The Ultimate Da Nang Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, See & Eat in Vietnam’s Coastal Gem

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If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, chances are you’ve already heard of Da Nang since it’s one of the major hubs and the city that connects you to central Vietnam. However, many people seem to skip it for its more famous neighbors Hue and Hoi An. Personally I think it deserves at least a couple of nights!

To try to convince you, I’ve put together this ultimate travel guide to Da Nang with all my favorite spots and tips. You’ll also find all the practical info you need to plan your stay in Da Nang, from how to get there, get around and the best place to stay for every budget.

The Top Things to Do in Da Nang

If you're anything like me, you’ll want the fun parts first, so I’ll jump straight to the best things to do and see in and around Da Nang. If you also need more practical information, just scroll further down and you’ll find all my best tips on where to eat, sleep and how to get around.

Relax on My Khe Beach

Da Nang’s crown jewel is its long, sweeping coastline. My Khe Beach stretches for miles, with golden sand and clear waters. Rent a lounge chair, grab a fresh coconut, and spend the day relaxing. It’s also a great spot for early morning swims and beginner surf lessons.

There are a bunch of cute beach bars along the promenade to grab a drink or get some food. The promenade is also perfect if you’re looking for a spot to do your morning run or take a long walk around sunset.

Explore the Marble Mountains

Just 15 minutes south of the city, the Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills with different caves and temples you can explore. At the top you’ll also get some of the best views of Da Nang and the coastline.

If you go on your own, book a Grab to Gate A. That’s where you’ll find the ticket booths and the elevator to take you to the top.

It’s important to know that there are actually two different ticket booths here. The first you’ll see will be to the Am Phu Cave. The ticket you get here will only be valid for this one cave. I think it’s worth seeing in itself, but if you’re short on time you should head onwards to the next ticket booth.

Be aware that the inside of Am Phu Cave gets very slippery after it’s been raining so bring sturdy shoes.

Next you’ll find the ticket booth to the actual Marble mountain. Here you can also buy a ticket to take the elevator to the top. I recommend you do this because it gets very hot! You can opt to take the stairs down and exit at Gate B so you don’t have to walk back to the elevator after exploring.

At the top you’ll be able to explore a number of beautiful temples, pagodas and caves. The area is pretty huge, and at the end of the trail you’ll find the main cave and marble mountain. I honestly found the temples and pagodas much more interesting than the cave itself so make sure to set aside enough time to explore the whole area.

Walk the Dragon Bridge (and Watch It Breathe Fire!)

One of Da Nang’s most famous landmark is the Dragon Bridge. You can choose to walk across it or just watch it from one of the many restaurants and bars along the waterfront nearby.

On weekend nights (Friday-Sunday at 9 PM), the dragon also breathes fire and water during a 15-20 minute show. I have to say that I honestly expected the show to be a bit more of a spectacle than it actually was. It’s said to last for 15-20 minutes, but the dragon only blew out fire for a couple of minutes total in between long breaks where nothing really happened. It’s a fun thing to see, but not as cool as I hoped.

During the show they close of traffic on the bridge, so most people, us included, stand on the bridge itself to watch the show. However, after leaving I think that the experience would have been better if I’d chosen to see it from the area below the bridge. From there you’ll be able to see the whole dragon while it breathes fire and also skip all the crowds that gather on top of the bridge.

Day Trip to Ba Na Hills & The Golden Bridge

An hour from Da Nang lies Ba Na Hills, a mountaintop amusement park famous for the Golden Bridge—a surreal pedestrian bridge held up by two giant stone hands. While the bridge is the main draw, the park also features French-style gardens, cable cars with incredible views, and whimsical architecture.

The weather was pretty bad so I ended up skipping it, but I can imagine it being a really fun place to explore if the weather is great. Even if theme parks isn’t your thing, you’ll still get to take the cable car ride up the mountain and see the iconic Golden Bridge.

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Visit the Linh Ung Pagoda

This is another must visit in my book. It’s mostly famous for its tall Buddha statue which you can see all the way from the city center as it watches over the city. However, there is much more to see and do here.

Entrance is free and the area is pretty huge so I spent hours exploring it. You probably don’t need that much, but I like to take my time. It’s a pretty popular spot, but even though there were lots of people there it never felt crowded.

If you wander away from the Lady Buddha statue you’ll quickly have most of the spots to yourself and there are so many beautiful temples, pagodas and gardens to explore. You can also get some really amazing views of Da Nang and the coastline.

Take in the Views from the Son Tra Peninsula

Nicknamed Monkey Mountain, the Son Tra Peninsula rises dramatically from the sea just north of Da Nang. It’s a nature reserve filled with winding roads, jungle-covered hills, and stunning viewpoints. This is also where you’ll find the Linh Ung Pagoda mentioned above.

A great way to explore this area is to rent a motorbike so you can stop wherever you want. You’ll have great views of the city and sea, as well as spotting lots of monkeys. I walked around the area after visiting the pagoda, but it started raining so I didn’t get to see it all, but I can imagine it looking spectacular on a sunny day. Head to Ban Co Peak for the best panoramic view of Da Nang town.

Stroll the Han River Promenade

Da Nang’s riverfront comes alive at night. The Han River Promenade stretches through the city center, lined with cafés, rooftop bars, and restaurants. Walk from the Dragon Bridge to the Han River Bridge for some amazing skyline views. Don’t miss the illuminated Love Bridge with its heart-shaped lanterns.

Visit the Cham Museum

For a dose of history, stop by the Museum of Cham Sculpture, home to the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts. These ancient Hindu sculptures date back over 1,000 years and give a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s pre-Buddhist past.

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Son Tra Marina

At one end of My Khe beach you’ll find a little Greek-inspired corner on Son Tra Marina. The area is filled with whitewashed buildings with blue-domed rooftops. Making it look like a slice of Santorini.

I went there to grab a lunch after exploring the Son Tra Peninsula, but quickly discovered that most people only came here to take the perfect instagram-shot and not really have lunch. It felt a bit too touristy for me so I left, but if you’re looking for a cute picture while in Da Nang, this is the spot!

Take A Day Trip to Hoi An

Just 45 minutes away, Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most charming towns and an easy day trip from Da Nang. I do recommend spending more than a day in Hoi An, but if it’s all you have it’s still definitely worth a visit.

Wander the ancient town, explore assembly halls and stay until night to see the river filled with boats and lanterns, it’s an amazing sight to behold!

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My Son Sanctuary – Ancient Temples in the Jungle

About an hour west of Da Nang, My Son is a collection of ancient Hindu temples hidden in the lush jungle. It’s often called “Vietnam’s Angkor Wat in miniature”. It was built by the Cham civilization between the 4th and 13th centuries and is one of the country’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The whole area is absolutely stunning and a must visit in my book. We booked a half day tour there and could’ve easily spent even more time wandering around and exploring.

It’s a bit remote so you can either choose to rent a car or choose to do a group tour, which is what I recommend. There are lots of tours that take you there and you can choose between morning, sunset, guided or just a drop-of for a more budget friendly visit. Below are some of the most popular tours to choose from.

This is the most popular guided morning tour to My Son Sanctuary

Buy tickets to a shared shuttle to My Son Sanctuary here

Where to Stay in Da Nang

Da Nang has a little bit of everything — beach hotels, boutique stays, and quiet riverfront escapes, so where you end up really depends on what you want to do while in Da Nang. Below are some of my favorites places to stay for every budget.

Best Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Da Nang

BackPacker Hotel ($20 per night)

San Marino Boutique Hotel Da Nang ($30 per night)

The Memory ($40 per night)

Best Mid-range Places to Stay in Da Nang

Sala Beach Hotel ($50 per night)

A La Carte Da Nang Beach ($60 per night)

Sheraton Da Nang ($75 per night)

Best Luxury Stays in Da Nang

Naman Retreat ($100 per night)

Furama Resort ($220 per night)

InterContinental Da Nang ($500 per night)

Best Places to Eat in Da Nang

Local Favorites (Affordable & Authentic)

• Mi Quang Ba Mua – beloved spot for the region’s signature noodle dish
• Bun Cha Ca 109 – very local, very flavorful, perfect for breakfast
• Banh Xeo Ba Duong – lively, delicious, a Da Nang classic
• Cơm Gà A Hai – the best chicken rice in the city

If you’re tired of Vietnamese food, these are my Favorites

• MAAZI - Amazing Indian Restaurant
• Luna Pub – riverside, casual, with excellent pizza and cocktails
• Tam’s Pub & Surf Shop – quirky mix of Vietnamese and Western, great for surfers
• Casa Loco - if you’re craving Mexican food, this is the place to go!
• La Maison 1888 (InterContinental Hotel) — ultra-fine dining with insane views
• The Rachel — international cuisine on the Han River
• Sky36 — rooftop cocktails with city lights

Cafés & Brunch Spots I loved!

• DanaSol - Great Brunch spot with western dishes
• Nia Coffe - Super cute spot with a huge pond in the middle
• 43 Factory Coffee — minimalist and specialty coffee heaven
• The Hideout Café — cosy, calm, and great for digital nomads
• Mộc Miên Garden Café — huge garden café with serene vibes
• Bagel Me - Super good bagels at a cute little spot

Getting to Da Nang

Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most accessible cities, making it a perfect gateway to central Vietnam. The easiest way to get there is to fly, but depending on your budget and where you’re coming from, check some other options below.

Getting to Da Nang By Air

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is just a 10-minute drive from the city center. It connects directly to major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as international hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur.

Getting to Da Nang By Train

The Reunification Express train passes through Da Nang, connecting the city with Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. You can choose a sleeper train for long distances.

Getting to Da Nang By Bus

Several long-distance buses connect Da Nang with Hoi An (45 minutes), Hue (2–3 hours), and Nha Trang (10 hours). Buses are comfortable and frequent, but trains tend to be more scenic and reliable. You can also take a bus directly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, but expect a long ride.

I booked all my trains and busses in Vietnam on 12Go

Getting Around Da Nang

Da Nang is pretty easy to navigate thanks to its wide roads and beachfront layout.

Motorbike or scooter rental is the most popular way to get around. It gives you the freedom to explore the Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, and hidden coastal cafes at your own pace. Expect to pay around 150,000–200,000 VND per day.

Grab (ride-hailing app) works well in Da Nang and is perfect for short distances or when it’s too hot to walk. This is what I did most days and found it super easy if you don’t like to drive a motorbike around in a big city.

Cycling is also an option near My Khe Beach or the Han River promenade, though city traffic can be hectic. I would recommend renting a bike in most places I’ve visited in Vietnam, but skip it in Da Nang and opt for a grab or motorbike in stead.

Best Time to Visit Da Nang

The best time to visit Da Nang is February to May, when skies are blue, humidity is low, and temperatures are warm but comfortable. June to August is great for beach days but can get hot, while September to November often brings rain.

Final Thoughts: Is Da Nang Worth a Visit?

Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most relaxed, welcoming, and effortlessly enjoyable cities — a place where mountain viewpoints, sandy beaches, and vibrant local food all blend together. Whether you’re here for two days or two weeks, the city makes it incredibly easy to settle in and explore at your own pace. And with Hoi An, Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, and Hue all within reach, you’ll never run out of adventures.

I hope this guide helps you plan your amazing adventure to Vietnam and Da Nang. If you have any questions about Da Nang or travel in Vietnam in general, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

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