Da Nang Travel Guide: Vietnam’s Coastal City of Wonders

Sitting gracefully between the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An, Da Nang is Vietnam’s fastest-growing urban hub—and one of the most exciting destinations in Southeast Asia. With a blend of modern architecture, stunning coastlines, cultural sites, and mountainous landscapes, Da Nang offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and exploration.
 

Whether you're seeking beach vibes, nature trails, or architectural marvels, this ultimate travel guide to Da Nang will help you uncover everything the city has to offer.

📍 Where is Da Nang?

Region: Central Vietnam

Province: Da Nang Municipality

Coordinates: Along the South China Sea coast

Famous for: My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge, Marble Mountains, Golden Bridge, and a gateway to Hoi An & Hue

✈️ How to Get to Da Nang

By Air

Da Nang International Airport (DAD): Serves both domestic and international flights

Connected with cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and more

By Train

Da Nang Railway Station connects the north-south Reunification Line

Scenic train routes from Hue or Nha Trang

By Bus

Regular buses connect Da Nang with Hoi An (45 min), Hue (2.5 hrs), and other major cities

✨ Why Visit Da Nang?

✅ Pristine beaches and oceanfront resorts
✅ Iconic bridges and city skyline
✅ Cultural excursions to Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills
✅ Lively food scene blending central Vietnamese cuisine with global flair
✅ Easy access to Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, and Hue

🏖️ Top Things to Do in Da Nang

1. Marvel at the Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills)

One of Vietnam’s most famous Instagrammable spots, the Golden Bridge appears to be held up by giant stone hands. Located in Ba Na Hills, this area also offers:

French Village

Cable car rides

Fantasy Park (amusement park)

🕒 Best time: Morning for clearer views and fewer crowds

2. Relax on My Khe Beach

Dubbed one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia, My Khe Beach is ideal for:

Swimming

Surfing and jet skiing

Beachside cafés and seafood BBQs

Other nearby beaches: Non Nuoc, Bac My An, and Son Tra Peninsula beaches

3. Explore the Marble Mountains

A cluster of five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements: Water, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Wood.

Climb stone steps to Buddhist pagodas and hidden caves

Visit Huyen Khong Cave and Tam Thai Pagoda

Get panoramic views of Da Nang city and coastline

4. Visit the Dragon Bridge

Spanning the Han River, this iconic bridge breathes fire and water every weekend night at 9 PM.

Great photo ops at night when the dragon lights up

Best views from riverbanks or riverside cafés

5. Discover the Cham Museum

Home to the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts, showcasing the culture of the ancient Champa civilization.

🔍 Highlights:

Hindu sculptures from My Son Sanctuary

Stone carvings, Shiva statues, and lingam-yoni symbols

6. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda & the Lady Buddha

Located on Son Tra Peninsula, this spiritual site features:

Vietnam’s tallest statue of Lady Buddha (67m)

Views of Da Nang’s coast

A tranquil temple complex with bonsai gardens

7. Take a Day Trip to Hoi An or Hue

Hoi An: Just 30–45 minutes away by car

Hue: About 2.5 hours by train or car via the scenic Hai Van Pass

These UNESCO-listed cities are cultural must-sees.

🍲 What to Eat in Da Nang

Da Nang is known for its flavorful Central Vietnamese cuisine, fresh seafood, and a growing café culture.

Local Dishes to Try

Mi Quang – Turmeric rice noodles with shrimp, pork, and herbs

Bun Cha Ca – Fish cake noodle soup with dill and vegetables

Banh Xeo – Crispy rice pancakes filled with shrimp and pork

Bun Thit Nuong – Vermicelli with grilled pork and peanut sauce

Seafood BBQ – Visit the seafood restaurants along the beach

Where to Eat

Ba Duong (Banh Xeo)

Mi Quang Ba Mua

Quan Be Man (Seafood)

Madame Lan (Riverside Vietnamese cuisine)

Luna Pub (Western fusion & drinks)

🛍️ Shopping in Da Nang

Han Market – Local souvenirs, dried fruits, and conical hats

Con Market – Fresh produce, street snacks, and clothing

Vincom Plaza – Modern mall with global brands

Night Markets – An Thuong, Son Tra, or Helio Night Market for food and fun

📸 Best Instagram Spots

Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills

Dragon Bridge at night

Marble Mountains’ caves and stairs

Lady Buddha with ocean view

My Khe Beach sunrise or sunset

📅 Best Time to Visit Da Nang

March to May is considered the best time for a balance of weather and crowd levels.

🎉 Da Nang Events and Festivals

International Fireworks Festival (May–June): Teams from around the world compete in nighttime firework shows

Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditional lanterns and cultural performances

Tet Festival (Lunar New Year): Parades, lion dances, and vibrant decorations

Beach Festival: Music, art, and sports events held along Da Nang’s beaches

🏨 Where to Stay in Da Nang

Luxury

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort – Iconic 5-star retreat on Son Tra Peninsula

Furama Resort Danang – Beachfront with world-class amenities

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort – Ideal for families and couples

Mid-Range

Sala Danang Beach Hotel – Rooftop pool with beach views

Haka Boutique Hotel – Cozy, stylish, close to My Khe Beach

San Marino Boutique Hotel – Excellent location near Dragon Bridge

Budget

Funtastic Beach Hostel – Great social vibe

Rom Casa – Shipping container hostel with a unique style

Packo Hostel – Eco-friendly and modern

🚴 Day Trips from Da Nang

Hoi An Ancient Town – Lantern-lit streets and tailor shops

My Son Sanctuary – Ancient Hindu temple ruins of the Champa kingdom

Hue Imperial City – Historic royal citadel and tombs

Son Tra Nature Reserve – Spot red-shanked douc langurs and explore jungle trails

Hai Van Pass – A scenic motorbike route made famous by Top Gear Vietnam Special

💡 Travel Tips for Da Nang

Use Grab or local taxis for getting around

Learn a few Vietnamese phrases – Locals appreciate it

Avoid swimming during the stormy season

Visit early morning or sunset for best photos and fewer crowds

Use sunscreen – The sun can be strong year-round

🌍 Eco and Cultural Tourism

Da Nang is working toward being an eco-friendly city:

Support eco-friendly tours (cycling, walking, boat tours)

Avoid plastic waste at the beach

Visit local farms, temples, and artisans to support community tourism

🏁 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re lounging on soft sands, exploring mountain caves, or snapping shots at one-of-a-kind bridges, Da Nang strikes a perfect harmony between nature, culture, and modern convenience. It’s an essential stop on any Vietnamese itinerary, whether for a few days or a full week.

With great food, hospitable locals, and nearby heritage wonders like Hoi An and Hue, Da Nang is more than just a stopover—it’s a destination in its own right.