Da Nang

Da Nang is located midway between Hanoi, the country's capital, and Ho Chi Minh City, in the south. It is Vietnam's fourth largest city. Aside from some shopping standouts and historical places, the principal motivation most visitors stay here is its accessibility to well-known My Khe Beach, Lang Co Beach, Hoi An, and My Son.

How to get there

Da Nang International Airport is Vietnam's third-largest international airport. Da Nang City is a 10-minute drive away. If you want to see the city's famous My Khe Beach or the UNESCO-listed Hoi An, fly to this airport. It accepts internal and international flights from Hong Kong, Bangkok, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, and Taipei, among other locations.

Best time to go

From February through May is the finest time to visit the city. The weather in Da Nang is pleasant during this time, with bright sunshine and dry weather, allowing you to explore on foot or by motorcycle taxi. The beaches at Da Nang have an average water temperature of 25°C. During this time of year, you can relax and enjoy the sun while playing beach games.

Danang's attraction

• My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach, about 6 kilometers east of Da Nang, is a 20-mile expanse of white sand. It is considered to be one of Vietnam's most attractive beaches, having been named by American forces who visited during the Vietnam War. My Khe Beach is a popular area for sunbathing, fishing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and surfing, and is home to a number of high-end resorts and seafood restaurants.

• Cham Museum

The Cham Museum in Da Nang honors the culture, way of life, and customs of Vietnam's indigenous Cham people, which dates back to 192 AD. It is the world's only museum of its kind, having been established in 1915 during colonial French authority. The Cham Museum in Da Nang is divided into ten indoor exhibition rooms, each displaying 300 terracotta and stone sculptures from the 7th to the 15th centuries, organized by region. From 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 14:00 to 16:30 p.m., the museum offers daily guided tours for groups of five or more.

• Marble Mountain

Marble Mountains are a group of five limestone and marble hills located about 9 kilometers south of Da Nang in Hoa Hai District. The peaks are named after natural elements: Thuy Son (water), Moc Son (wood), Hoa Son (fire), Kim Son (metal), and Tho Son (earth). Locals pray and get their fortunes told at a slew of 17th-century Buddhist sanctuaries and pagoda temples strewn across the mountains. Climbing the steps to the top of Marble Mountains, where they may enjoy beautiful views of Non Nuoc Beach or My Khe Beach, is a must-do for any first-time tourist to Da Nang. For persons with physical disabilities, an elevator service (VND 30,000) is offered. Read more

• Danang Cathedral

The Da Nang Cathedral, with its pink-painted building, stained-glass windows, and enormous bell tower topped with a rooster weathercock, is one of Vietnam's most unusual catholic cathedrals. Con Ga Church (Rooster Church) was built by the French in 1923 and continues to serve the local Catholic population today. The cathedral is about a 15-minute walk from the famous Dragon Bridge on Tran Phu Street. Da Nang Cathedral is free to enter, and its high tower provides a breathtaking view of the city, Han River, and lush mountains.

• Son Tra (Monkey) Penninsula

Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain, at 693 meters above sea level, is a breathtaking national park near Da Nang. The Son Tra Peninsula, as it is known locally, is noted for its winding roads, which are popular with motorcyclists, while hikers can enjoy the lush jungles and see uncommon animals such as red face monkeys. Linh Ung Pagoda is also located atop Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain, which is known for hosting the world's highest statue of the Goddess of Mercy. The stunning 67-meter-tall white statue is built atop a lotus-shaped pedestal and has a total of 21 tiny Buddha sculptures. Read more

• Dragon Bridge

The Dragon Bridge is Vietnam's longest bridge, measuring 666 meters in length. The six-lane bridge spans the Han River and is shaped like a golden dragon, which residents think symbolizes power, aristocracy, and good fortune. Dragon Bridge is a spectacular sight at any time of day, but on weekends it is really cool (and packed with tourists) since it is illuminated with colorful LEDs and breathes fire and spits forth water from 21:00 onwards.

• Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van Pass, at 500 meters above sea level, is Vietnam's highest pass. It's on the border of Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City, with panoramic views of lush mountains and pure blue skies, as well as Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, the Son Tra Peninsula, and the South China Sea. During the Vietnam War, the pass also has a derelict French-built fort that was later utilized as a bunker by South Vietnamese and US soldiers. Hai Van is also known for its fair share of accidents due to its sharp bends and blind corners; keep an eye out for little chapels along the roadside dedicated to those who have died.

• Golden Bridge

The Golden Bridge in the central city of Da Nang is first on a list of new wonders of the world compiled by U.K. newspaper Daily Mail. The Golden Bridge, the most unique bridge in the "city of bridges” looks like a silk strip across the sky, held in place by two mossy hands facing the sky. The golden bridge is also known as the "hand bridge" by locals. It takes you on a stroll across Ba Na's vast sky and romantic nature. Read more

• Phap Lam Pagoda

Along Ong Ich Khiem Street, the Phap Lam Pagoda is housed in a two-story edifice with abundance of trees, groomed gardens, and exquisite Buddhist sculptures. Despite its location in the heart of Da Nang's bustling city center, the atmosphere is calm, with villagers worshiping in the morning and monks going about their daily routines. A seated Buddha statue stands 1.1 meters tall in the pagoda's courtyard, along with brass statues of the Goddess of Mercy (Avalokitecvara) and Dai The Chi Bodhisattva. Around Phap Lam Pagoda, vegetarian cuisine is available at local eateries and food carts.

Activities

• Top 5 things to do in Danang
• Danang nightlife