Besides Hanoi and Saigon, you will love Danang, why? Because there are millions of things to do here for any kind of travel orientation you are planning. Our shortlisted places to visit in Da Nang are considered must-see sites, however, many other experiences await you when you come to this beautiful city. If you have any other place to share, feel free to let us know!
Da Nang's beachfront is miles long, beginning at the Son Tra Peninsula and ending at Hoi An. White sand beaches that are unoccupied for prolonged periods of the day may be found continuously. The most popular beaches in the south are Non Nuoc, Pham Van Dong, My Khe, and My Anh. However, My Khe stands out as the most well-liked by tourists and also by many Danang residents. Locals like to swim or play sports in the beautiful water and on the powdery beach before the sun goes down. You will see that My Khe is busy in the early morning or late afternoon like before/after the locals go to work. Following that, you may go out for a delicious seafood meal or sunset beverage at one of the numerous local sky bars in the city center.
My Khe beach - one of the popular places to visit in Da Nang
The Han River Bridge was built for two years, from 1998 to 2000. Vietnamese architects and construction workers did take great pride in this bridge. Its aesthetic value lies in its potential to improve transit, increase local tourism, and stimulate economic development in Danang. The overall dimensions of the reinforced concrete structure are 487.7m in length, 11.9m in breadth, with 11 spans and 2 stay cable spans of a combined 122.7 m in length.
Han River Bridge - one of the must-see Da Nang attractions
The Han River Bridge stands out among others in Vietnam since it is the country's first and only swing bridge. And for its outstanding light-on at night, of course! No cars are permitted to cross the Han River Bridge before the swing time. From about 1 AM to 4 AM daily, the bridge's midsection rotates 90 degrees on its axis. Large vessels may easily navigate the river and under the bridge during this time. In recent years, the bridge has become something of a "specialty" for the area, prompting authorities to change the hour it spins to 11 PM to 12 AM on Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate the schedules of most tourists.
Beautiful suspension bridges may be seen in many Vietnamese cities. However, Da Nang boasts the longest of these bridges, the Dragon Bridge. The residents are understandably proud of the dragon structure on this state-of-the-art, six-lane bridge. In Vietnamese culture, dragons stand for progress and national strength. You can particularly see it in our pagodas, Van Mieu, or many historical sites. Then, you know, the dragon symbol is something special to Vietnamese people.
Dragon Bridge is among top Da Nang city's attractions at night
The dragon atop this bridge is illuminated by bright LEDs at night. Many people gather to watch it perform every Saturday and Sunday night at 9 o'clock as fire and water shoot out of its mouth, representing a dragon spitting fire as it flies into the East Sea. Where are the best places to see the show? Immerse yourself in the activity right on the bridge. Take a seat at one of the cafes along Tran Hung Dao. You may also stop by the Son Tra night market and get a bite to eat.
This bridge is one of the most recognizable places to visit in Da Nang. After sunset, the bridge, which changes color every few minutes, is at its most beautiful when viewed from a stroll along the river's edge. It also serves as a great setting for that perfect Instagram photo.
The Marble Mountains are easily accessible via the Danang–Hoian coastline route, which is about 8 kilometers southeast of Danang City. The Marble Mountains are a group of five rocky outcrops composed of marble and limestone. The height of the Marble Mountains is remarkable in relation to the surrounding low, flat floodplains, even if they are not as enormous as truly gigantic mountains. The Cham people of central Vietnam once used these mountains as sacred shrines. After that, caverns and the peaks of mountains became home to Buddhist temples and shrines. Using the five elements of Eastern philosophy—Kim (metal), Tho (earth), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), and Thuy (water)—King Minh Mang dubbed the mountains "Ngu Hanh Son" in 1825. During the French colonial era, French geologists discovered that the mountains were made of marble, hence the name "Marble Mountains".
Marble Mountain - one of interesting things to see in Da Nang
Mt. Thuy Son is the highest and most stunning of the five mountains. You have your choice of a glass elevator or a set of stone stairs leading to the peak. Its highest peak provides a breathtaking vista over the seaside, Danang, and the surrounding countryside. Once you've descended to ground level, stop in one of the souvenir shops for a unique memento.
Bana Hills, located 42 kilometers west of Danang City, is home to stunning natural scenery, verdant mountains, a world-class amusement park, and awe-inspiring architectural creations like a full-fledged French replica village, spiritual landmarks, and, of course, the Golden Bridge. If you are not going to this place once, then you seem not to visit Danang.The hill, located on the Nui Chua mountain at an elevation of 1,487 meters, was first established as a hill station in 1919 and developed as a vacation spot for French colonists.
Ba Na Hill Complex - Da Nang top attractions for families
In recent years, it has received substantial investment and expansion to become Sunworld Bana Hills, a world-class resort and entertainment complex featuring the greatest French architecture.
Bana Hills is full of exciting attractions, making it the top place to go in Danang, but the highlight is the Golden Bridge. Since its opening in June 2018, the bridge has been frequented by sightseers in awe of its extraordinary architecture. The 150-meter-long footbridge is held aloft by the cliff faces by two enormous concrete hands. Stunning and Instagrammable! Danang's golden silk strip hidden in the jungle shines vividly against the bright yellow of the bridge. The Thien Thai garden, the French town, and the Le Jardin D'Amour flower garden are all interconnected thanks to the Golden Bridge.
Golden Bridge is a new symbol of the young dynamic city
Moreover, this hill station seems like something out of a fairytale, with its castles and cobblestone lanes and pretty courtyards. The complex is a strange blend of ancient East and Western architecture, including a number of Buddhist temples and statues that were clearly designed with tourism in mind. The journey up the world's longest cable car lift is worth it for the breathtaking views of the valley below. At the mountain's peak, the air is crisp and clear, and there are countless interesting sights to capture on camera. Despite the high price of admission, a day trip to Bà Nà hills is well worth it for the incredible scenery and array of activities available for visitors of all ages.
The ancient Champa culture of Vietnam, which formerly dominated southern Vietnam, left behind abandoned remains at the My Son Sanctuary, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spanning an impressive ten centuries, this architectural marvel was meticulously crafted between the 4th and 14th centuries, showcasing the incredible skill and dedication of the ancient Champa civilization. Right in the heart of the Champa civilization, lies a magnificent temple dedicated to the revered Hindu God Shiva. This central place of worship served as a hub for the Champa people to pay their respects and offer their devotion to the divine.
As wandering through the ancient ruins, you couldn't help but marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the soft bricks that made up the walls. These bricks, baked at a low temperature, have stood the test of time and continue to tell the story of the civilization that once thrived here. As stacked one on top of the other, they seamlessly fused together.
Sightseeing in Da Nang - My Son Sanctuary
It is said the builders had a unique technique for creating their structures. After carefully crafting each brick, they would set the entire building ablaze, allowing the flames to solidify the structure and ensure its durability for generations to come.
My Son offers an interesting and educational day excursion thanks to the magnificent sculptures of Hindu deities found there. To fully appreciate the place, it is best to take a tour conducted by a local expert. The majority of the structures were destroyed by American carpet bombing during the war, and massive bomb holes can still be seen around the area. Don't pass up the chance to learn about this forgotten empire by seeing its mountainous, overgrown remains.
The Son Tra Peninsula is a popular tourist destination due to its long and white sand beaches, primeval woods, and sacred spiritual places. It is located 10 kilometers northeast of Danang City, 693 meters above sea level. Danang is protected from typhoons and other sea-borne disasters by the towering Son Tra and Hai Van mountain ranges, which appear to rise directly out of the water and enfold Danang City and Danang Bay. The rich ecosystem of animals and plants in Son Tra is likely to astound any nature enthusiast. The Son Tra Peninsula has been designated as a Special Conservation Area since 1980, and the Son Tra Nature Reserve is under tight protection due to the more than 30 km2 of natural woods found there. Therefore, this is the top place to go in Danang with unspoiled beaches ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving to explore a diverse array of marine life, including hundreds of species of coral, sea grass, seaweed, mollusks, Echinodermata (starfish, urchins, etc.), and plankton.
Son Tra Peninsula where the famous Intercontinental resort is located
If you are into the culture as well, please visit Linh Ung Pagoda with the stunning white statue of the 67-meter-high Goddess of Mercy Buddha atop the hill. That enormous white statue can be seen from the beach at My Khe, tucked into the mountain at the far end of the beach. According to the myth, the Lady Buddha ensures the safety of fishermen sailing through dangerous waters. The Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain blocks off dangerous storms at sea. Beautiful panoramas await those who make the ascent by foot or horseback. On the way up, you may see the critically endangered red-shanked douc (Pygathrix nemaeus). The 4,000 hectares of luxuriant jungle that surrounds the mountain provide a cool, lush alternative to the beach on hot days. The pagoda's 20-hectare grounds are home to several structures, including the main hall, ancestor's house, lecture hall, library, cafeteria, and Arhat statue garden. Linh Ung pagoda is, thus, the biggest in Da Nang.
Linh Ung Pagoda in Son Tra peninsula
Linh Ung Pagoda - A Favourite Da Nang Attraction
Motorcycling fans may want to explore this mountain pass after seeing the show Top Gear's 2008 Vietnam Special.
Majestic Hai Van Pass is a Da Nang must-see attraction
Hai Van Pass, a magnificent route that spans 21 kilometers, is well-known for numerous things. It is among the nation's longest and tallest roadway to be conquered by adventure lovers. During wartime, it served as an important dividing line. Also, it delineates the climatic differences between the tropical south and the subtropical north. Its proximity to other famous destinations like Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An further contributes to its popularity. The 165 kilometers over the pass connecting these three cities make for a spectacular road journey. If you are into adventure and would like to roam around with mobility, wake up early and enjoy a full day riding through Hai Van Pass. Either do it all in one long day, or split it up into two days with overnight stops is fine. It is, in any way, going to be the best experience you have ever had while in Danang.
The Museum of Cham Sculpture in Danang is home to the largest collection of Cham artifacts in the world. In around the fourth century, Champa was a thriving monarchy in southern Vietnam. The My Son remains are a popular place to visit in Da Nang since they were once used as the royal temple. Spend a day at the museum learning amazing facts about this ancient society if you're interested in learning more about these ancient people.
Museum of Cham Sculpture attracts more and more visitors
The museum's collection spans eight centuries, from the height of Champa sculpture to its eventual decline, and visitors may witness this transformation firsthand. The relics serve as symbolic representations of the triumph and demise of the Champa culture. We may appreciate the highest goal of art, the birth of the infinite from the limited, as we contemplate these works of art. The Champa museum's collection spans eight centuries, documenting the highs and lows of Champa artistic production. Stones were given life via artistic expression, and now we can feel the warmth of the Champa artisans' hands on the delicate skin of these priceless relics.
For the sake of the local French Catholic community, French priest Louis Vallet constructed Danang Cathedral in 1923; it first opened its doors to the public in March 1924. It was also the only church constructed in Danang by the French.
Da Nang Cathedral painted in pink colour
The 70-meter-tall, pink-painted church is a Gothic masterpiece with a variety of medieval stained glass windows depicting saints in various states of holiness. Behind the church is a grotto dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is a copy of the one in Lourdes, France. When visiting a Western church, visitors can expect to see religious artwork depicting biblical scenes.
The rooster weathercock atop the massive bell tower of Danang Cathedral has earned it the nickname "Rooster Church" among the locals.
If you're looking for somewhere cool to go on a hot day or a dry place to hide from the rain, Art in Paradise is the place to go in Danang. This place is home to Vietnam's most comprehensive collection of 3D Trick art and belongs to The Art in Paradise Global Group - the largest group of 3D museums in the world.
3D Art Museum in Da Nang city
The Museum spans 4,000 square feet (400 square meters) across two stories and is divided into nine distinct sections. Twenty exceptionally talented and creative Korean artists set out to create the world's first and only dedicated museum of 3D Trick art in just 4 months.
In contrast to traditional galleries, this one encourages audience participation. The foundation of Art In Paradise Danang is an innovative approach that successfully marries high-quality artworks with lighthearted and heartfelt concepts. The museum is an incredible indoor cultural attraction. If you're in Da Nang, you really must check out Art in Paradise. Don't pass up the opportunity to try something truly remarkable.
Despite being in the middle of a busy city, the Phap Lam Pagoda exudes an air of peacefulness and serenity that many people are looking for. In addition to its spiritual significance, this location is stunning since there are many trees, exquisite Buddhist statues, and well-kept gardens.
Seeing the locals and monks gather every morning to pray is a moving sight, giving a closer zoom into local culture and religion. The 1.1-meter-tall Buddha statue in the pagoda's courtyard, and the sculptures of the Goddess of Mercy are major draws that must be visited by sightseers. Similar to other pagodas, a short top or bottom is not appropriate for tourists to go inside, so you need to check on clothes before going. If you want to stay around to have something to eat, feel free to do so as there are cafes and eateries around with vegetarian options.
For more activities, please see:
>> 7 Iconic Da Nang Bridges - Da Nang Complete Travel Guide
>> Top 10 Famous Markets in Da Nang: Explore Local Hectic Life
>> The 7 Best Rooftop Bars in Da Nang You Should Know
>> Best Restaurants in Da Nang: a Food Lover’s Culinary Journey
>> Best Time to Visit Da Nang: How to Plan Your Perfect Trip
