Top 11 Things to Do If You Are in Da Nang, Vietnam and Why

View from the Marble mountains, Da Nang, Vietnam

View of Da Nang City from Marble Mountains.

Whether it is your destination or you find yourself passing through Da Nang, Vietnam, the unique history and beautiful landscape makes it worth staying a while to explore. This coastal city offers rich history, white sand beaches, and lively streets. The third largest city in Vietnam; Da Nang is connected by beautiful bridges and ever-evolving architecture and culture.

Below is a list of recommended must-see’s, must-do’s, and of course – must-eat’s in Da Nang, Vietnam:

Climb the Marble Mountains

Hui Son and Kim Son mountains, Marble mountains, Vietnam

Huyen Khong Cave with shrines, Marble mountains, Vietnam

View from the Marble mountains, Da Nang, Vietnam

Just under 10km outside of Da Nang, stand a collection of 5 fascinating marble and limestone hills, named after the elements (metal/wood/fire/water/earth). Historically, these were used as a sanctuary, a place of refuge and hiding, and have even been alleged in ancient folklore as the sprout of a dragon’s egg shell.

The Marble Mountains themselves are a sight to be absorbed – their many tunnels, caves, and physical signs of the city’s history are to be explored. If you climb to the summit, you can also enjoy spectacular views of Da Nang over the Non Nước beach.

Address: Hòa Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Da Nang, Vietnam

Visit the Ba Na Hills

Panorama view of Ba Na Hills Mountain Resort. Credit: Hanoi Photography

Ba Na Hills Mountain Resort, the multi-level complex from high view. Credit: Jimmy Tran

A stunning must-see and a highly recommended place to stay, the Ba Na Hills offer a resort accessible by the world’s longest continuous, single-track cable car. Enjoy unparalleled views of the city, almost 1500 meters above the sea. Initially designed by the French to escape the summer heat, you will find yourself immersed in more French history than Vietnamese in this charming village, lavish with gardens and intricate architecture. There is also a theme park and indoor gaming spot at the atop the hills!

Address: Nhà máy nước Sân Bay, Trường Chinh, Hòa Thuận Tây, Hòa Vang, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
Contact: +84 94 540 39 36

Visit the Non Nuoc Beach

China Beach in Danang in Vietnam. It is also called Non Nuoc Beach. South China Sea and Marble Mountains on the background.

No matter the time of year, this white sand, clear blue-green water beach along the coast of Da Nang is warm, clean and welcoming.

Non Nuoc Beach is also known for its rare seaweeds, seafood, and great surf.

There are several upscale resorts and modern hotels along this beach, as well!

Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture

The courtyard of Museum of Cham Sculpture, which houses the largest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Credit: lulu and isabelle

Ancient stone sculptures of the Cham civilisation at the Cham Museum – Credit: Peter Stuckings

This museum; the only of its kind; is full of amazing history about the Chams (name of the people before being absorbed by the Vietnamese state); told through sculptures dating from the 5^th to the 15^th centuries.

This museum is rather small, and houses over 300 sculptures. For this museum, it is recommended to purchase the audio guide.

Address: 2 2 Tháng 9, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
Contact: +84 511 3470 114

Visit Lady Buddha

Standing at 67 meters high and 17 meters in diameter, The Lady Buddha statue in Da Nang is the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam. You can likely see this marble statue from all parts of the city.

Lady Buddha is leaning on a mountain, looking down over the city, the beaches, and the sea. The statue has 17 separate floors, each dedicated to a different Buddha as you approach the top. Although inherently religious, Lady Buddha is an architectural landmark and is amazing for all.

Address: Hoàng Sa, Thọ Quang, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
Phone: +84 90 587 90 79

Walk across the Dragon Bridge

Dragon River Bridge (Rong Bridge) in Da Nang, Vietnam

Dragon Statue and Dragon Bridge in Danang City, Vietnam – Credit: TBone Lee

The Dragon Bridge; opened in 2013 to celebrate the 38^th anniversary of Da Nang’s liberation; sits across the River Hàn. The bridge is designed in the shape of a dragon, and not only is it brightly colored and well lit – it actually breathes fire and water on weekend nights at 9PM.

Not only did this bridge vastly improve ease of transportation in Da Nang, it has quickly become a tourist destination and a loved part of the Da Nang landscape.

Address: Nguyễn Văn Linh, Phước Ninh, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam

Visit Hue Imperial City

Hien Lam Pavilion Gate, The Citadel – Hue, Vietnam.

“This place is not in Da Nang But You Should Take The Time to Visit This Place if You Can”

A day trip from Da Nang, Hue; this walled ‘city within a city’; was built in 1362. Similar to China’s ‘Forbidden City’, this was kept private for only the most regal in Vietnam. There are gorgeous, intricate tombs and a palace that are definitely worth seeing – even though much of it is in ruins from a devastating fire during the US/Vietnam War.

Transportation from Da Nang is available by bus, taxi, and train.

Visit the My Son Temples

My Son temple ruins, Vietnam

My Son Hindu Shiva Temple, Quang Nam, Vietnam

“This place is not in Da Nang But You Should Take The Time to Visit This Place if You Can”

The My Son Temples are a collection of Indian Hindu temples and monuments from the 4^th to 14^th century, dedicated to the god Shiva. These temples hold heavy religious and political significance. Much of these temples are now in ruins after the US/ Vietnam War; but this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for its important history. When you arrive, visit the museum for a deeper understanding of the history and to see artifacts alongside photos of what the temples looked like before the war.

This site is a bit outside of Da Nang, accessible by bus or taxi. There are many tour groups heading this way.

Visit Asia Park

image credit

Asia Park is a large amusement park in Da Nang. It is great for all ages – offering large-scale, modern fun for the whole family. The park is open every day throughout the year, and offers attractions, cuisine, and history.

The ferris wheel, like Lady Buddha, is easily visible across the city and allows for wonderful views. The ferris wheel stands at 115 meters here. At night, the park is well lit and welcoming, with bright colors illuminating the skyline of Da Nang.

Asia Park also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year; focused on celebrating Vietnamese heritage or supporting local efforts. Be sure to check out their calendar as you plan your visit!

Address: 1 Phan Đăng Lưu, Hòa Cường Bắc, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
Phone: +84 511 3681 666

Visit the Han Market

image credit

Named after the River Han and conveniently located in the center of the city, Han Market is a huge marketplace that is open every day.

On the main floor, embrace the strong smells of local foods; meats, seafood, vegetables and fruits. Stock up for a home-cooked meal, or snack on some Vietnamese favorites – rice dishes, noodles, or spring rolls.

Upstairs, you can shop for souvenirs, home products, shoes, clothing, or textiles – negotiate price and buy off the rack of have something custom-made! Especially for custom-clothing, prices are incredibly reasonable.

Eat Seafood!

Da Nang offers an amazing selection of food, especially unique street food. As a coastal city, the seafood is definitely worth a try.

Fish cake noodles: enjoy a bowl of fish cake noodles with a sweet and savory broth
Spicy snail: escargot seasoned with lemongrass and spice
Sugarcane prawns: shrimp and garlic wrapped around a sugarcane
Vietnamese fried rice: stacked with your choice of meats, vegetables or seafood
Crispy pancakes: stuffed with your choice of meats, vegetables or seafood

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