The Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam – Da Nang Travel Advice 🇻🇳
Da Nang is one of the most exciting cities in Central Vietnam — a clean, coastal hub with a perfect blend of beautiful beaches, mountains, exceptional bridges, Vietnamese culture, and an incredible food scene. With a long stretch of coastline, a lively riverfront, and easy access to Hội An and Hue, it’s the perfect base for exploring Central Vietnam – Hoi An, My Son, and Hue are all within easy reach. Whether you’re here for the Hai Van Pass, the Golden Bridge, or a relaxed beach escape, this guide covers everything you need to plan the ultimate trip.
🇻🇳 New to Vietnam? Start with my Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide — routes, tips, and everything you need to plan your trip.
🌏 Quick Da Nang Travel Tips
Where is Da Nang located?
Da Nang (Đà Nẵng / Danang City) sits on the central coast of Vietnam, between Hội An and Hue, making it one of the easiest hubs for travel in Southeast Asia.
Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Located minutes from the city — super convenient for flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and major Asian hubs.
Is Da Nang Worth Visiting?
Da Nang is the kind of city where you can watch the sunrise over My Khe Beach, ride a motorbike through the Hai Van Pass, sip coconut coffee at sunset, and end your night watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire. So, Absolutely!
The modern, vibrant city, is full of energy, yet close to nature with quiet escapes like the Son Tra Peninsula and nearby islands.
Top Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam
1. Ride the Legendary Hai Van Pass 🏍️ 🚀
The Hai Van Pass is one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, winding from Da Nang toward Hue with sweeping ocean views, jungle cliffs, and dramatic curves. Stretching 165 km between Da Nang and Thừa Thiên-Huế, it’s perfect for motorbikes, jeeps, or even a scenic train ride, and it’s easily one of Vietnam’s most iconic scenic drives.
🚆 Prefer something more relaxed? You can also experience the Hai Van Pass aboard a scenic train from Da Nang to Hue, offering panoramic coastal views without the need to ride or drive. If you’re curious, check out the Hue Imperial Train to see what the journey is like.
Why should you recommend Hai Van Pass? Because this winding coastal route delivers jaw-dropping ocean panoramas, lush jungle scenery, dramatic cliffside curves, and unforgettable adventure. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a taste of Vietnam’s wild, dramatic coastline.
👉 Ready to ride Vietnam’s most famous coastal mountain road? From Easy Rider motorbike ride to jeep tours, or driving by yourself. Get the full breakdown of routes, stops, prices, and the best tours in my Hai Van Pass Tour Guide 👀🌄.
👉 If the Hai Van Pass ignites your adventurous side, the Ha Giang Loop 🏔️ takes things to the next level — raw, rugged, and unreal. On what to expect, read my Ha Giang Motorbike Tour Guide for the full experience. I’ve done both 🏍️ – and yes, it’s every bit as epic as people say.
2. About the Famous Bridges of Da Nang 🌉
Da Nang is known as the City of Bridges, each with its own character and nighttime glow.
Here are the highlights:
- Dragon Bridge 🐉 – breathes fire & water every weekend night – what an amazing experience.
- Han River Bridge – Vietnam’s only swing bridge and popular for Han river Night cruises.
- Tran Thi Ly Bridge – spectacular illuminated cables – stunning on a night cruise.
- Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills) – the famous “Hands Bridge” in the clouds 🌥️ –
More on this iconic bridge – how to get there and what to expect further down in this post.
👉 🌳 Before you book those Ba Na Hills tickets, check my Complete Guide on Da Nang Bridges where I cover from entry fees, tips on best viewpoints, the best time to go, and to whether it truly deserves a spot on your Da Nang itinerary.
👉 ⛴️ Recommended: A perfect way to experience these Bridges, is on a sunset or dinner cruise such as the Han river Seoul cruise, a local boat, the Rainbow Bridge Yacht, or the larger Eland Cruise boat. Book the Poseidon Cruise with Dinner and Dragon Bridge Show with Viator, or other Da Nang Han River Cruise options with GetYourGuide.
3. Take Cable Car up to Ba Na Hills 🚡
Sunworld Ba Na Hills Resort is an exceptional mountain resort in Central Vietnam. The place is known for its exceptional bridge, unique architecture, beautiful scenery, and stunning views.
To reach the impressive Golden bridge, visitors experience the world’s longest cable car ride, at 1,487 meters above sea level. You’ll be astonished by the breathtaking views of the surroundings, and forest-jungle below.
The Resort spans 26,000 hectares of the Ba Na Nui Chua Nature Reserve and offer the following:
- Golden bridge – 150 metre pedestrian bridge.
- French Village in the clouds, with cobblestone streets, colonial-style architecture, and a Gothic cathedral.
- A Moon Garden and a French Garden.
- 4 Seasons in 1 day (a welcoming escape from the heat).
- Cultural: The Linh Ung Pagoda and Nghinh Phong Peak.
- Fantasy Park: An amusement park with various rides & entertainment.
- Several Restaurants and amenities.
- A brewery, wax museum, and 3D mapping light shows.
To book a full day tour, check out Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Full day tour, and several other options from GetYourGuide, or BaNa Hills tours by Viator.
👉🌉 Read my full guide to find out all about Da Nang’s astonishing Bridges.
4. Relax on Da Nang’s Best Beaches 🏖️
The coastline is long, clean, and perfect for swimming, snorkelling, great for sunrise runs, quiet afternoons, just chilling at beach cafés.
The Best Da Nang Beaches 🌴
- My Khe Beach: the most famous beach in Da Nang, and is popular for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports like surfing, jet skiing, and parasailing. Forbes Magazine (USA) once named it as one of the most attractive beaches globally.
- Da Nang beaches are famous for watching stunning sunrises and sunsets.
- Non Nuoc Beach: known for its serene atmosphere, swimming, and water sports, and coastal resorts.
- Pham Van Dong Beach: popular swimming beach situated between the Son Tra Peninsula and the city centre with lots of restaurants and cafes. Close to the nearby Pham Van Dong Park, with a fountain, and freshwater pools with amenities.
5. Discover the Natural Beauty of the Cham Islands 🏝️💦
Just off the coast of Da Nang and Hoi An lie the Cham Islands, part of the UNESCO-protected Cu Lao Cham Marine Park. These islets are known for crystal-clear water, corals with marine-life, seafood and laid-back island life. You can also enjoy the experience on a Cham Island tour.
How to get to the Cham Islands:
The cost for sea-transport from Da Nang to Cham Island depends on the type of boat. Speedboats typically charge between between 400,000 VND to 500,000 VND for a round trip. Cham Island ferries charge around 380,000 VND to 400,000 VND for a round trip (at time of writing this article).
On a booked tour, a speedboat from Cua Dai will take you to highlights like Au Thuyen, Hai Tang Pagoda, and Ong Temple. Therafter, you’ll visit the powdery beaches and have the opportunity to swim and snorkel among vibrant marine life. Most day tours include time at Huong Beach or Ong Beach, and then enjoy fresh Vietnamese seafood before heading back.
👉 Recommended: Book a Cham Islands Snorkelling Tour 💦. The slands are famous for warm waters, and some of the region’s best Vietnamese seafood. Speedboats depart daily from Da Nang, Điện Dương, and Hoi An.
6. Explore Marble Mountains 🏔️
A set of five limestone and marble mountains just outside the city with the following highlights:
- The Am Phu Cave is tucked at the foot of Water Mountain (Thuy Son) -forms part of the Marble Mountains, famous for its eerie chambers and dramatic statues🗿.
- Pagodas at Marble Mountain include historical Tam Thai Pagoda and the Linh Ung Pagoda.
- Climb to the top of Marble Mountain for beautiful viewpoints over Da Nang.
- Non Nuoc Sone Carving Village: the centuries-old village, located at the foot of Marble Mountain.
👉 Recommended Small group tour: Marble Mountains – Am Phu Cave – Monkey Mountain tour 🐒.
7. Visit the Son Tra Peninsula 🕊️
The Son Tra Mountain and Peninsula area boasts peaceful surroundings, beautiful beaches, and sunset viewpoints 🌅.
- The 67-metre Lady Buddha statue watches over the city from Linh Ung Pagoda🗿.
- Scenic lookouts, sunset viewpoints, nature walks, and hiking trails 🥾.
- Monkey spotting: 👀 for endangered red-shanked Douc lungar 🐒.
- Hop on a boat, and enjoy a half-day adventure to Son Tra Peninsula-beaches ✨ .
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters, and snorkel above vibrant coral reefs 🐠.
- Casting lines from the boat and reeling in the day’s catch 🎣.
- Hop between remote beach paradises like Hoon Sup, Bai Nam and Bai Da.🌴
➡️ Explore all five regions of Vietnam in my Vietam Trip Planner! 🇻🇳
8. Eat & Sip Your Way Through Da Nang 🍜☕
Vietnamese coffee culture
Da Nang has a growing café culture with cute coffee shops everywhere. Speciality coffees include: Egg coffee, Coconut coffee, Salt coffee, Koi Coffee & Vietnamese drip coffee.
What is the fish coffee in Vietnam?
Frequently referred to as the “koi fish café,” it boasts sunken tables positioned right in a large koi pond, allowing patrons to enjoy their coffee and meals while vibrant koi swim mere inches away.
Da Nang’s Culinary Delights
Book a table at a rooftop restaurant along the Han River for a magical sunset and city lights experience while savour the flavours of central Vietnam. Must-try local specialties include:
- Mi Quang: The iconic turmeric-infused noodle dish of central Vietnam.
- Banh Xeo: Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and herbs.
- Fresh seafood: Grilled prawns to clams, Mì quảng, and street food.
- Banh Mi: Classic Vietnamese sandwiches with a variety of fillings.
- Vietnamese BBQ: Skewers, meats, and seafood grilled to perfection.
Da Nang’s food scene ranges from bustling street stalls to rooftop restaurants, offering something for every appetite.
👉 Recommended by 99% Travellers: DaNang Night Foodie Tour-Sighseeing with Aodai Lady Rider, or an DaNang evening Food tour.
9. Visit the My Son Sanctuary (Day Trip) 🛕
The My Son Sanctuary is A UNESCO site set in a lush jungle valley. It is renowned for its impressive collection of Ancient Hindu temples and sculptures, which date back to the Champa Kingdom. The site offers insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region and showcases remarkable architecture influenced by Indian culture.
You need to plan for at least 4 hours, which includes travel time to get there and back. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and tour groups. Wear a hat and take enough water or buy some at the entrance🥤.
👉 After exploring Da Nang’s stunning beaches, iconic bridges, and the breathtaking Hai Van Pass. To ensure you don’t miss out on any experiences in Vietnam, check out my Ultimate Guide to Visit Vietnam 🌅.
10. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town (Day Trip) 🏞️
Just 45 minutes from Da Nang, lies a charming quaint town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renown for lantern-lit streets, riverside charm, and a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese heritage.
Is Hoi An worth visiting? Whether you visit for a day or stay a couple of nights, Hoi An is absolutely worth the experience.
Best Things to Do in Hoi An
- 🏮 Wander Hoi An Old Town: Stroll narrow lanes lined with yellow shop houses, heritage temples, wooden merchant homes, and bustling markets. It’s one of the most atmospheric towns in Vietnam.
- 🎐 Take a Lantern-Lit Boat Ride at Night: A must-do: float down the Thu Bon River with glowing lanterns reflecting off the water — magical and photogenic.
- 🛶 Basket Boat Ride in the Coconut Forest: Glide through the peaceful palm channels. You can opt for the lively spinning basket boat experience (fun but touristy).
- 🍜 Taste Hoi An’s Famous Cuisine: Cao lầu noodles, white rose dumplings, bánh mì, fresh seafood, and riverside cocktails — Hoi An’s food scene is legendary.
- 🪡 Explore Tailor Shops & Boutiques: Hoi An is Vietnam’s handmade capital. From custom suits to linen outfits and leather bags, you’ll find excellent craftsmanship at great prices.
- 🏖️ Relax on An Bang or Cua Dai Beach: Cycle or take a taxi to Hoi An’s coastal side to sandy beaches, and cool cafés.
- 🚲 Cycle the Countryside: Ride through the scenic rice paddies, water buffalo paths, and rural villages.
✨ From street-food safaris to lantern crafting, basket-boat rides, and coffee masterclasses, Hoi An delivers unforgettable moments.
👉 See all the best Hoi An tours and experiences here.
11. Day Trip to Hue ✨
Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is located just north of Da Nang and offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and scenic landscapes. It’s perfect for a full-day trip or an overnight stay if you want to explore at a more relaxed pace.
🏞️ Top Things to Do in Hue
- Experience the Hai Van Pass 🏍️ – Don’t miss the 21-km-long mountain pass on National Route 1, offering jaw-dropping coastal views between Da Nang and Hue.
- Perfume River Sunset Cruise 🌅 – Book a cruise along the 80-km-long river to enjoy serene sunset views surrounded by lush forests.
- Imperial City & Forbidden Purple Citadel 🏯 – Explore the 19th-century palaces, shrines, and citadel that showcase Vietnam’s rich imperial heritage.
- Discover the Tombs of Hue ⚱️ – Visit iconic tombs like Tu Duc, Minh Mang, and Khai Dinh, set amidst tranquil gardens and lakes.
- Thien Mu Pagoda 🕍 – This seven-story riverside pagoda perched on a hill has stood since 1601 and is one of Hue’s most recognizable landmarks.
Hue Travel Tips
- How many days? 2–3 days is ideal to explore Hue fully, but a one-day trip from Da Nang works for highlights.
- Best time to visit: Hue is hot and humid, so plan for light clothing, hydration, and a sun hat. Avoid the rainy season if possible.
- Where to stay: Hotels near the Imperial Citadel or along the Perfume River provide convenience and scenic views.
👉 Recommended: Book a tour to see Hue’s 7 most popular attractions in a day — saves time and guarantees you hit the highlights.
Weather in Da Nang 🌤️
- Best time: Feb–May (sunny, warm, minimal rain).
- Summer: Hot but great beach weather.
- Rainy season: September–December (storms possible).
Where to Stay in Da Nang 🏨
My Khe Beach Area – Best for beach access + cafés.
City Centre / Han River – Best for restaurants + nightlife.
Son Tra Peninsula – Quiet retreats + nature.
Riverside Hotel – Stunning view of the Dragon Bridge from your balcony (also where I took the image of bridges). The city has a lively atmosphere, and most of the riverside hotels have views of Dragon bridge although it gets quite noisy at night.
👉 🛌 For the best accommodations and deals on Hotels in Asia, compare Hostelworld, Booking.com and Klook.
What to Pack for Southeast Asia 🎒🧳
Heading to Southeast Asia? Don’t forget a smart packing strategy — check out my ultimate guide to packing for Southeast Asia before you go!
Getting to & Around Da Nang 🚗🏍️🚆
- Fly into Da Nang International Airport (DAD).
- Easy Train travel – key stop for trains to Hanoi, Hue, Dong Hoi, and HCMC.
- Buses – Long distance travel 🚌.
- Taxi / Grab easiest and cheapest for getting around Da Nang.
- Scooter rentals are common (only if you’re confident).
- Tours large selection of trips and tours to attractions, Hai van Pass, and towns.
- Easy Riders Da Nang Easy Riders organises motorbike tours since the mid 1990s.
👉 🔒 Travel Smart – Don’t hit the road without travel insurance.
Best Reasons to Visit Da Nang🔥
- Perfect base for Central Vietnam.
- Close to top attractions in Da Nang region.
- Clean, modern city with lots of things to see and do.
- Mix of beaches, mountains and scenery.
- Amazing food and cheaper than larger cities.
✨ If you love adventure, beaches, viewpoints, and great cafés – Da Nang is a perfect addition to your Travel Itinerary to Vietnam.
👉 Make the most of your trip! From beaches to mountains and everything in between, → compare these Top Da Nang tours for the best experiences.
🗺️ How Da Nang Fits Into a Vietnam Itinerary
🏙️ Da nang how many days
The vibrant city of Da Nang is vibrant, and full of unique attractions. Therefore I recommend you spend at least 3 days if you’re short on time. You can ride the Hai Van Pass in the morning, relax on the beach in the afternoon, and enjoy nightlife after sunset. If you’re interested in Danang 4 Days Bus and Boat Experience Tour
Examples – Itinerary for Vietnam
- Hanoi → Da Nang → Hoi An → Nha Trang → Ho Chi Minh City
- Hue → Hai Van Pass → Da Nang → Hoi An
- Hanoi → Ha Giang → Hanoi → Phong Nha → Hue → Hai van Pass → Da Nang → Quy Nhon → HCMC → Con Dao Island
The latter was my recent 3 week Vietnam Itinerary. Visits to Hoi An and other places were on my previous journey around Vietnam.
👉 Whether you want to sail along the coastline on the pristine Con Dao Islands, climb the mountains, or go jungle trekking in Phong Nha, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out –secure your spot and make the most of your Da Nang journey!
🌅 After Da Nang: Where to next?
- 🌟 Continue south to Hội An – the magical UNESCO old town glowing with lanterns, food stalls, and riverside charm.
- 🏯 Or Head north to Hue – explore the Hue Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, and scenic Perfume River, or take a day trip from Da Nang.
- 👉🌉 Read my full guide to the astonishing Bridges of Da Nang — a must-visit experience for your Vietnam itinerary.
- 👉🌴 Explore the breathtaking Islands of Vietnam — the perfect tropical add-on to elevate your entire trip.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Da Nang 🚀
Whether you’re exploring with a backpack, enjoying a relaxing city break, or road-tripping across Vietnam, Da Nang delivers variety, beauty, friendliness, and vibrant energy. Besides being centrally located, it’s a city that surprises you in the best way – and it absolutely deserves a spot on your Vietnam itinerary.
📌 If you’re planning a full adventure through the country, don’t miss my Complete Vietnam Travel Guide with itineraries, and the top places to visit.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. A little help from my travel buddy, ChatGPT by OpenAI, and Grammarly Premium went into creating this post!
