DaNang is fastly becoming the perfect half way spot between the Northern capital Hanoi and the opposite far end Ho Chi Minh.
HERE’S WHAT TO DO&SEE IN DANANG
The city is a good mix of laid back relaxing spots along the 20-km-long beach, and thrilling day and nightlife along the Han river, with crowded local markets in the mornings and a thousand colour settings in the evenings.
1. ENJOY THE DRAGON BRIDGE FIRE SHOW
Symbol of the city, the Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) is an interesting piece of architecture: the yellow Dragon extends head to tail from one side of the Han River to the other, waving up and down the road level. And it becomes a big entertainment at night too, changing colour into red, blue, green, orange. If you stay in DaNang during weekend, on Saturday and Sunday you can’t miss the dragon spitting fire and water from his mouth, a short show that recalls hundreds of local people and tourists.
The incredible Dragon Bridge fire show
2. HEAD TO THE LADY BUDDHA – LINH UNG PAGODA
Lady Buddha Statue at Linh ứng Pagoda
3. RENT A SCOOTER AND GO MONKEY SPOTTING
Riding up through wild Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain)
4. VISIT THE MARBLE MOUNTAINS (Ngũ Hành Sơn)
About 10 km south of DaNang, again along the beachside, stand these 5 big limestone formations, each representing a different earth element: Kim (metal), Thủy (water), Mộc (wood), Hỏa (fire) and Thổ (earth). They come literally out of nowhere, as the land is flat all around. Despite the site being quite vast, it’s not easy to avoid the crowds, especially at Thủy Sơn, the main mountain. But if you have time enough to visit the entire site you will be able to find peaceful areas, among temples and caves.
Huyen Khong Cave, a spectacular chamber where around 12 pm the sunlight comes vertically to fill it with magic!
5. SUNBATHE AT MY KHE BEACH
DaNang has more than 20 km of beaches, mostly large and spacious. In front of the hotels and resorts you will find a lot of people, both local and tourists, but going a little bit further it’s easy to find the right spot. One of the best is My Khe Beach, about 3 km southbound from the city, famous for its straw umbrellas.
Some of the best beach bars are in the area of Bac My An beach. Enjoy a live music concert while drinking a beer with your feet in the sand. Are you convinced yet?!
Palm trees and straw umbrellas, My Khe Beach
6. DIVE INTO VIETNAMESE DAILY LIFE AT CON MARKET
For a complete tour of DaNang you have to experience one of the many local markets. Markets play an important part on the daily routine of a Vietnamese. Con Market is the biggest in town, with hundreds of small shops and stands. You can truly get lost in the meandering alleys of this market, so wide and extended. All of your senses will be tested, from smell to sight and touch of many diverse fruits and vegetables.
Con Market, DaNang
7. TASTE SOME DELICIOUS VIETNAMESE FOOD
Having some Bahn Beo, small steamed rice cakes
8. DRIVE UP IN THE CLOUDS – HAI VAN PASS
Hai Van Pass, literally the Pass of the Clouds, is one of the most famous panoramic routes in Vietnam. From Da Nang the road follows the coast, direction Hue, before climbing up the hill, giving you the best view possible. When the weather is nice the scenery is wonderful, but quite often sudden clouds will come down low on the road, keeing faith to the name of the pass!
9. HAVE A VIETNAMESE MASSAGE
Rainy day? Too many miles on the road? Relax with a soft Vietnamese massage. We personally recommend Queen Spa, clean, professional, good massage and you can book on their website directly!
10. ENJOY THE NIGHT CITY VIEW SIPPING A COCKTAIL ON A ROOFTOP BAR
Da Nang is developing at a crazy rhythm and hotels are popping everywhere, mostly by the beach. And all of them have a stylish rooftop bar. Some of our favorites are the ones on top of Novotel, riverside view, and of A La Carte Hotel, seaview.
Colourful DaNang at night – view on Novotel rooftop bar
WHERE TO STAY IN DANANG:
- Barney’s Hostel DaNang: a new hostel with great river view, excellent staff and cheap prices;
- Jazz Hotel DaNang: nice seafront hotel facing a tranquil side of Da Nang long beach. Great atmosphere with live music every night in the lounge area.
- Diamond Sea Hotel DaNang: for a breathtaking seaview, book a room with balcony in this hotel along DaNang strip, with rooftop swimming pool&bar!
- Need more hotel inspiration? You can pre-book all your stays in Da Nang and in Vietnam with free cancellation here.
WHERE TO EAT IN DANANG:
- Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng, 280/23 Hoàng Diệu: arguably the best (and our favourite) place in town to have Bánh Xèo: a savory fried pancake made of rice flour, stuffed with meat, shrimps, soy beans. Tasty Bún Thịt Nướng (rice noodles with grilled meat) and Nem Lụi (meat skewers) are also served here.
- Hải sản Năm Đảnh, 139/59/38 Trần Quang Khải: the cheapest and freshest daily fished seafood. 100% Vietnamese, you will have to communicate with your hands only here!
- Bành Mi: you can find Bành Mi vendors basically at every corner, but if you’re looking for a place to sit down we suggest Mi AA Happy Bread at 14 Hùng Vương, Hải Châu 1.
- You can find our complete guide on where to eat in DaNang here.
HOW TO REACH DANANG:
- Sleeper train from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh: a 15+hour long journey, but very interesting and good fun, info and prices here;
- Hue-DaNang train, the most famous train route in Vietnam;
- Pre-book your bus ticket from major cities here;
- Flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and from all Southeast Asia.
- Book your tickets to travel in Vietnam on amt.12go.asia
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
- Never leave home without a reliable travel insurance. Even if you trust yourself, you can’t always trust others. Better safe than sorry! Get your quote here.
