It's not surprising that visitors come to Da Nang, as it offers food, nightlife, resorts, and family-friendly activities.
You can't travel around Da Nang without crossing one of the Da Nang Bridges, including Nguyen Van Troi bridge, a foot bridge in the shape of a scallop, Han River Bridge, which is the country's only rotating suspension bridge, the 731-meter Tran Thi Ly bridge, shaped like a giant sail, and the iconic Dragon Bridge, which lights up at night. Every Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m., the dragon breathes fire and water toward the east.
Take the world's longest single-track cable car to the top of Ba Na Hills, a former French Hill station during the war. Kids will enjoy the amusement park at the top of the hill with plenty of rides and a wax museum. Don't forget to take a panorama of the views of the East Sea and mountains. Nearby, you can also climb the 17-story high tower inside the Buddha Guanyin, the biggest in Vietnam.
Cao Dai Temple is the largest in Vietnam, and is a peaceful getaway from the city. Though it is still used today by worshippers, visitors can also drop by during the day and check out the gardens, temple, statues, and artifacts.
Visit My Son Sanctuary, which consists of a number of abandoned Hindu temples from the Cham empire, which date back to as long ago as the 4th century A.D.
Bask in the sun, clear waters, and more than 18 miles of white sand at Non Nuoc Beach, also known as China Beach, made popular by the American war and also 80's TV show by the same name. Check out the nearby fishing boats and if you swim, go in the mornings as winds pick up in the afternoon. On the north side, you'll find higher-end restaurants and bars, while the south side is known for humbler seafood restaurants.
Drop into the Cham Museum and explore the world's largest collection of Cham art. Don't forget to check out the huge status of Buddhist Champa king Indrapura, on which intricate Buddhist carvings remain.
Put on your comfortable walking shoes to climb up the 100 steps into the Marble Mountains to see the caves, shrines, pagodas, and beautiful views of the city and the sea. If you're not ready to climb the steep stairs, don't worry, there's also a glass elevator available at the base of the mountain, which will take you to the main pagoda for 15,000 Dong.
Take one of the best coastal rides in the world on on a bike or motorcycle through Hai Van Pass, which was formerly the only road to travel north or south in Vietnam before the tunnels were built. You'll be sure to see breathtaking views of the cities, bridges, and beaches on this route.
While you're on your motorbike or hiring a vehicle, take a day trip to Hoi An, a small village which still retains Chinese, Japanese, and European architecture from the 17th century. Stroll the quaint town streets, shop the boutiques and taste the local and modern food in the numerous restaurants around the riverbanks. If you're in the market for a custom tailored dress or suit, you'll be sure to haggle your way to a good deal here.
A nice way to explore destinations in Da Nang is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour with Easy Rider for $65 details
- Experience Asian Style Full Body Massage Therapy for $21 details
- Chan May Shore Excursion To Hoian Private Tour for $150 details
We spent a day in Da Nang and enjoyed the authenticity and local atmosphere. It's an affordable city, even by Vietnamese standards.