A developing and bustling coastal city, Da Nang now has been the third-largest city in Vietnam. Surrounded by pristine sandy white beaches and located near the Buddhist pagodas and caves of the Marble Mountains, Da Nang now is the leading destination in the Vietnam trip and these are top 10 best things to do in Danang that you should not miss.

Da Nang Travel Overview

Situated in the South Central region of Vietnam, Da Nang is adjacent to Thua Thien Hue in the north, Quang Nam in the west and south, and the East Sea in the east. The city is the central area, connecting three UNESCO world cultural heritages, including Hue Imperial Citadel, Hoi An Ancient Town, and My Son Sanctuary. Da Nang owns many topographical features, including magnificent mountains, charming beaches and vast plains, which creates mesmerizing landscapes. For a prime location, Da Nang now plays important role in   economy, tourist, and military defense of the Central - Central Highlands regions of Vietnam, and also becomes a transportation corridor between the North and the South of Vietnam.

Climate in Da Nang 

Affected by the tropical monsoon climate, Da Nang has two distinct seasons, the dry season (January to September) and the rainy season (October to December). The average temperature here is around 25 degrees Celsius, in which the highest temperature is 28 to 30 degrees Celsius in June to August; and the lowest one is 18 to 23 degrees Celsius in December to February.

What is the best time to visit?

The weather is ideal from March to September, when the temperature is from 20°C to 29°C, and the city records the lowest rainfall with crystal-clear skies. In the winter, from September till January, rain showers are an almost daily occurrence so tourist should bring an umbrella when traveling to Da Nang at this time.

What to visit in Da Nang

1. Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra Peninsula is a precious natural forest ecosystem of Da Nang. Regarded as a huge green lung of the city, every day, the forest here recreates enough oxygen to supply 4 million people. The land is a home to various precious animal species, some of which are recorded in the red book. Being bestowed with fresh weather and gorgeous beaches such as Bai But, Bai Tien Sa, Bai Bac and Bai Nam, Son Tra Peninsula is a leading tourist destination in Da Nang. Reaching here, tourists should not miss Linh Ung Pagoda, where there is the tallest Lady Buddha Statue in Vietnam.

2. My Khe Beach

Recognized as the most mesmerizing beach on the planet by Forbes, My Khe Beach looks like an immense blue strip stretching over 900 meters. Merely 3 kilometers far from the city center, My Khe beach is endowed with pristine water, white sand lined with coconut trees, gentle waves and fresh atmosphere, which is suitable for aquatic sports such as swimming, sunbathing, jet-skiing, and surfing while enjoying delicious seafood. 

3. Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), known as Non Nuoc Mountain, includes five limestone mountains, representing five elements in the Eastern belief, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. According to historical records, the Cham people worshiped their gods and held their religious celebrations, then Vietnamese arrived and brought Buddhist beliefs and culture, constructed more temples and shrines, making this place diverse identity. You coming here will be stunned at magnificent caves and sacred temples.

4. Ba Na Hill

At 1,487 meters above sea level, Ba Na Hill is considered the most luxurious entertainment complex in Vietnam. Coming here, tourists admire the mesmerizing landscapes, participate in festival activities and enjoy culinary feasts. The Golden Bridge is the most symbolic icon of the complex and a great testimony to the power and creation of Mother Nature. Another charming location in Ba Na Hills is the French Village, bringing the romantic beauty of French countryside, and the unique architecture.

5. Han River Bridge

As a symbol and pride for Da Nang people, Han River Bridge is an eccentric bridge that serves as a main transportation facility and an alluring tourist attraction. The bridge is the important place to hold an international cultural tourism event, the Firework Festival, taking place on April 29-30. The occasion draws a great number of domestic and international visitors to come and contemplate stunning firework displays. Especially, the bridge can rotate for 90 degrees, revealing two waterways for boats to transport.

6. Dragon Bridge

As a symbol of Da Nang, Dragon Bridge is the heaviest bridge in Vietnam, crossing the poetic Han River. The bridge has a solid dome structure and specially designed by using steel pipes and a lighting system of 15,000 LED bulbs for decoration. Especially, the bridge is constructed in the shape of a huge dragon, capable of spraying water and fire. Coming here, visitors can enjoy the special shows on Dragon Bridge, capture stunning photos and know more about the vibrant city. 

7. Love Bridge

Located on Tran Hung Dao Street, Love Bridge simulates the famous love bridges in France and European countries with the length of 68 meters in the form of an arc. It is the most famous Da Nang attractions that any couples could not miss because here the couples lock their padlocks onto the bridge, then throw keys away.  The action is a symbol for the ever-lasting love. Standing at the bridge, visitors can also admire the dreamy beauty of Han River.

8. Sky 36

Situated on the 36th floor and the house number 36, it is the highest floor of Novotel Danang hotel, where tourists can capture the panoramic view of poetic rivers, magnificent mountains, pristine beaches, and the city’s lights at night. Arriving Da Nang, tourists should not miss the chance to admire the beauty of the whole city from above.

9. Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass is one of the most stunning passes in Vietnam, connecting Da Nang and Hue. The pass has the total length of 20 kilometers. At the height of 500 meter above sea, with the magnificent and majestic beauty, this place will surely satisfy the adventure lovers and enthusiasts. Some favorite locations on the pass are Gate Hai Van, Don Ca arch bridge, and Lang Co viewpoint.

10. Linh Ung Pagoda

There are three pagodas named Linh Ung in Da Nang, in which Linh Ung Pagoda in Son Tra peninsula is the biggest and the most beautiful one. Constructed with many traditional features and sacred spiritual culture, the pagoda contains 18 Arhats statues, leading to the main chamber, each of them depicts various emotions of humanity.

Some "Should-not miss" Festival

1. Festival of Avalokiteshvara

Held annually on February 19 of the lunar calendar, at the Marble Mountains, Avalokitesvara Festival is a spiritual celebration with sacred Buddhist rituals, to wish for good weather, health, peace, and harmony. There are various traditional and modern performances, like singing folk songs, dancing, and calligraphy exhibition activities, which draws numerous tourists and Buddhist pilgrims.

2. Fireworks Festival

Taken place annually to commemorate the liberation of Vietnam on April 30 and International Workers’ Day on May 1, Fireworks Festival is an international-scaled cultural and tourist event, which draws many foreign fireworks industries such as Japan, the United States, Italy, and Russia. Coming here, visitors will certainly be stunned at mesmerizing firework performances and vibrant music along Han River.

3. Cau Ngu Festival

As a long-established traditional festival of the coastal villages to show gratitude and respect towards whales, the festival is held annually on 14 to 16 January (lunar calendar) after the Lunar New Year. All the boat models are decorated with colorful flags and flowers, then are worshiped and released to the ocean. Tourists arriving here will gain an authentic insight into the traditional celebration of the coastal villages and their ceremonies.

What to eat in Da Nang

1. Mi Quang

Mi Quang is served in a small amount of savory pork and chicken broth. The main ingredients are the yellow rice noodles dyed from turmeric, slices of pork belly and shrimps, sesame rice cracker and roasted peanuts. The dish is also served with fresh herbs and vegetables.

2. Da Nang Chicken Rice

Chicken rice is a popular dish with an elaborate cooking process. Rice is served with a small bowl of chicken broth seasoned with black pepper and chopped green onion. The dish is served with chicken salad, made from shredded chicken, lemons leaves, and onions.

3. Bun Mam Nem

The dish typically features the highlight of Central Vietnam cuisine which is salty and spicy. Bun Mam Nem is a bowl of rice vermicelli, crunchy boiled pork ears, roasted pork belly, cured beef, roasted peanuts and green herbs. The dish is often served with fish sauce, mixed with lime juice and chilies.

4. Salad Of Nam O Fish

It is a famous specialty food only found in Nam O village in Da Nang. The main ingredient is fish, which is caught from the sea, so it is sweet and fresh. Through the careful processing period, the fish brings the special flavor, yet not fishy, which makes tourists fall in love in the first try.

5. Bun Cha Ca

Bun Cha Ca (fish cake noodle soup) is a must-try dish in Da Nang as its flavorful broth features the sweetness and sourness from tomatoes, pineapples and tamarind. The scent is sweet from vegetables and the spice of chili, making the dish become the special food in Da Nang.

6. Pancakes

As a street food, pancakes are wrapped in a thin rice paper, eaten with fresh vegetables and dotted with sweet and sour fish sauce. Diners will be mesmerized at the crispy of the crust and the greasy of shrimp and meat.

>>> What to do in Danang for 3 or 4 Days?