Discover Da Nang – Vietnam’s Coastal Gem Between Mountains and Sea

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Don’t miss Da Nang – a dynamic city of golden beaches, dragon bridges, and stunning mountains. Here’s your complete travel guide to Da Nang’s top experiences.

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VietNam Beyond Travel

6/8/20254 min read

Nestled between lush mountains and the endless blue of the East Sea, Da Nang is often overshadowed by its famous neighbors: Hue and Hoi An. But spend even a day here, and you’ll realize Da Nang has a vibrant soul of its own.

With world-class beaches, fascinating history, modern architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine, this coastal city is a must-stop on any central Vietnam itinerary.

Whether you're a nature lover, food enthusiast, or just looking to relax and unwind, Da Nang will surprise you with its beauty, warmth, and energy.

🏖️ 1. Relax at My Khe Beach – One of Asia’s Best

Once named by Forbes as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, My Khe stretches for miles with fine white sand and gentle waves.

Perfect for:

  • Swimming

  • Surfing (especially from April to September)

  • Sunset walks

  • Beachfront dining

🏝 Other beaches to explore: Non Nuoc Beach, Bac My An, and the hidden coves of Son Tra Peninsula.

🌅 Local tip: Wake up early and join locals for morning yoga or beach exercises just after sunrise.

Top must-visit destinations in Da Nang

Discover Da Nang

🐉 2. See the Fire-Breathing Dragon Bridge

One of the city’s modern icons, the Dragon Bridge is not just a spectacular feat of engineering—it also breathes fire and water every weekend night!

  • Fire & water show: Saturdays & Sundays at 9:00 PM

  • Best views: From Bach Dang Street or the riverside cafes

The bridge represents prosperity and strength, and it's a symbol of Da Nang’s rapid transformation into a modern urban hub.

⛩️ 3. Explore the Marble Mountains

Just 15 minutes from the city center, the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) are a cluster of five limestone hills named after the five elements.

Highlights include:

  • Thuy Son Mountain: Climb stone steps to reach scenic viewpoints and hidden caves.

  • Huyen Khong Cave: A spiritual site with pagodas and sunlight streaming through holes in the cave ceiling.

  • Stone-carving villages at the base

🎟 Entrance: 40,000 VND ($1.50 USD)
⏱ Best time: Early morning to avoid the heat

🚶 Bring sturdy shoes – there’s lots of climbing involved!

🐒 4. Discover the Untouched Beauty of Son Tra Peninsula

Nicknamed the "green lung" of Da Nang, Son Tra offers a peaceful escape into nature.

Don’t miss:

  • Linh Ung Pagoda: Home to the tallest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam (67 meters high!)

  • Wild monkeys and langurs: Keep your eyes open on the winding mountain roads.

  • Ban Co Peak: A mountaintop viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city and coastline.

🚗 How to explore: Rent a scooter or book a guided nature tour
📸 Pro tip: Sunset from Son Tra is unforgettable.

Discover Da Nang

Discover Da Nang

🏛️ 5. Take a Journey Through History at Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Da Nang was once the heartland of the Champa Kingdom, an ancient civilization that left behind stunning Hindu-inspired temples and artwork.

The museum houses:

  • The world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts

  • Stone sculptures dating back to the 7th–15th centuries

  • Excellent context for visiting My Son Sanctuary (a day trip from Da Nang)

🎟 Entrance: 60,000 VND (~$2.50 USD)
📍 Location: Near the Dragon Bridge, downtown Da Nang

🍜 6. Eat Like a Local – Da Nang’s Must-Try Dishes

Da Nang’s cuisine is bold, flavorful, and distinctly Central Vietnamese. Here are the top bites you must not miss:

  • Mi Quang: Turmeric noodles with shrimp, pork, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers

  • Banh Xeo: Crispy pancakes filled with shrimp and bean sprouts, wrapped in fresh herbs

  • Bun Cha Ca: Fish cake noodle soup with fresh dill

  • Seafood BBQ: Try it on the beach—squid, scallops, prawns, and more!

🍽️ Book a street food tour or join a cooking class to dive deeper into the flavors of Da Nang.

🛍️ 7. Shop and Stroll Through Han Market & Night Markets

For souvenirs, snacks, and a taste of daily life:

  • Han Market: A bustling indoor market with everything from dried seafood to ao dai fabrics.

  • Son Tra Night Market: Near the Dragon Bridge – lanterns, street food, and live music!

  • Helio Night Market: Trendy food stalls and fun for younger crowds

🛍️ Tip: Bargaining is common in traditional markets – smile and negotiate politely.

🌄 8. Take a Day Trip to the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills

If you’ve seen photos of two giant stone hands holding up a golden bridge in the clouds—you’ve seen Ba Na Hills.

It’s a mountaintop theme park with:

  • The Golden Bridge

  • French village replica

  • Flower gardens and fantasy castles

  • Vietnam’s longest cable car ride!

🎟 Tickets: 850,000 VND ($35 USD, includes roundtrip cable car)
⏱ Allow a full day for the trip – it’s worth it!

Discover Da Nang

🏨 Where to Stay in Da Nang

  • Beachside Resorts: Ideal for relaxation – check out Furama, TIA Wellness, or Pullman Da Nang.

  • City Center Hotels: Close to bridges, markets, and nightlife.

  • Boutique Hotels: Many offer rooftop views and easy beach access.

📅 When to Visit Da Nang

  • Best time: February to May (dry, sunny, cooler temps)

  • Avoid: September–November (rainy season, occasional typhoons)

  • Festival time: International Fireworks Festival in June/July is a must-see!

✈️ Getting There

  • By Air: Da Nang International Airport (DAD) has direct flights from major Asian cities.

  • By Train: Scenic routes from Hue or Hoi An.

  • By Bus/Car: Easy to connect with Hoi An (45 mins) or Hue (2.5 hours).

🚀 Travel Da Nang with Vietnam Beyond Travel

At Vietnam Beyond Travel, we offer customized Da Nang tours designed for your style—whether that’s culinary, cultural, adventurous, or relaxing.

📍 Explore Da Nang Tours
📞 WhatsApp: +84 342 988 013
📧 Email: vietnambeyondtravel@gmail.com

Da Nang is where mountains meet the sea, where history meets modern life, and where adventure meets serenity.
Pack your swimsuit and your curiosity—Vietnam’s coastal gem is ready to welcome you!