Things to do in da nang

Da Nang is a prized city, centred in Vietnam, boasting of picturesque coasts, cultural sites, and adrenaline-pumping activities, making the place quite dynamic for any visitor. From tracking ancient history, taking out time on serene beaches, and to being an admirer of modern engineering, Da Nang offers a wide range of choices regarding things to do. Herein, a detailed guide for the best things to do in Da Nang has been put together to optimize your trip.

Be wowed by Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge

The Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills became widely known around the world because of its structure "Hands of God." A surreal and mystique-looking bridge is supported by giant stone hands. It lies 1,400 meters above sea level and really provides a breathtaking view of the mountain, and of course, the cool air. Ba Na Hills houses a cute French village, a theme park, and cable cars with a panorama view.

Visit the Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are five limestone and marble hills that were named according to the five elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. The mountains contain a great number of caves, temples, and pagodas that have much to say about Da Nang's spiritual history. Thuy Son is the biggest and contains stairways and an elevator that lead to beautiful views, making this mountain serve both adventurous and sightseeing purposes.

Sunbathing at My Khe Beach

Nick-named "one of the most luxurious beaches in the world," the My Khe Beach boasts soft white sands and serene waters that perfectly create a tranquil atmosphere for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. It is just minutes from downtown; locals and tourists alike love to go there for some relaxation. You can also find various activities like rentals of surfboards, parasailing, and beachfront cafes to make your day at the beach much more interesting.

Take a Ride Along the Hai Van Pass

Truly adventurous spirits would never miss a motorbike ride over Hai Van Pass. This 21-kilometer mountainous road zigzags along the coast, offering spectacular ocean views and a lot of twists and turns. Rated as one of the world's best coastal routes, it has already featured on the Top Gear Vietnam Special and tops in the experience books for travelers who want to have scenic thrills​.

Visiting the Cham Museum of Sculpture

This museum houses the world's greatest collection of Cham Sculptures dating back to the 7th century. The Cham people were inhabitants of Central and Southern Vietnam, and they have left behind a fabulous treasure of art and architecture that can still be seen in this museum. The Cham Museum follows an exciting itinerary through an ancient culture, with sculptures and altars forming poignant tales of Champa's Buddhist and Hindu influences.

Watch the fire show on Dragon Bridge

The Dragon Bridge is also a masterpiece of modern engineering, an actual signature of Danang City. Taking the shape of a gold dragon, crossing over the Han River, it is brightly lit up with LED light at night. Even more so, on every Saturday and Sunday at 9pm, even the bridge "breathes" fire and water, making it turn into an exciting spectacle for locals and tourists alike.

Visit Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra is also known as the Monkey Mountain due to its stunning greenery and a home for one of the rare species of red-shanked douc langur monkeys. It hosts views overlooking the coastline of Da Nang, quiet beaches, and the iconic Linh Ung Pagoda featuring a tall statue of the Lady Buddha. This is also an excellent place for hiking, wildlife spotting, and nature photography.

Eat local food - Take a cooking lesson.

Food in Vietnam has gained worldwide fame, and there is probably no more genuine and real way to enjoy it than through a cooking class. Most classes involve visits to any local market where you'll get to learn about the traditional ingredients, before making dishes like pho, banh xeo, or spring rolls. Gets you full with exquisite food and equips one with enough knowledge on the rich cuisine heritage of Vietnam.

Day Trip to Ancient Town of Hoi An

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An is situated just 30 km away from Da Nang. This pretty town, with its incredibly well-preserved architecture, vibrant streets full of lanterns, and riverside beauty, forms a perfect foil to the city. Take a walk along the ancient streets and explore ancient homes, Japanese bridges, and artisan shops selling handmade items.

Spending time on Non Nuoc Beach

For a more subdued beach experience, head down to Non Nuoc Beach. This strip of sand is lined with resorts and green hills, forming a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. It's much less crowded than My Khe Beach and an ideal spot to have some relaxing time on the beach or take a romantic walk along the shore in the evening ​.

Shop at Con Market

Con Market is the largest and busiest market within Da Nang, with over 2,000 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts. This is the best place to take local delicacies such as banh mi and pho, besides undertaking some souvenir shopping.

Visit Da Nang Cathedral

Locals refer to it as the "Rooster Church" due to the rooster statue atop its bell tower. The aesthetically pleasing pink Da Nang Cathedral was constructed by early 20th-century French colonists. Colorful stained glass and intelligently designed Gothic architecture add to this beautiful church being a standout - something quite nice for architects and historians alike.

Try the Tastings at the 7 Bridges Brewing Taproom

While local brews make headlines throughout Vietnam, this place must be a to-do for every craft beer lover: 7 Bridges Brewing Taproom, close by the Han River. Try creative beers like Black Rivet Lager and Cable Stayed IPA with views of the Da Nang skyline. This is a great spot to hang around in the evening if one wishes to try something different from the usual Vietnamese beverages.

Cruise Along the Han River

The night cruise in the Han River allows guests to enjoy the skyline and bridges in Da Nang when they are illuminated, such as the Dragon and Tran Thi Ly bridges. In addition, many of them offer live performances and dinner, thus letting one enjoy the evening beauty of the city in full measure ​.

Enjoy the Architecture at Linh Ung Pagoda

Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula has a 67 meters tall statue of the Lady Buddha overlooking the city with great views. Peace and spiritualism are embodied in the entire complex; thus, beautiful gardens, temples, and richly ornamented statues are all part of quiet retreats from the hustle and bustle of the city.

FAQs about Da Nang

1. Best time to visit Da Nang: The best time to see Da Nang is from February to May; at this time, the temperature is pretty cool, and the rainfall is minimal.

2. How long should I spend in Da Nang? It is possible with a 3–4-day tour to visit all the main sights in Da Nang, and even squeeze in an extra day trip to either Hoi An or the Marble Mountains.

3. What to wear when visiting temples/pagodas in Da Nang? Dress moderately with clothes covering your shoulders and knees out of respect for the site.

4. Easy to get around Da Nang? The amount of taxis, moto-bike rentals, and bike-hailing applications allows moving around town very easily.

5. Do I need a guide for the Marble Mountains? Not necessarily, but advised, since he updates you with information regarding the history and significance of the caves and temples.

6. Are cooking classes available in English? Yes, most cooking classes cater to English-speaking tourists and include instructions in English.

7. What is Da Nang famous for?
   A brilliant coastline, cool cultural places, and quite a few different kinds of buildings are what it has. Here, one can find the best beaches in Vietnam: My Khe and Non Nuoc, rated as the best because of their water's crystal clearness and super clean sand. Of course, the Marble Mountains rank very high, too, with their temples, caves, and great views. This also includes the Dragon Bridge as the other place to be that lights up during night and does this awesome fire-breathing dragon show on weekends. Other great places include Son Tra Peninsula with Linh Ung Pagoda and its big Lady Buddha statue.

8. Is Da Nang, Vietnam worth visiting?
   Absolutely, yes. This is that kind of coastal city that somehow managed to put together natural beauty and cultural richness that ought to charm the traveler in his quest for both relaxation and exploration. Beautiful beaches, scenic mountains, modern bridges, traditional markets—Da Nang has it all. Centrally placed, it is also a place from where one may reach with ease other places of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Hoi An and My Son.

9. How long will it take to get a taxi from Da Nang to Hoi An?
   Normally, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but it depends on the traffic condition. The trip is about 30 km, and taking a taxi is quite a popular way to go because it's comfy and gets you straight there. In addition, along the coast, the drive is really nice, so you will be able to check some amazing sights of the beach and the countryside.

10. What are the top things to do in Da Nang at night?
    From night markets to passive waterfront bars, fantastic cultural performances are included in its nightlife. Be sure to check out the awesome fire-and-water show on the Dragon Bridge at 9 PM every Saturday and Sunday night. Afterward, head over to Han Market for tasty food and some really cool souvenirs. Nighttime cruises up and down the Han River are also super popular for great views of the city and a laid-back way to enjoy an evening.

11. What is the entrance fee for Monkey Mountain in Da Nang?
    The entrance fee is always free, but note that there is a place or two, like pagodas or organized tours, that could take some entrance fees. You will surely find a lot of fun activities to do here, such as hiking, observation of wildlife, and great views of the coastline. This place is a must to pay a visit for all nature lovers.

12. Free things to do in Da Nang?
    You've got a good amount of options. You can start with My Khe Beach, followed by the Marble Mountains—just a small entrance fee, depending on what part you enter—or head toward the beautiful Da Nang Cathedral. The Linh Ung Pagoda on the Son Tra Peninsula doesn't have an entrance fee either, and it's really chill with great views over the city. And, of course, there's the fire show from Dragon Bridge on the weekends—free of cost and quite family-friendly!

13. What time does the dragon spit fire in Da Nang?
    The Dragon Bridge there does its fire-breathing thing every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 PM. Every show has two rounds of fire-breathing, then this cool water display afterward which usually lasts for about 15 minutes. We recommend you reach 20 minutes in advance to pick a nice picture spot as many visitors arrive earlier.

14. Is Da Nang safe for solo female travelers?
    Generally speaking, Da Nang is fine for solo females. It's got this great vibe going on because the locals are friendly, the places are nice that tourists go to, and transport is good. Still, as with any other city, you've got to take care of yourself and know when not to go to very dark places at night and secure your belongings. Generally speaking, Da Nang is pretty laid-back and safe for solo travelers as is the rest of Vietnam.
    Vietnam is ranked amongst the top 10 safest countries in asia!