Visit Da Nang in Central Vietnam
In this post, we visit Da Nang in Central Vietnam which was a wonderful place to stay as a hub to explore many of the attractions in the region. Da Nang is becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations now in Vietnam with direct international flights that serves the region. I found Da Nang modern and easy to get around and the Old central district where the main historical sites are located an easy to reach area with local transportation, but I also preferred to stay closer to the beach areas and enjoy the more relaxed and casual beach vibe and food scene especially the amazing night market.
Visit Da Nang, Vietnam: historic sites, food markets, fun day trips and beach time vibes
How to get to Da Nang
Here’s an outline on how to get to Da Nang, Vietnam by local, regional or international travel
How to Get to Da Nang, Vietnam
- By Air
- Da Nang International Airport (DAD): The main gateway, located just a few kilometers from the city center.
- Domestic Flights: Frequent connections from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other Vietnamese cities.
- International Flights: Direct routes from cities in Asia such as Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.
- Tip: Budget airlines like VietJet, Bamboo Airways, and AirAsia often offer low-cost options.
- By Train
- North–South Railway (Reunification Express): Runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with Da Nang as a central stop.
- Scenic Route: The stretch from Hue to Da Nang passes along Hai Van Pass with coastal views.
- Duration: Around 16–18 hours from Hanoi, 16–19 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, and 3–4 hours from Hue.
- By Bus
- Intercity Buses: Connect Da Nang with nearby cities like Hue, Hoi An, and Nha Trang.
- Sleeper Buses: Longer-distance buses from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are available, though less comfortable than trains or flights.
- By Car or Motorbike
- From Hue: About 2–3 hours via Hai Van Pass (scenic mountain route) or the shorter tunnel route.
- From Hoi An: About 45 minutes by car or motorbike.
- From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City: Possible but long distances, usually not practical unless doing a multi-day road trip.
- By Taxi or Private Transfer
- Convenient for short trips from nearby cities like Hue or Hoi An.
- Available through travel agencies, hotels, or apps like Grab.
Best time to visit Da Nang
Da Nang has a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons: a dry season from March to September and a rainy season from October to February. The best time to visit is typically between March and May when temperatures are warm but not too hot, skies are mostly clear, and humidity is manageable. June to August is also popular for beach trips, though it can be hotter and more crowded with domestic tourists. From September onward, rain becomes more frequent, and typhoons are possible between October and November, making travel plans less predictable. For those wanting comfortable weather, outdoor activities, and good beach conditions, spring to early summer is generally the ideal time.
Top Places to Visit Around Da Nang
There’s a lot to see in the city and areas that are worth exploring outside of Da Nang, check out all these popular attractions below:
My Khe Beach
The main beach is lined with hotels, resorts and restaurants for enjoying the beach scene, swimming and sunning fun. If you’re in a beach time mood, eating, strolling and enjoying the outdoors, this expansive beach area has it all to enjoy.
- Long stretch of sandy beach known for swimming, surfing, and fresh seafood.
- Easily accessible from the city center.
Da Nang Cathedral
Da Nang Cathedral, often called the “Pink Church” for its striking pastel-colored façade, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Built by French missionaries in 1923, it showcases Gothic-style architecture with stained glass windows, pointed arches, and a tall bell tower crowned with a weathercock. The church remains an active place of worship, especially lively during Sunday mass, but it also welcomes visitors curious about its history and design. Located in the heart of the city, it’s easy to stop by while exploring Da Nang, whether to admire its details, take photos, or step inside for a quiet moment away from the busy streets.
Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn)
The Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn), located just south of Da Nang, are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills named after the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Rising dramatically from the flat coastal plain, they are both a natural wonder and a spiritual site, dotted with ancient pagodas, Buddhist sanctuaries, and hidden caves adorned with statues and altars. Visitors can climb stairways or take an elevator to explore winding paths that lead to viewpoints overlooking the city, beaches, and countryside. The mountains are also home to traditional stone-carving villages where artisans continue centuries-old techniques, making it not only a cultural stop but also a place to experience local craftsmanship.
- Cluster of limestone and marble hills with caves, pagodas, and viewpoints.
- Popular for hiking, photography, and exploring Buddhist shrines.
Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
Ba Na Hills, set high in the mountains west of Da Nang, is a hilltop resort known for its cool climate, French-inspired architecture, and wide range of attractions. The highlight is the Golden Bridge, a striking pedestrian walkway seemingly held up by two massive stone hands rising from the hillside, offering sweeping views of the surrounding forested valleys. Visitors reach the resort by one of the world’s longest cable cars, which glides over lush landscapes and dramatic cliffs. Beyond the bridge, Ba Na Hills features landscaped gardens, pagodas, a fantasy-themed amusement park, and a replica French village, blending natural scenery with entertainment and cultural touches.
- Hill resort complex with cable car rides, gardens, and amusement park.
- Famous for the Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands.
Visiting the Son Tra Peninsula
Visiting the Son Tra Peninsula, often called Monkey Mountain, offers a mix of nature, culture, and coastal scenery just a short drive from Da Nang. The area is best known for its forested hills home to rare red-shanked douc langurs, winding roads that lead to scenic viewpoints, and the impressive Linh Ung Pagoda with its towering Lady Buddha statue overlooking the sea. Travelers can explore quiet beaches, hike trails through the nature reserve, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of Da Nang’s coastline and mountains. It’s a place where you can escape the city’s bustle while still being close enough to return easily in a day.
- Nature reserve with winding roads, beaches, and viewpoints.
- Home to Linh Ung Pagoda with its tall Lady Buddha statue.
Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng)
Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) is one of Da Nang’s most iconic sights, stretching across the Han River with a design shaped like a golden dragon, a symbol of strength and prosperity in Vietnamese culture. By day, the bridge is striking with its bold architecture, but at night it becomes a highlight of the city when illuminated by shifting LED lights. The real spectacle happens on weekend evenings and holidays, when the dragon’s head breathes fire and water in a lively show that draws both locals and visitors. Watching the display from the riverbanks or a nearby café has become a must-do experience, adding a festive energy to Da Nang’s nightlife.
- Modern bridge shaped like a dragon, illuminated at night.
- On weekends, the dragon “breathes” fire and water shows.
Son Tra Night market, Han Market & Con Market
If you are a shopper, these are the best markets to visit in Da Nang during the daytime and into night with fantastic finds, Handi-crats and souvenirs and delicious local street foods to enjoy at a bargain price. Close to the night market is the Dragon bridge with nightly Illuminated shows that are fun to check out.
- Bustling local markets offering food, souvenirs, and clothing.
- Great for sampling street snacks and local products.
Checking out the night market in Da Nang
Fresh local seafood and amazing prices
Here’s a video tour of the Son Tra Night Market in Da Nang below
Hoi An Ancient Town (30 km from Da Nang)
Hoi An Ancient Town, about 30 kilometers from Da Nang, is a beautifully preserved trading port that reflects centuries of cultural exchange. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its narrow streets lined with mustard-yellow merchant houses, wooden shopfronts, and colorful lanterns that light up the town in the evening. Visitors can explore traditional temples, assembly halls, and small museums, or simply wander along the Thu Bon River where boats add to the old-world charm. The town is also famous for its tailoring shops, local markets, and food scene, making it a place where history and daily life blend seamlessly.
- UNESCO World Heritage site with lantern-lit streets, old merchant houses, and riverside dining.
- Popular day trip from Da Nang.
Here’s a video tour of the city center of Hoi Han and surrounding areas below
Hue Imperial City (100 km from Da Nang)
Visiting Hue Imperial City, about 100 kilometers from Da Nang, is a journey into Vietnam’s royal past. Once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, the vast complex is surrounded by moats and walls, with ornate gates leading into courtyards, palaces, temples, and gardens. Though some parts were damaged during wars, much of the architecture has been restored, allowing visitors to imagine the grandeur of the imperial court. Highlights include the Noon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, and the Forbidden Purple City, each offering glimpses of royal life and Vietnamese artistry. Exploring the site takes time, but it’s a rewarding experience that captures the country’s history and heritage.
- Historic former capital with palaces, temples, and royal tombs.
- Accessible by train, bus, or car via the scenic Hai Van Pass.
Here’s a video tour of the Imperial city of Hue, Vietnam
My Son Sanctuary (40 km from Da Nang)
My Son Sanctuary, about 40 kilometers from Da Nang, is an ancient Cham site that once served as a religious center for Hindu worship between the 4th and 13th centuries. Set in a lush valley surrounded by mountains, the complex features groups of red-brick temples and towers dedicated to Shiva, many adorned with intricate carvings that reflect Cham artistry. Though some structures were damaged over time, the site remains an important UNESCO World Heritage destination where visitors can learn about the Cham civilization and its spiritual traditions. Walking among the ruins in the early morning or late afternoon offers a peaceful atmosphere and a sense of stepping back into history.
- UNESCO-listed Cham ruins with Hindu temples dating back centuries.
- Surrounded by jungle, often visited as a half-day trip.
Here’s a video tour of the My Song Hindu temples and a tour of the main attractions of the complex
Hai Van Pass
- Mountain pass with dramatic ocean and mountain views.
- Famous for motorbike rides and road trips between Da Nang and Hue.
Guide tours to take around Da Nang
Leave the logistics and a local guide to share all the important details, information and tours that you don’t have to worry about the efforts outside of bringing yourself on these popular day tours below:
From Da Nang/Hoi An: Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Full-Day Tour
Ride Asia’s longest cable car on a trip to Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge from Da Nang or Hoi An. Admire the panoramic views of the forest, then enjoy access to over 90 activities at Fantasy Park.
Da Nang: Hue Imperial Day Trip, Hai Van Pass Train, & Lunch
Discover stunning views of the coast as you take a scenic train through the Hai Van Pass to the Hue Imperial city on this day trip from Da Nang. Explore the city and savor a local lunch.
From Hue/Da Nang/Hoi An: Hai Van Pass Tour by Motorbike
Explore the Hai Van Pass on a guided motorbike tour from Hue/Hoi An with hotel pickup. Take a scenic journey along the coast of Central Vietnam, visit the Son Tra Peninsula, and stop at Lang Co Beach.
Da Nang/Hoi An: Explore My Son Sanctuary by US Army Jeep
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary on a Jeep tour from Da Nang or Hoi An. Enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside and visit ancient temples.
Da Nang/Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary and Marble Mountain Tour
Embark on a full-day adventure to My Son Sanctuary and Da Nang’s Marble Mountains. Admire the Champa Kingdom ruins, explore cave temples, and visit the Tam Thai Pagoda.
Further Reading on Visiting Vietnam
Check out these other posts to visiting Vietnam for inspiration
Conclusion to visiting Da Nang Vietnam
Visiting Da Nang offers a mix of stunning beaches, cultural landmarks, and easy access to some of Central Vietnam’s most remarkable sites, making it an ideal base for both relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood by the shore, wandering through ancient temples, or taking a day trip to Hoi An or Hue, the city combines modern comforts with authentic local charm. To truly experience the best of Da Nang, plan your visit during the dry season, set aside time for both the coast and the mountains, and don’t miss the chance to explore its vibrant markets and street food. Start planning your trip now and let Da Nang be the gateway to your next unforgettable Vietnam adventure.
