There’s plenty to do in this gorgeous coastal city. Here are some of its top attractions…
Da Nang is a coastal city that has become a popular tourist destination due to its central location, long stretches of beach, and diverse range of activities. It is situated halfway between Hanoi in the North and Ho Chi Minh in the South and is the fifth-largest and third-most populated city in Vietnam. The city has an international airport and is close to Hoi An, making it an ideal place for international tourists to spend a few days on their tour of the country. Da Nang is also a favorite among locals and ex-pats living in Vietnam, who appreciate its laid-back lifestyle, thriving food scene, and vibrant nightlife. Below are some of the top places to visit when you’re in Da Nang.
THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Da Nang boasts an awe-inspiring beachfront that stretches for kilometers, offering visitors a breathtaking view of the Sơn Trà Peninsula to Hội An. With its picturesque white-sand beaches and tranquil atmosphere, it’s a perfect place to unwind and relax. Non-Nuoc, Pham Van Dong, My Khe, and My Anh beaches are a must-visit, but My Khe is the most popular, especially at sunset when the locals come out to play sports or swim. And with plenty of seafood restaurants and sky bars nearby, you can make the most of your visit by indulging in a sumptuous dinner or a refreshing sunset cocktail. Come and experience the beauty of Da Nang’s beachfront for yourself!
SƠN TRÀ PENINSULA
With its sea-oriented appearance, Son Tra acts as a giant screen protecting Da Nang from storms and cyclones coming from the sea. Son Tra is put under the national protected forest regulation since it is a natural preservation area. ThePeninsula is famous for its plentiful plants and fauna as well as the attractive scenery. It is said that fairies used to come here for singing, dancing, and playing chess so Son Tra is also called Tien Sa (Fairies’ landing place).
On Son Tra, there remain more than 30km² of natural forests, nearly 300 types of plants, and several hundred kinds of fauna, including rare animals. From the top of the mountain, you can see the overall view of Danang City, Marble Mountains, and Ba Na – Mount Chua, so interesting!
There is also Suoi Da (Stone Stream), which lies by the side of the foot of the mountain, fine sandy surfaces run around the peninsula, and several breaks of waves run steadily up and down washing up on the stones heaped up around the seaside.
All are attractive spots for tourists. It is so majestic, so romantic, so wide, and really beautiful.
HẢI VÂN PASS
Motorcycle enthusiasts will be excited to explore the scenic mountain pass that the Top Gear presenters highly praised in their 2008 Vietnam Special TV show. According to Jeremy Clarkson, the pass is “a deserted ribbon of perfection – one of the best coastal roads in the world.”
This renowned pass is called the ‘Ocean Cloud’ pass and is known for being one of the longest and highest in the country. It was a critical boundary during war, separating the tropical south from the subtropical north. Its popularity is also due to its easy accessibility from three major cities: Da Nang, Huế, and Hội An. For an unforgettable road trip, ride the pass for 165km between these cities. You can make a day of it by starting early or breaking it up over a few days with overnight stays along the way.
THE DRAGON BRIDGE
Many cities in Vietnam boast beautiful suspension bridges. But Da Nang lays claim to having the longest of these: Dragon Bridge. This six-lane, state-of-the-art bridge features an impressive dragon structure, which locals are rather proud of. Dragons are important symbols in Vietnamese culture, representing growth and the power of the nation.
At night, the dragon on this bridge is beautifully lit up with LED lights. And, come Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm, it sprouts fire and water from its mouth in a performance attended by many onlookers. Best spots for viewing the show? Get close to the action on the bridge itself. Sit at a café on Trần Hưng Đạo Street. Or grab a seat and a snack at the Sơn Trà night market down below.
BANA HILLS
For a fun and family-friendly day outing, Bà Nà Hills is a great destination to visit. Located in the Trường Sơn Mountains, it takes only 40 minutes to drive there from the city. The resort was first established by the French in 1919 and is home to the Debay Wine Cellar which survived the war. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid lines when entering the hills. Your ticket includes a round-trip ride on the amazing cable cars that take you up and down the mountain. Once there, you can explore the castle-like Sun World Amusement Park, visit the flower gardens or French village, play games at the amusement park, or visit the Linh Ung temple. Don’t forget to take a picture of the famous Golden Bridge, a 150-meter-long architectural masterpiece with two gigantic concrete hands holding a shiny gold walkway. It’s definitely worth seeing and sharing on Instagram!
THE MARBLE MOUNTAINS
A shorter drive from the city, going towards Hội An, will take you to the Marble Mountains. These are a cluster of five limestone and marble mountains named after the five elements: Thuy (water); Moc (wood); Kim (metal); Hoa (fire); and Tho (earth). Take the many steps up to get to a series of sacred sites. Think atmospheric grottoes containing beautiful shrines and statues. Of course, the sea views are also spectacular. Once back on ground level, step into one of the souvenir shops below to buy a special keepsake.
