What to do in Da Nang: 14 must-visit spots

Updated: July 2, 2024

Guide to the best things to do in Da Nang and its surroundings, how to get from the airport, where to stay and lots of tips.

Da Nang is the most significant city from a commercial and educational standpoint in the central region of Vietnam, along with Hue, the former capital.

Moreover, it has an airport well-connected to the south and north of the country, as well as international flights.

The city was founded in 192 AD during the ancient Champa Empire.

Although, it's most known for the French invasion led by Napoleon III in the 19th century, renaming it to Tourane.

Later, it became a major landing site for American troops during the Vietnam War.

Da Nang is, on the one hand, an intriguing city with a rich history, and on the other, a super modern coastal city.

In this article, I'll fill you in on the must-visit spots in Da Nang and the best places to visit in a day in the central region of the country.

What to do in Da Nang

1. Han Market (Chợ Hàn)

The Han Market, or Chợ Hàn in Vietnamese, is Da Nang's most popular market, operating since the 1940s and a hotspot for tourists.

There, you'll find fresh and ready-to-eat Vietnamese culinary wonders at good prices.

They also sell clothing, bags, crafts, and on the upper floor, you'll come across stalls with beautiful traditional outfits.

Even if you're not planning to buy anything, this market is fascinating for taking pictures and gaining a bit more insight into the local life because markets in Southeast Asia play a significant role in their daily routine.

• Opening hours: every day from 6 am to 7 pm

👍Friend's advice: If you're buying something, don't forget to haggle. 😉

2. Con Market

Another option is the Con Market, which is also in the same area and not as touristy but is the most popular among the locals in Da Nang.

It's as old as the Han Market, boasting over 2,000 shops where you can find souvenirs, clothes, and nearly anything you might need.

Although the most important area of the market is the fresh food area, including the wet area on the ground floor, that is, the meat and fish area.

There's also a food court with plenty of options for delicious and affordable meals.

It's also the perfect spot to grab edible souvenirs to take with you.

• Opening hours : every day from 7 am to 7 pm

3. Da Nang Cathedral

The cathedral is a standout with its distinctive pink color, built in 1922 during the French colonial period.

It's the only church where you can attend Mass, and on Sundays, it's in English.

Located in the center of Da Nang, less than 200 meters from Han Market and within walking distance of the Dragon Bridge.

You can visit the church any day, except Sundays, when there are specific hours not open to tourists due to the Mass celebration.

The interior is quite simple, though the stained glass windows inspired by medieval style stand out.

If you drop by, don't miss the grotto at the back dedicated to the Virgin Mary – it's a replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France.

• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm, Sunday reduced hours
• Admission: free

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about 30 Fun Facts of Vietnam, where I explore the country's colonial past and many other fascinating details.

4. Cham Museum

If you want to learn a bit more about the city's history and the Cham or Champa people, this is the museum with the world's largest collection of Cham sculptures.

The magnificent sculptures on display are primarily made of stone and terracotta, heavily influenced by Hinduism.

These sculptures come from the My Son Sanctuary, which I'll tell you more about below.

The Cham people once dominated a significant part of Vietnam, Cambodia, and a bit of Thailand.

Nowadays, their community is much smaller, forming small groups and being the main ethnic group in Vietnam and Cambodia.

The museum also features slides about the current Cham people.

Located next to the Dragon Bridge, with a couple of hours, you'll have enough time to visit, and I assure you it'll leave you with a good impression.

• Ticket price : 60,000 VND (€2.3 / 2.5USD)
• Opening hours : 7:30 am to 5 pm

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5. Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng)

The Cầu Rồng is something you'll definitely spot during your visit to Da Nang because it's the most eye-catching bridge over the Han River, thanks to its colossal dragon.

The Dragon Bridge is relatively new, opening in 2013 to celebrate the city's freedom, marking 38 years at that time.

It holds the title of the longest bridge in Vietnam, stretching 666 meters.

During the day, it's a nice sight, though it might not grab as much attention. However, it's truly spectacular at night, thanks to its LED illumination.

To top it off, on Saturdays and Sundays at 9 pm, the dragon spits fire or water.

The best spots to catch this show are from the area near the Han River, where you'll find bars and restaurants with prime views.

Down below, you can check out a video of the dragon spitting fire and then water. If you keep watching the playlist, there's a video of Da Nang and its surroundings.

6. My Khe Beach

Da Nang is a city with endless stretches of white sandy beaches, perfect for relaxation or water sports.

The most popular one is My Khe Beach, located near the center of Da Nang, between the Son Tra Peninsula and the Marble Mountains.

It's also known as China Beach, a name given by the U.S. troops upon their arrival.

This beach is a favorite among surfers for its consistent waves, although they may not be huge, making it an excellent spot to learn or improve your surfing skills.

Depending on the time of year you visit Da Nang beaches, the waves might be quite strong, making it not ideal for swimming. However, it's still worth a visit for a leisurely stroll.

If you go in the afternoon, you'll catch sight of fishermen with their typical round basket boats, handcrafted from bamboo, called "thung chai" or "thuyen thung" (pictured below).

These boats were very popular during the French colonial period to avoid paying taxes, I tell you more in this article about Fun Facts of Vietnam .

⭐ If you are keen on Surfing in Da Nang, you may find this article interesting, packed with practical information and rental prices for surfboards,

7. Non Nuoc Beach

If you continue along the coastline, further south of My Khe you'll come across another similar beach called Non Nuoc.

It's a less crowded beach, situated between Da Nang and Hoi An, with several resorts facing the beach. However, it's open to the public, so you can visit even if you're not staying at one of the resorts

Non Nuoc is perfect if you're looking for a peaceful spot to relax

8. Monkey Mountain: Linh Ung Pagoda and Lady Buddha

On the Son Tra Peninsula, you'll find the mountain of the same name, famously known as Monkey Mountain due to the abundant monkey colony residing there.

Son Tra Mountain is one of my favorite spots in Da Nang where you can hike, enjoy nature, and at the same time, get the best views of Da Nang.

The total height of the mountain is 850 meters, and halfway up is the Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the impressive sculpture of the Goddess of Mercy, better known as Lady Buddha.

The pure white marble statue stands at a height of 67 meters and is situated on a lotus-shaped platform.

You can reach there by taxi, motorbike, or hiking. If you choose to walk, make sure to wear good sneakers, bring plenty of water, and mosquito repellent. I recommend Repel 100 which works great and lasts 10 hours.

If you don't want to hassle, I recommend this half-day tour that takes you to Monkey Mountain to see Lady Buddha and the pagoda. It also includes the Marble Mountains from the next point.

• Pagoda entrance fee: free
• Visiting hours: Every day from 6:30 am to 9 pm

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9. Marble Mountains

Between Da Nang and Hoi An, you'll come across five uniquely shaped limestone and marble hills known as the Marble Mountains, and it's one of the most interesting places to see in Da Nang.

Each of these mountains represents an element: fire, earth, metal, wood, and water.

All of them are accessible except for the Wood Mountain, but the largest and most intriguing one is Thuy Son or the Water Mountain, which is the one I visited.

There, you'll find three viewpoints offering distant views of Da Nang, the sea, and the other mountains.

Other attractions include caves with Hindu and Buddhist temples inside, along with pagodas and landscaped areas featuring mythological creatures.

The Marble Mountains are a quite fascinating place to spend half a day. I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the hottest hours.

Since you'll have to climb up and down stairs within the complex, bring comfortable shoes, water, and some snacks. Although inside, you can treat yourself to a delicious fresh coconut. 😋

– How to get to the Marble Mountains from Da Nang?

The most practical option to visit the Marble Mountains is to join a full-day tour.

You can check availability and make a book below.

• Entrance fee to Thuy Son : 40,000 VND (€1.5 / 1.6USD)
• Visiting hours: Every day from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

⭐ You might also be interested in this article where I go into detail about the Visit to the Marble Mountains covering everything there is to see, transportation alternatives, and even some interesting facts about the place.

10. Ba Na Hill and Golden Bridge

Ba Na Hill is located about 25 km from Da Nang.

The highlight of this visit is the Golden Bridge with its gigantic hands, perfect for capturing some fantastic photos with the backdrop of mountains and sea, if the weather is clear.

This bridge is part of the Ba Na Hill resort, along with its theme park, built in 2018. Yes, you read that right 😅 it's a Disney World-style theme park, well, a lot more modest.

The park is designed for the local people, but the bridge gained fame thanks to social media because it's quite unique.

How to get to Ba Na Hills from Da Nang?

To get there, you'll need your own transportation, or you can take a taxi, which costs around 15 euros (approximately 16 USD) for the journey.

However, the best way to go is with a full-day excursion to the Golden Bridge like this one in the link, which includes transfers, the cable car and a buffet lunch.

Lastly, there's the option of going with this transfer, which is the most budget-friendly choice.

11. Hoi An

Hoi An is a true gem, with such a beautiful old town that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

This gorgeous trading and port city boasts 2,000 years of history and has been influenced by Muslims, the Champa people, Chinese, and more.

The old town of Hoi An is exceptionally well-preserved, featuring homes and shops from the 15th to the 19th century constructed with brick, finely carved wood, and tiled roofs.

The standout attraction is the Japanese Bridge, functioning as both a covered bridge and a temple.

If you have flexibility with dates, I highly recommend visiting during the Lantern Festival, held every month on the full moon.

The city, especially along the Thu Bon River, gets adorned with lanterns during the festival, and locals and tourists alike place paper candles with their wishes.

While there are plenty of lanterns and boats with lanterns on other days, it's not quite the same as during the festival.

How to get to Hoi An from Da Nang?

To go to Hoi An, there are buses from Da Nang, but if you're short on time, the best option is this full-day tour from Da Nang, including visits to Monkey Mountain and Marble Mountains.

⭐ You can read more about the Visit to Hoi Anin this article covering everything to see in the city and its surroundings, where to eat, how to get there, and many tips.

12. My Son Sanctuary (Mỹ Sơn)

My Son Sanctuary was built by the Champa people between the 4th and 14th centuries.

It's a unique historical center in Vietnam, where the remaining standing structures are believed to be primarily Hindu temples.

My Son was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and could be compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, albeit on a smaller scale. It's one of the top-notch visits to make in Da Nang.

What stands out about My Son is the Champa's construction technique, using baked bricks with intricate decorative carvings.

The sanctuary is located in the mountain valley, 69 km from Da Nang.

To explore the main buildings, you'll need half a day, but if you go on your own and take your time, you could easily spend the entire day there.

How to get to My Son from Da Nang?

To get there you can drive or take a taxi.

However, if you want to make the most of your day, I recommend this guided tour with transportation so you don't miss any of its fascinating history

⭐ You may be interested in this article about the Visit to My Son , I delve into the details of its history, what to see there, and transportation alternatives.

13. Hue Imperial City

The city of Hue or Huế in Vietnamese, is located just over 90 km from Da Nang and was the former capital of the country.

Although long before that, it was the Imperial City home to the Nguyen Dynasty.

The historical complex of Hue, situated along the Perfume River, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. It encompasses the Imperial City and the former emperor's residence, known as the Forbidden Purple City

Another wonder in the complex is the Royal Theater, a wooden structure that has been restored to its full splendor.

Despite enduring the impact of three wars, particularly the Vietnam War due to its location on the boundary between the southern and northern regions of the country, the buildings remain in good condition.

If you travel to the central area of the country, don't miss visiting this fantastic place filled with history.

To fully explore Hue, you'll need 2 or 3 days.

How to visit Hue from Da Nang?

To get there you can drive there or take public transportation.

The best way to get from Da Nang to Hue is by train, which takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, depending on the train. Prices start from 5 euros (about 5.40 USD), and you can check the schedules and book tickets here.

If you want to make the most of your visit and understand its history, it's essential to do it with a guide. This includes internal transportation in Hue, saving you the hassle of getting around.

If you're short on time, you can take this full-day Hue tour from Da Nang. They take you to see the most interesting places, and it's quite budget-friendly.

• Opening Hours
  • Winter: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Summer: 6:30 am to 5:30 pm
• Entry Fee: *
  • Royal Palace and Forbidden City: 200,000 VND (about €7.6 / 8.2USD)
  • All historical places in Hue: 580,000 VND (about 22€ / 24USD)

* Note: There are more ticket options based on what you want to visit.

Keep in mind that when visiting Hue, you should wear clothing that covers you. Inside the buildings, hats or caps are not allowed, and in many places, smoking is prohibited.

14. Cham Islands

The Cham Islands are a group of 8 islands that belong to the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park.

They're known for their crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, earning them a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

If you're a sea enthusiast, you'll love this protected marine park, famous for its coral species, algae, mollusks, and crustaceans.

Additionally, the islands are mountainous with tropical vegetation and beautiful beaches.

If you're planning to visit the Cham Islands and want to go snorkeling, I recommend going between March and September, as the rest of the year can have rough waves.

This Cham Islands tour includes speedboat transportation and lunch.

Map of Da Nang

* To check the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.

How many days should I set aside for Da Nang?

To explore leisurely, savor all its wonderful spots and delicious food, I recommend dedicating at least 2 entire days to the city, and some extra days for the nearby excursions.

How to get from Da Nang airport to the city?

At Da Nang Airport, there's no direct bus to the city of Da Nang itself.

If you opt for the bus, you'll have to exit the airport and walk about 15 minutes to the bus stop. Another choice is to take a taxi waiting outside.

Another choice is to take a taxi waiting outside.

However, the best option to go from the airport to Da Nang is this private transfer service, which is quite popular among travelers for being affordable and very convenient.

he driver will be waiting for you right outside the arrivals area of the airport (where the taxis are) and will take you directly to your hotel.

Where to stay in Da Nang?

In Da Nang, you'll have plenty to choose from. I recommend the downtown where you'll have most of the tourist attractions nearby.

Another spot I really like is along the river, where some hotels offer fantastic views.

Here is a list of the best hotels in Da Nang for different budgets:

• Budget-friendly: Nhat Linh Hotel & Apartment boasts an excellent location, and some rooms even have views of the Dragon Bridge. 😉
• Medium: Cozy Danang Boutique Hotel offers the best value for your money in Da Nang.
• Luxury: Bay Capital Danang is the top-notch hotel in Da Nang, featuring a beautiful pool, incredible views of the city and coastline, and some delicious breakfasts. Best of all, depending on the season, the cheapest rooms cost less than 90 euros (about 97 USD).

Final Thoughts

Da Nang is a place that tourists often overlook.

But, as you've seen in this article, there are many interesting things to see in Da Nang, and it's also a great base for excursions to nearby attractions.

On this Vietnam Travel Guide you can continue reading all articles I've written about this wonderful country. You can also go to the guide directly from the menu above, selecting Southeast Asia and then Vietnam.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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