Da Nang City Vietnam: What to Do and Best Things to See

Da Nang City is located in Central Vietnam, 700km from Hanoi in the North, and 1000km from Ho Chi Minh City in the South. Danang is the fourth biggest city in Vietnam with population of about 1.2 millions. Apart from some shopping highlights and historical sights, the main reason for most travellers staying here is its proximity to the well-known My Khe Beach, Lang Co Beach, Ba Na Hills, Hoi An and My Son Cham Tower Complex. Here is our list of Best Things to Do and Places to Visit:

Table of Contents

1. Bana Hills Station:

Ba Na Hills is a hill station and resort located in the Truong Son Mountains west of the city of Da Nang, in central Vietnam. The station, advertised as “Da Lat of Danang province” by local tourism authorities, was founded in 1919 by French colonists. Linh Ung Pagoda is situated near the station, with a cable car nearby to tourists and from the resort.

The Ba Na Cable Car, opened on March 29, 2013, holds the world record for the longest non-stop single track cable car at 5801 meters in length. Its latest tourist attraction is the Golden Bridge (Golden Hand Bridge Danang).

2. Dragon Bridge:

Dragon Bridge measures 666 metres in length, making it the longest bridge in Vietnam. A popular spot amongst photographers, the six-lane bridge crosses the Han River and is constructed in the shape of a golden dragon, which locals believe symbolises power, nobility and good fortune.

While it’s a magnificent sight at any time of the day, Dragon Bridge is particularly cool (and packed with sightseers) during weekends as it is illuminated with colourful LED while it breathes fire and spits out water from 21:00 onwards. This is unique free things to do and see in Danang Vietnam.

3. My Khe Beach:

My Khe Beach boasts a 20-mile stretch of white sand that’s approximately 6km east of Da Nang. Named by the American troops who visited during the Vietnam War, it is considered to be one of Vietnam’s most picturesque beaches. Hosting a number of high-end resorts and seafood restaurants, My Khe Beach is also a popular spot for sunbathing, fishing, snorkelling, jet-skiing, and surfing.

Visitors can also check out numerous World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An Ancient Town, Hue Imperial City, and Phing Nga Caves, all of which are easily accessible via bus.

4. Marble Mountains:

Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills within Hoa Hai District, about 9km south of Da Nang. Named after natural elements, the peaks are individually known as Thuy Son (water), Moc Son (wood), Hoa Son (fire), Kim Son (metal) and Tho Son (earth). There are also a host of 17th-century Buddhist sanctuaries and pagoda temples dotted across the mountains, where locals pray and get their fortunes told.

A must-do for any first-time visitor to Da Nang is climbing the steps to the top of Marble Mountains, where they can enjoy spectacular views across Non Nuoc Beach or My Khe Beach. Alternatively, there’s an elevator service (VND 30,000) available for those with physical disabilities.

5. Son Tra Mountain:

Known as the Monkey Mountain, is a breath-taking national park in Da Nang that stands at 693 metres above sea level. Locally known as the Son Tra Peninsula, the winding roads surrounding prove to be a popular spot for motorcycling while hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the verdant jungles and also spot rare species such as the red face monkeys.

Linh Ung Pagoda is also set on Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain, which is a prominent attraction in Da Nang for housing the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Built atop a lotus-shaped platform, there are a total of 21 miniature Buddha sculptures within the beautiful 67 metre-tall white statue. This is unusual things to do in Danang.

6. Phap Lam Pagoda:

Phap Lam Pagoda is set within a two-storey building along Ong Ich Khiem Street, featuring plenty of trees, manicured gardens, and beautiful Buddhist sculptures. Despite its location within the bustling Da Nang city centre, the atmosphere here is very serene with locals praying in the morning and monks going about their daily lives.

The courtyard of the pagoda houses a 1.1-metre-high seated Buddha statue and brass statues of the Goddess of Mercy (Avalokitecvara) and Dai The Chi Bodhisattva. Visitors can also enjoy vegetarian cuisine at local restaurants and food carts surrounding Phap Lam Pagoda.

7. Hai Van Pass:

Hai Van Pass stands at 500m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam. It’s located on the border between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City, where you can enjoy panoramic views of verdant mountains and clear blue skies as well as Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and South China Sea.

The pass also hosts a dilapidated French-built fort that was later used as a bunker by South Vietnamese and US armies during the Vietnam War. Due to its sudden curves and blind corners, Hai Van is also notorious for its fair share of accidents – look out for small altars set along the roadside which are dedicated to perished victims.

8. Cham Sculpture Museum:

Cham Museum Da Nang commemorates the culture, lifestyle, and practices of Vietnam’s indigenous Cham tribe, who have roots dating back as far as 192AD. Founded during the colonial French rule in 1915, it is known as the only museum of its kind in the world.

Cham Museum Da Nang is divided into ten interior exhibition rooms, where 300 terracotta and stone sculptures from the 7th to the 15th centuries are showcased according to the region in which they were found. The museum also offers daily guided tours for groups of five and above from 8:00 to 10:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30.

9. Da Nang Cathedral:

Da Nang Cathedral is one of the most unique catholic churches in Vietnam. Featuring a pink-painted edifice, stained-glass windows, and an imposing bell tower topped with a rooster weathercock. Built by the French in 1923, it’s also known as Con Ga Church (Rooster Church). And serves the local Catholic community to this very day. The cathedral is located along Tran Phu Street, about a 15-minute walk from the iconic Dragon Bridge.

Entrance to Da Nang Cathedral is free of charge. Its high tower offers a stunning view of the city, Han River, and verdant mountains.

10. Non Nuoc Beach:

About 20-minute drive from Da Nang City. Non Nuoc Beach boasts international acclaim as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Featuring soft white sands, a gentle slope, unpolluted waters and mild waves. Visitors can do plenty of leisure activities such as sunbathing, jet-skiing, and surfing whilst enjoying local seafood dishes.

Non Nuoc Beach takes up five kilometres of Hoa Hai Ward’s coastline, ending at the foot of Marble Mountains. Which hosts ancient pagodas, sacred caves, and handicraft villages.

11. Military Zone 5 Museum:

The Fifth Military Division Museum of Da Nang offers visitors a glimpse of Vietnam’s tumultuous past. Featuring displays of war relics, news articles, and photographs taken by soldiers of the Fifth Military Division. The massive museum is divided into four main sections. That include outdoor and indoor display areas, a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s residence, and a Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Housing authentic aircrafts, military tanks, weapons and weapons used during the French and American wars. Must-sees include the A-37 Dragonfly light-attack aircraft, Cessna O-1 Bird Dog observation aircraft, and the M48 Patton gun tank. Foreign visitors are required to pay VND 40,000 for admission to the museum and an additional VND 10,000 for photos.

12. Danang Night Markets:

Da Nang is one of the tourist destinations chosen by many tourists as a destination for vacations so far. In addition to the blue beaches, scenic tourist areas, this place is also a paradise of food. This is one of the cities with many markets open at night, bustling and attracting many tourists.

Da Nang night market, like many other night markets, is a must-see attraction. With countless attractive and delicious dishes with the culinary characteristics of this place. At the same time, the night market often opens until late. With a lot of activities for you to experience as well as shop.

13. Han Market:

A perfect Danang trip is of course indispensable without a shopping section at the Han market. Because this market is known as a “shopping paradise”, where you can freely shop, enjoy food, walk along the streets. And learn about the shopping culture of the people here.

In particular, the Han market is also a great tourist place for those. Who want to learn about the traditional shopping culture. Look for ancient stalls, buy, and visit to their heart’s content. In addition, at Han market you can also exchange and chat with local people. Have new experiences about the life and culture of Da Nang people.

14. Con Market:

You may not know, Con Market is the culinary paradise of Da Nang. Coming here, you don’t have to think about what to eat and what to buy. Because Con market sells a variety of delicious specialties ranging from snacks to specialties as gifts.

Con market sells all necessities, household items, shoes, clothes, fruits… . And especially sells most of Da Nang specialties at affordable prices. Visitors should also refer to the prices at different stalls. That help to avoid overcharge for the first time here.