Introduction: Discover the Allure of Da Nang, Vietnam
Imagine a place where golden beaches meet lush mountains, where ancient temples stand alongside modern architecture, and where the aroma of sizzling street food fills the air. Welcome to Da Nang, Vietnam—a coastal gem that offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant city life.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a culinary journey, Da Nang has something for every traveler. Let us guide you through the wonders of this captivating city.
Da Nang Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to Vietnam tourism, Da Nang is always a popular name. Beautiful beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, stunning scenery, and lovely check-in sites may all be found here. Da Nang also knows how to delight visitors with a variety of distinctive festivals and events. Every time you visit Da Nang, you will have a lot of new and interesting experiences.
Why visit Da Nang?
Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most vibrant travel destinations. It offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern development. From world-class beaches and scenic mountain passes to ancient temples and lively night markets, the city caters to families, solo travelers, adventure seekers, and honeymooners alike.
Where is Da Nang?
Da Nang lies on Vietnam’s central coast, approximately 961 km north of Ho Chi Minh City and 764 km south of Hanoi. It’s surrounded by three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hue Imperial City, Hoi An Ancient Town, and My Son Sanctuary. Its strategic location makes it a transportation and economic hub and a major tourism gateway to Central Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit Da Nang
- Late December to late March: The weather is cool and pleasant, most ideal for spring trips. It is said that this is the most consistent time of year for hotel and dining service prices. Note that it can get chilly in the evenings and occasionally come with spring rains, so visitors should pack a lightweight jacket.
- Early April to mid-September: This is the best time to travel to Da Nang, but it is also the peak summer tourism season, quite crowded and expensive. April is the season when the leaves of the forest trees turn red and yellow 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. The peak season has passed, so air tickets, accommodation services, and meals are reasonably priced.
Climate in Da Nang
Da Nang has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons:
- Dry season (Jan – Jul): Sunny, low humidity, best for beach activities.
- Rainy season (Aug – Dec): Short, heavy showers with possible storms.
Monthly overview:
- Jan–Mar: Mild and cool (18–24°C), great for sightseeing.
- Apr–Aug: Hot and dry (28–34°C), ideal for beach lovers.
- Sep–Dec: Cooler with intermittent rain (20–28°C).
Da Nang Transportation Guide: How to Get to and Around the City
How to Get to Da Nang
- By Plane: Flying is the fastest way to reach Da Nang. Direct flights are available from major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh, Nha Trang, and Da Lat. Carriers include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Prices range from 900,000–2,200,000 VND. The airport is just 5 minutes from the city center—super convenient!
- By Train: Looking for a scenic ride? Trains from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City take 17–18 hours and cost 600,000–1,200,000 VND. You’ll enjoy beautiful views, especially the famous Hai Van Pass.
- By Bus: Sleeper buses from many cities (including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) take 16–20 hours. Trusted companies like Phuong Trang and Hoang Long offer tickets from 300,000–450,000 VND.
How to Get Around Da Nang
- Taxi & Ride-Hailing: Taxis (Vinasun, Mai Linh) are everywhere. Grab and Be apps offer motorbike or car rides—fast and budget-friendly.
- Motorbike Rental: Explore at your own pace with a motorbike. Rentals cost around 100,000–150,000 VND/day. Don’t forget your helmet and license!
- Bicycle: Perfect for short rides or beach trips. Many hotels offer bikes for free or low cost.
- Public Bus: Cheap and reliable, buses connect key areas of Da Nang. Fares are 5,000–10,000 VND—great for visiting Marble Mountains or the beach.
- Private Car: Ideal for families or groups. Hire a car with a driver for day trips to Ba Na Hills, Hoi An, or Hue.
Top Attractions in Da Nang
Beaches
My Khe Beach
- Ticket Price: Free.
- Opening Hours: All day.
Regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, My Khe features silky white sand, whispering waves, and brilliant blue sea water that will captivate many visitors. Not only can you swim here, but you can also engage in exciting leisure pursuits like windsurfing, canoeing, water motorbike riding, etc.
Non Nuoc Beach
- Ticket Price: Free.
- Opening Hours: All day.
Non Nuoc Beach is 8 kilometers southeast of the city center. The beach is located at the foot of Ngu Hanh Son and features a 5-kilometer-long coastline winding like a red silky strip. The water here is so clear that you still can see schools of white anchovies if standing on the shore. Coming to Non Nuoc Beach, you should try some activities such as scuba diving, coral reefs watching, boating, surfing, paragliding,…
Nature & Adventure
Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
- Location: Hoa Phu, Hoa Vang, Da Nang.
- Ticket Price: Around 850,000 VND for a round-trip cable car ticket.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Ba Na Hills is currently the most popular tourist area outside the city center. About 35 kilometers from the city, Ba Na Hills is considered a fairyland with many unique attractions. In particular, visitors cannot miss the beautiful Golden Bridge with its giant hand architecture amidst the mountains and forests. If you want to fully explore this place, according to Da Nang travel experience, you should go on a 1-day Ba Na Hills tour with a dedicated and fun tour guide.
Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son)
- Location: Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang
- Ticket Price: 40,000 VND for adults.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
This is a complex consisting of 5 limestone mountains: Kim Son, Thuy Son, Moc Son, Hoa Son and Tho Son. This tourist destination is extremely impressive because of its vast, majestic scenery and architecture imbued with historical and cultural imprints. Visitors can take the elevator or climb the stairs to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of Da Nang city.
Son Tra Peninsula
- Ticket Price: Free.
- Opening Hours: All day.
Considered a precious gem in the heart of Da Nang, Son Tra peninsula attracts tourists with its charming scenery: green forests, beautiful beaches, white silky sand, beautiful coral reefs and picturesque roads. Tourist destinations that you must definitely visit when coming to Son Tra peninsula:
- Linh Ung Pagoda: Home to Vietnam’s tallest Lady Buddha statue.
- Ban Co Peak: Ideal for sunrise or sunset views.
- Mui Nghe: Coral reefs and diving spots.
- Tien Sa Lighthouse: Popular for photography and panoramic sea views.
Culture & History
- Cham Museum: Located at 2/9 Street, Hai Chau District, this is the only museum dedicated to Cham culture, housing relics from the ancient Champa Kingdom. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., tickets cost 60,000 VND. It offers automatic interpretation and 4D scanning technology for artifact information.
- Love Bridge: Love Bridge is a 68-meter-long arc bridge that is situated on the banks of the Han River. Love Lock Bridge is a romantic spot, especially popular with couples. You can create a lasting memory by hanging a love lock on the bridge.
- Da Nang Pink Cathedral: Da Nang Pink Cathedral stands out with its classic Gothic architecture and striking pink color. This place has become a must-see attraction on your trip to Da Nang. In addition to the name Da Nang Cathedral, this place also has many other names such as Sacred Heart Church of Jesus, Tourane Church, Da Nang Rooster Church, Da Nang Catholic Diocese,…
Markets & Nightlife
Con Market
Situated at the corner of Quang Trung and Ong Ich Khiem streets, Con market has a full range of items for visitors to freely choose from. Don’t forget to explore the culinary paradise at the market with countless delicious dishes during your self-sufficient trip to Da Nang.
Han Market
- Location: No.110, Tran Phu street, Hai Chau district, Da Nang.
With 02 entrance gates located on 02 major Bach Dang and Tran Phu streets, Han market is a destination for both locals and tourists. Here, you can find a variety of goods such as clothes, bags, souvenirs, specialty gifts (various types of fish sauce, dried foods, etc.)
Helio night market
- Location: 2/9 Street, Hoa Cuong ward, Hai Chau district, Da Nang.
Operating from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day, Helio is a fun place in Da Nang that you must definitely visit in the evening. Having 3 main areas with hundreds of food stalls, accessories and themed events each month, this is a familiar hangout place for Da Nang’s youth.
Son Tra night market
Located on Mai Hac De – Ly Nam De street, An Hai Tay ward, Son Tra district, Son Tra night market is close to other famous Da Nang tourist destinations such as Dragon Bridge, Love Bridge. Coming to this night market, visitors can find a lot of delicious food, specialties and great souvenirs.
Entertainment & Theme Parks
Dragon Bridge
- Ticket Price: Free.
- Fire & Water Show Hours: 9:00 PM on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
- Location: From Vo Nguyen Giap Street, turn left to Vo Van Kiet street, then go straight to reach Dragon Bridge
As a metaphor for development, reaching out to the world, Dragon Bridge is a beautiful symbol of Da Nang city. According to Da Nang travel experience, the best time to see the Dragon Bridge is in the evening, when thousands of LED lights are lit with extremely shimmering, magical color effects. When you come to Da Nang, don’t forget to see the fire-breathing and water-spraying dragon performance every Saturday and Sunday night.
Sun World Asia Park
- Location: No. 01, Phan Dang Luu street, Hai Chau district, Da Nang.
- Owning a diverse entertainment game system, Sun World Asia Park increasingly attracts tourists of all ages.
- Golden Sky Tower: The tallest free-fall tower in Vietnam, bringing an unforgettable heart-stopping experience.
- Singapore Sling: Top 10 thrilling games in the world, testing your courage.
- Monorail: The most modern skytrain in Vietnam, giving you a panoramic view of the park from above.
- Ticket price: 200,000 VND/adult (from 1m4 and above) and 150,000 VND/child for all games.
Museums in Da Nang
- 3D Museum Art In Paradise Danang: This popular spot for young travelers spans 4,000 square meters, featuring 9 areas and over 130 artworks, perfect for stunning photos.
- Da Nang Museum of Fine Arts: Situated at 78 Le Duan Street, Hai Chau District, this museum showcases over 1,000 modern fine art pieces, folk artifacts, and traditional crafts. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a ticket price of 20,000 VND.
- Da Nang Buddhist Museum: Located on the grounds of Quan The Am Pagoda at 48 Su Van Hanh, Ngu Hanh Son District, this museum features over 200 ancient Buddhist artifacts. Admission is free, and it is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Best Tourist Destinations Outside Da Nang City Center
Looking to explore more than just Da Nang’s bustling center? Here’s a curated list of the best places to visit near Da Nang, perfect for day trips or short getaways into nature, history, and culture.
Whether you’re into majestic mountains, ancient ruins, or quiet beaches, these Da Nang day trips offer unforgettable experiences just a short drive away.
Than Tai Hot Springs Park
- Location: Highway 14G Hoa Phu, Hoa Vang, Da Nang
Located in the Ba Na – Nui Chua ecological area, Than Tai mineral spring is one of the tourist destinations you should visit when traveling to Da Nang. Coming here, visitors will have fun at the waterpark located amidst the mountains and forests and relieve stress with mud bath and wine bath treatments.
Cu Lao Cham – Cham Island
- Access: Speedboat from Cua Dai Port (Hoi An)
As a biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO, Cham Island captivates tourists with its clear sea, white sandy beaches, warm sunshine, and dense, green mountains and forests that cover an entire land and sky. When visiting Cham island, don’t forget to try top popular activities there, including seeing the coral, taking photos with the brilliant sunset or enjoying fresh seafood.
Hai Van Pass
- Distance: 20 km from Da Nang
Why Visit: This renowned coastal route is a must-see on many day trips from Da Nang. Riding a motorbike at sunrise or sunset offers breathtaking views of the sea and mountains, making it an unforgettable experience.
My Son Sanctuary
- Distance: 1.5 hours from Da Nang
- Why Visit: A must-visit on any cultural Da Nang day trip. Explore ancient Cham temples in a lush valley and catch the Apsara dance show or the night performance “Legendary My Son Night.”
Well of Heaven
- Location: Ba Na–Nui Chua Nature Reserve
- Why Visit: A true off-the-beaten-path experience. This hidden paradise is one of the most adventurous things to do outside Da Nang, involving a 7.5 km trek through the forest to reach natural pools and waterfalls.
VinWonders Nam Hoi An
- Location: Phuoc Hai, Cua Dai, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Ticket price: 550,000 VND/adult and 410,000 VND/child or people over 60 years old.
- Why Visit: A family-friendly amusement park with roller coasters, water rides, an indoor game zone, and even a mini safari. Great for travelers with kids.
Nam O Reef
- Distance: 17 km from Da Nang
- Why Visit: A quiet escape for nature lovers. Moss-covered rocks and golden sunsets make this a peaceful spot on your Da Nang day trip list. Try the local fish salad or fish sauce.
Ghenh Bang
- Location: Son Tra Peninsula
- Why Visit: A secluded beach and coral reef spot — great for those looking for unique things to do outside Da Nang. Reachable by boat or a challenging hike.
Da Nang’s Traditional Craft Villages
Top Picks:
- Cam Ne Mat Village – Handwoven sleeping mats for generations.
- Tuy Loan rice paper craft village – Try authentic Quang noodles and rice paper.
- Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village – Located at the foot of Marble Mountains, perfect for souvenir shopping and photography.
Nearby Heritage Sites Worth Visiting
These places to visit near Da Nang are great options if you’re planning to extend your adventure beyond a day:
Hoi An Ancient Town
- Distance: 30 km south of Da Nang
This UNESCO-listed town is famous for lantern-lit streets, old merchant houses, and tailor shops. Ideal for food lovers and culture seekers. Key attractions include:
- Tan Ky Ancient House: The oldest house in Hoi An, over 200 years old, located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street.
- Guangdong Assembly Hall: Showcasing intricate Chinese architecture and ancient ceramics, found at 176 Tran Phu.
- Japanese Bridge (Cau Pagoda): A must-visit landmark in the heart of Hoi An, spanning the Hoai River.
Hue Imperial City
About 100 kilometers north of Da Nang, Hue is rich in history and culture. Once the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, it features impressive palaces, pagodas, and mausoleums. Visitors can explore the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, cruise the Perfume River, and savor the city’s renowned royal cuisine.
Quang Binh (Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park)
- Distance: 5–6 hours drive
Located north of Da Nang, Quang Binh is known for its stunning natural landscapes and famous cave systems. Visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see breathtaking caves like Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave. Adventurers can also explore Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave, with prior arrangements and specialized tours.
What to Eat in Da Nang: Must-Try Local Dishes
Da Nang isn’t just about beaches and mountains — it’s also a food lover’s paradise. From noodles and rice paper rolls to savory fish dishes, here are the must-try specialties in Da Nang and where to find them.
Mi Quang (Quang-Style Noodles)
A local favorite made with turmeric rice noodles, flavorful broth, fresh herbs, and toppings like chicken, pork, or shrimp.
Where to try:
- Mi Quang Ba Mua – 19-21 Tran Binh Trong
- Mi Quang Ba Lu – 126 Ham Nghi
- Mi Xu Quang – 02 Phan Dang Luu
Pha Lau (Pork Intestine Stew)
Made with pork organs simmered in coconut milk and served with bread. The taste is rich, aromatic, and unforgettable.
Where to try:
- Am Thuc Xua Va Nay – 57 Le Dinh Duong
- Ba Muoi – 18 Le Thanh Nghi
Banh Canh (Thick Noodle Soup)
A hearty noodle soup with a thick, chewy noodle and slow-cooked pork broth. Perfect for a filling meal.
- Recommended spot: Banh Canh Ba Tien – 87/7 Ham Nghi
Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (Pork Rice Paper Rolls)
Thin slices of pork wrapped with pickles, cucumber, and herbs in soft rice paper, dipped in spicy fish sauce.
Try at:
- Mau Restaurant – 35 Do Thuc Tinh
- Huong Dai Loc – 56 Dang Dung
Bun Cha Ca (Fish Cake Noodle Soup)
A comforting bowl of noodle soup made with vegetables, tangy broth, and handmade fish cakes — both steamed and fried. Served with fresh herbs.
Top spots:
- Bun Cha Ca 109 – 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh
- Bun Cha Ca Ba Lu – 317 Hung Vuong
Bun Mam Nem (Noodles with Fermented Fish Sauce)
Bold and savory. This dish comes with roasted pork, fresh greens, and a signature dipping sauce made from fermented fish.
- Where to go: Ba Vi Restaurant – 23 Nguyen Tri Phuong
Goi Ca Nam O (Nam O Fish Salad)
A standout Da Nang delicacy made with fresh sardines mixed with herbs, roasted rice powder, and served with rice paper and dipping sauce.
Best spots:
- Thanh Huong – 1026 Nguyen Luong Bang
- Street stalls near Nam O Bridge or along Nguyen Tat Thanh coastal road
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards accepted in major places.
- SIM cards: Grab a Viettel or Vinaphone SIM at the airport.
- Transport: Use Grab (ride-hailing app) or rent a scooter (from $6/day).
- Tipping: Not required, but appreciated in restaurants.
- Safety: Da Nang is safe, but beware of beach rip currents and traffic.
- Dress code: Casual wear is fine, but dress modestly at religious sites.
Suggested Itinerary for Da Nang( 1-3 Days)
1 Day in Da Nang
- Morning: Marble Mountains + My Khe Beach
- Afternoon: Cham Museum + Han Market
- Evening: Dragon Bridge + Night Market
2 Days in Da Nang
- Day 1: City highlights (Linh Ung Pagoda, Dragon Bridge, local food tour)
- Day 2: Full-day trip to Ba Na Hills
3 Days in Da Nang
- Day 1: Marble Mountains + Son Tra Peninsula + My Khe Beach
- Day 2: Ba Na Hills + Night Market
- Day 3: Day trip to Hoi An or Hue
Budget for Da Nang Travel (Per Day)
- Backpacker: $25–$35/day (hostel, street food, public transport)
- Mid-range: $50–$80/day (3-star hotel, Grab, local eateries)
- Luxury: $120+/day (resorts, fine dining, private tours)
FAQs About Da Nang
- Is Da Nang good for families? Yes, with clean beaches, family-friendly attractions, and safe streets, it’s great for all ages.
- Is Da Nang better than Hoi An or Hue? Da Nang is great for beaches and city life, Hoi An for charm and tradition, and Hue for imperial history. Combine all three if possible.
- What are the best months for beach weather? From March to August when the sea is calm and skies are clear.
- Is it easy to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An? Yes. It’s a 30–40 minute drive by taxi, shuttle, or motorbike.
- How many days should I spend in Da Nang? 2–4 days is perfect, depending on whether you plan day trips.
- Is Da Nang suitable for solo female travelers? Yes, it’s considered one of the safest cities in Vietnam for solo travelers.
- Can I swim year-round in Da Nang? Yes, but the best conditions are from March to September. Avoid stormy months.
- Are credit cards widely accepted? At hotels, malls, and big restaurants, yes. But cash is preferred in small shops and markets.
- Can I get around without speaking Vietnamese? Yes. Signs in tourist areas are often in English. Ride-hailing apps also help.
Da Nang offers the perfect balance of beach bliss, cultural discovery, and modern convenience. Whether it’s your first trip to Vietnam or your fifth, this coastal gem promises memorable experiences. Pack your bags and let Da Nang surprise you.
Ready to explore Da Nang in 2025? Let this guide be your first step!
