Da Nang, located in central Vietnam, has rapidly gained popularity as a must-visit destination. Once a small fishing village, Da Nang is now a bustling city with a mix of modern skyscrapers and traditional Vietnamese architecture. This city has so much to offer, from stunning beaches to cultural activities and historical landmarks. In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Da Nang.

Getting to Da Nang

Da Nang International Airport is the third-largest airport in Vietnam, serving many domestic and international flights. From the airport, there are several transportation options to get to the city center. Taxis, private cars, and shuttle buses are all available, but the most affordable option is taking a local bus. Public buses #1 and #2 connect the airport to the city center, and they run frequently throughout the day.

When to Visit Da Nang

The best time to visit Da Nang is from February to May when the weather is mild and dry. The temperature during this time ranges from 25°C to 30°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Da Nang has a tropical climate, so the rainy season lasts from September to January, with occasional typhoons and heavy rainfall. However, if you want to avoid crowds and get better deals on accommodation and tours, the off-season from June to August is a great time to visit.

Where to Stay in Da Nang

Da Nang offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences. Luxury travelers can choose from high-end resorts like InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort, while budget travelers can opt for guesthouses or hostels. The most popular area to stay in Da Nang is My Khe Beach, with plenty of hotels and resorts that offer stunning sea views. Other popular areas include Han River, Son Tra Peninsula, and Hai Chau District. Other popular options include:

  1. Fusion Suites Danang Beach: A luxury beachfront hotel with modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and a spa.
  2. Danang Golden Bay: A stylish hotel with panoramic views of the city and the sea, featuring a rooftop pool and a bar.
  3. Zoneland Apartments – MUI NE BEACH: A cozy, affordable, and pet-friendly apartment complex with excellent beach views.

Things to Do in Da Nang

  1. Visit Marble Mountains: Marble Mountains is a cluster of five limestone and marble hills located just outside Da Nang. Visitors can explore caves, temples, and pagodas, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top.
  2. Relax on My Khe Beach: My Khe Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, with golden sand, crystal clear water, and gentle waves. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports like surfing and kayaking.
  3. Take a Walk on Dragon Bridge: Dragon Bridge is a unique landmark in Da Nang that spans the Han River. Every Saturday and Sunday night, the bridge is illuminated with colorful lights and breathes fire and water from its dragon head.
  4. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town: Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 30 kilometers south of Da Nang. The town is known for its well-preserved architecture, traditional lanterns, and delicious street food.
  5. Visit Ba Na Hills: Ba Na Hills is a hill station and amusement park located 45 kilometers west of Da Nang. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the hills and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  6. Discover Cham Museum: Cham Museum is a museum dedicated to the Cham culture, an ethnic group that once inhabited central and southern Vietnam. The museum displays a collection of artifacts, including statues, ceramics, and jewelry.
  7. Take a Cooking Class: Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, fragrant herbs, and unique flavors. Many cooking schools in Da Nang offer classes where visitors can learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and spring rolls.
  8. Visit Lady Buddha: Lady Buddha is a 67-meter-tall statue located on the Son Tra Peninsula, overlooking the East Sea. The statue is a symbol of compassion and peace and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and pagodas.
  9. Explore the Han Market: Han Market is a bustling market located in the heart of Da Nang. It’s a great place to buy local products like silk, spices, and handicrafts. Visitors can also sample Vietnamese street food and fresh seafood.
  10. Take a Day Trip to Hue: Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam, located about 100 kilometers north of Da Nang. Visitors can explore the Imperial Citadel, tombs of the Nguyen emperors, and the Perfume River by boat.

Hidden Gems and Local Experiences

  1. Visit Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village: Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village is a traditional craft village located at the foot of Marble Mountains. Visitors can watch skilled artisans carve intricate sculptures from marble and learn about the history and techniques of stone carving.
  2. Go for a Hike in Son Tra Nature Reserve: Son Tra Nature Reserve is a protected area located on the Son Tra Peninsula. Visitors can hike through lush forests, spot rare wildlife like the red-shanked douc langur, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
  3. Try Local Street Food: Da Nang is famous for its street food, and visitors can find delicious dishes like banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake), mi quang (noodle soup), and banh trang cuon thit heo (rice paper rolls with pork).
  4. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda: Linh Ung Pagoda is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on the Son Tra Peninsula. Visitors can admire the intricate architecture, meditate in the peaceful surroundings, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
  5. Take a Boat Tour on Han River: Han River flows through the heart of Da Nang, and visitors can take a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective. The tour includes stops at Dragon Bridge, Han Bridge, and the city’s skyline.

Food and Drink Guide

Da Nang offers a wide range of food and drink options, from local street food to high-end restaurants. Seafood is a specialty in Da Nang, and visitors can try fresh seafood dishes like grilled squid, steamed clams, and stir-fried shrimp. The city is also famous for its banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich filled with meat, pickled vegetables, and herbs. Visitors can try banh mi at Banh Mi Phuong, which was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show, “Parts Unknown.”

Nightlife Guide

Da Nang has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. The most popular area for nightlife is An Thuong, a street lined with bars and restaurants. Visitors can also enjoy live music at Waterfront Bar or party at Sky 36, the highest rooftop bar in Vietnam.

Transportation Options

Getting around Da Nang is easy and affordable. Visitors can use public buses, taxis, or motorbike taxis to get around the city. Grab, a ride-hailing app, is also available in Da Nang. Visitors can rent motorbikes or bicycles to explore the city at their own pace.

Travel Tips

  1. Bring sunscreen and a hat: The sun in Da Nang can be strong, especially during the summer months. It’s essential to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  2. Bargain at markets: Bargaining is a common practice at markets in Vietnam, including Da Nang. Visitors should be prepared to negotiate prices and start with a lower price than the asking price.
  3. Learn basic Vietnamese phrases: Learning basic Vietnamese phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “how much?”can be helpful when communicating with locals. It shows that you are making an effort to connect with the culture and can make your interactions more pleasant.
  4. Dress appropriately when visiting temples and pagodas: When visiting temples and pagodas in Da Nang, it’s important to dress appropriately. Visitors should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees and remove their shoes before entering.
  5. Be aware of scams: Like in any tourist destination, visitors should be aware of scams in Da Nang. Common scams include overcharging for goods or services, fake taxis, and pickpocketing. Visitors should be cautious and do their research before making any purchases or using any services.

Travel Packages and Deals

There are several travel packages and deals available for those who want to explore Da Nang and its surroundings. Some popular options include:

  1. Da Nang City Tour: A guided tour that takes visitors to the city’s top sights, including Marble Mountains, Linh Ung Pagoda, and Han Market.
  2. Ba Na Hills Day Trip: A day trip to Ba Na Hills, a mountain resort with cable car rides, gardens, and French-style architecture.
  3. Hoi An Ancient Town Tour: A tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved Chinese and Japanese architecture.

Conclusion

Da Nang is a vibrant city in Vietnam that offers something for everyone. From historical landmarks and cultural activities to nature trails and beach destinations, there are plenty of things to see and do in Da Nang. The city’s food and drink scene is also a highlight, with a wide range of local street food and high-end restaurants. Visitors can explore the city by public transportation, motorbike, or bicycle and take day trips to nearby attractions like Hue and Hoi An. With its mild weather and fewer tourists, the best time to visit Da Nang is from February to May or from August to October. Whether you’re a budget traveler or a luxury traveler, Da Nang has accommodation options that suit every need.