The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Da Nang, Vietnam

Located in central Vietnam, the city of Da Nang is a beautiful and rapidly growing city that is becoming one of Southeast Asia’s top tourist destinations. Renowned for its breathtaking landscape, rich culture, and incredible cuisine, it is a destination that should be on every traveler’s list. In this Da Nang, Vietnam Guide, I will touch on some of the many things that make this city incredible.

From the city’s breathtaking beaches to the incredible marble mountains that backdrop this gorgeous city, Da Nang is a city that will take your breath away with its beauty. If that isn’t enough to make you want to visit, the city’s many incredible beaches are great for unwinding and and enjoying the weather. Not to be outdone, the incredibly diverse and delicious cuisine in Da Nang is renowned the world over. These are just some of the many reasons to visit this amazing city.

An All You Need Da Nang, Vietnam Guide

In this guide, I am going to provide you will all of the information that you need to plan a successful trip to see Da Nang. I cover the best times to visit and the best ways to get there so that you can maximize what you can see and do on your trip.

I also outline all of the top things to see and do while you are there, as well as the best places to stay and eat. With the information in my Da Nang, Vietnam guide in hand, you can be confident that your trip to see one of Vietnam’s most incredible cities will be one that you remember for the rest of your life.

At a Glance

Before you start making any travel plans, you will want to make sure to take care of all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for your trip.   In addition, you will want to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Vietnam so that you can plan any translation needs you might have.

You will also need to know what currency they use so that you can exchange currency before your trip if necessary. I have included some of this key information in my Da Nang, Vietnam guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

	Passport requirements exist. See below for details.
	Immunization recommendations are listed below.
	The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese.
	The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong.

Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements

I have included a link to my Vietnam Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements for Visitors Guide for you to review below.  This should help you navigate the legal requirements for visiting Vietnam.

It includes all of the important VISA, passport, customs, and immunization requirements and recommendations for your visit. You will want to take special care in reviewing the immunizations section of this guide.

In addition to the immunization information in the guide above, I have also linked to a few supplemental health guides I have created below. I explain why I recommend getting the Rabies pre-exposure vaccination before traveling internationally.

I also discuss how to protect yourself from tick and mosquito-borne illnesses when traveling. Even though Da Nang isn’t in a high-risk area for malaria, it is still good to protect yourself just in case.

Packing Tips

Outside of taking care of your passport, visa, and immunization requirements, the most important task for your trip is packing. For your trip to be a success, you need to make sure you pack the right clothing and gear for the weather and the activities you will be enjoying. To help make sure you are prepared, I linked to my packing resources for you to review in my Da Nang, Vietnam guide below.

Top Things to See and Do in Da Nang

Da Nang is a beautiful city with a wealth of cultural, entertainment, and culinary attractions for you to enjoy. So, you certainly won’t have trouble filling out the itinerary for your trip. For those visiting, I recommend spending at least a few days in the city to explore it properly. Ideally, one day for the Marble Mountains and the city’s other sights, a day for exploring Ba Na Hills, and a third day to see Hoi An and spend time at the beach.

If you are starting to plan your trip to Da Nang and would like some additional suggestions for your itinerary, then you are in luck. I have outlined the top 10 things to see and do in my Da Nang, Vietnam guide below.

Top Things to See and Do in Da Nang, Vietnam Map

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Visit Ba Na Hills

If you have never visited Sun World at Ba Na Hills, imagine Disney World placed on the side of a jungle-clad mountain. I didn’t know quite what to expect when I first visited, but was blown away by the beautiful gardens, incredible entertainment venues, and stunning location of the park. I am guessing that many of you recognize the park’s Golden Bridge, which has been nicknamed the “Hands of God Bridge”. However, it is just one of many incredible sights to see in this amazing place.

If you plan on visiting Sun World during your stay in Da Nang, I would suggest dedicating a full day to exploring the park. Like Disney World, it is a big park with a lot of amazing things to see and do. I also suggest getting to the park early in the morning so that you can get some pictures of the Golden Bridge while it isn’t packed with people.

Check out the Dragon Bridge

The incredible Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills isn’t the only amazing bridge in the city of Da Nang. In fact, there is a bridge located in the heart of the city that is every bit as impressive. The infamous Dragon Bridge is one of the most unique and beautiful bridges that you will find anywhere in the world.

A giant golden dragon runs the length of the bridge, which spans across the mighty Hàn River. What really makes this bridge impressive is that it breathes real fire and water. Check out the video I posted below to see this impressive bridge in action.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to see the dragon breathe fire and water, make sure you plan to be in Da Nang over the weekend. The dragon only breathes fire and water on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Video of the Dragon Bridge breathing fire. 

Stop at the Love Lock Bridge

There are several bridges like this throughout the world and it is always a fun way to responsibly leave your mark on a city. Visitors to the Love Lock Bridge in central Da Nang are encouraged to purchase a padlock and attach it to the railing of this beautiful little bridge. It’s a way for couples to symbolize their binding love for each other. The beautiful heart decorations really add to the special ambiance of this wonderful bridge.

Visit the Marble Mountains

One of the most popular attractions in Da Nang is the incredible Marble Mountains. Located roughly 20 minutes South of Da Nang towards Hoi An, the Marble Mountains consist of five distinct coastal mountains. Each of these mountains is named after a different element. They are Kim Son (metal), Thuy Son (water), Moc Son (wood), Tho Son (earth), and Hoa Son (fire).

Each of these mountains has a plethora of interesting caves and tunnels that you can hike through. Many of these caves have beautiful Buddhist temples built into them. The most popular of the Marble Mountains is Thuy Son. While the hike to the top involves 150 steep steps, there is also an elevator that you can pay to take to the top.

At the top of Thuy Son is the renowned “Road to Heaven”. This hike takes you through several caves before reaching a viewpoint that lets you see out over the city and the other Marble Mountain peaks. If you plan to visit, make sure you get there early to beat the crowds. You will also want to wear shoes with good traction as the marble rock inside the caves can be quite slippery.

Visit the Sơn Trà Mountain

Also known locally as “Monkey Mountain”, the Son Tra Mountain is a breathtaking national park that is located on the nearby Son Tra Peninsula. The mountain is popular because it is a great spot to get stunning views of the city of Da Nang. And if you’re lucky, you may also spot the rare red-faced monkey species that call the mountain park their home.

In addition to the great views and fun wildlife encounters, the Son Tra Mountain is also home to the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy and the stunning Linh Ung Pagoda. These two monuments alone are worth the trip to the top of Monkey Mountain. The great views and the monkeys are just icing on the cake.

Take a Day Trip to Historic Hội An

No visit to Da Nang is complete without taking a day trip to the nearby historical town of Hội An. Located just 45 minutes south of Da Nang, it will feel like you are going centuries back in time when you visit. It is a quaint, beautiful town that is pedestrian-friendly and full of colorful, historical buildings.

However, what really gives the town its wonderful ambiance is the colorful lanterns that are hung from every tree. When you visit, you can tour the old town or take a short boat ride down the river to soak in the experience. If you want to maximize your experience in Hoi An, plan to visit during the night market. The beautiful lanterns lighting up the town and the aroma of delicious food will make you never want to leave.

Visit the Han Market

When visiting Da Nang, it is essential to spend some time at one of the city’s incredible markets. In my opinion, one of the best is the amazing Han Market. In addition to great food in the area, you will also find everything from designer knockoffs to neat souvenirs to bring back home. Some of the neat things I saw during my visit were colorful oil lanterns (like you see in Hoi An), straw bags and purses, lots of silk shirts and dresses, and beautiful wood carvings.

Spend Some Time at My Khe Beach

The gorgeous My Khe Beach is a breathtaking stretch of coastline that reaches from the base of the Son Tra Peninsula all the way to the Marble Mountains. Its soft, white sand and calm waters make it a perfect beach for swimming and relaxing. The beach has plenty of lounge chairs available to rent and is just a few miles from the center of the city. This makes it the perfect spot to unwind after spending the day sightseeing around the city.

See the Nearby Mỹ Sơn Ruins

For travelers who like history, the nearby Mỹ Sơn Ruins are a site that you won’t want to miss. Located roughly an hour’s drive from Da Nang, Mỹ Sơn was the important religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries. The Champa Kingdom practiced Indian Hinduism and the ruins at Mỹ Sơn are some of the best preserved from this period.

While they may not be as impressive as Angkor Wat, they are impressive to see in person and give you a glimpse into the history of the area. Not only that, but the setting for the ruins couldn’t be more beautiful. If you are interested in visiting, there are plenty of day tours that will take you there. I have linked to a few highly rated ones in my Recommended Tours section of this Da Nang, Vietnam guide below.

See the Linh Ung Pagoda

Legend has it that, during the reign of King Minh Mang (of the Nguyen Dynasty), a statue of Buddha suddenly drifted out of nowhere and landed on the sand beaches of the Son Tra Peninsula. Believing it to be a good omen, the coastal fishermen built a shrine on the peninsula.

Today, the beautiful Linh Ung Pagoda is an important religious shrine and a popular tourist spot near the city of Da Nang. In addition to the beautiful pagoda, the stunning gardens are worth exploring. However, the highlight of the pagoda is undoubtedly the giant Lady Buddha. At 220 feet (67 meters) tall, it is the tallest in Vietnam and an incredible sight to behold.

As good as the views of the Lady Buddha are from the ground, there is a 17-floor staircase inside the statue that leads to the top. At each level, you will find 21 beautiful Buddha statues and an altar to pray. Visiting the Linh Ung Pagoda is a must-see spot for anyone traveling to Da Nang as it is one of the city’s most important religious and cultural spots.

How to Get to Da Nang, Vietnam

If you will be visiting Da Nang from outside of Vietnam, you will need to look for flights to Da Nang International Airport (DAD). This is a large international airport that has direct flights to and from many other popular destinations in Southeast Asia. For an idea of flight time and the availability of direct flights, please refer to the chart I included in my Da Nang, Vietnam guide below.

IMPORTANT NOTE: An important aspect of your travel to Da Nang that you shouldn’t overlook is your tourist VISA. For many Western countries, including the United States, the visa-on-arrival process is not an option.

This means that you need to obtain your VISA before traveling. In fact, you won’t be allowed on your flight to Da Nang without it. So, please be sure to review my Vietnam Entrance Requirements guide that I linked at the top of this guide before booking your flights.

Destinations in Southeast Asia Map

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Travel Time from Other Cities in the Region

City	Direct Flights	Flight Length (HR:MIN)
Hanoi, Vietnam	15-27 per Day	1:10
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	26-36 per Day	1:15
Bangkok, Thailand	6-7 per Day	1:40
Hong Kong, China	2-3 per Day	1:50
Siem Reap, Cambodia	1 per Day	1:55
Chiang Mai, Thailand	3 per Week	2:00
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	3-4 per Day	2:35
Manila, Philippines	3 per Week	2:35
Singapore	2-3 per Day	2:45
Phuket, Thailand	None	4:40
Vientiane, Laos	None	4:45
Jakarta, Indonesia	None	5:35
Luang Prabang, Laos	None	7:00
Yangon, Myanmar	None	7:15

Best Times to Visit Da Nang, Vietnam

When you start to plan your trip to Da Nang, one of the most important factors to consider is when to visit. Vietnam, like most other destinations, has weather that is more enjoyable during certain times of the year. Essentially, there are two different seasons in Vietnam. Which of these seasons you choose to visit will have a big impact on what you can see and do.

In Vietnam, the monsoon season lasts from September until March. However, a vast majority of the rainfall the Da Nang area gets is from September through December. Meanwhile, the dry season in Vietnam typically stretches from April until August. However, the hottest months of the year in Da Nang happen to be during the summer months of June through August.

These are all factors that you will want to consider when you start to plan your trip to Da Nang. To assist you in determining the right time to plan your visit, I cover the type of weather you can expect throughout the year in my Da Nang, Vietnam guide below.

Average Temperature (°F)

Like most of Southeast Asia, the climate in Da Nang, Vietnam is a tropical one. While the temperatures can be very warm year-round, the hottest temperatures in Da Nang are from June through August. This coincides with the middle of the dry season in Vietnam. While the weather is dry, it can be blistering hot during this time of year with temperatures reaching the upper 90s (or 35 degrees Celcius).

Conversely, the months of November through January are typically the coolest in Da Nang. Although the temperatures may be cooler, the months of November and December are also two of the rainiest months of the year in Da Nang. The month of January can be a good month to target if you want to avoid the heat because the monsoon rains aren’t as heavy and the temperatures are still rather cool.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

While the monsoon season in Vietnam runs from September until March, the wettest months of the year in Da Nang are September through December. During these four months, the city of Da Nang usually sees around seventy-five percent of its annual rainfall. So, unless you plan on spending a lot of time indoors or getting drenched in the rain, you might want to avoid visiting during these months.

The dry season in Vietnam typically runs from April until August. During these months, there is a lot of sunshine and a lot less rain in Da Nang. For travelers who want to maximize their time at the beach or out exploring the Marble Mountains, the early dry season is a great time to visit. The weather is nice, but it isn’t yet scorching hot.

The Best Months to Visit Da Nang

In my opinion, the best time to visit Da Nang, Vietnam is between late January and early May. During this time of year, the weather is typically sunny with low humidity levels and cooler temperatures. This makes it the most comfortable time of year to be active outside.

The summer months of June through August are dry, but they are also typically very hot. The summer months are also when Da Nang typically sees the largest crowds, so you will likely have to deal with longer lines and higher accommodation prices if you visit during this time of year.

The worst time to visit Da Nang is during the monsoon season, which typically stretches from September until early January in Da Nang. Unless you don’t have a choice, I would steer clear of visiting during these months as the city can see torrential downpours that make getting around and doing things very difficult.

Where to Stay in Da Nang, Vietnam

One of the most important decisions you will need to make when planning your trip to Da Nang is where you will stay. When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip.  So, not only do you need to be comfortable where you are staying, but you also need to be comfortable with how much you are paying to stay there.

Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price.  If you are starting to plan your trip to Vietnam and want some hotel and hostel suggestions, I have included some great options at different price points in my Da Nang, Vietnam guide for you to review below.  As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as Airbnb or VRBO if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

Recommended Hotels and Hostels Map

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Where to Eat in Da Nang, Vietnam

When most people plan a trip, the primary focus is on how to get there, where to stay, and what to see and do.  What many travelers neglect to plan, is where to eat when you are there.  Granted, it is sometimes fun to be spontaneous when choosing a restaurant while traveling. It is also smart to get some recommendations when you arrive.

However, it can also be advantageous to have some ideas of restaurants you would like to try before traveling as well.  This way, you won’t miss out on a highly recommended culinary experience that you will regret.  To help you decide on some restaurants in Da Nang to add to your list, I have included a list of some highly recommended options for you to review in my Da Nang, Vietnam guide below.

Da Nang, Vietnam Restaurant Recommendations

Restaurant	Cuisine	Price
Thìa Gỗ Restaurant Da Nang	Vietnamese, Veggie	$
Ca Chuon Co Vietnamese – Seafood Restaurant	Cafe, International, Asian	$$-$$$
Pho House	Vietnamese	$$-$$$
Fatfish Restaurant and Lounge Bar	Pizza, Seafood, International	$$-$$$
Table 88	International, Asian, Fusion	$$$$
Nén Danang Restaurant	Vietnamese, Veggie, Vegan Options	$$$$

Recommended Tours in Da Nang, Vietnam

There is a wealth of things to see and do in Da Nang. One of the best ways to get out and experience what the city has to offer is on a tour. If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to fill out your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions you can review in my Da Nang, Vietnam guide below.

Recommended Sightseeing Tours Recommended On the Water Tours Recommended Massage and Spa Tours Recommended Ground Transportation Services

Da Nang, Vietnam Photo Gallery

Da Nang is one of the most breathtaking cities that I have visited in my extensive travels. It was an absolute joy to be able to photograph some of the city’s many incredible scenic spots. To give you an idea of Da Nang’s beauty, I have included some of my favorite photos of the city in a gallery for you to view below.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram. Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

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