Da Nang is a coastal paradise that boasts world-class leisure, compelling heritage sites and delicious cuisine. Here are our insider tips to get the most out of this Vietnamese city.
No trip to Da Nang would be complete without visiting the stunning Marble Mountains, a UNESCO-designated cultural landmark. The 5 limestone outcrops are topped with pagodas and hide caves containing Buddhist shrines.
1. My Khe Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Da Nang, My Khe Beach is a must-see destination for locals and tourists. The beach features soft, fine sand and clear ocean water.
The beach is situated on the eastern outskirts of Da Nang and is an ideal spot to relax and rejuvenate. It’s also a great place to watch the sunrise over the sea.
Like other beaches in Da Nang, My Khe has developed a wide range of services. It offers a variety of entertaining activities for tourists, including fishing, windsurfing, diving and yachting.
2. Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are a must-see destination when visiting Da Nang. They are located 8km southeast of the city center and are filled with historical and cultural values.
Originally, the Marble Mountains were sacred sites worshipped by the Cham people of Southern and Central Vietnam. These limestone and marble outcrops stand in stark relief against the coastal floodplain.
There are winding walking trails that connect cave entrances to stunning Buddhist statues, pagodas and shrines along with panoramic viewing spots. The marble here ranges from gray-blue to yellow, red and white depending on the location.
One of the most beautiful and largest caves is Huyen Khong Cave where sunlight peeps through the top of the Buddha Statue to create a spectacular view. There are two temples outside of the cave: Chua Tien and Thuong Ngan, where devotees come to pray for health and wealth.
3. The Dragon Bridge
If you’re looking for an iconic landmark to add to your Da Nang itinerary, look no further than the Dragon Bridge. It’s the perfect blend of old-time Vietnamese tradition and modern-day technological mastery.
Designed to look like a dragon, this modern bridge stretches across the Han River in Da Nang. It was built in 2009 and has since become a significant part of the city’s infrastructure.
It is the longest steel arch bridge in Southeast Asia. It connects Vo Van Kiet and Nguyen Van Linh roads, as well as providing a shorter route from the Da Nang International Airport to main roads in Da Nang and a direct path to spectacular spots such as My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach.
The bridge’s body is modeled after the shape of a flying dragon with a tail stylized with a blooming lotus flower, the traditional flower of Vietnam’s idyllic countryside. Its undulating body reaches out to the sea, expressing Da Nang’s ambition to integrate with its friends from five continents.
4. The Old Quarter
Da Nang’s Old Quarter is a fascinating place to explore, with plenty of old buildings still standing. The streets are lined with shops and cafes, and you’ll often see locals chatting on the sidewalk while sipping a cup of coffee or banh mi sandwich.
If you’re in the mood for a drink, there are several bars in the city that offer incredible views of the ocean, mountains and the Han River. One of our favourites is Sky Bar 36 on the 35th floor of Novotel Danang Premier Han River hotel.
For a cultural insight into Da Nang’s past, visit the city’s many museums. They are filled with artefacts and relics that recall the country’s history during the French and American wars.
5. Da Nang Beach
Da Nang is a great place for a beach break. The beaches here are all pristine and clean and the sand is very soft and white.
This is the type of beach you can relax on with a book and a cooler filled with iced coffee and food. It also has a decent range of activities, such as windsurfing and sailing.
The main attraction here is the Son Tra Peninsula (also known as Monkey Mountain), which is a beautiful rainforest that juts out into the sea from Da Nang. This is a fun area to spend the day exploring on your own, or by cruising along on a scooter or motorcycle with a local guide.
The best part is that it is relatively easy to get to and you can take your pick from a number of resorts, hotels and private beaches that line the shoreline. The Pullman Danang Beach Resort is one of the most luxurious options in town, a short stroll from Bac My An Beach.