Da Nang is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam. It’s the capital of central Vietnam region, to the south of Hanoi city and to the north of Ho Chi Minh city. In and around this city, there are lots of stunning attractions to visit, such as Golden Hands Bridge, Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountains, Hai Van Pass, Dragon Bridge and even Hoi An. The peaceful river flowing through its downtown is spanned by many bridges. Da Nang also owns a lengthy coastline with beautiful sandy beaches as well as biodiverse nature reserves. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company provide all the information that first time visitors need to know about Da Nang city in Vietnam.
You may also like: Official Hoi An Vietnam Travel Guide
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Da Nang Vietnam
– Location: South Central Coast region, Vietnam, Southeast Asia
– Name’s meaning: Da Nang means the ‘large estuary’ in Cham language
– Name’s pronunciation: /da neang/
– Other name(s): Tuarane by French, Xiangang (the Clam Harbour) by Chinese
– Nickname: City of bridges, City by Han River
– Area: 1,256.53 km2 (excluding the Paracel/Hoang Sa Islands)
– Year of establishment: 1889
– Population: 1,134 million (2019) (4th largest city of Vietnam)
– Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, K’tur
– Districts: 6 urban districts, 1 outlying/rural district and 1 archipelago
– City logo: Han River Bridge, Marble Mountains, Han River
– Famous for: gorgeous beaches, Golden hands bridge
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/da-nang-travel-guide
– Time zone: GMT +7
– Travel agent/tour operator: HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
– Fact:
Da Nang Vietnam on Map
History of Da Nang City Vietnam
Cham people are the first owners of Da Nang. Its name originates from how they called the city ‘Danak’ that means the large estuary (the estuary of Han river). It’s a part of Amaravati principality of the Champa kingdom, existed from the 2nd to 19th centuries along the central coastline of current Vietnam.
Since the marriage between Vietnamese princess Huyen Tran of Dai Viet kingdom and Cham king Che Man (Jaya Simhavarman III) in 1306, Vietnamese people have been owning Da Nang area. It’s a wedding present. After this turning point in history, Cham people went southwards and left behind Hindu temples and freshwater wells. Some 40km southwest from the city, My Son Sanctuary was the most important Cham remains, with 71 buildings still surviving. Somebody believes that Vietnamese people learnt fish sauce making from Cham people.
Around the 15th century, the first Vietnamese villages were established in Da Nang (due to encouragement from kings). Onwards, more and more people moved here to settle down. However, compared to Hoi An trading port, its historic role was obscure. It has a natural bay with deep, calm water and sheltered by high mountains, it’s designated to be an outport for Hoi An. The boats and ships would dock in Da Nang first, and then follow a connecting river (named De Vong/Co Co river) to access Hoi An.
Fact: Chinese merchants named Da Nang ‘the Clam Harbour’ because the mountain (Monkey mountain) by it looks like a clam from afar.
In the late 19th century, the entry of Hoi An – Thu Bon river’s estuary was filled by sands, making boats difficult to go further inland and stop at Hoi An. At that time, for national defense and to control Catholic missionaries, Vietnamese kings requested westerner’s boats to dock at Da Nang harbour once came to Hoi An. Because of these changes, Da Nang steadily replaced Hoi An.
In 1858, French-Spanish joint military forces attacked Da Nang, to start the first campaign to conquer Vietnam. This event was seen as a turning point in the country’s history. Until 1860, the conquerors couldn’t control the city against resistance.
In 1997, Da Nang became the 4th municipality in Vietnam (after Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city and Hai Phong). This was a turning point, and since then, this city has developed and transformed into a modern, worth-living city in the country.
Today, Da Nang is the largest economic center in the middle of Vietnam. Its population is around 1,2 million people, making it the 4th biggest urbans.
Things to See & Do in Da Nang During The Day
See also: Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam
The Golden Hands Bridge
The Golden Hands Bridge is a world-famous tourist attraction that is located in Ba Na Hills west of Da Nang downtown. This footbridge is 150m long, designed and built by Vietnamese people, and opened in 2018. It has a glorious golden bridge holded by two giant stone-like hands (representing God’s hands), rising out from the mountain, at an elevation of 1,414 meters. Thanks to that, visitors have many photo opportunities and the chance to catch a breath-taking panoramic view. Today, due to the surreal and inspirational beauty of this bridge, it’s copied across Vietnam and in several countries (but all smaller and do not stand out). Read full information & details
Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm
Ticket price: 900,000 VND
Visitors will need to take the cable car to go to the Golden Hands Bridge. If scare of height or have disease of heart, it’s needed to consider carefully before getting there. Because this bridge is famous, crowds are seen here throughout the day. To avoid, early morning and late afternoon are the best times.
See also: Famous Bridges in Da Nang Vietnam
Sun World Ba Na Hills
Nearly an hour drive from Da Nang, Sun World Ba Na Hills is a massive amusement park and hotel complex. This is one of the must-see tourist attractions in the area. It’s firstly famous for a network of world record cable cars (the longest one up to over 5km) which take passengers to the elevation of 1,400 meters. The cable car ride allows watching spectacular natural scenery from all sides (back-to-back mountains, dense untouched forests, waterfalls, huge rocks, clouds,…) and a safe/quick transfer to the mountaintop. Temperature at Ba Na Hills is always lower than the city a few degrees, so it’s used as a mountain resort by French people while they colonized Vietnam. See full information & details
The most famous building at Ba Na Hills is the Golden Bridge, the pedestrian bridge with two giant hands. Besides that, visitors can go to these places and do these activities: Le Jardin d’Amour Gardens, Debay Wine Cellar, Big Buddha Statue, Linh Ung Ba Na Pagoda, the French Village, Fantasy Park, King Peak (Top of Ba Na Hills), Ba Na Hills Wax Museum, Helios Waterfall, Eclipse Square, Luna Castle, Saint Denis Church, alpine coasters, funiculars, golf course.
Opening hours: 8 am to 10 pm daily
Ticket price: 900,000 VND (2024)
See also: VinWonders Nam Hoi An Theme Park
The Marble Mountains
20 mins drive from Da Nang downtown, the Marble Mountains (Five Elements Mountain) is a group of 5 steeply-sided marble hills soaring from the plain. It likes a little Ha Long Bay on the land. Amongst five mountains, visitors can climb up to the top of one mountain only (Water Mountain, Thuy Son). This is the largest and tallest mountain in the complex. Here, main sights are Linh Ung Pagoda (aka Non Nuoc Pagoda), Tam Thai Pagoda, Huyen Khong Cave, Am Phu Cave, Tang Chon Cave, Van Thong Cave, Heaven Gate, Thuong Thai Peak, and Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village (at the mountain-foot). From its top, the breath-taking 360oC view is really worth efforts and provides many photo opportunities. See full information & details
Opening hours: 7 am to 5 pm daily
Ticket price: 40,000 VND (2024)
To sightsee the Marble Mountains, visitors need to climb many stairs. For example, it’s needed to complete 108 steps to Linh Ung Pagoda. The easiest way is taking the elevator to this pagoda and then going downstairs (elevator fee is 15,000 VND/way). There are lots of steps needed to climb if want to see other places in the mountain. Remember to bring shoes! This attraction may not be friendly to wheelchair users.
Giant Lady Buddha Statue
Completely built in 2010, the statue of Lady Buddha at Da Nang is 67 meters in height, the tallest standing buddha in Vietnam at that time. She stands on a hilltop overlooking the city, to bless and shelter citizens as well as fishermen before they go to the sea. No matter common days or special occasions, there are lots of local people coming here to pray, with offsprings. In Vietnamese culture, this buddha is known as ‘Goddess of Mercy’ or ‘Mother Quan Am’. The view from Lady Buddha is awe-inspiring and good to take some photos. See full information & details
Opening hours: 6 am to 9 pm daily
Ticket price: free
Linh Ung Son Tra Pagoda
In the same complex as the Lady Buddha, Linh Ung Son Tra Pagoda is the biggest Buddhist temple in Da Nang. It’s used to worship the Lord Buddha since 2010. Not only huge constructions, this holy place offers fascinatingly beautiful bird’s eye views and a collection of amazing bonsai trees or marble statues in its surrounding area. About the age, it’s younger than two other sister pagodas at Ba Na Hills and Marble Mountains. The name Linh Ung means ‘wishes answered miraculously’. See full information & details
Opening hours: 6 am to 9 pm daily
Ticket price: free
Monkeys at Linh Ung Son Tra Pagoda are many and naughty. Visitors should not give them food and keep personal belongings carefully. They may be harmful to kids!
Hai Van Mountain Pass
To the northwest of Da Nang downtown, Hai Van Pass (‘Ocean Cloud Pass’) is definitely one of the most well known mountain passes in Vietnam. It’s a scenic coastal road stretching for 20 kilometers, on a spur of the Annamite Range jutting into the Pacific ocean. Its highest point is at nearly 500 meters above sea level, topped with Hai Van Gate (an old gate-military post). A drive on this winding pass allows the visitor to see/photograph beautiful sceneries and have a memorable adventure. The best way to discover Hai Van Pass is by motorbike, therefore it’s many motorbike tours. Read full information & details
On the other side of Hai Van Pass, Lap An Lagoon and Lang Co Beach are other famous tourist attractions.
Bridges Cross Han River
Da Nang is widely known as ‘city of bridges’ because it has many bridges cross the Han River which runs through its downtown. The most famous bridge is the Dragon Bridge (Cau Rong) that carries a super heavy steel dragon. In the weekend nights, it spits the fire and water. The oldest bridges are the Han River Bridge and Nguyen Van Troi Bridge. Other awesome bridges are Tran Thi Ly Bridge and Thuan Phuoc Bridge which spans the estuary of the Han River.
The another famous bridge in Da Nang is the Love Lock Bridge (Cau Tinh Yeu) on the east bank of Han River.
My Khe Beach
Stretching along the Pacific ocean for miles, My Khe Beach is the most beautiful beach, and the most popular public beach in Da Nang. It boasts spacious white sandy expanses, clear water with moderate waves, as well as the view to mountains and islands. In the back, there are coconut forests and public walks with seafood restaurants and pubs. It’s definitely perfect to visit or take a stroll, and sure, to go swimming. My Khe beach was praised by the Forbes magazine in top 6 world’s sexiest beaches years ago. The best time to visit, the summertime from February/March to August/September, it’s busy everyday. Meanwhile, visitors can seek water sports like surfing, parachuting, jet skiing, standing-up paddle boarding,…. See full information & details
Many visitors call ‘China Beach’ for My Khe Beach. Although somehow this name is better known in English-speaking countries, using it is wrong and disrespectful in Vietnam. As a responsible traveler, let’s do what locals do.
You also may like: An Bang Beach
Han Market
Cho Han or Han Market is the oldest local market in Da Nang city downtown. Surrounded by four roads, by the river, its market hall has two levels. On the ground level, whatever to eat is sold, such as cakes, candies, crackers, nuts, fresh and dried fruits, local pork and beef sausages, sauces, etc. If look for food souvenir, here is a perfect place to go and have a look. On the upper level, visitors can find ready-to-wear clothes, shoes, swimsuit, bags,… See full information & details
In Da Nang, visitors can go to Con Market or Bac My An Market to try local food and buy souvenirs.
Han Market is close to Da Nang Cathedral. It’s also known as Pink Church because of its pinky façade. This building dates from 19th century (French colonial time).
The Dragon Bridge
The Dragon Bridge is an iconic landmark of Da Nang downtown. It’s 666 meters long, spanning the Han River, providing the quickest road from the airport to the beach. This building becomes well-known because of its unique design: it carries a massive yellow steel dragon (weigh up to 9,000 tons). The dragon looks toward the east, or flies to the sea. Local authorities believe that it brings good luck and prosperity to the city as well as attracts more tourists. On the weekends, it spits water and fire from the mouth. Recently, the Dragon Bridge is in list of 16 world’s most unique bridges. See more information & details
Near the Dragon Bridge, the Carp Dragon Statue and the Love Lock Bridge are other famous sights in Da Nang.
Da Nang Downtown (Asia Park) & its Ferris Wheel
Da Nang Downtown (Sun World Asia Park) is the only amusement park within Da Nang city centre. It comprises 10 zones representing ten countries in Asia and a small model of world wonder Angkor Wat. Here visitors will find numerous exciting games to entertain, such as enthrilling roller coasters, rides and rolls (so perfect for families with children, teenager). The main entrance now is on 2 Thang 9 Street, not Phan Dang Luu Street anymore. See more information & details
Lying within Da Nang Downtown (Asia Park), the Sun Wheel is another highlight. With a height of 115 meters, it’s seen from everywhere in Da Nang centre, and sure, is one of the major landmarks in the city’s riverscape. A ride on it is 15-20 mins long. This ferris wheel was ever the tallest observation wheel of the world in the past, and nowadays, still lies in the top 10. See more information & details
Opening hours: 3 to 10 pm
Ticket price: free to enter the park
Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain)
In the northeast of Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula is also known as Son Tra Mountain or Monkey Mountain (by Americans, because many monkeys here). It’s a nature reserve which harbours pristine forests stretching from the coast to the elevation of 700m. This is home to over 1,000 flora species and 500 faunal species, including a large population of red shanked douc langur (700-1,000 individuals). Local citizens call it ‘Son Tra langur’. There are 2 major roads to loop and explore Son Tra Peninsula: one runs parallel to the coastline, and one goes to/around the peak. Read full information & details
Opening hours: 24hrs a day, 7 days a week
Ticket price: free
If want to go around Son Tra Peninsula by motorbike, visitors should hire a semi-automatic motorcycle and fill a full tank of gasoline. Except the coastal road down the Linh Ung Pagoda, automatic bikes are prohibited on any other roads.
See also: Bach Ma National Park, Cham Islands
Non Nuoc Beach
Sharing a gorgeous coastline with My Khe beach, Non Nuoc beach is a beautiful, nearly-private beach in Da Nang. This white sandy beach stretches many kilometers, by crystal-like water of the Pacific ocean. On the other side, it’s lined by coconut forests and lots of premium hotels and resorts (most in the area). If going swimming or play sports here, visitors will see fewer people than at other public beaches. Read full information and details
You also may like: Cua Dai beach (Hoi An)
Museum of Cham Sculpture
Established in 1919 by the French, on the bank of the Han River, the Museum of Cham Sculpture is home to a unique collection of stone sculptures (up to 2,000 now). These Hindu art works are carved by Cham people who ever owned a kingdom named Champa in the area, from 2nd to 19th centuries. The museum founders and archaeologists brought them from My Son Sanctuary, Dong Duong Village, Tra Kieu, Binh Dinh, and other provinces. This is a must see for history lovers and those who want to learn about a disappeared kingdom. See full information & details
See also: My Son Sanctuary (Holy Land)
Mikazuki Water Park 365
On the way from the city to Hai Van Pass, Mikazuki Water Park 365 is the largest indoor water park in the area. It has slides, pools, a Japanese onsen center, spas, restaurants and a stretch of sandy beach that is nice for going swimming during the dry season. See more information & details
Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park
An hour drive from the city downtown, Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park (or God of Fortune Mountain) is another must see attraction in Da Nang. Located in a beautiful and peaceful mountainous area, this park has many swimming pools, each with a different temperature and a water park with fun, long slides. The highlight is natural hot springs containing a high level of minerals, bringing good health benefits. Other services are spas, Japanese onsen experience, restaurants and resorts. Do not forget swimsuit/swimwear before going! See full information & details
Hoa Phu Thanh Tourist Area
In the mountains to the west of Da Nang, Hoa Phu Thanh tourist area is well known for water rafting. This activity is available several times a day, so visitors need to check the schedule carefully before go. See more information & details
Things to See & Do in Da Nang At Night
See also: Best Things to Do in Da Nang Vietnam at Night
Son Tra Night Market
Near the Dragon Bridge, Son Tra Night Market is the biggest night market in Da Nang. It’s home to more than 150 stalls and vendors, arranged along two pedestrian streets. Visitors can stroll around to go shopping and try local food with a fair price. On the weekends, it’s busier when locals and tourists come to the area to watch the Dragon Bridge breathing fire and water. See more information & details
Near the Sun Wheel, Helio Night Market is another good night market to visit. Besides food and souvenir stores, there is a live music stage with lots of seating.
See also: Night Markets in Da Nang Vietnam
Dragon Bridge Fire & Water Show
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, watching the fire and water show at the Dragon Bridge is a must do. It takes place at 9:00 pm. In which, the dragon spits the fire from its mouth first (for a few times) and then water (for a few times), bringing viewers an interesting experience. If want to stand on the bridge to have a close look or take photos/videos, it’s needed to bring a rain poncho or umbrella to keep yourself not wet (by water from the dragon). See full information & details
The head of the dragon is on the east bank of Han River or Tran Hung Dao Street/Vo Van Kiet Street. Visitors have to come here to watch the show.
See also: Hoi An Memories Show, Teh Dar Show (Bamboo Circus)
Shows in Da Nang Downtown (Asia Park)
In the evening, Da Nang Downtown (amusement park) still opens. Here, visitors can experience the ride on Sun Wheel and see the city from a height of over 115 meters, go on enthrilling roller coaster rides, watch a jet ski and flyboard performance on the river, watch water puppet show (unique to Vietnam), watch Symphony of River show (a combination of entertainment types and fireworks, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm), join entertaining games, eat and drink at night market, go shopping,…It’s free to enter the park. See full information & details
Night Cruise on Han River
Traveling along the Han River by a cruise boat is a popular activity for tourists at Da Nang by night. Within 1 hour, passengers will have a chance to enjoy the charming beauty of this city with its bridges and landmarks along the waterfront. There are Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Han River Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, Bach Dang Street, Cham Museum, APEC Park, Love Bridge, Carp Dragon Statue, high rise buildings, etc. On the weekend, from the cruise, it’s possible to watch the dragon spitting the fire and water, and have some great photos/videos then. In June/July, seeing sparkling and colorful fireworks in the sky in Da Nang International Fireworks Festival on board is a fantastic experience. See more information & details
See also: Thu Bon River Cruise in Hoi An
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival
In the summertime, Da Nang is the host of an international fireworks festival. Every weekend, two teams from different countries will compete by bringing the audience a brilliant fireworks performance. The winner was found out in the last night. One of the delegates is the host city Da Nang. While this festival is occuring, lots of people come to the street or river banks or high places to see/photograph. There is one stage for those who buy tickets to best witness world-class performances. See more information & details
You also may like: Full Moon Lantern Festival in Hoi An
Ba Na Hills By Night
In the evening, Ba Na Hills still opens. Here, visitors can roam arout fairy and romantic streets of the French Village, drink draught beer and try delicious barbecues at the outdoor partying area, try Vietnamese and Asian dishes in a buffet with live music, bornfire, light show, etc. From the cable car, the view to the city is also very interesting thanks to millions of lights. See more information & details
Bach Dang Walking Street
This pedestrian street is about 1 kilometer long, including food, drink and souvenir stalls stretching along Bach Dang Street (between Dragon Bridge and Tran Thi Ly Bridge). Because by the river, visitors can enjoy seeing/photographing the bridges and lightful cruises on the water. See more information & details
Hoi An Ancient Town
No visitors traveling to Da Nang, misses Hoi An. The best time to visit this old town is the evening when it’s extremely colorful due to thousands of lanterns in the streets and candles floating on the river. Here, it’s possible to see a vibrant atmosphere, bustling night markets, restaurants with a beautiful view to dine out, lightful historical monuments to take photos, or a relaxing boat ride to watch the brilliant townscape. See more information & details
What & Where to Eat in Da Nang?
There are many local dishes typical of Da Nang city. Visitors can find and try mi quang (rice noodle with pork, shrimp, quail egg, broth, rice cracker, raw vegetables), mi quang sua or mi quang noodle with jellyfish (unique to the city), banh trang cuon thit heo (boiled pork belly wrapped by rice paper and raw vegetables, anchovy fish sauce), bun cha ca (fish cake noodle soup), banh xeo (crispy rice pancake), chao vit (duck porridge), bun mam nem (fermented anchovy fish sauce noodle), kem bo or avocado ice cream, young jackfruit salad, Nam O raw fish salad… See more information & details
If want to see many local food options to try, visitors can go to day markets (Con Market, Han Market, Bac My An Market) or night markets (Son Tra Night Market, Helio Night Market) or local restaurants.
Da Nang is by the sea, therefore seafood here is cheap and fresh. The best seafood restaurants often stand along the coastal roads or not far away from them. In My Khe Beach, there are some places on the sand, providing a view to the ocean and the giant Lady Buddha.
Near Da Nang’s main beachfront (My Khe Beach), An Thuong area has many restaurants to choose from, serving different cuisines. Here, it’s possible to find Vietnamese food, Western food, Chinese food, Indian food, Thai food as well as vegetarian/vegan food, Halal food. There is a small night market here.
Around Han Market and Da Nang Cathedral, there are many local restaurants too. Some of them got Michelin star.
Best & Worst Times to Visit Da Nang
Main article: Best & Worst Time to Visit Da Nang
The best time of the year to visit Da Nang is from February to the end of August. During this period, it’s always sunny and dry, perfect for sightseeing, taking pictures, and outdoor adventures. The hottest months are May, June and July (the temperature may rise up to 40oC by noon).
In June and July, the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, the most famous festival of Da Nang, takes place. During it, visitors will see many gorgeous fireworks performances in the sky in the city downtown as well as a vibrant atmosphere. Plus beautiful weather, these months are considered to be the nicest months to visit Da Nang for local travelers.
From September to January, it may rain everyday. So, it’s wetter and cooler than the dry season. To have a good travel plan, don’t forget to check the weather forecast frequently if visiting Da Nang during these months. Between October and December, typhoons potentially come to the area, causing flooding in the city at many places around Da Nang city. However, the flood doesn’t occur every year, so visitors should not be too worried about it. See more information & details
At an elevation of over 1,400 meters, on the top of Nui Chua Mountain, the weather at Ba Na Hills is unlike the rest of Da Nang city. The best months to visit this attraction is also from February to the end of August. However, from June, it’s often crowded. In the rainy season, visitors need to check the weather forecast in advance, to avoid rainy days to have a good trip. See more information & details
In the Golden Hands Bridge at Ba Na Hills, the best time to visit is a sunny day (or at least, a non-rainy day). Visiting in the early morning or afternoon is better than the midday because of less crowds of tourists. See more information & details
The worst time to visit Da Nang is the ‘typhoon season’ from October to December. Typhoons cause very strong wind, heavy rains and floods in many places. However, do not occur every year. So, visitors just need to check the weather forecast (to avoid the typhoon) and then travel to Da Nang.
How to Get to Da Nang Vietnam
Da Nang has an international airport so visitors can take a direct flight to another country to this city (such as from Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong, India). If can not find a direct flight, visitors may need to have a transit in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city or another city. Inside Vietnam, it’s possible to fly to Da Nang from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Hai Phong, Van Don (near Ha Long), Can Tho, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Buon Ma Thuot.
Secondly, Da Nang also has a railway station. Therefore, visitors can take a train ride to this city from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Ninh Binh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet.
Thirdly, Da Nang has a cruise port too. So, cruises can dock here and then passengers do not need many time to visit famous attractions in the area. Chan May Cruise Port is not too far away from Da Nang.
Here are also ways to get from other tourist cities to Da Nang:
– From Hoi An to Da Nang (distance: some 30 kilometers): visitors can get a car/taxi/bus, shared shuttle bus, and ride the motorbike. If have luggage, the best way is taking a transfer by car/bus. Public bus is available now and cheap, but visitors need to spend more time. Between Hoi An and Da Nang, the Marble Mountains is a perfect attraction to stop.
– From Hue to Da Nang (distance: some 90 kilometers): visitors can get take a car, train, bus or ride the motorbike. There is no commercial flights between Hue and Da Nang due to too short distance. The quickest way is traveling by private car/bus. The cheapest way is taking a train or shared bus ticket (the ride may be up to 4 hours). The most adventurous way is by a motorbike and going up to the top of Hai Van Pass, the most spectacular coastal road in Vietnam. More information & details
Recommendation: a private car/bus transfer if you are 2 or more
– From Hanoi to Da Nang: (distance: nearly 800 kilometers): visitors often take a flight (from Noi Bai Airport, HAN) or a train ride from Hanoi Railway Station. While the flight is around 1,5 hours, it takes the passengers up to 14 hours if travel by train. If do not fly and have many time, many people like staying somewhere between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, such as Hue city. Both the airport and the railway station of Da Nang are in its center.
Recommendation: take a flight
– From Ho Chi Minh city to Da Nang (distance: nearly 1,000 kilometers): visitors often take a flight (from Tan Son Nhat Airport, SGN) or a train ride from Saigon Railway Station. While the flight is around 1,5 hours, it takes the passengers up to 14 hours if travel by train. If do not fly and have many time, many people like staying somewhere between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh city, such as Da Lat, Nha Trang or Quy Nhon. Both the airport and the railway station of Da Nang are in its center.
Recommendation: take a flight
– From Quy Nhon to Da Nang (distance: around 320 kilometers): take a private car/bus or a local sleeper bus or take a train from Quy Nhon Railway Station. There is no flight between these cities although both of them have an airport. Visitors often go to Hoi An first, spend a few nights and then go to Da Nang.
– From Da Lat to Da Nang (distance: nearly 650 kilometers): take a flight from Lien Khuong Airport (DLI), a private car/bus or local/tourist sleeper bus. Train is not available between these cities (visitors can go to Nha Trang city and then take a train from here to Da Nang). If travel by bus, many people choose to stay in Quy Nhon or Hoi An for a few days before coming to Da Nang.
How to Get Around Da Nang City Vietnam
Around Da Nang city downtown, visitors can walk to get around and visit some major attractions. There is the area that surrounds Han Market, Da Nang Cathedral, Cham Museum, Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, Bach Dang Walking Street,… Pavements within it are wide and safe to walk on. See more information & details
To go to further places, visitors can take a taxi/car/minivan/bus, electric car or ride the bicycle or the motorbike or book a hop-on hop-off bus. The most convenient way is going by a motorbike because this is the most popular vehicle in Vietnam. If want to get around Da Nang by a car/bus, we advise booking a package to have a better price. For example, a package of private transfer to Ba Na Hills, Hoi An and Marble Mountains in 2 days.
To want to visit Hai Van Pass or Monkey Mountain, riding the motorbike is the best choice (by your own or with a local rider). These places do not suit for those who have no or little experience because it’s dangerous.
Public transport (bus) is available in Da Nang, but it seems that not too convenient for visitors. However, it’s cheap.
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD organizes private transfers everyday in Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours & make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Areas to Stay in Da Nang City
Da Nang has more than 1,200 hotels and other lodgings, supplying 46,700 rooms for visitors. It’s possible to find all types of accommodation and all budgets at the present.
Here are areas where tourists stay popularly stay, with a high concentration of hotels:
– Han riverfronts: + pros: right in Da Nang city downtown (super convenient), fantastic view from morning to evening,
+ cons: crowded in the surroundings if travel in tourist seasons
– My Khe beach waterfront: + pros: the most beautiful beach of Da Nang, many mid-range to premium room options, near seafood restaurants, convenient traffic, water activities
+ cons: mostly high-rise buildings, the most crowded beach in high tourist seasons
– My Khe beach (): + pros: near the most beautiful beach, cheaper than beachfronts, close to seafood restaurants
+ cons: rooms with no ocean view, standard service (not excellent)
– Tho Quang beach area: + pros: beautiful beach area, cheaper and less touristy than other city’s beaches
+ cons: quite far from city centre
+ top places:
– Non Nuoc beach area: + pros: the most beautiful and most private beach in Da Nang, many premium hotel options (all-inclusive resorts), suitable for meetings and conferences, close to golf courses and Hoi An
+ cons: quite far from city centre, higher price than other beaches
+ top places: Hyatt Regency resort, Sheraton Grand resort, Melia Beach resort, KOI resort, Naman Retreat, Furama resort, TIA Wellness resort, Fusion resort, Marrott resort,…
In addition, tourists have a no difficulties to look for a place to stay near the Da Nang international airport, the Da Nang train station, the Da Nang central bus station, or remote areas, such as Son Tra peninsula (high-end InterContinenral resort) or Red beach (Mikazuki resort) or Ba Na hills (Mercure Ba Na Hills French Village hotel).
Is Da Nang Worth Visiting?
Da Nang is one of the best tourist destinations in Vietnam. Recently, it has attracted around 10 millions of tourists. Meaning that this city is worth visiting (unless, not a large number of tourists here!). Reasons are that Da Nang has many stunning and diverse attractions (such as world-famous Golden Bridge, Hoi An, Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, Cham Islands, Hai Van Pass, Unesco wold heritage sites, theme parks,…), traffic convenience (the airport, railway station, cruise port are near to the city center and major attractions), great beaches, safe for foreign visitors, abundance of local food, lots of hotel choices (ranging from budget-friendly to top-notched options), not expensive travel cost, … See more information & details
Travel Itineraries to Visit Da Nang Vietnam
Here are travel itineraries in Da Nang that we recommend:
– Da Nang 1 Day Itinerary
– Da Nang 2 Day Itinerary
– Da Nang 3 Day Itinerary
– Da Nang 4 Day Itinerary
– Da Nang 5 Day Itinerary
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD organizes private tours and transfers everyday in Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours & make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Dos & Don’ts for Your Trip to Da Nang
– Locals don’t call the South China sea and China beach in Vietnam. To respect them, instead, tourists need to use the East sea or Vietnamese sea to call the ocean, and My Khe beach or Da Nang beach. Travel bloggers, and other content creators should use these names on their posts (if serious, it will be removed/deleted because of illegal use in Vietnam).
– Da Nang is very important for the military, with many military bases and hot spots (Da Nang’s airports, cruise port, Son Tra peninsula, Hai Van pass,…). For national defense and security reasons, using the flying drone at these places is not permitted.
Q&A about Da Nang City in Vietnam
– Is Da Nang Vietnam safe? Answer: Yes, it’s totally safe when traveling in/around Da Nang, for all travelers. If you are a solo female traveler, do not worry!
– Is Da Nang expensive? Answer: Generally, traveling cost is not high in Da Nang Vietnam.
– Is Da Nang water safe to drink? Answer: Foreign visitors should not drink tap water in Vietnam, not just Da Nang. Bottled water is sold everywhere.
– Is Da Nang cheap? Answer: Something in Da Nang, such as food, entry ticket and day trips are not expensive.
– Is Da Nang polluted? Answer: No, Da Nang is one of the cleanest cities in Vietnam. It’s also green and well planned.
– Is Da Nang a walkable city? Answer: In Da Nang city downtown, near bridges, it’s still possible to visit around by foot. See more information & details
– Is Da Nang family friendly? Answer: Yes, Da Nang is a good place to visit for families with kids. There are many interesting things to see and do here. See more information & details
– Is Da Nang full of Russians? Answer: No, Russian tourist is not popular at the moment (2024)
– Is Da Nang gay friendly? Answer: Yes, local people today do not discriminate any homosexual people.
– Is Da Nang hot? Answer: From February to the end of August, the dry season, it’s hot or very hot in Da Nang. However, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
– Is Da Nang Muslim friendly? Answer: Muslim travelers have a limited number of Halal restaurants to choose from.
– Does Da Nang have an international airport? Answer: Yes, it’s Da Nang International Airport. See more information & details
– Does Da Nang have a red light district? Answer: No, but in the future, Da Nang may have.
Guided Tours in Da Nang Vietnam
Photos, Videos about Da Nang Vietnam
