Hailed as Vietnam’s most livable city, Da Nang consistently ranks high on the list of must-visit destinations in Vietnam. This self-guided travel guide to Da Nang will help you fully explore this beautiful city and create unforgettable memories.
Da Nang has always been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. People come to Da Nang for many reasons: the beautiful combination of mountains, sea, and rivers, the friendly locals, and the modern lifestyle of a city that is constantly growing. It is precisely these factors that have made Da Nang tourism so enduringly popular.
When is Best Time to Visit Da Nang
Located in Central Vietnam, Da Nang’s climate is a transition between the North and South. The city has two distinct seasons: the dry season (January – July) and the rainy season (August – December). Temperatures are generally high but mild and not too harsh, making it quite suitable for tourism.
Like other coastal cities, Da Nang’s peak tourist season falls in the summer (June – August). This is when students are on summer break and work is generally less busy, making it perfect for a mid-year vacation.
However, according to this Da Nang travel guide, you can visit almost year-round as the city is rarely in the path of typhoons. Visiting Da Nang from February to April or during the end of the year will help you avoid crowds and save money as hotel prices and flights to Da Nang are quite affordable compared to peak season.
How to Getting to Da Nang
As the third largest city in Vietnam with convenient transportation, you’ll have no trouble getting to Da Nang. There are many different modes of transportation for you to choose from based on your budget and time.
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Flights
Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air all have flights to Da Nang International Airport with fares ranging from VND 400,000 to VND 1,600,000 one way. Flight time from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Da Nang is only about 1 hour. Another advantage is that Da Nang Airport is only a 5-minute drive from the city center, which is very convenient.
To find cheap flights to Da Nang, you should book your tickets at least 1 month in advance or take advantage of promotions from airlines.
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Train
By train, it will take you about 15-18 hours to reach Da Nang. Ticket prices range from VND 230,000 to VND 2,230,000 one way, depending on the seat class.
Taking the train not only helps you save money on your trip to Da Nang but also gives you the opportunity to admire the scenery along the way. You can check ticket prices and schedules on the Vietnam Railways website.
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Bus
Located in the “midpoint” between the North and South, there are also many buses from other provinces to Da Nang. Mostly sleeper buses, they are quite comfortable for a 16-20 hour journey.
From Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, there are large bus companies to Da Nang such as Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, Hoang Long… Ticket prices range from VND 300,000 to VND 450,000 one way.
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Motorbike
Besides the above means of transportation, motorbikes are an ideal choice for those who love to travel on the road. Not only are you in control of your time, but with a motorbike, you can also freely admire the surrounding scenery, stop to rest anywhere, and experience the excitement of conquering new roads. Don’t forget to invite your friends to join you to ensure a safe trip.
What to Do in Da Nang
1- Da Nang’s Bridges
It’s no wonder Da Nang is called the city of bridges. While not winning in terms of quantity, Da Nang’s bridges are famous for their beauty and uniqueness.
Han River Bridge
The most famous is Vietnam’s first rotating bridge, designed by Vietnamese engineers. The bridge rotates 90 degrees from 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM on weekdays and 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM on weekends to serve the sightseeing needs of tourists.
Location: The two ends of the bridge are Le Duan and Pham Van Dong streets.
Dragon Bridge
The image of a dragon winding along the length of the large bridge has become an icon of Da Nang. Every Saturday, Sunday, and on holidays at 9:00 PM, the bridge will breathe fire and water in a spectacular display. If you’re traveling to Da Nang on a weekend, you shouldn’t miss this sight.
Location: Nguyen Van Linh Street, Phuoc Ninh, Da Nang
Love Lock Bridge – Carp Transforming into Dragon Statue
Although it was built not long ago, the Love Lock Bridge and the Carp Transforming into Dragon statue have become a new playground and photo spot for both tourists and locals. The best time to visit is at sunset, when the entire area is lit up, bathed in the soft orange glow of the sun.
Location: Tran Hung Dao Street, Son Tra District
2- Exploring Da Nang’s Nature
My Khe Beach
Located in the heart of the city, My Khe Beach is recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and is the most famous destination of any trip to Da Nang. Besides the white sandy beach and blue sea, My Khe Beach also attracts visitors with water sports such as paragliding, surfing, and snorkeling.
How to get to My Khe Beach: Go along Pham Van Dong street, past the Han River Bridge and you’re there.
Son Tra Peninsula
Just 8 km from the city center is Son Tra – the only primary forest ecosystem bordering the sea in Vietnam. Visitors can freely explore the magnificent beauty of nature with a thousand-year-old banyan tree or Ban Co peak – the best place to admire the view of Da Nang from above. In addition, Son Tra Peninsula also has Linh Ung Bai But pagoda with a position “leaning on the mountain, facing the sea”, bringing a peaceful and picturesque landscape to visitors.
Location: Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District
Ngu Hanh Son
A system of 5 limestone mountains, named after the 5 elements in the Five Elements. The most exploited mountain for tourism is Thuy Son with a system of caves, temples inside the mountain, bringing a sacred atmosphere in the midst of magnificent nature.
Attractions in Ngu Hanh Son: Linh Ung Pagoda (where there is a 10m tall Buddha statue), Huyen Khong Cave, Am Phu Cave, Linh Nham Cave, Non Nuoc stone craft village…
Location: Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District (10 km from the city center)
Hai Van Pass
If you are passionate about conquering nature, you cannot miss Hai Van Pass with its winding road – on one side is a high cliff, on the other side is the blue sea and white clouds clinging to the mountainside.
3- Cultural and Historical Destinations in Da Nang
Cham Sculpture Museum
Also known as the Cham Museum, this is the largest museum of Cham cultural artifacts in the country. Looking at the modern museum today, few people know that it was built by the French in the early 20th century.
Address: 02 2 Thang 9 Street, Hai Chau District
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Nam O Village
An ancient village located at the foot of Hai Van Pass, Nam O is famous for its delicious fresh fish salad and traditional fish sauce making. If you want to temporarily leave the city to feel the peace and simplicity, visit this small village, and don’t forget to visit Nam O reef – where the natural scenery is still pristine and breathtaking.
Location: Hoa Hiep Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District, Da Nang
My Son Sanctuary
About 70 km from the city is My Son Sanctuary – a complex of Cham towers built from the 4th to the 10th century. Here, visitors will be amazed by the extremely skillful and talented architecture and sculptures of the craftsmen – the clearest evidence of the Cham civilization during its heyday.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Less than an hour’s drive from Da Nang, Hoi An Ancient Town always has a unique attraction amidst the bustling cities. The ancient town with small tiled-roof houses and wooden handrails was once a bustling commercial port in the 17th century. After more than 400 years, Hoi An today still retains its diverse cultural features, a harmonious blend of East and West, and is certainly an indispensable destination in any Da Nang travel guide.
4- Exciting Places to Play in Da Nang
Ba Na Hills
There are many names for Ba Na Hills such as a fairyland or a European kingdom in Vietnam. All are true as Ba Na Hills is one of the most modernly invested tourism and entertainment areas in our country; most famous is the cable car line that holds 4 world records and is ranked in the top 10 most impressive cable cars in the world.
Modeled after European architecture and possessing the cool air of a temperate climate, visitors to Ba Na can freely leave memorable photos at the Wax Museum, Le Jardin D’Amour flower garden, French village, or wine cellar…
Ticket price: VND 650,000/person (including mountain train ticket and wine cellar, excluding wax museum ticket)
Asia Park
Located in Hai Chau district, Asia Park is a large amusement park located right in the city center. With a full range of thrilling games, indoor playgrounds with modern ball shooting and soft play games, Asian Park also has an area that simulates the architectural masterpieces of countries such as the Clock Tower, the Gate…
Especially the 115m high Sun Wheel (top 5 tallest Ferris wheels in the world), giving you the opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the city from above.
Address: 01 Phan Dang Luu, Hai Chau District Opening hours: 3:30 PM – 10:30 PM from Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays
Helio Center
As the most modern complex entertainment center in the city, Helio Center is the perfect destination for young people and families with young children. Helio Center focuses on educational activities, allowing children to learn while playing with art workshops, performance rooms, Formula 1 racing cars, and art ice rinks…
Address: 2 Thang 9 Street, Hai Chau District Free admission
3D Art In Paradise Da Nang
3D Art In Paradise Da Nang is the first and only 3D art gallery in Da Nang. This gallery is invested by Art in Paradise Global company, which has appeared in countries: Pattaya, Bangkok, Chaingmai (Thailand); Malaysia; Australia.
3D Art In Paradise Danang has an area of over 4000m2, with 9 specialized themed areas with over 130 works created by nearly 20 top artists from Korea.
Da Nang Mikazuki Water Park
Da Nang Mikazuki Water Park is a water park in Da Nang. This place is located in the Da Nang Mikazuki Japanese Resorts & Spa entertainment complex. The water park has both indoor and outdoor areas. The indoor area with an area of up to 11,400m2 is a great place for you and your family to relax and play.
A special feature of Mikazuki Water Park is that it is considered the first indoor hot spring water park in Vietnam. You can freely experience the games in the water park without worrying about the weather temperature. Here, the water is always kept at 30 degrees Celsius to provide the best experience for customers.
Besides, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and set menus, giving you energy to explore the entire park.
Da Nang’s Irresistible Cuisine
No Da Nang travel guide would be complete without a section on its delicious cuisine. As a central coastal city, Da Nang’s culinary scene is a harmonious blend of diverse regional cuisines while also boasting its own unique dishes. Here are some recommended restaurants in Da Nang suggested by Traveloka:
Two-Sided Pork Skin Rice Paper Rolls
One of Da Nang’s most distinctive dishes, this dish combines the salty flavor of sun-dried rice paper, tender and lean pork, fresh vegetables, and a fragrant dipping sauce. A full serving costs from VND 90,000 to VND 130,000.
Good places to eat:
- Quan Tran: 4 Le Duan Street, Hai Chau District
- Quan Mau: 35 Do Thuc Tinh Street, Cam Le District
Fish Cake Noodle Soup
With its clear and sweet broth, chewy noodles, and fresh fish cakes that are either steamed or fried for a rich flavor, a bowl of fish cake noodle soup is always a delightful breakfast choice for central Vietnamese people.
Good places to eat:
- 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hai Chau District
- Quan Ong Ta: 113A Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hai Chau District
Mi Quang
Besides the traditional shrimp, pork, and egg version, Da Nang Mi Quang offers a diverse menu with eel, chicken, fish, frog, and ribs. A bowl of Mi Quang is also very affordable, costing only VND 25,000 to VND 40,000.
Good places to eat:
- Quan Ba Mua: 19-21 Tran Binh Trong Street, Hai Chau District
- Quan Ba Vi: 60 Ngu Hanh Son Street, Ngu Hanh Son District
Nam O Fish Salad
As the name suggests, if you want to try the best fish salad in Da Nang, you have to visit Nam O village. Fresh fish is cleaned, marinated with spices to eliminate fishy smell, and then wrapped in rice paper for the most delicious experience. A serving of fish salad costs only about VND 40,000 with a full set of accompaniments.
Recommended places to try:
- Quan Cay Khe: 44 Le Thanh Nghi Street, Hai Chau District
- Quan Cam Tu: 950 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Lien Chieu District
Fermented Fish Sauce Noodles
Fermented fish sauce is not only a dipping sauce, but Da Nang people also have a special dish made from it. Fermented fish sauce noodles come in many versions with roasted pork, pig’s ears, beef, and are served with vegetables, shredded papaya, and a delicious dipping sauce.
Recommended places to try:
- Quan Ba Cuc: H14/29 Hoang Dieu Street, Hai Chau District
- Quan Tam: K23/2 Tran Ke Xuong Street, Hai Chau District
Crispy Pancakes and Spring Rolls
Crispy pancakes always have a unique appeal with their small, filling-packed size. But Da Nang takes it a step further with the addition of spring rolls and a rich, thick dipping sauce.
Recommended places to try:
- Quan Ba Duong: K280/23 Hoang Dieu Street, Hai Chau District
- Quan Co Muoi: 23 Chau Vinh Te Street, Ngu Hanh Son District
Besides these famous restaurants, Da Nang also has two large markets, Con Market and Han Market, which offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable food. If you have the chance, visit these bustling food areas to fill your stomach with authentic Da Nang dishes. When visiting the market, don’t forget to buy some Da Nang specialties like squid in tamarind sauce, dried fish, dried squid, sesame cookies, Nam O fish sauce, and My Khe seaweed as gifts for your loved ones and friends.
When traveling to Da Nang independently, you should also note the following:
- Da Nang has many traditional festivals that you can participate in, such as boat racing festivals, Cau Ngu, Quan The Am, and the festivals of Hoa My and An Hai communes.
- The best time to visit the beach is at sunrise or sunset. At this time, the beach is still deserted and bathed in the beautiful orange hue, looking no different from a painting.
- Da Nang is equally beautiful at night. The bridges and amusement parks are all lit up, illuminating the entire city in a myriad of colors.
- As a coastal city, when traveling to Da Nang, you should prepare enough sunscreen, hats, and other sun protection clothing.
- Since the amusement parks are quite large, sneakers or sandals are the most convenient.
- Negotiate the price before renting a motorbike or buying anything.
- Contact the Market Management Department at 0236.3624.190 or hotline 0903.502.480 if you are overcharged for any products.
- Contact the Da Nang Tourist Support Center if you encounter any problems during your trip: 108 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang (phone number: 0236 – 3.550.111).
- In addition, from Da Nang, you can travel to other famous nearby tourist cities such as Hoi An, Hue… If you have extra time for your trip, refer to the experiences shared by backpackers.
Cre: Travoloka VN
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