Is it worth a visit?
To answer that question, yes, it is! When visiting Vietnam, Da Nang was our first destination. With massage spas, sandy beaches, and delicious food and drinks, how could it not be? Since Oscar loves being near the ocean, it was the perfect destination. Da Nang has it all, with a stretch of ocean that gives beachy vibes and, across the Han River, a bustling city with plenty to do. Without exploring everything, we fell in love with the area, and there’s no doubt you will too.
Da Nang is split into two main areas, the city side by the riverfront and the beach side. During our stay, we spent most of our time around the beach. There is much to do and much to see. If you plan on visiting Da Nang, there are a few things you should know, such as how to get around, where to stay, and what to eat. Hopefully, we can provide you with enough key information in this travel guide on Da Nang, Vietnam.
How To Get Around Da Nang?
The great thing about staying in Da Nang is that the international airport is right in the city. If you are traveling from a faraway country, it’s nice to know that the land travel isn’t that long. 15-30 minutes, max, depending on the time of day and traffic.
During our stay, our main form of transportation was Grab. The Grab app is a ride-sharing app similar to Uber. With Grab, you can book a ride, for example, a car or van if you are traveling with luggage or multiple passengers. If you are riding solo with little to carry, booking a motorbike is also available and usually the cheaper option.
Another way to get around is to rent your own motorbike. If you are staying in Da Dang for an extended period of time, it might be more convenient to do so. Of course, walking is an option. However, sidewalk space is limited, so you have to be mindful.
In general, transportation is fairly inexpensive.
Travel Tip
Many Grab drivers will ask about your plans for your stay. Most mean no harm and simply want your business if you plan to go sightseeing. We kept the contact information for a couple of drivers on WhatsApp and used one of them for a tour. They prefer this because they receive all of the money from the transaction instead of Grab taking the profits.
Just be aware that if you are going this route, Grab isn’t responsible for what may happen during your trip! Use discretion!
Where To Stay in Da Nang
When deciding where to stay in Da Nang, location depends on the type of traveler you are. If you want ocean views and easy beach access, there are plenty of spots along My Khe Beach. Many resorts are luxurious, with lots of amenities and ocean views. As expected, they are a bit pricier. But compared to the west, they are still affordable. For a more accommodating stay, we suggest a boutique hotel, as we spent most of our time lodging at one. Many have rooftop pools, breakfast, and spa services, perfect if you want relaxation built into your stay.
For those interested in nightlife, cafes, and local food, staying across the Han River near the city center might be more your scene. This side of Da Nang offers easy access to shopping, local markets, and the famous Dragon Bridge, which lights up and even “breathes fire” on weekend nights.
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Da Nang, Vietnam
Bring Cash!
The phrase “cash is king” exists for a reason, and Da Nang is a perfect example. While some establishments accept credit cards, many, especially street vendors and small shops, do not. It’s best to carry cash to avoid any inconvenience. Exchange enough Vietnamese dong before arriving, or withdraw money from the many ATMs available throughout the city. As always, be mindful of your belongings. Crowded areas can be distracting, and while we didn’t personally experience any issues, it’s best to stay alert and cautious.
Use Bottled Water
Before traveling to Vietnam, we learned that it’s safest to drink only bottled water. We also used bottled water when brushing our teeth and washing fruit. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available, making this an easy habit to maintain during your trip.
Use and Carry Sunscreen
The sun in Da Nang can be intense, especially during the summer. Be sure to apply sunscreen regularly and carry some with you throughout the day to avoid sunburn, especially if you’ll be spending time outdoors or at the beach. You don’t want to end up like one of us who got sunburned.
Absolute Spots To Visit in Da Nang
There are many places to visit and sights to see in Da Nang. Here are a few top attractions we believe you should see and do if you plan to visit Da Nang.
My Khe
My Khe and My An beaches were where we spent many of our days walking to and from our lodging. It’s a great place to stay active, as the beach spans about 10 kilometers with a path. During the walk, you’ll encounter multiple stands and beach bars/clubs. Each stop is unique, with its own layout and menu.
It’s best to take the walk early in the morning or in the evening, when the sun is down, as the heat can be brutal at times, with limited shade. Walking in the early AM is a sight to see, as locals as well as tourists are out and about. The young and old are keeping up with their fitness. You’ll encounter groups of elderly women and some men dancing in sync to music played from a speaker. There will be joggers running up and down the path. There are even workout spots along the beach with different stations of equipment to bring body movement.
During the day and evening, the beach bars start to open, selling drinks and offering happy hour discounts or specials. You’ll also likely encounter food vendors selling banh mi and other local bites.
Beyond the walk path and into the sandy part, there are beach chairs owned by some of the bars that can be rented. Some vendors set up shop for foot massages on the beach. If interested, classes for surfing are available to enroll in. With so much going on, no wonder this destination was almost a daily occurrence during our stay in Da Nang.
Sun World Bà Nà Hills
Bà Nà Hills in Da Nang, Vietnam, is a spectacular mountaintop resort with iconic photo spots, including the famous Golden Bridge, making it a must‑visit stop on any Vietnam itinerary. This unique blend of natural scenery and theme‑park style attractions is ideal for travelers seeking Instagram‑worthy views, family‑friendly fun, and a refreshing escape from the coastal heat, with the cool mountain air.
Ba Na Hill is a huge amusement park resort similar to Disneyworld. There was so much to do and see that we didn’t get to experience it all during our day trip. To reach the resort, patrons must take a cable car up the hill. If you are terrified of heights, this attraction might not be for you.
Once at the top, you can take scenic cable car rides to various attractions throughout the park. Enjoy the European fairy-tale-themed village with its French-style architecture, castles, food stalls, and cobblestone streets.
Take a walk through a stunning flower garden, a floral complex featuring various landscapes, fountains, statues, and colorful blooms, creating a picturesque escape.
The most iconic attraction at the resort is the Golden Bridge. Suspended nearly 1,400 meters above sea level, this breathtaking pedestrian bridge appears to be supported by two giant stone hands, creating one of the most photographed scenes in all of Southeast Asia.
The Golden Bridge provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, forests, clouds, and the city below, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking unforgettable scenery. The only downside is that the bridge can get extremely crowded, so it’s best to arrive as early as possible.
One of the biggest highlights of Ba Na Hills for us, besides the breathtaking view from the top of Da Nang, is the food and drink experience. The resort offers a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from casual buffet halls to themed dining spaces. You’ll find options serving Asian cuisine and Western comfort food, with great selections for everyone to find something they like to eat.
Ba Na Hills also has its own brewery, where you can enjoy freshly brewed beer in a lively, European-style beer hall. It’s a great place to relax after walking around the resort.
Lady Buddha
The Lady Buddha statue, located on the Son Tra Peninsula, also known as the Monkey Mountains, is one of the most famous spiritual landmarks in Da Nang, Vietnam. Standing at an impressive 67 meters (220 feet), Lady Buddha is the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy in Vietnam and can be seen from miles along the coastline. Before taking our sightseeing trip to Monkey Mountain, it’s hard not to notice the majestic statue in the distance during our daily walks at My Khe Beach.
Set within the peaceful Linh Ung Pagoda, the statue overlooks the East Sea, which offers remarkable views of Da Nang, its sandy beaches, and lush mountains. The serene atmosphere, coupled with the cool mountain breeze and the ocean as a backdrop, makes this a must-see. Especially if you are looking for cultural insight and beautiful scenery.
Dragon Bridge
The Dragon Bridge is one of Da Nang’s main attractions. This 666-meter (2,185-foot) bridge spans the Han River, connecting the airport side of the city to the beach side. The bridge is designed as a golden dragon, laminated with lights.
The magic happens at night on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and on some holidays, when a fire and water show is performed. On those days, starting around 9pm, the Dragon Bridge spouts flames and water mist from its mouth. It’s a very cool event to experience, as hundreds of people walk on and by the bridge to see it.
Before and after the show, it’s worth taking a short walk to explore the nearby Son Tra night market. The market is filled with vendors selling street food, snacks, clothes, trinkets, custom souvenirs, and much more.
Here’s a little tip. There’s a nice Italian restaurant nearby that serves delicious Italian dishes. If you call ahead before visiting the Dragon Bridge, you can reserve a table on their rooftop to enjoy a great view like the center photo above and a great dinner. The restaurant is called Riverside Terrace. It’s worth a visit just for the food alone.
There’s so much to do in Da Nang that we only scratched the surface. Many festivals and events take place in the area depending on the time of year. Da Nang has many great restaurants to try. Also, during your stay in Da Nang, a trip to Hoi An is a must for even more fun and exploring. We hope this gave you some information that convinced you to visit Da Nang if you were on the fence about going. It’s definitely worth the trip, and we can’t wait to go back and visit again.