This is one of those places that has it all: breezy beaches, world-class recreation, fascinating heritage sites, and delectable cuisine, just to name a few attractions. It’s easy to lose track of time in this beach paradise, but if you want to visit the best of Da Nang’s many attractions, we recommend following the plan outlined below. With these insider advice, you can take in the sights and sounds of Da Nang, from the Son Tra Peninsula to the Marble Mountains.
On Day 1, you will see the Marble Mountains as well as Cham culture and the Han River.
The Marble Mountains are seven kilometres outside of town and may be reached immediately after breakfast and as early as you can manage. The Marble Mountains are composed of five jagged limestone outcrops topped with tranquil pagodas. Thuy Son is the most well-known of the five karsts, and it contains a number of caverns where Hindu and Buddhist sanctuaries have been preserved over the course of thousands of years.
TIP: If you want to get a sneak preview of the city, take a 360-degree tour of Da Nang here.
By the time you get back to town, you’ll be ready for a cup of coffee to revive yourself. When it comes to caffeine consumption, the Vietnamese are up there with the best of them, and visitors visiting Da Nang will be spoiled with choice in this regard. A variety of locally owned coffee cafes, like Ca Phe Long and Cong Caphe, serve up the powerful, almost chocolate-like native brew at unbelievably affordable pricing. Try 43 Factory Coffee Roastery if you’re looking for a more upscale choice.
Itinerary for Da Nang
M Quang (rice noodles with pork, quail eggs, and sautéed shrimp) is a delectable lunch dish that is created with soft rice noodles, boiled pork, quail eggs, and sautéed shrimp that is topped with a turmeric-infused broth, chilies, peanuts, and fresh herbs. Delicious!
Afternoon: From the town center, it’s a short walk to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which is free (spot Da Nang Cathedral en route, a cotton candy-pink edifice constructed by French colonialists back in 1923.) The Cham Museum, one of the best museums in Vietnam, is a must-see for history buffs. It houses Cham artifacts and sculptures uncovered on digs all along the central coast, as well as at the My Son Sanctuary, that date from the 5th to the 15th centuries and are a must-see for history buffs.
travel advice from Da Nang
Following your exploration of old culture, take a stroll down the riverbank on Bach Dang St. to get a taste of current Da Nang culture and cuisine. Enjoy the late-afternoon breezes off the Han River, take in the marble art pieces that have been set up along the banks, and soak up the local atmosphere as couples, joggers, and groups of friends congregate to enjoy the end of the day by the water’s edge.
If you’re in Da Nang for the first time, treat yourself to some fresh fusion cuisine at Fat Fish or sample some of the inventive modern Vietnamese creations at Nen Restaurant.
Trip excursions, sunset views, and seafood feasts await you on Day 2 of your vacation.
a list of things to do in Da Nang
Day two in Da Nang begins with an excursion to some of the province’s world-class wonders in the early morning hours. In case you’re a frequent user of Instagram, the cable car and the Golden Hands Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills will provide you with plenty of possibilities to load your memory card with beautiful photos. If you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ll enjoy a round or two at one of Da Nang’s designer golf courses located along the coast. Those looking for a more in-depth cultural experience should take the 45-minute drive out to the Hoi An Ancient Town, where they may wander through its picturesque alleys, pagodas, and shophouses.
Lunch: For lunch, eat bn cá, which is one of Da Nang’s most popular dishes. Cooks marinade the flesh of fresh fish caught off the coast of Da Nang in a mixture of turmeric and spices before serving it. A broth made from fish bones, pumpkin, cabbage, pineapple, and tomato is poured over rice noodles and boiled fish, and the dish is served immediately. Toss in the sprouts, herbs, lime juice, and chili pepper to taste.
travel advice from Da Nang
Afternoon: After returning to Da Nang, spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying a few creature amenities. If you’re in the need for some retail therapy, the elegant boutiques strewn along the river and along the shoreline may tempt you. In addition to selling a variety of mementos to take home, Da Nang Souvenirs and Cafe and AVANA also provide beautiful clothes and accessories inspired by the ethnic Co Tu minority of Vietnam. If you’re looking for a little pampering, book a spa treatment or take advantage of happy hour and swim a few laps in a rooftop pool with views of the city skyline, Han River, and Son Tra Peninsula.
Dinner: Enjoy a feast of fresh seafood pulled live from gigantic tanks while dining on the beach. For example, try some fried mantis shrimp with garlic, some grilled calamari, or some clams boiled with coconut milk, lime leaves, and chili peppers.
3rd day: City excursions, the Son Tra Peninsula, and beachfront relaxation
In Da Nang, you have 72 hours.
Morning: On your final morning in Da Nang, go further into the city to see more of what it has to offer. To visit a local fishing village, stroll through bustling markets, and be exposed to legendary cafes and street food stalls, sign up for a back-of-the-bicycle trip. Take a ride around the curves of the Son Tra Peninsula to get the best views of My Khe Beach to the south and the Hai Van Pass to the north, as well as the surrounding countryside. Stop by the gigantic Linh Ung Pagoda to take in this Da Nang landmark, and if you have more time on your hands, take the coastal road all the way around the peninsula to see it all. The scenery is very breathtaking.
Afterwards, it’s time to relax on the beach like a native, after all of your adventures (and perhaps a sleep). If you’re looking to catch a wave or two, Da Nang’s coasts are a great place to do it between November and March. If you like to relax, bring a book and a cold coconut to My Khe Beach and sit back and watch the waves come in.
Vietnam has a number of beautiful beaches.
Dinner at Ngon Villa will bring your Da Nang vacation to a successful conclusion. As an exquisite setting, this restaurant is the ideal place to sample regional cuisines and discuss the highlights of your vacation with friends and family.