Best Da Nang Attractions in 2024

Is Da Nang worth visiting? Many people visiting Vietnam think of Da Nang as the gateway to the picturesque ancient town of Hoi An, but you will find that there are a great range of Da Nang attractions that should not be missed.

While the charms of Hoi An are undeniable, Da Nang stands out as one of the best beach destinations in Vietnam. Add stunning mountains, a spectacular harbour, vibrant nightlife and fabulous food and you have a recipe for one of the best holidays yet. So, let’s begin our list of top Da Nang attractions Vietnam.

Must visit attractions of Da Nang include:

• Marble Mountain
• Dragon Bridge
• Military Museums
• Da Nang Sun Wheel
• Lady Buddha
• Day Tours
• Food Tours
• Da Nang Beaches

Best things to do in Da Nang

One of the best things to do in Da Nang things is to take in the sweeping views of the city from the Top View Bar at the Vanda Hotel. From the rooftop terrace you will begin to understand just how beautiful the city of Da Nang truly is. The buildings of the city stretch out to meet the majestic mountains which frame Da Nang Bay.

The mighty Han River snakes its way through the city to divide the pristine beaches of the Da Nang Vietnam beach belt from central Da Nang. This is the perfect place to see the bridges of the Han River, the most famous being the Dragon Bridge Da Nang which is a short walk from the hotel.

By night, the city puts on a light show and taking centre stage is the Dragon Bridge which is possibly one of the most loved Da Nang tourist attractions. This spectacular dragon turns a rainbow of colours, and its fiery breath captivates visitors from all over the world. In the distance the brightly lit Sun Wheel stands out against the night sky and the cables of the Tran Thi Ly Bridge elegantly transform from colour to colour, giving just a taste of what this city has to offer.

Attractions in Da Nang Vietnam

There are so many interesting places to visit in Da Nang and the surrounding region and you will find a good assortment of attractions and Da Nang sightseeing activities. From thriving modern city to beach side resort Da Nang has a surprising mix of sophistication and a laid back lifestyle just waiting to be experienced. Here are just some of the top things to see and do in Da Nang.

Da Nang Bridges

Da Nang is divided by the Han River, on one side are the beaches of Da Nang and on the other the inner city of Da Nang. The river is spanned by many bridges, here are two that stand out as architectural wonders.

The Dragon Bridge

In a city known for its beautiful bridges you will find one of the top tourist attractions in Da Nang, the Dragon Bridge which stands out as the symbol of Da Nang.

During the day, the dragon’s golden body appears to glide seamlessly over the waters of the Han River. Its noble head stands tall in a show of strength as it welcomes commuters across the bridge. In the evening, the bridge turns into the majestic creature of legend. Swathed in a kaleidoscope of light the bridge stands out against the night sky and the changing colours can be seen far into the distance.

At 9pm on Saturday and Sunday night the Dragon Bridge puts on a show. The dragon roars as it shoots fire and black plumes of smoke into the sky. It is a thrill to watch but do not be fooled, this crafty dragon has a trick up his sleeve as he squirts a massive jet of water and drenches everyone watching the show.

Things to do near the Dragon Bridge

Under the bridge there is a pathway that runs along the river. In the evening, the pathway glimmers with colourful light, and it is a perfect place to watch dinner cruise boats make their way up and down the river. As you walk you will find a selection of restaurants nestled along the riverbank, some of which have fantastic views of the Dragon Bridge and the city lights of Da Nang.

The Tran Thi Ly Bridge

The Tran Thi Ly Bridge is another favourite Da Nang bridge. Its modern design stands out as a work of art in the shape of a functioning bridge.

Walking across the bridge you will be impressed by the thick cables that are suspended from an angular central pillar. Of an evening these cables glow and change colour, and from a distance look like strands threaded into a giant needle.

Da Nang Sun Wheel

The Sun Wheel can be seen across Da Nang. Of an evening the inner wheel changes colour and design, putting on a spectacular light show for Da Nang. The Sun Wheel is the focal point of Asia Park Sun World Da Nang, a large amusement park that boasts a monorail, rollercoasters and many other attractions.

Marble Mountain

The Marble Mountains should be near the top of your list of Da Nang attractions. Standing tall over an otherwise flat terrain this group of marble and limestone mountains are named The Five Element Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), after the elements earth, metal, water, wood and fire.

Historically these five mountains have been a religious site since the time of the Kingdom of Champa when Hindu temples were built on the site. We visited Thuy Son, the water mountain which is home to a network of sacred caves, Buddhist pagodas and shrines. Though the area gets busy with tourists it is still a haven of peace, surrounded by beautiful temples including the Xa Loi Tower which is the tallest pagoda in Da Nang.

There are two ways of getting to the top of the mountain, climb the stairs to the top or take the glass elevator. Either way, once at the top you will find more stairs to climb as you explore the temple complex.

At the bottom of the mountain there are stalls selling souvenirs and nearby you will find the marble workshops of the Non Nuoc stone carving village. Here you will find a stunning selection of marble sculptures. Note that taking marble from the mountains is banned and the marble being sold comes from other areas of Vietnam.

Marble Mountain is just one of the Da Nang attractions included in the Da Nang Day Trip tour.

Click to learn more about the Da Nang Day Trip Tour.

The Lady Buddha Da Nang

The Da Nang Lady Buddha statue dominates the landscape of Da Nang and stands at a height of 67 metres, making it the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam.

Standing on the Son Tra Peninsula, the Lady Buddha statue Da Nang shares its picturesque location with the beautiful Linh Ung Pagoda. The grounds are filled with religious statues and there are walkways that showcase spectacular views of the bay.

This Da Nang Buddha statue confuses many westerners as it is female and not the typical male effigy. The title “Buddha” is often given to an enlightened one and Lady Buddha is thought to be Quan Am (Guanyin) the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion.

The Lady Buddha is just one of the Da Nang attractions included in the Da Nang Day Trip tour.

Click to learn more about the Da Nang Day Trip Tour.

Da Nang Museums

Da Nang has many fine museums. Whether you want to escape to another world at the whimsical Art in Paradise Museum, explore Da Nang’s artistic heritage at the Da Nang Fine Arts Museum or delve into local history at the Da Nang Museum, the regions museums have something to cover every interest. Here are two of our favourite museums in Da Nang.

Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Da Nang once sat in the heart of the Kingdom of Champa which flourished in the region from around 500 to 1500 AD. The Cham people were thought to have originated in the Indonesian islands and were heavily influenced by India.

The Museum of Cham Sculpture in central Da Nang holds the largest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. The Cham museum Da Nang has a stunning array of intricately carved Hindu sculptures and is the place to learn more about Cham history and culture.

The Museum was opened in 1919 by French archaeologists wanting to save and preserve the collection of Hindu carvings that depict the religious life of the Cham people. Several of these artefacts come from one of the religious capitals of the Kingdom of Champa, the UNESCO World Heritage site of My Son Sanctuary.

The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is just one of the Da Nang attractions included in the Da Nang Day Trip tour.

Click to learn more about the Da Nang Day Trip Tour.

Zone 5 Military Museum

For those interested in the Vietnam War (the American War) the Zone 5 Military Museum is a Da Nang attraction that should not be missed.

Vietnam has had a turbulent history of invasion and occupation including Chinese, French and American. The museum tells the story of these wars through the eyes of the Vietnamese.

During the war, Da Nang Air Base was the primary entry point for American servicemen and became the world’s busiest airports averaging 2595 aircraft per day.

Outside the museum you will find a massive collection of aircraft, tanks and missiles, inside are weapons and photos that show the true face of war. It is thought provoking, sobering and a tribute to the tenacity of the Vietnamese people.

Da Nang was also a stop off point for R&R leave, where servicemen would enjoy the sand and sea of “China Beach” (My Khe Beach). After visiting the museum, I tried to imagine life in Da Nang during the war as I too walked along My Khe Beach.

Da Nang Beaches

If you are wanting a beach holiday in Vietnam Da Nang is the place to come. With a 30 kilometre stretch of white sandy beaches Da Nang has a beach to suit everyone. While there are many beaches to choose from two of the best beaches near Da Nang are My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach.

My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach is a popular beach that is within easy reach to central Da Nang. In the distance you can see the bright white statue of the Lady Buddha as she stands on Son Tra Peninsula protecting the local fisherman.  

In the morning, the beach is full of locals coming for their morning swim before the heat of the day. During the day tourists take over the beach as they take turns swimming and relaxing on the rented beach lounges and umbrellas that line the beach. There are a range of beach activities that include parasailing, jet skis and banana boats.

Throughout the day tourists sit and enjoy local seafood and a drink from one of the restaurants and bars that line the beach. The restaurants and bars near the beach can be quite pricy but they get cheaper the further back you go. The wide sandy beach is framed by a mix of large and small hotels that range from luxury to budget.

Non Nuoc Beach  

Non Nuoc Beach is a 20 minute drive from central Da Nang. The beach is home to many 5 star luxury resorts and considered to be the most beautiful Da Nang beach Vietnam. So, if you are looking for a relaxing luxury holiday, Non Nuoc Beach may just be the place for you.

The Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort & Spa and the Vinpearl Luxury Da Nang are just two of the massive luxury resorts that line the beach. The beach is perfect for sun seekers who want a peaceful getaway from the world. Within a 10 minute walk from Non Nuoc Beach are the pagodas, sacred caves and marble handicraft shops of Marble Mountain.

Da Nang Tours

There are a range of Da Nang activities and tours that are ideal for those on a tight time frame. There is a good selection of tours to choose from including Da Nang day tours, food tours, island tours and cultural tours. All perfect for helping you get the most out of your trip to Da Nang Vietnam. Here are just a few of our favourite Da Nang day tours.

Da Nang Day Trip

The Da Nang Day Trip is a tour that combines the attractions of Marble Mountain, the Lady Buddha, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture and the vibrant Han Market which is a great place to pick up a bargain.

The tour also stops at a local restaurant for lunch and there is a good selection of dishes to try. We have taken this tour and can highly recommend it to anyone visiting Da Nang.

Click here to learn more about the Da Nang Day trip.

Food Tour with Ao Dai Rider in Da Nang

No trip to Da Nang would be complete without taking a food tour and what better way to experience the streets of Da Nang than being on the back of a motorbike.

Dressed in the traditional Ao Dai, these lovely ladies will introduce you to local street food delicacies such as Mi Quang (Vietnamese Turmeric Noodles), Nem Lui (Lemongrass Pork Skewers) and Rau Cau Trai Dua (Coconut Jelly) to name a few.

Along the way you will get to see the Dragon Bridge, Love Lock Bridge and Han River Bridge. Shop for bargains at the Night Market, take in the views from the Sun Wheel, visit the Cao Dai Church and Da Nang Cathedral.

A fantastic tour for any foodie wanting to see the best of Da Nang.

Click here for the Food Tour with Ao Dai Rider in Da Nang.

Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Day Tour

When people think of Da Nang, Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge often come to mind. Ba Na Hills was originally built as a hill station by French colonists in 1919 as a holiday destination.

This French inspired village is home to turreted structures, cathedrals, cobbled streets and a colourful central square. The village can be reached by the taking the Ba Na Hills cable car which holds the world record for being the longest nonstop single track cable car.

Make sure to stop off at the Linh Ung Pagoda and marvel at the 27 metre Buddha statue that sits and gazes serenely across the landscape. While there, visit the Le Jardin d’Amour gardens and the iconic Golden Bridge. This golden pedestrian bridge is supported by two giant hands and looks out across stunning scenery

The tour will also take you to Fantasy Park, a theme park that is inspired by the works of Jules Verne. At an elevation above 1500 feet and with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees cooler it is a great place to escape the heat of Da Nang.  

Click here to learn more about the Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Day Tour.

Cham Islands Tour from Da Nang

Looking out from Da Nang you will see the Cham Islands, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

When you take a Cham Islands Tour from Da Nang not only will you learn about island history but also enjoy an exciting speed boat ride as you discover the beauty of the islands.

Visit local temples and pagodas before stopping to sample a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Swim and snorkel in waters that are abundant in corals and schools of fish and soak up the sun while exploring the beaches of the Cham Islands.

Click here to learn more about the Cham Islands from Da Nang.

Eco Cooking Class and Basket Boat Tour from Da Nang

What better way to learn about Vietnamese culture than by taking a cooking class? Discover the ingredients that are at the heart of Vietnamese cuisine as you visit a local market.

After the market take a boat to Cam Thanh village and have fun showing off your boating skills as you take a traditional basket boat ride.

Join your Chef and learn how to make such delicacies as Goi Cuon (Rice Paper Salad Rolls with Pork and Shrimp). Pho Bo (Beef rice noodle soup), Mi Xao Hai San (Fried Noodles with seafood) and Banh Xeo (Crispy Vietnamese Crepes).

Click here for Eco Cooking Class and Basket Boat Tour from Da Nang…

Da Nang Markets

The Da Nang shopping scene has something for everyone, from modern shopping malls such as the Indochina Riverside Mall to colourful markets. Here are three Da Nang markets that will not only show you a slice of local life but have you shopping for hours.

Han Market (Cho Han)

The Han Market is located near the Han River between the Dragon Bridge and the Han River Bridge. This multistorey market is the place to buy “designer brand” clothing and fabric, coffee and dried fruit, Vietnamese arts & crafts and souvenirs. If you are hungry you can try the local street food or shop for fresh fruit and vegetables.

The Han Market is open between 6am and 7pm.

Con Market (Cho Con)

From Han Market walk away from the river along Hung Vuong Road to Con Market. Although it is not that far it can get hot during the heat of the day. If you do not want to walk taxis are a great option as they are cheap within Da Nang city centre.

Con Market sells everything but the kitchen sink. Here you will find homewares, ceramics, clothing and shoes, fresh fruit and vegetables. It is the place to cool down with a Kem Bo dessert.

Kem Bo is made with whipped avocado, topped with ice cream and crunchy dried coconut flakes. Eating avocado as a sweet may sound unusual but the flavours work well together, it is a refreshing and relatively healthy snack to try on a hot day. The Con Market is open between 6am and 6pm.

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Where to eat in Danang

Da Nang is a foodie’s dream that is renowned for its seafood, and variety of international inspired restaurants. If you can’t do without favourites such as McDonalds, KFC, and Pizza Hut, don’t despair as they are also available.

Vietnamese Restaurants

Of course, you can’t visit Da Nang without trying authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The choices are endless, you can enjoy fine dining or pull up a stool at one of the many street carts around Da Nang.

As you explore the backstreets of the city you will find many small family-owned restaurants that specialise in local dishes such as Mi Quang and Chicken Rice. Street carts selling Pho noodle soup and Banh Mi bread rolls are popular local meeting places and give a real insight into daily life in Da Nang.

Where to stay in Da Nang

Da Nang has a huge selection of accommodation for every budget, whether you are looking for Da Nang backpackers’ hostels, a Da Nang beach resort or a Da Nang 5 star luxury hotel, the city has you covered.

We have had the pleasure of staying in four Da Nang hotels in two different locations with varying budgets. Here are our Da Nang hotel reviews.

Vanda Hotel Da Nang Review

The Vanda hotel is in a fantastic location right at the dragon’s tail of the Dragon Bridge. There is a selection of rooms with both city and river views.

We chose a room with a river view and found the room to be light, airy and modern. There was a large picture window with sweeping views of the Han River, Dragon Bridge and you could see Da Nang’s beaches in the distance.

The Vanda Hotel serves a wide selection of Asian and western breakfast buffet dishes. The hotels Top View Bar has spectacular views of Da Nang and is the place to relax with a drink or you can try a delicious afternoon tea with views of the Dragon Bridge.

Check here for the latest rates and reviews of the Vanda Hotel Da Nang

Grand Tourane Hotel Da Nang Review

If you are looking for 5 star Da Nang beach accommodation look no further than the Grand Tourane Hotel. This Da Nang beach hotel is located right across the road from the famous My Khe Beach.

The Grand Tourane Hotel has a choice of city and sea view rooms, we chose the sea view room which was large and had a comfortable sitting area. Looking out our window we had stunning views of Da Nang’s lengthy beaches and the Lady Buddha.

The hotel serves a buffet breakfast and for dinner you can try an array of Vietnamese dishes from the sample menu in the hotels Bella Vista Restaurant.

The hotel is steps from beach activities, restaurants and bars.

Click here for latest rates and reviews of the Grand Tourane Hotel Da Nang

Animor Green Home review

The Animor Green Home has a range of room styles from deluxe double and twin rooms to Da Nang apartment style accommodation which allows you to feel at home during your stay in Da Nang.

We chose the deluxe double and found it to be a modern room with a lovely tropical décor that was well presented, clean and comfortable.

Though just one street back from the beach, the hotel is quiet and has a friendly family feel. Breakfast is served by the pool and while the selection of dishes on offer are small, they are filling and tasty.

We really enjoyed our stay here and would stay again.

Click here for reviews and to book the Animor Green Home

Pandora Boutique Hotel Review

The Pandora boutique hotel is one street back from the beach and has a choice of ocean and city views. We chose the basic superior double with city view. The room was small but clean and comfortable. There was a buffet style breakfast and a small rooftop bar and pool. The Hotel is close to restaurants and bars.

Click here for latest rates and reviews of the Pandora Boutique Hotel

Da Nang Weather

The region has two seasons a wet and dry season. The best time to visit Da Nang is between February and April, when Da Nang weather is at its most pleasant. This falls during the dry season which lasts between February and July. You will find this time of year to be a less sticky more comfortable climate. 

Temperatures soar between May and August, which is perfect for those wanting to take advantage of the Da Nang beach scene.

We have visited during July and August and found the sweltering heat to be draining, especially if you are exploring the city in the middle of the day. Best time to be out and about during this period is in the morning and evening when the day is cooler.

Da Nang’s rainy season is between October and February and as the name suggests the wettest time of the year. We have visited during rainy season and while there can be days where it rains in showers throughout the day, you may also find times when the sun shines for a few days at a time.

Where is Da Nang Vietnam?

Da Nang is a major trading port and the largest city in central Vietnam. The region has a long turbulent history which stretches back to the ancient Kingdom of Champa and includes the French colonial rule and Vietnam War (the American War). The city is close to a variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the ancient town of Hoi An, the Imperial City of Hue and My Son, the ancient Hindu temple complex of the Cham people.

Today the city is famous for its golden sands and endless beaches, a resort paradise with a large array of Da Nang beach activities including snorkelling, surfing and jet skiing. A holiday playground well known for its nightlife and food scene.

Da Nang Vietnam Map

Best tips for travel to Da Nang Vietnam

Before travelling to Da Nang Vietnam there are a few things to consider. To help we have compiled a list of useful travel tips, information and tools to make planning your trip easier.

Do you need a Vietnam Visa?

Vietnam Visa requirements vary from country to country. Before you leave home, you need to check if your country needs a visa to enter Vietnam. This should be top priority when planning your trip. Look into visa requirements before booking your flight as visa processing time needs to be taken into consideration.

Vietnam e-Visa

If you are eligible, The e-Visa can be processed 100% online and is reasonably priced. Our detailed guide on Australians Visa for Vietnam explains the steps involved with screenshots of the application process for the various visa’s.

Click here to apply for a Vietnam Visa.

How to get to Da Nang Vietnam

There is a choice of travel options to Da Nang Vietnam which include flights, train and bus. When booking transport be aware that Da Nang is also referred to as Danang, the English version of its name.

Flights to Da Nang Airport

There are regular international and domestic flights to Da Nang Vietnam. These include a range of international carriers that fly directly into Danang Airport Vietnam from nearby Asian destinations such as Thailand and Malaysia.

Da Nang airport domestic terminal has a wide selection of Da Nang Airport departures to the Vietnamese tourist hubs of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Nha Trang. When you fly to Da Nang Vietnam to Hanoi the flight time should take around 1 hour & 20 minutes. Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City flight time is 1 hour & 25 minutes and Da Nang to Nha Trang is 1 hour & 15 minutes. These short flights are convenient for international flight connections.

When planning your travel make sure to check the costs of a flight to Da Nang Vietnam against the train prices, on many occasions we found that the flights were cheaper or comparable to the train fare.

Da Nang Airport Transfer

The distance from Da Nang airport to city is only 2.5 km, taxis are cheap and readily available outside the airport. Avoid the touts that come up to you inside the airport as they may charge you hidden prices.

Booking a Da Nang Airport transfer before you leave home may be an option for those who like peace of mind when visiting a new destination.

Click here to book a Da Nang Airport to Da Nang hotel transfer

Da Nang to Hoi An Transfer

The distance from Da Nang to Hoi An is around 30 kilometres, a drive that will have you enjoying the many things to do Hoi An within 45 minutes of leaving Da Nang International Airport.

The journey from Da Nang International and Domestic Airport to Hoi An Ancient Town can be quite expensive. We have taken the Da Nang Airport to Hoi An taxi a few times and found that the Da Nang Airport taxi price can fluctuate between $30 to $40 AUD. The green Mai Linh taxis are usually trustworthy but just check that they have the meter on as you start your journey.

We found that the easiest and most worry free way to get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An is to book a Da Nang to Hoi An hotel transfer.

Click here to book a Danang to Hoi An hotel transfer

Trains and Buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang

There are train and bus services from both Ho Chi Min City and Hanoi to Da Nang. Trains from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang can take between 16 to 20 hours and there are a selection of seating and sleeper cabin options.

The bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang takes around 21 hours to complete the journey.

Click here for prices and transport options from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang

Trains and Buses From Hanoi To Da Nang

Train from Hanoi to Da Nang takes between 16 to 18 hours. Laman Express has a good reputation for service and cleanliness.

The bus from Hanoi to Da Nang takes around 16 hours.

For train and bus bookings and reviews from Hanoi to Da Nang click here.

Sim Card for Vietnam

Vietnam has a first rate internet service which is quick and cheap, so staying in touch with friends and family back home could not be easier.

Buying a Sim can sometimes be difficult with a language barrier, so we were happy to find that you can purchase an eSim before you leave home. It is an easy option, one less thing to worry about when you arrive.

Click here for more information on eSim

Buying a Sim Card in Hoi An Vietnam

If you are heading straight to Hoi An Ancient town, make sure to get your sim card at the Da Nang airport because it is one of the most difficult places to find a shop that sells one. Unlike many cities in Vietnam once you leave the Da Nang Airport and venture into the Hoi An ancient town you will have an extremely hard time buying a sim card.

Pre-purchase your sim card for collection at Da Nang Airport here.

Quick Tips for Da Nang

Last words on top Da Nang attractions

As I said in the beginning, most people visiting the Da Nang region do not get to see Da Nang attractions. I honestly believe that if you have the time to spare on your Vietnam travel itinerary, spend a night or two in Da Nang, before moving to your Hoi An accommodation as the city has more charms than you can imagine.  

Have you been to Da Nang Vietnam? What did you like about your stay?

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