6 Best Things To Do in Da Nang

If you’re looking to soak up the sun while on vacation, Da Nang’s pristine beaches offer a wide range of fun-filled activities and sightseeing opportunities. The best time to visit is between May and August, when the sun is out all day, waters are calm, and lifeguards readily available from 05:00 to 20:00 daily. Read on to discover Da Nang’s most popular attractions, all of which are not to be left off your travel itinerary.

1. My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach has a 20 km stretch of white sand, about 6 km east of Da Nang city. Named after American soldiers who visited during the Vietnam War, this is considered one of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches. Home to a number of high-end resorts and seafood restaurants, My Khe Beach is also a popular spot for sunbathing, fishing, snorkeling, jet skiing, and surfing.

Visitors can also explore many World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An Ancient Town, Hue Ancient Capital and Phing Nga Cave, all easily accessible by bus

2. Marble Mountains

Among the best things to do in Da Nang, exploring the Marble Mountains offers a unique cultural and natural experience. These are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills within Hoa Hai District, about 9km south of Da Nang. Named after natural elements, the peaks are individually known as Thuy Son (water), Moc Son (wood), Hoa Son (fire), Kim Son (metal) and Tho Son (earth). There are also a host of 17th-century Buddhist sanctuaries and pagoda temples dotted across the mountains, where locals pray and get their fortunes told.

A must-do for any first-time visitor to Da Nang is climbing the steps to the top of Marble Mountains, where they can enjoy spectacular views across Non Nuoc Beach or My Khe Beach. Alternatively, there’s an elevator service (VND 30,000) available for those with physical disabilities.

3. Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain

Son Tra Mountain (Monkey) Mountain is a spectacular national park in Da Nang, with an elevation of 693 meters above sea level. Locally known as the Son Tra Peninsula, the winding roads around prove to be a popular spot for motorcycling while hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the forests verdant and rare species such as the red-faced macaque can also be found.

Linh Ung Pagoda is located on Son Tra mountain, is a prominent attraction in Da Nang because it has the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Built atop a lotus-shaped platform, there are a total of 21 miniature Buddha sculptures inside a stunning 67-meter-tall white statue

4. Dragon Bridge

Dragon Bridge, a highlight of the best things to do in Da Nang, has a length of 666 meters, the longest bridge in Vietnam. A popular spot for photographers, the six-lane bridge spans the Han River and is built in the shape of a golden dragon, which locals believe symbolizes power, nobility and fortune. While a stunning sight at any time of the day, the Dragon Bridge is especially cool (and crowded with visitors) on weekends as it's illuminated with colorful LED lights while spit fire and spit water from 21:00 onwards.

5. Phap Lam Pagoda

Phap Lam Pagoda is set within a two-storey building along Ong Ich Khiem Street, featuring plenty of trees, manicured gardens, and beautiful Buddhist sculptures. Despite its location within the bustling Da Nang city centre, the atmosphere here is very serene with locals praying in the morning and monks going about their daily lives. The courtyard of the pagoda houses a 1.1-metre-high seated Buddha statue and brass statues of the Goddess of Mercy (Avalokitecvara) and Dai The Chi Bodhisattva. Visitors can also enjoy vegetarian cuisine at local restaurants and food carts surrounding Phap Lam Pagoda.

6. Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass, located at an altitude of 500m above sea level, is the highest pass in Vietnam. It is located at the border between Thua Thien-Hue province and Da Nang city, where you can enjoy panoramic views of verdant mountains and clear blue sky as well as Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula and the East Sea. The pass also houses a ruined French-built fortress, which was later used as a bunker by South Vietnamese and American troops during the Vietnam War. Due to its sudden turns and hidden corners, Hai Van is also known for its frequent accidents - look out for the small altars placed along the roadside dedicated to those who perished.

From the sun-kissed sands of My Khe Beach to the spiritual heights of the Marble Mountains and the breathtaking vistas of Hai Van Pass, Da Nang offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. This vibrant city, with its iconic Dragon Bridge and tranquil pagodas, ensures an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, exploring these best things to do in Da Nang will undoubtedly leave you with lasting memories of this enchanting Vietnamese destination.