Da Nang
Country: Vietnam · Region: Southeast Asia · Currency: Vietnamese Dong
Da Nang is Vietnam's fifth largest city on the central coast, positioned between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, known for beautiful beaches, proximity to cultural sites like Hoi An and My Son, and a mix of French colonial and war-era history.
Top sights
My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge, Ba Na Hill Station, Son Tra Peninsula, Museum of Cham Sculpture, Linh Ung Temple
Things to do
- Ba Na Hill Station
- A 1,487 m mountain resort 40 km west featuring a cable car system set in the Truong Son Mountains with views over the South China Sea.
- Dragon Bridge
- A 2013 bridge shaped like a dragon that breathes fire and water each Saturday and Sunday night at 21:00 over the Han River.
- Linh Ung Temple
- Located on Son Tra Mountain with a 67-m tall statue and stunning views of the sea and sky, clearly visible from My Khe Beach.
- Museum of Cham Sculpture
- Located in the city centre, displaying artifacts from the ancient Kingdom of Champa and recommended before visiting nearby My Son ruins.
Beaches
- My Khe Beach
- Gorgeous 40 km beach running along the city's eastern edge and continuing south to Hoi An, known as Vietnam War-era 'China Beach'.
- Son Tra Peninsula
- A lush green peninsula north of the city with a dedicated nature reserve home to 60% of Vietnam's critically endangered red-shanked douc monkeys.
Where to eat
- Han River Promenade
- Well-built waterfront area along Bach Dang Road with local gathering spots and restaurants, lit up with colorful patterns at night.
Getting around
Use Grab ride-hailing app, taxis (Mai Linh or Vinasun), motorbike rentals, local buses, or motorbike taxis from the city center; airport is 10 minutes away by taxi.
What to eat
Da Nang has local dining options throughout the city, though airport terminal food is expensive (avoid the US$15 pho); bring takeaway from outside the terminal if arriving by plane.
Tips
Book rides through Grab app rather than hailing taxis on the street for transparent pricing and English-speaking support; drivers speak limited English but are friendly and helpful.
Best for
Beaches, cultural exploration, mountain scenery