sure, the 5th day will be all about nature and you’ll get some time off buildings and history:

• go snorkeling in Cham Island – this is a great activity even though you might not have the chance to experience it outside of high season. Take a speedboat ride, explore sea life, and have a traditional seafood lunch.
• explore Marble Mountain : climb the many stairs, explore cave temples, and the amazing views from the Son Tra Peninsula.
• Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park from Da Nang – spend your day in the outdoor and indoor hot spring bathing areas, and experience hot mineral bathing in Long Huyet lake, mineral mud bath, Onsen.

Have more time to spend in Vietnam? Book a Vietnam Tour

Get to see the best of Vietnam from Hanoi to Saigon in 10 days with GAdventures.  Live the ultimate Vietnam experience and see Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City in one go. 

Other Vietnam travel resources:

• See what to do in Ho Chi Minh City
• Start packing with the help of my comprehensive Vietnam packing list – all the essentials you’ll need for your trip
• Why you don’t want to skip Phu Quoc island
• Stop overnight in Hoi An and choose the most epic accommodation !

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Nowhere in Vietnam is changing as fast as Danang. For decades it had a reputation as a quiet provincial town, but big changes are ongoing. Stroll along the Han riverfront and you'll find gleaming new modernist hotels, and apartments and restaurants are emerging. Spectacular bridges now span the river, and in the north of the city, the landmark new D-City is rising from the flatlands. Venture south and the entire Danang Beach strip is booming with hotel and resort developments.

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Experience the real Danang. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Dragon Bridge

This wonderfully wacky bridge takes the form of a ginormous, colour-changing dragon, weaving its way across the Han River. If that wasn't attention…

Museum of Cham Sculpture

This small but important museum contains the world’s largest collection of Cham artefacts, housed in buildings marrying French-colonial architecture with…

Danang Cathedral

Known to locals as Con Ga Church (Rooster Church) because of the weathercock atop the steeple, the candy-pink, photogenic Danang Cathedral was built for…

Phap Lam Pagoda

This pagoda has three giant Buddha statues in the courtyard, and an equally imposing large gold one in the temple.

Convent of St Paul de Chartres

You can't enter through the convent gate on the road behind the cathedral, but it's worth taking a look at the church architecture from the outside. The…

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Despite its huge grounds, this museum is typically unenlightening for a site venerating Ho Chi Minh. At the front is a display of the usual US, Soviet and…

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Latest stories from Danang

Mar 22, 2019 • 6 min read

Danang is booming. Once seen by travellers as a mere gateway to Hoi An, this laid-back Central Vietnamese city of one million is now demanding time for…

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17 Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam

Top Danang Attractions

Da Nang is a beautiful city in the centre of Vietnam. It offers tourists a huge number of breath-taking attractions along with great activities all year round. Continue to read this article, you will find the best things to do in Da Nang with your friends and family. Some of the Danang best attractions are also revealed right here!  

1.  Visit and Climb Marble Mountain

Located 9 kilometers from Da Nang, the Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone outcrops which are named after the five elements of the universe including water, metal, fire, wood and earth. 

The ancient folklore told that those five mystical Marble Mountains were created by the fragments of a giant dragon’s shell on Non Nuoc Beach . 

Coming to this site, you will have a chance to explore a plenty of statues, pagodas, grottoes and caves. If you like hiking, you can climb the mountains to reach their summits. From these points, you will be able to see the whole view of Da Nang. 

The Marble Mountains are wonderful at anytime of the year. However, if you want to contemplate them at the most beautiful season, you should go in summer, which is from June to August each year. 

Avoid stormy season (from September to November) because the stairs will become slippery and you may fall when climbing the mountains.

Location: 2 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang Opening hours: Daily 07:00 to 17:30 Price Range: VND 40,000

2. Snorkel on Cham Islands

Cham islands , around 50 kilometers from Da Nang city, are among the greatest destinations you should visit in Vietnam. Cham islands (or Cu Lao Cham archipelago) contain 8 small islands. They were recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. 

It is said that Cham islands are cultural-historic areas. They have some vestiges of Cham people’s civilization from hundreds of years ago. In addition, there are also a wide range of leisure activities for tourists to enjoy here. 

Travellers can explore marine life by swimming, boat racing, water skiing, scuba diving and kite flying on the beaches. After that, they can enjoy delicious seafood made by friendly local people.

Location: Tan Hiep, Hoi An, Quang Nam province

3. Visit the Dragon Bridge

Da Nang’s Dragon Bridge is the longest bridge in Vietnam. It crosses the Han River, connecting people to Non Nuoc Beach, My Khe Beach and many other famous spots.

The bridge was constructed in 2011 and officially opened 2 years later. The reason why Vietnamese people made it into the shape of golden Dragon is because Dragon is one of the four holy animals in Vietnam, which represents for the nobility, power and good fortune.

Dragon Bridge is really beautiful, especially in the evening when people turn on colorful LED lights along the 666 meters long of it. In the surroundings areas, there are also lots of restaurants, coffee shops and bars for visitors to enjoy the state-of-the-art view.

Location: Da Nang City Centre, Da Nang

4. Walk Along The Golden Bridge

Golden Bridge, a 150-meter long pedestrian bridge, is a magical destination for tourists in Da Nang city. It has been completely constructed in 2018 but it has attracted thousands of visitors worldwide up to now. 

The unique feature of this construction is its architecture with giant hands holding underneath the elegant bridge. The image makes people think of the God of Mountain’s hands supporting people to Thien Thai garden.

The Golden Bridge has brought inspiration for so many fashion designers. Earlier, it welcomed 7 girls participating in Miss World 2016. Furthermore, it was also used to take wedding photo album for lots of couples. 

Location: Sun World Ba Na Hill, Hoa Phu, Hoa Vang, Da Nang

5. Relax at Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra Peninsula is known as the old eco-jungle in a young city because it can be seen from every place of Da Nang city. Being home to numerous types of fauna and plants, the attractive scenery and space here is also an ideal area to dance, sing and play chess together.

Son Tra is beautiful both in daytime and nighttime. You can enjoy the peacefulness of twilight as well as the splendid flow of dawn on this charming landscape. 

Near Son Tra Peninsula, you can visit Linh Ung Pagoda , Dong Dinh Museum or 1000-year-old banyan tree. They are also must-see places that you should not skip once coming to Da Nang, Vietnam.

Location: Tho Quang Ward, Da Nang Opening hours: 06:00 to 21:30

6. Sunbathe on My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach is a picturesque beach with blue sky, gentle slope, smooth white sand and clear water. It was listed as one of the most luxurious beaches in the world by Forbes Magazine. Once you get here, you will feel released and comfortable after hard-working days.

Near the beach, there are a wide range of hostels, hotels, resorts and villas available for different kinds of visitors. So, after spending time sunbathing on the beach, you can totally relax in a five-star villa to gain back your energy for the next day.

Location: 6 kilometers east from Da Nang

7. Visit The Cham museum

Cham museum exhibits lots of relics of Cham people in the past. It has nearly 300 stone works of art and terracotta dating back from 7th to 15th centuries. 

The most impressive exhibit in Cham museum is the huge stone Buddhist pedestal which describes the Champa king. When looking closely, you will see the statue is carved in such a meticulous way. 

Today, the museum is being preserved well by the government and local people. Therefore, if you go to visit it, you will not be allowed to do anything harmful to ruin the relics in the museum.

Location: Binh Hien, Hai Chau, Da Nang Opening hours: 7 am to 5 pm every day

8. Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass is well-known for its scenic hillside roads in Vietnam. It is the connection between Da Nang city and Thua Thien Hue Province. Normally, there are several thrill-seeking motorcyclists coming to Hai Van Pass to train their skills.

In 2008, Hai Van Pass was voted to be among “the best coastal roads over the globe” by the UK program. So, why are you hesitating to take on a jeep and experience Hai Van Pass with your friends?

Location: 30 kilometers north of Da Nang

9. Join A Cooking Class

If you love cooking and want to explore the local cuisine, a cooking class in Da Nang is a great option for you. In this class, you will have an opportunity to get valuable insight into the local cuisine. 

There will be instructors guiding participants to local market to buy the ingredients for the food. Then, you will be taught how to create palate-pleasing food by yourself.

>> Check Out Our Hanoi Half-day Cooking Tour with the Master Chef ! 

10. eat the local food.

Whenever coming to a different country, the must-thing you should do is to taste the local food. Here are some recommended restaurants for you.

The first one is Banh Xeo Ba Duong. The restaurant serves customers with a platter of pancakes along with beef, beansprouts, pork, prawns or chicken. There is a bowl of soup made by fishing sauce, sugar, lemon, chili and garlic. 

Location: 280/23 Hoang Dieu Street, Da Nang Opening hours: Daily 11:00 to 23:00

The second one is Mi Quang Ba Mua. The food in this restaurant comprises of turmeric-yellow rice noodles, meat toppings and bone broth. If you do not know Vietnamese, you can see the English menu to choose the food you want to eat.

Location: 19 Tran Binh Trong Street, Da Nang Opening hours: Daily 06:30 to 21:30

The last one is Bun Cha Ca 109. This family-run restaurant has been famous for nearly 50 years. The setup is very simple with just some low tables, plastic stools and ceiling fans. The Bun Cha Ca they sell includes grilled fishcakes, rice vermicelli noodles, mint leaves and bamboo shoots. 

Location: 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Da Nang Opening hours: Daily 06:00 to 22:00

11. Visit Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is a mountaintop resort complex that offers a wide range of great activities. For example, you can ride the cable cars, stroll the French Village, ride the Alpine Coaster and take the 4D Death Race experience. 

In order to get to Ba Na Hills, you can choose a taxi, motorbike or open bus. The best time to visit is from April to August. This is the peak season when there are thousands of travellers coming to enjoy the atmosphere of Ba Na Hills.

Location: Hoa Vang, Da Nang Opening hours: 07:00 to 22:00 

12. Shop at Han market

Han market has been operated since the 1940s when Vietnam was under French colonial. In this market, there are a number of stalls selling different kinds of products ranging from handicrafts, accessories to vegetables, fruits and food. 

Everything at Han Market is sold at a very reasonable price so you can buy anything you want as souvenirs for your friends and family.

Location: 119, Tran Phu Street, Hau Chai District, Da Nang Opening hours: Daily 05:00 to 19:00

13. Enjoy The Non Nuoc Beach

Another famous beach in Da Nang is Non Nuoc. It has an arc shape, white sands, unpolluted water, gentle slope and mild waves, which is very suitable for different types of water sports. 

If you love to discover many more sightseeing, you can visit ancient pagoda, village, cave  or enjoy boating on Co Co River. 

Location: Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang

14. Go Surfing

Thanks to warm climate and expansive beaches, Da Nang is the epicenter of surfing in Vietnam . The ideal season for surfing in Da Nang is between September and March. 

Not only professionals but beginners can also start surfing in Da Nang. It is because there are lots of courses as well as schools that teach this skill for the new people. 

In addition, there are also so many surf shops available along the beach so people can rent boards easily. The price is around 5.00 USD per hour. And of course, the more hours you want to surf on the beach, the more money you have to pay. 

15. Drink Sweet Coconut Coffee

Sweet coconut coffee is one of the most unique drinks that tourists should try when they come to Da Nang, Vietnam. It is a combination of Vietnamese coffee, coconut milk and condensed milk that is blended to perfection. 

In different coffee shops, you will be served with different types of sweet coconut coffee. You sometimes will have to blend the mixture yourself. However, whatever type of coconut coffee, you will have a chance to try different taste.

16. Relax at a Sky Bar

If you prefer playing all night long, the ideal place you should go to is a sky bar. In this place, people hold a lot of fun activities to chill themselves. For instance, in Sevva Sky Lounge, you can enjoy a cup of cocktail, listen to soothing music and chat with your friends. 

It is such a great place to relax. You will be served by very friendly waitress and also have enough time to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere as the bar will not close until 1 am in the morning.

Location: 20 Dong Da Street, Da Nang Opening hours: Daily 16:00 to 1:00

17. Have Fun at Asia Park

Asia Park, belonging to Sun Group, is one of the most modern centers of entertainment in Vietnam. It is appropriate for both adults and kids. 

The central point of the park is the Sun Wheel with 115 meters in height. Sitting on this wheel, you will be able to see the whole Da Nang from a higher point. It turns slowly and be very secure to sit in. You will need to pay 150,000 VND for each ride to enjoy the best view ever. 

Additionally, there are many more games for travellers to play such as the Monorail, Happy Choo Choo, Treehouse Playland and Garuda Valley.

Location: 01 Phan Dang Luu Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang Opening hours: Daily 16:00 to 23:00

To sum up, Da Nang is such an awesome place for tourists to experience. Once you come here to discover the life and culture, you will find it even more amazing.

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Da Nang Guide: A Low-key City in Central Vietnam

Da Nang is one of the most popular cities for travel in Vietnam. Yet it manages to look low-key and calm despite its bustling tourism. Here’s everything to know about it – the Da Nang travel guide .

We stayed here for only two days and felt that there weren’t many things to do in Da Nang. But as we visited its beaches, strolled central Da Nang with a touch of nightlife, and passed the Dragon Bridge, we took it back. It wasn’t Ho Chi Minh City with all the pompous nightlife, but the laidback air was a sweet change.

Two days wasn’t sufficient for Da Nang. The places in the city as well as around it simply needed more time! Here goes my Da Nang Travel Guide :

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Table of Contents

Da Nang Travel Guide: First Impressions

We landed in Da Nang one late night and got a cab to our hotel by the shore through the quiet streets. I’m not sure if it was the stay, but even the following day – the streets were calm and only a few tourists walked the streets. Mind you, we were in Hanoi earlier – the busy capital of Vietnam.

Later we realized most visitors were laid back here. Also unlike other cities, many visitors were Vietnamese locals themselves for Da Nang’s amazing beaches and the local street food markets.

Apart from the beaches, the nightlife, and the markets of Da Nang – it was the whole vibe itself where most hotels were lined up by the shore road with the smell of the sea not far away. Most places to visit when in Da Nang are mostly day trips away from the city. Some are Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountain, and Hoi An.

Da Nang Travel Guide: Common FAQs

FAQs usually come in at the last, but these are general things to know before you go:

How Many Days to Stay in Da Nang?

It’s best to stay 3-4 days in Da Nang. Most people, like us, stay only for 2 days and it is sufficient to cover the main attractions including a small trip to Hoi An as well. But it’s best to experience the cafes, and beaches, and even stay a day in Hoi An.

Two days is sufficient but it makes for a more rushed trip and tight itinerary. Also, with an extra day – it helps to cover the lesser-known places like Hue or go for an extra activity like snorkeling.

How to Get around

Book a rental scooter! This is the cheapest and most efficient way to commute to Da Nang. Make sure to bring along your driver’s license.

To visit Ba Na Hills , we got ourselves a scooter for 130,000 Dong per day and it was the best decision! The only downside is wearing an annoying raincoat when required. For long-distance commutes, chartered bus/car transfers are affordable.

This is great for solo travelers where you book direct transfers through travel websites and avoid the rental vehicle hustle. The last option is taxi services like Grab – an app similar to Uber. Gladly, it worked fine in Da Nang.

Da Nang Estimated Trip Budget

Da Nang Travel Guide : For budget travelers, the only high costs are the attractions themselves. Ba Na Hills ticket begins from 900,000 VND and the basket boat ride in Hoi An costs 100,000 – 200,000 VND. Other attractions that cost are the Marble Mountain and night boat rides (Hoi An). For food, expect to spend anywhere around 200,000 VND per person/day.

Transport costs : As most visiting places aren’t walkable distances, a rental scooter is the best option for solo travelers. We paid 130,000 VND /day for ours. The main places to visit in Da Nang are the beaches, Dragon Bridge, Lady Buddha, and Bach Dang Walking Street. There isn’t anything more. As the rest are walkable distances from these places, it makes a cab a viable option.

For long-distance transfers like Hoi An, Ba Na Hills, Hue, or My Son – I recommend using shuttle/private transfers from Da Nang as they’re safer and affordable too.

Where to Stay longer – Da Nang or Hoi An?

Da Nang is sweet. But I’d pick staying in Hoi An any day! However, it depends on whether you like a village experience with bicycle rides through farmlands (Hoi An) or a more built-up area with more nightlife, markets, and stays by the beach (Da Nang).

For eateries, both Hoi An and Da Nang have a variety of cafes to hop in for the evenings. While the beaches and Ba Na Hills are closer to Da Nang, one can explore Hoi An’s beautiful canals and candlelight lanterns floating on the Hoai River every night.

Though some say Hoi An is a one-day trip, you’ll see a lot of people residing for their entire vacations here. When you visit Da Nang, opt to stay a night in Hoi An. The place is anyhow only an hour’s drive away!

Accommodation in Da Nang

This is the best part of Da Nang, there are plentiful accommodations for all types of visitors. Unlike backpacker hostels in Hanoi or Saigon, even the backpackers’ hostels were more peaceful here. We stayed at a mid-ranged hotel as well as a budget hostel here. The hotel had the beach before us while the hostel was a more lively place!

Contrary to my usual perspective, I felt the luxury resorts in Da Nang had more unique experiences to offer and thus worth a shot – especially for couples and families. Here are the most popular hotels and my favorite handpicked hostel in Da Nang.

Luxury Resorts

InterContinental Sun Peninsula Resort : A 5-star hotel on the northeast end of the Da Nang with a 700-meter private beach, it’s one of the top luxury hotels in Vietnam with its Michelin-starred chef!

Mikazuki Resorts and Spa

Another 5-star hotel in Da Nang that offers a genuine Japanese experience with its theme and activities. The resort also features its own indoor and outdoor waterpark on its 13 hectares of land!

Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort

Da Nang’s Hyatt boasts more of a homely touch by the coast with its tranquil nature while possessing comfortable rooms, living areas, private pools, and also Asia’s biggest kids club zone. It’s also a more affordable luxury option for families.

Pullman Da Nang Resort

This 5-stay resort is the closest to the city and it’s the ideal choice for families with comfortable facilities with reasonable rates. It’s best for couples and also has its own Kids’ club.

Cheap Backpacker Hostels

I didn’t expect it but Da Nang has quite a variety of backpacker hostels. Some are close to the city’s coast and others are far into the city. The best part is a modest hostel ranges only between 90,000 VND – 150,000 VND! For location, the beachside is preferable as the waters become accessible anytime.

Unlike quiet resorts, backpacker areas here burst with energy and life. Moreover, they’re located on streets with a variety of cafes, breakfast places, and bars.

For backpacker hostels, I recommend using HostelWorld.com to find dormitory-style hostels for dead-cheap rates. Here are some awesome hostels I handpicked for you:

• LightHouse Da Nang Hostel
• Seahorse Han Market Hostel
• City Hostel Da Nang
• Kon-Tiki Da Nang Hostel
• The Garden Capsule Hostel

Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam

With Ba Na Hills and Hoi An in this list of places to visit, consider this the Da Nang itinerary! So Help yourself with this list of Things to do in Da Nang:

1. Start with the Lady Buddha

The Lady Buddha in Da Nang- Son Tra Peninsula, fairly visible from the beach stretches (on the left), is a large 67-meter-high white statue.  It’s something like the Statue of Liberty in New York. However, there is a whole park, the Linh Ung Pagoda, and many other smaller statues and structures to see here.

It’s free to visit and as it isn’t far from most accommodations alongside the coast, make it your first stop to visit. Also, it opens at 6 a.m which should make it a sweet start to the day. It takes no more than an hour (or two for photo/history fanatics) to get around the Lady Buddha and Linh Ung Pagoda.

*Note: Don’t confuse the Linh Ung Pagoda, there are two of them in Da Nang – one with Lady Buddha and the other by Marble Mountain.

2. Check out the Beaches of Da Nang

Check out the beach if it’s still morning or keep it for the evening. Da Nang coastal side afternoon heat is enough to burn you. The best part about Da Nang is one whole side is a long stretch of beaches with clean sands, palm trees, and surfboard shops.

On the maps, the complete east side of Da Nang is beaches. Some differ more or less from the others. Some popular ones to name are My Khe Beach (closest to the city), Tien Sa Beach, Non-Nuoc Beach, and Bac My An Beach.

Keep in mind that most of these beaches run on the same coast. So they are more or less the same. The entire stretch is more known by the name – My Khe Beach. The lesser visited beaches are Nam O Beach and Tien Sa Beach on the north end of Da Nang.

While Tien Sa is another super-clean secluded beach with white sands, Nam O Beach stands as the most unique with vibrant green rocks on the shores!

Go Surfing!

Da Nang Travel Guide . Surfing is another option in Da Nang. It isn’t as popular, but some preferred beaches to surf are the My Khe Beach stretch and Nom O Point. According to Nomad Surfers, the best time to surf in Da Nang is September to March.

3. Don’t miss the Dragon Bridge’s evening show!

The Dragon Bridge is a must-visit in Da Nang. In fact, it’s one of the first things you see when you search for Da Nang. While it looks amazing in the daytime, the night view is unbeatable.

The whole 660-meter bridge is shaped just like a dragon with a head and tail on either end. The best part is the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) evenings (from 9 pm) when the dragon head starts breathing fire and water.

Watching from afar, we could see the vibrant lights dancing in harmony as the dragon breathed. Don’t look up the videos and give yourself a spoiler alert. I assure you, it’s worth it!

4. Explore the Bach Dang street

The Bach Dang Street on the west bank of the Han River with the Dragon Bridge in walkable distance, is also popular as a walking street. Lying in the heart of Da Nang, this ever-crowded street is known for hotels, street food markets, restaurants, and bars. It’s a pure commercial hub and even popular among the locals.

We stood here before the bridge and found the street alive with lights, music, and chit-chats down the pavements as far as our eyes could see. A ferry stood tied to the port to which people waited impatiently to enter. They carried no bags. Then I realized, it was a boat restaurant!

Even if you aren’t shopping, Bach Dang Walking Street is worth the experience for some amazing natural shots.

5. Have street food at Da Nang’s night market

Da Nang’s night market falls opposite Bach Dang Street (East side of Hans River). Also called the Chợ Đêm Sơn Trà (I can’t pronounce this either, but Google Maps helps), this is the cheery market with more tourists flocking in.

While it’s similar to most night markets with handicrafts, street delicacies, shopping stalls, and even large live shows – the main feature here is the paper lanterns. Some things to explore here are the variety of beer and local steamed seafood.

Some other popular night markets to check out in Da Nang are Helio Night Market and An Thuong Night Market.

6. Drive out to Marble Mountains

Da Nang Travel Guide – Marble Mountain lies between Da Nang and Hoi An. The reason it’s plural is because it’s a cluster of hills made of marble and limestone. Surrounding the entrance and the mountains are a range of marble shops that sell marble handicraft souvenirs to even life-size marble statues!

Weary of the ascend, we slowly climbed the steep stone steps up and curled around the peak. As we explored, there was so much to see here. The dark caves, dozens of Buddhist and Hindu idols (carved in Marble again), and even a tall pagoda!

My favorite was when we began trekking through a narrow dark cave feeling the smooth marblestone beneath us and then finally onto the peak of the mountain. We could see the shore and the city from here.

7. Go Shopping at Con Market

This is another must-visit in Da Nang. It’s not the shopping – Cho Con Market in Da Nang is the biggest market in the central region of Vietnam. It’s a super-busy commercial complex and is worth the experience for travelers.

Built back in 1940, the Cho Con Market complex today boasts its 2000 stalls over several buildings in and around the same area. Nevertheless, unlike the night market, the shopping stores close at 7:30 pm. So it’s best to visit early evening or late afternoon. It makes for an authentic experience of local markets, unlike touristy ones.

Da Nang Travel Guide protip : Some must-try local cuisines here are Banh Canh and Mi Quang(Vietnamese noodles), Banh Beo (water fern cakes from Central Vietnam), and Kem Bo (avocado ice cream)!

8. Stroll the Ba Na Hills

Visiting the Ba Na Hills is half or a one-day trip and it’s probably the most expensive part of Da Nang’s itinerary. But Ba Na Hills is where you get to see the world-famous Golden Bridge with godlike hands holding out the bridge.

When we visited SunWorld Ba Na Hills , we were disappointed that it was a theme park. A family theme park with roller coasters and fun fair games? Ugh. But then we realized there’s so much more to Ba Na Hills.

You see Ba Na Hills, also called the French Village, was built by the French during colonization as a “vacation spot”. Thus the French Village is today a vacation-cum-historical spot. Read more on my Ba Na Hills review .

9. Take a day trip to Hoi An

To describe Hoi An, it’s a sleepy yet touristy village with canals, paddy fields, and a variety of eateries, cafes, and bars. There are such clique eateries to discover. There’s even a whole community for Da Nang’s Gay Guide!

Nonetheless, the days go slow with rental cycles around the fields while the nights become magical with paper lanterns floating in the river here.

One can take a boat ride here through the vibrant lanterns at night. But the must-visit in Hoi An is the basket-boat ride. This is a slow ride through the narrow canals available in multiple parts of Hoi An.

Da Nang Travel Guide protip : From Da Nang, Hoi An is 30 km making for a day trip. But I highly recommend staying the night in Hoi An to experience this paper lantern ceremony along with the eateries and live music cafes.

10. Snorkel at  Cham Island

Snorkeling at Cham Island makes for an offbeat activity in Da Nang. Like Ba Na Hills, this is a 1-day trip as it’s 50 km from Da Nang. However, it is much closer to Hoi An. It takes a boat ride from Hoi An (Cua Dai Pier) to get to Cham Island.

Cham Island is again a small tourist destination. Though there aren’t any large hotels aside from the little homestays, you’ll find beaches, local seafood restaurants, and of course snorkeling. Snorkeling is a must-visit when on Cham Island.

For snorkeling, they take you to the clear parts of shallow waters with colorful coral life visibly rich underneath your eyes!

11. Go on a Day Trip to Hue

Along with the serene touches of nature and village life like Hoi An and Cham Island, Hue is most known for the Imperial City Citadel.

Held by the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors over 200 years ago, the Citadel is surrounded by moat and stone walls. Today, it houses palaces, shrines, and large gardens inside and is referred to as the Forbidden Purple City.

While history fanatics would stay longer, half a day around Hue should also be sufficient. The only downside is that it’s 100 km North of Da Nang (the complete opposite direction from Hoi An and Cham Island).

Manas Patil

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• How To Get There

With broad beaches, fantastic street food, the fabled Hai Van Pass, and a growing collection of cafes, restaurants, and bars, it’s no wonder the residents of Da Nang sport some of the broadest smiles in the country. The warm sands of My Khe Beach sweep south from the mountainous Son Tra Peninsula. Da Nang hosts some of Vietnam's top luxury resorts, but much of the beach still belongs to the people who make it their playground, gym, and source of livelihood.

Click the image below for a 360-degree tour of marble mountains.

Top things to do in Da Nang

Enjoy the beach

Be sure to set the alarm clock early at least once on your stay. Along the shore, fishermen sell the day’s catch, football and volleyball matches spring up all around, and people jog, stroll or simply relax on the sand.

See the Son Tra Peninsula

The Son Tra Peninsula strikes out into the ocean, its densely forested hillsides are home to the endangered red-shanked douc langur -- one of the world’s most striking primates. Grab some binoculars, hire a motorbike, and head out for a day of wildlife spotting.

Learn about Cham culture

The Cham people once ruled much of Central Vietnam, and ruins of their temples have been excavated around Da Nang. The superb Cham Museum of Sculpture houses the largest collection of Cham sculpture in the world.

Dine on street food

Da Nang is a dream destination for foodies, with scores of seafront eateries and street food stalls. Mi Quang — a dish of rice noodles, pork, shrimp, quail eggs, peanuts and fresh herbs — is must-try delight.

Explore Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains is a collection of five outcrops topped with atmospheric pagodas, only 15 minutes from the city. Set out in the early morning to take a serene walk up stone steps, explore hidden caves, and admire ancient shrines.

Da Nang Weather

Da Nang is a great destination year-round. However, the best months to visit are from March to May and September to October, when the weather is warm. June to August sees little rain and the sea is clear and calm. The rainy season from November to February brings long rains and moody weather.

Da Nang Transport

The Da Nang International Airport has several daily connections to major cities in Vietnam. There are also a growing number of international connecting flights. Trains and buses pass through Da Nang, making it a convenient travel hub to explore the central region. In town, taxis are abundant, as well as ride-hailing apps. Popular trips from Da Nang are easily arranged, whether heading to Marble Mountain, Son Tra Peninsula, Hoi An, or Hai Van Pass, motorbike or car tours are readily available.

In this article:

One Opera Danang

Pullman da nang beach resort, crowne plaza danang, fusion maia danang, vinpearl danang resort & villa, hyatt regency, novotel danang premier han river, olalani resort and condotel, grand mercure danang, premier village danang resort, naman retreat.

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4 Days in Da Nang Itinerary (Travel Tips & Things to Do)

Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city in central Vietnam with long sandy beaches, stunning mountains, and delicious seafood.

There’s so much to see and do in this picturesque city. You may soak up under the sun on the beaches and indulge in shopping and sightseeing. We will give you a glimpse into the city’s rich culture, history, and beauty in this article.

So, let’s get started and embark on an adventure!

Here’s a 4 day Da Nang itinerary to help plan the perfect trip!

Table of Contents

What to Do in Da Nang for 4 Days

Day 1: arrival and beach time.

After arriving in Da Nang, check into your hotel and get ready to kick-start your adventure. Da Nang is known for its pristine beaches. My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach are two of the most popular ones that you should definitely visit.

My Khe Beach has a long and wide stretch of sand where you can leisurely stroll, sunbathe, or swim. There are several restaurants and cafes nearby that serve some delicious seafood and local delicacies.

Non Nuoc Beach has crystal clear waters and is an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts. Try surfing, jet-skiing, or take a boat ride to explore the nearby islands.

After spending some time at the beach, head over to the Marble Mountains .

You can find here a cluster of five limestone and marble hills. The mountains are named after the five elements – metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

You can find stunning caves, pagodas, and statues here. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the coastline on the top of the mountains. You can also visit the Am Phu Cave – believed to be the gateway to hell in Vietnamese mythology.

End your day with a scrumptious dinner at one of the many restaurants near the beach.

Day 2: City tour and shopping

On day two, get ready to explore the city’s cultural landmarks and indulge in some shopping. Begin your day by visiting the Da Nang Cathedral , a beautiful pink church that was built by the French in the 1920s.

The church’s Gothic architecture and intricate designs are a sight to behold. It’s the perfect place to start your day with some peace and tranquility.

Next up, head to the Han Market – one of the largest markets in Da Nang.

This is a shopper’s paradise where you can find a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and local food. There are silk garments, jewelry, local spices, and coffee.

Try to bargain and haggle to get the best deals. This can be one of the most interesting experiences when shopping. Since some sellers cannot speak English, the bargain would be in numbers written on a piece of paper.

Then, visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture that showcases the culture and history of the Cham people. They are an ethnic group that once inhabited central Vietnam.

The museum has an extensive collection of Cham artifacts. You will see sculptures, ceramics, and other ancient objects – a must-visit for history buffs.

Enjoy the beautiful views of the city’s skyline when you stroll along the Han River .

It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. You can find several cafes and restaurants where you can relax. You can just also sit on the benches near the river and enjoy the scenery.

To unwind after a long day, head to Asia Park .

It is an amusement park that features various attractions and entertainment options. Experience several thrilling rides like roller coasters and a Ferris wheel. Or, catch a show or a concert at the park’s amphitheater.

Day 3: Hoi An Ancient Town and Cua Dai Beach

On the third day, take a day trip to Hoi An Ancient Town .

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s located about an hour’s drive from Danang. It has charming streets, old buildings, and ancient temples. These structures reflect the fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures over several centuries.

Leisurely stroll through the streets of the town to admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge . It is a historical landmark that symbolizes the cultural exchange between Japan and Vietnam.

Don’t forget to take some pictures at the bridge and capture the beautiful views.

Take a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River to enjoy the serene views of the town. The river is surrounded by lush greenery and traditional houses. They provide a perfect backdrop for your photos!

Head to Cua Dai Beach , which is only a few kilometers away. It has soft sand and crystal-clear waters.

Unwind and relax here after a long day of sightseeing. You can take a dip in the water or sunbathe on the beach. You can also indulge in some water sports activities. 

Day 4: Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge

For the last day, head to Ba Na Hills – a mountain resort that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Taking a cable car ride to the top, which is an experience in itself.

Once you reach the top, explore the French village. It is a replica of a medieval French village. It has cobblestone streets, vintage buildings, and colorful gardens. Here, you can take in the stunning panoramic views of the mountains.

Visit also the famous Golden Bridge . It is a pedestrian bridge held up by two giant stone hands and has become an iconic landmark in Vietnam.

Take the cable car back down in the afternoon and head to the city center for some last-minute shopping. There are plenty of shopping options in Da Nang, ranging from modern malls to local markets.

Don’t forget to get some memento like souvenirs, clothing, and local food products. Again, remember to bargain with the vendors to get the best deals. 

Da Nang is a city full of charm, culture, and natural beauty. You can try exploring historical sites, relaxing on the beach, or trying delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

Enjoy the stunning Marble Mountains, the iconic Golden Bridge, the serene Cua Dai Beach, and the bustling Han Market. We hope that this itinerary has inspired you to plan your next trip to Da Nang and experience all that this amazing city has to offer.

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Da Nang: 17 Top Things To Do (Ultimate Guide)

• Last updated: January 1, 2024

Welcome & thank you for reading our blog. :) We love what we do and put a lot of work in our free articles. We hope you find what you are looking for!

About Da Nang

Da Nang is a big and modern coastal city in Central Vietnam, mostly known for Ba Na Hills, but offers so much more, from beaches and surfing to nature and mountains, and most importantly – great food.

It’s a perfect place for an active vacation and an excellent pick for digital nomads, so don’t skip Da Nang on your visit to Vietnam.

Traveling to Vietnam soon? Vietnam e-Visa 2024: How to enter Vietnam (Full Guide) (Updated with new rules from August 15, 2023)

Top things to do

We bring you the top 17 things to do on your visit to the beautiful city of Da Nang that you should not miss!

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1. My Khe Beach

My Khe beach is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches. It’s an 18km long, white, sandy beach. The water on the My Khe beach is warm all year round, and the waves are usually not strong, even though they are pretty frequent. It has a long shallow entrance, so it’s a perfect choice for everyone. 

However, we’re not the biggest fans of the My Khe beach, at least the part right next to the city, as we found it hard to swim there, due to frequent small waves and not being deep enough, so we found the An Bang beach near Hoi An actually better than My Khe if you want to actually swim. But if you’re a fan of sunbathing, running, or exercising on the beach, then the My Khe beach is still an excellent spot. 

Read more about the An Bang beach and other things to do in Hoi An.

2. Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains is a group of five limestone peaks that were significant for the people of Central Vietnam in the past. Today, it is referred to mostly one limestone peak called Mt Thuy, the water mountain, which you can visit by yourself and admire a small paradise full of gardens, caves, small temples, and viewpoints.

While at Marble Mountains, visit the Huyen Khong Cave, the largest and most beautiful one of the whole complex. You can even see light rays coming down through the collapsed ceiling on a sunny day. There’s also a massive stone Buddha in the cave and two shrines with other beautiful decorations. 

The 30 meters high Xa Loi Tower is another highlight of the Marble Mountains and houses around 200 Buddha statues.

• Visit early in the day as it gets scorching hot and humid later. Even though there is a lot of shade everywhere, it’s still going to be very hot, and there are a lot of stairs to climb!
• If you don’t want to climb stairs to the first part of the Thuy Marble Mountain, you can use the elevator, which costs around 15.000 VND or about $0,60. However, you may miss some parts that way.

The entrance ticket for Marble Mountains is 40.000 VND or $1,75.

Opening hours for Marble Mountains are daily from 7 am till 5:30 pm.

Depending on your interest, you may spend anywhere from 2 to 5 hours at the Marble Mountains in Da Nang.

Book your tour: Marble Mountains Tour (also includes Son Tra Peninsula)

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Also read: Best Vietnam SIM Cards

3. Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng)

The Dragon Bridge over the River Han in Da Nang is one of the most unique bridges in Vietnam and South East Asia. This mighty yellow dragon on the 666 meters long Cầu Rồng bridge is also breathing fire and water (literally!) during the weekends. 

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9 pm for 15 minutes, the dragon comes alive, and you can witness the so-called ‘Dragon Show ‘.

Tip: Make sure to arrive early to take your spot as this is one of the most popular attractions in Da Nang. But beware, you will get wet if you stand too close to it!

Unfortunately, we didn’t witness the Dragon Show, as when we were there, the show was canceled due to the pandemic. However, we did enjoy seeing the dragon change colors through the night.

If you can’t make it to the dragon show, then at least go over the bridge or observe it from the side as it’s indeed an extraordinary sight and an excellent photo spot as well. You haven’t been to Da Nang if you haven’t snapped a photo with the dragon.

4. Drive over Hai Van Pass and take in all the views

Hai Van Pass is a 20 kilometers long route that winds through the hills and coastline between Da Nang and Lang Co towards Hue. At 500 meters above sea level, it offers stunning panoramic views of the coast and nature.

You can drive over the Hai Van Pass in 30 to 45 minutes. If you have more time, try to check out some side roads as well. They’ll usually be quiet and without traffic. That way, we found a fantastic sunset spot. And if you’re more adventurous, you can try to find your way to some of the secluded and deserted beaches there.

Driving over the Hai Van Pass with a motorbike is simply a must while in Da Nang! You can also extend your drive and go all the way to Hue in about 2 hours as we did.

Fun fact : Hai Van Pass is the highest pass in Vietnam and was featured in the Top Gear Vietnam Special where Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May traveled over 1600 km between Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long Bay .

Book your tour: 

• Hai Van Pass By Jeep
• Hai Van Pass By Motorbike (if you don’t feel comfortable driving yourself)

5. Son Tra – Monkey Mountain

Son Tra Mountain, also known as Monkey Mountain, is a peninsula and mountain range overlooking the Da Nang Bay and the East Sea. On the Son Tra Peninsula, you will find a mix of beautiful nature, amazing views, and culture, making it a must-visit area in Da Nang. It’s one of our favorite spots in Da Nang.

Three main spots on the Son Tra Peninsula are the Linh Ung Pagoda with beautiful gardens, the 67 meters tall Lady Buddha, one of the tallest Lady Buddha statues in Vietnam, and the Son Tra Nature Reserve. 

The Son Tra Nature Reserve is quite a big area, but the most visited and easiest spots to get to are the 1000 years old Banyan Tree and the Ban Co Peak.

If you’re lucky while at Son Tra, you might see the Red Shanked Douc monkeys – a very rare and endangered species of monkeys. They’re a bit shy and don’t like to interact with humans, so the best chance to see them is if you trek a bit deeper into the forest. However, if you want to see the “regular” monkeys, there are plenty of them at the Son Tra Nature Reserve entrance that are even a bit too friendly.

2021 UPDATE : The Son Tra mountain is a perfect spot to watch the sunrise from, but be aware that it’s no longer possible to enter the park and watch the sunrise from the very top as it was before. Now, the park has opening and closing hours, and the guards won’t let you in before it (we tried). You can still drive one part of the road up, though.

Know before you go

• Please don’t feed and tease the monkeys there
• Respect nature by picking up your trash

Automatic scooters are prohibited at the Son Tra mountain.

You may drive an automatic scooter to the Linh Ung Pagoda, but the area of the Son Tra Nature Reserve beyond a point a further 2km away allows only a semi-automatic or a manual scooter. It’s a necessary safety precaution as Son Tra has many steep hills , and it’s definitely not a joke, as there were many bad accidents before.

Book your tour: Son Tra Peninsula (also includes Marble Mountains)

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6. Lady Buddha & Linh Ung Pagoda

The 67 meters tall Lady Buddha in Da Nang is one of the tallest Lady Buddha statues in Vietnam. Next to it is the Linh Ung pagoda which is gorgeous! It has a beautiful entrance, a lovely garden with beautiful bonsai trees, and even a small pond with turtles and fish. This whole complex is so beautiful and definitely worth a visit.

7. Da Nang Cathedral

Da Nang’s beautiful Cathedral is painted in a soft pink color like the one in Ho Chi Minh City . It’s an excellent spot to stop by when visiting the city. We met some friendly kids there that made us company while checking out the cathedral. 

Travel tip: The entrance is from behind the Cathedral, and the main gates you see from the road are almost always closed.

Da Nang and Vietnam have some great surfing spots, in case you didn’t know. Da Nang is among the more popular surfing spots, along with Mui Ne and Nha Trang .

Book your lesson: Da Nang Surf Lessons

We did our surfing lesson in Mui Ne , but Da Nang seems like an equally good spot for it, so make sure to give it a go. It’s so fun!

Read more about surfing and other things to do in Mui Ne.

9. Try durian dessert

If you are in Da Nang, Vietnam, and are looking for a way to cool down from the hot weather, try to find the durian ice dessert, a trendy dessert in this region of Asia. They are sweet and creamy and have a mild flavor. Many places sell these desserts, but one great place to try them is at the Chè Thái Sầu Riêng on Chi Lăng street.

On a recommendation of a Vietnamese friend, we went to Chè Thái Sầu Riêng and tried durian there for the first time. It wasn’t that bad, even though some people compare the taste and smell to feet.

We don’t necessarily hate it, but we don’t love it either, so we can’t choose which side we’re on. 😁 

Tip : You need to try durian while in Southeast Asia at least once. And if you’re too scared to try it, a dessert like this might be a good way to start as you’ll see right away if this is something for you or not.

Here is the exact location: Chè Thái Sầu Riêng

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10. Hoa Trung Lake (Hồ Hòa Trung)

Hoa Trung Lake is a picturesque lake and a hidden gem of Da Nang, located only about 20 km from the city center. It’s an artificial lake built to provide water for daily life and cultivation for people who live in the area. The lake has numerous little islands with green grass that change depending on the water level, and it’s what makes this lake so unique.

Hoa Trung Lake is becoming an attractive destination for locals who wish to enjoy the outdoors and spend peaceful time with their family and loved ones. That’s why it’s not so uncommon to see tents there as well as some decide to enjoy this little piece of heaven for a bit longer. 

It should also be possible to take a boat ride or even rent a boat from locals there, but as we were there during the pandemic.

We loved our visit to the lake, and if you have time, we’d suggest you visit before it becomes overcrowded.

Tip : As this is not a tourist attraction just yet, you won’t find any tourist facilities or services here. Help keep this place pristine, and pick up your trash when leaving.

11. Ba Na Hills – Golden Hand Bridge

Ba Na Hills near Da Nang is a place to visit if you like a more theme park vibe and want to see its main attraction, the Golden Hand Bridge. It’s a large theme park and resort area built in a French style. This is the most popular tourist destination in Da Nang.

The photo of the Golden Hand Bridge is one of the main photos that represent Vietnam on Instagram. It looks like a peaceful and secluded place in nature, but in reality – it’s part of a big amusement park. So keep that in mind if the only reason you want to visit Ba Na Hills is the bridge.

Book your tour: Ba Na Hills – Golden Bridge

12. Fresh seafood market

Da Nang’s local economy depends heavily on seafood, and there’s no better place to see this firsthand than at the fresh seafood market in Tho Quang Bay. It pops up every morning on the last stretch of the beach close to the Monkey Mountain. The Tho Quang Bay is also where you will find hundreds of moored fishing boats, many of them iconic Vietnamese basket boats.

Location: Fresh seafood market (Bãi tắm Thọ Quang)

13. Day trip to Hoi An

Hoi An is a picturesque and colorful town that’s only about 30 minutes drive from Da Nang, and it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage, and some of the top things to do there are strolling around the Old Town, visiting Fujian Assembly Hall, Japanese Covered Bridge, relaxing at the An Bang beach, and visiting the night market.

Book your tour: Hoi An Hidden Gems (walking tour)

Read more about things to do in Hoi An in our detailed Hoi An guide.  

14. Day trip to My Son Sanctuary

One of the best day trips from Da Nang is to My Son Sanctuary, a complex containing one of the largest preserved clusters of temples of the Kingdom of Champa. The ancient city of My Son was only discovered in 1889 and was constructed between the 4th-14th centuries.

My Son Sanctuary is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and is one of the most important examples of Champa people who lived in the area between Da Nang and Binh Thuan province.

Book your tour: My Son Sanctuary (includes rice paper making and boat trip)

15. Day trip to Tam Ky’s Mural village

From Da Nang, you can visit the Tam Thanh Mural Village near Tam Ky. The Village is full of beautiful murals, which can usually be found even just strolling down the street. However, some are hidden in the back alleys, so keep an eye out for those!

Book your tour: Tam Thanh Mural Village

16. Day trip to Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)

In 20 minutes by speedboat from Da Nang, you can visit the Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham), a UNESCO-protected biosphere area. The Cham Islands are famous for their diving & snorkeling experiences, as the waters there have rich marine life and rainforest landscapes.

If you love to laze on the beach, this is a great place – the islands offer beautiful sandy beaches.

Book your tour: Full-Day Cham Islands

17. Day trip to Hue

Hue is around 100km and 2 hours away from Da Nang but is still an excellent option for a day trip. This beautiful city along the Perfume River holds many fascinating historical sites and incredible architecture that you should take some time to explore.

Some of the top things to do in Hue are:

• Hue Imperial City
• Tomb of Tu Duc
• Thien Mu Pagoda
• Abandoned Water Park

For all the foodies out there, Hue is a hub of Vietnam’s cuisine and culture, as it was the country’s capital for 150 years during the Nguyen Dynasty.

Book your tour: Full-Day Hue City Tour

Best time to visit Da Nang

The best time to visit Da Nang is between February and May when you can enjoy it to the fullest with sunny skies and minimal rainfall while hitting the beach or its attractions.

The less ideal time to visit Da Nang would be from May to October during the rainy season. The last few years there were some crazy storms that didn’t make it all that fun to be there at that time.

Did you know?

We explored Vietnam for more than 1 year and a half and wrote 34 and counting detailed articles.

Did you know? We explored Vietnam for more than 1 year and a half and wrote 34 and counting detailed articles.

Where to stay in Da Nang?

Most visitors to Da Nang stay in the area near the My Khe Beach, in the eastern part of the city. This is the best and most popular area and caters to ex-pats, digital nomads, and tourists with plenty of western restaurants, bakeries, salons, and anything you need.

My Khe Beach in Da Nang is where the line of countless resorts starts, as they stretch for almost the whole way (20km) towards the An Bang beach in Hoi An.

For a more authentic experience of the local life in Da Nang, cross the Dragon Bridge to the western part of the city, where you can experience the classic bustling Vietnam mixed with hip new upcoming neighborhoods.

We lived in An Thuong in the My An area of Da Nang for two months, and we loved it (especially because of having the beach just 2 minutes walk away).

On our visit to Da Nang in 2020, we arrived in the city the last day before the lockdown in April, so we couldn’t really pick accommodations anymore, and we had to rent a big house with two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a big open living area, and a kitchen. The house could easily host six people, and our monthly rent was about $450.

Book your stay: Da Nang Hotels

Where to eat in Da Nang?

Da Nang offers incredible food, and it’s even a perfect place for vegetarians/vegans. In addition, the city has a significant ex-pat community, and it, therefore, offers a lot of western restaurants, bakeries, and cafes.

Some of our favorite restaurants in Da Nang were:

• Peas Vegetarian Restaurant
• Loving Vegan
• Roots plant-based Cafe

Make sure to also stop by Chè Thái Sầu Riêng and try that famous durian dessert. 

Recently, iVegan (a popular vegan restaurant in Vietnam) opened there as well, which was previously only in Hanoi .

How to get to Da Nang

Da Nang is very easy to reach with a plane, as it has an international airport and is connected to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with frequent flights. 

Being on the South-to-North route, Da Nang is also very well connected by train and bus.

Book your tickets to Da Nang

How to get around Da Nang

The best way to get around Da Nang is by renting a scooter or booking a ride through Grab. 

Renting a scooter in Vietnam is super easy. Driving in Da Nang is more relaxed than, for example, in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City . The scooter rental in Da Nang should be between 5 and 10 USD per day, depending on the type.

However, if you don’t want to drive yourself, you can always book a taxi or scooter taxi. It’s a cheap and reliable way to get around Da Nang. So just download the Grab or Gojek app on your phone (similar to Uber), and you’re good to go. 

You can also go around Da Nang in a regular taxi, but they are usually more expensive.

How long should I stay in Da Nang?

Plan to spend about four days or three nights in Da Nang at least, so you can visit the main attractions and do a day trip to Hue, Hoi An, or Cham Islands.

Prices in Da Nang

Da Nang is a city that offers something for everyone, no matter your budget. Find cheap and delicious street food, upscale restaurants, budget-friendly hostels, hotels, and luxury accommodations. Da Nang can host any traveler.

Ready to splurge a bit on your trip to Da Nang? You can do that too. Along the My Khe beach, there are all the bigger hotel chains and immense resorts.

Is Da Nang safe?

Da Nang, as well as Vietnam in general, is a very safe destination. It’s a popular tourist destination and home for many ex-pats and digital nomads. Locals are friendly and always willing to help. You have absolutely nothing to worry about if you follow the standard safety precautions. 🙂

Is Da Nang worth visiting?

Da Nang is absolutely worth visiting as it’s a great beach destination with lush mountains as a backdrop and offers something for everyone! That’s the reason why Da Nang is known as the capital of Central Vietnam’s tourism activities.

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• International

Israel-Hamas war, Iran attack

Trump hush money trial

Israel weighs response after Iran fires missile barrage

By Kathleen Magramo, Antoinette Radford and Maureen Chowdhury, CNN

Iran strike "will be met with a response," Israel’s army chief tells soldiers

From CNN’s Jeremy Diamond, Zahid Mahmood and Niamh Kennedy

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said on Monday that Iran’s attack on Israel "will be met with a response.”

"Iran wanted to harm the strategic capabilities of the State of Israel, this is something that did not happen in the past," Halevi said while addressing troops at Nevatim airbase, which was hit in the strike. "We were prepared in the 'Iron Shield' operation, this preparation brought Iran to also meet air superiority, which you expressed (manifested) very well," he said.

Halevi said that Israel had intelligence of Iran’s strike since last Monday, adding that Israel is "very strong and knows how to deal with it on its own." 

IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari doubled down on the chief of staff's message during a media briefing. 

Responding to a question regarding a possible Israeli response, Hagari stressed that the Israeli military will have to do "all that is necessary" to defend Israel. 

"And we will do that at the time we choose," he added.

Analysis: Oil prices could shoot skyward if Iran-Israel conflict escalates further

Analysis by CNN's Anna Cooban

Iran’s  unprecedented attack  on Israel over the weekend has ratcheted up tensions in the oil-rich Middle East yet again, threatening to send fuel prices skyward if the conflict escalates and disrupts global supplies.

Tehran launched scores of missiles toward Israel late Saturday in retaliation for a  suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic complex in Syria  on April 1. Israel’s military said that “99%” of the more than 300 projectiles were intercepted.

Oil prices spiked Friday to levels not seen since October in anticipation of just such an escalation but on Monday were subdued. Brent, the global benchmark, was trading down 0.9%; West Texas Intermediate futures, the US benchmark, were down 0.8% by 9.25 am ET as markets wait to see how Israel will respond.

Members of Israel’s war cabinet were locked in heated debate over the nature of its response, with military and diplomatic options both being considered, two Israeli officials familiar with the deliberations  told CNN.

The deepening conflict raises “the risk of increased volatility in oil markets and (provides) a fresh reminder of the importance of oil security,” the Paris-based International Energy Agency, which monitors oil markets on behalf of developed economies, said in a note Monday.

Read more about the risk to international oil prices

Eyewitnesses recount airstrike that destroyed a residential block in Gaza's Al-Maghazi refugee camp

From Mohammad Al-Sawalhi in Gaza, CNN’s Kareem Khadder and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem and Avery Schmitz in Atlanta

An entire block of residential buildings in central Gaza's Al-Maghazi refugee camp was destroyed following a strike around 2:00 a.m. local time on Monday, according to eyewitnesses and footage filmed for CNN. 

Residents said some of them received a call from the Israeli military — warning them to evacuate only a few minutes before the airstrike hit.

Video of the aftermath shot by a CNN stringer shows the entire block destroyed with debris and rubble strewn along the ground. Pieces of furniture and people’s belongings can be seen underneath the buildings. Dozens of people, including men, women and children are seen sitting on sofas covered in dust, and others walking on top of the rubble, trying to retrieve whatever is left of their belongings.  

One resident named Khalil Shishniyeh told CNN his neighbor banged on his door at 1:30 a.m. local time on Monday to tell him to evacuate because an Israeli airstrike was going to target his house. Eight displaced families were living in that building, he said.

Another young man said he evacuated his house in five minutes and didn't get very far before the house was struck.

“We didn’t take anything with us. My grandmother was on a wheelchair, I don’t know how we managed to get her out on the street," he said.

An elderly woman said she was sleeping with her children when her neighbor came "knocking on the door like a madman."

"He told us the Israeli forces said they were going to strike our house. We ran out like mad people, and we took nothing with us … if it had just been 10 minutes later, I swear our house would’ve fallen on top of us, and you’d have to remove us in body parts,” she said.

CNN has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces for comment.

US official declines to say if Biden urged Netanyahu to exercise restraint after Iran strike

From CNN's Donald Judd

A top US national security official on Monday wouldn’t say if President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise restraint in Israel’s response to Iran’s attack over the weekend.

 “All I'll say is that the president, from the beginning of this conflict on October 7th, has been steadfast and consistent,” National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said. “We don't want to see a war with Iran, we don't want to see a broader regional conflict, we will do what we have to do to defend Israel.” 

CNN reported over the weekend that Biden urged Netanyahu in a call to consider Saturday a win because the US assessed Iran’s attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel’s superior military capability, while also making clear that the United States will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran in response, according to a senior administration official.

Kirby wouldn’t say if the president has plans to speak again with Netanyahu soon, saying they have spoken frequently over the past six months and would likely speak again.

Analysis: Israel faces a dilemma in its response to Iran’s attack

Analysis by CNN's Nadeen Ebrahim and Jeremy Diamond

Israel has yet to agree on how to respond to the  Iranian attack  over the weekend that saw  more than 300 projectiles  fired at its territory in the first direct military confrontation between the Islamic Republic and the Jewish state.

Israel must balance international pressure to show restraint on the one hand while searching for an appropriate response to an unprecedented attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now has to weigh his right-wing coalition’s call for a strong reaction against the risk of further international isolation for Israel by  widening the war without  international support.

Israel’s war cabinet on Monday  remained determined  to respond to Iran’s attack for what Iran says was retaliation to a suspected Israeli strike on an  Iranian diplomatic building  in Damascus on April 1. Despite pressure from allies not to escalate, the cabinet is now debating the timing and scope of the response, two Israeli officials familiar with the deliberations told CNN.

Analysts say that Israel has few options, and each of those options comes with a price, especially as it is already embroiled in a brutal six-month war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip and is confronting various Iran-backed militants in the region.

A direct attack on Iran would set yet another precedent. While Israel is believed to have conducted covert operations in Iran over the years, often targeting individuals or facilities seen as a threat to its security, it has never launched a direct military assault on Iranian territory.

“We are definitely in a new phase, and a very dangerous phase of the Israeli-Iranian confrontation,” said Raz Zimmt, an Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv. “Iran has certainly tried to change the rules of the game with Israel… We might expect more rounds of direct attacks in the future.”

Read more about the dilemma facing Israel

G7 leaders weigh new sanctions on Iran following weekend attack

From CNN's Kevin Liptak

Group of Seven leaders are weighing new sanctions on Iran’s missile program, the White House said, following a virtual meeting Sunday to consult on a diplomatic response to the weekend attack on Israel. 

“Much of the world today is standing with Israel,” national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

The G7 is comprised of the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and Italy. The European Union also takes part in its consultations.

US did not get notice from Iran on specifics of strikes against Israel, State Department official says

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

The United States “did not get notice from Iran” on the specifics of its strikes against Israel, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Monday.

Miller said that Iran said “publicly and privately a number of times … to anyone that they talk to, not just the United States but others, that they were going to do something,” but they did not provide details on the scope and timing of the response.

“There were a number of conversations with foreign interlocutors over the past week. In none of those conversations did we get a notification of attack or a sense of the targets,” Miller said at a briefing.

Biden says US "committed" to security of Israel and other regional partners

From CNN's Sam Fossum

US President Joe Biden addressed Iran’s attack against Israel over the weekend for the first time publicly, saying he remains focused on Israel’s security and reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal as he works to stem the conflict from spilling into a wider regional war. 

“The United States is committed to Israel’s security. We’re committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict from spreading beyond what it already has,” Biden said at the White House. 

The president made the comments while welcoming Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to the Oval Office amid the ongoing tension in the region and concerns for US forces. 

“We’re also committed to the security of our personnel and partners in the region, including Iraq,” Biden said. “The partnership between Iraq and the United States is critical.”

Germany, France and Belgium summon Iranian ambassadors over Israel attack

From CNN's Niamh Kennedy and James Frater in London, Chris Stern in Berlin and Joseph Ataman in Paris 

Germany, France and Belgium all summoned their Iranian ambassadors Monday as European nations continue to strongly condemn Iran's attack on Israel over the weekend.

Belgium opted to summon its Iranian ambassador, Seyed Mohammad Ali Robatjazi, according to a statement from the Belgian foreign ministry. Officials used the visit to convey their "strong condemnation of Iran's attack on Israel" to the ambassador, the statement added.

Iran’s ambassador was summoned to hear France condemn “with the greatest firmness” Tehran’s attack against Israel, the French foreign ministry said in a statement. In the wake of the attack, Iran now “runs the risk of an escalation in which no one has any interest,” France warned, calling on the regime to “cease immediately” its provocations.

Finally, the German government summoned the Iranian ambassador in Berlin, a spokesperson for the Federal Foreign Office told a news conference.

This all comes after the Iranian government summoned the German, British and French ambassadors in Tehran on Sunday, according to Iranian state-affiliated news agency Tasnim. According to the Tasnim report, the three ambassadors were summoned over the “irresponsible stances” they took in response to Iran's attack on Israel.  

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Watch CBS News

U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be imminent and fear Gaza war could spread

By Debora Patta , Tucker Reals

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 5:25 PM EDT / CBS News

Update: Iran launched drone attacks against Israel on Saturday. Read CBS News'  latest coverage here .

Tel Aviv  — Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital.

Two U.S. officials told CBS News that a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country. Sources have told CBS News the retaliation could include attacks carried out both by Iranian forces, and proxy groups around the region that it has been funneling additional arms to for weeks.  

The officials said it would be challenging for the Israelis to defend against an attack of that magnitude, and while they held out the possibility that the Iranians could opt for a smaller-scale attack to avoid a dramatic escalation, their retaliation was believed to be imminent. 

Asked Friday how imminent he believes an attack is, President Biden responded, "I don't want to get into secure information, but my expectation is sooner than later." The president urged Iran not to move forward, saying his message to Tehran was: "Don't."

Tehran has not indicated publicly how or when it will return fire, so it's unclear how far Iran's leaders will go. If they decide to carry out a direct attack on Israel, there's fear it could blow Israel's ongoing war against Iranian ally Hamas up into a much wider regional conflict.

With the Iranian retaliation expected at any time, the U.S. State Department on Thursday warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities, which are better protected from incoming rocket fire by the country's Iron Dome missile defense system. The latest guidance noted that travel by U.S. government employees in Israel could be further restricted with little notice as things develop in the tinderbox region.

"Whoever harms us, we will harm them," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday as he visited troops at an Israel Defense Forces airbase. "We are prepared … both defensively and offensively."

On Saturday, all U.S. embassies in the Middle East were put on high alert and required to hold emergency action committee meetings. Diplomats in Lebanon and Israel were specifically told not to travel to certain areas within those countries.

Sima Shine, a security expert and former official with Israel's national intelligence agency Mossad, told CBS News it was a dangerous moment for the region, and the "most worried" she has been. She said anxiety over an all-out war was likely just as high "on both sides, in Israel and in Iran."

If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019 .

"They will try to do it on the military or some military asset," Shine predicted. "But the question will be the damage. If there would be many injured people, killed or injured … I think it has the potential for a huge escalation."

Shine stressed, however, that she still believes neither side actually wants a regional conflict.

U.S. "really trying to avoid war"

The U.S. sent a senior general to Israel this week to coordinate with the close American ally on any response it might make to an Iranian attack. Speaking Friday on "CBS Mornings," America's top military officer said, "we're really trying to avoid war."

"This is part of the dialogue that I have with my counterparts within the region, to include the Israeli chief of defense, who I talked to yesterday," said Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., adding that the U.S. military was "doing things not only to prevent a war, but at the same time, one of my primary things is to make sure all the forces in the region are protected."

"My role, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is to plan and prepare," Brown said. "That's one thing we do very well."

Brown's Israeli counterpart, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, "completed a comprehensive situational assessment on the readiness of the IDF for all scenarios," Israel's military said Friday. 

"The IDF is very strongly prepared, both offensively and defensively, against any threat," Halevi was quoted as saying in the statement. "The IDF continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas, constantly preparing to deal with existing and potential threats in coordination with the United States Armed Forces." 

The IDF said the visiting U.S. general, Central Command chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, was taking part in the IDF's situational assessment.

The dilemma for Iran, said Israeli expert Shine, is to figure out how to deliver its promised response to Israel's attack in Syria, but in a way that does not lead to further escalation. Likewise, Shine said Israel could choose to show restraint when it responds to whatever Iran eventually does.

If either side gets the balance wrong, the consequences for the region, and even the world, could be dire.

Weijia Jiang, David Martin, Margaret Brennan and Olivia Gazis contributed reporting.

• Middle East
• Benjamin Neta​nyahu

Debora Patta is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Johannesburg. Since joining CBS News in 2013, she has reported on major stories across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Edward R. Murrow and Scripps Howard awards are among the many accolades Patta has received for her work.

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