Top 10 Things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam

Digital Nomad

October 26, 2021

Top 10 Things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam

Thinking of visiting Da Nang, Vietnam?

Located on the central coast of Vietnam, Da Nang is known for its incredible architecture, white-sand beaches, and even a dragon bridge that breathes fire! There are so many amazing things to do in Da Nang, I’ve put this post together to help you narrow it down.

As a digital nomad, I’ve lived all over Europe and Southeast Asia, and Da Nang is still one of my favorite destinations. While the larger cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are more popular with tourists, Da Nang is the perfect blend of modern and traditional.

From temples to beaches, there’s no shortage of things to see in this bustling city. Keep reading to find out the top 10 things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam!

Looking for the full run-down on this digital nomad hotspot? Check out my Da Nang Digital Nomad Guide, which covers cost of living, housing, restaurants, and more!

Top 10 Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam

1. Visit the Da Nang dragon bridge.

things to do in Da Nang Vietnam: dragon bridge

Undoubtedly Da Nang’s most famous attraction, the dragon bridge is over 666 meters long and is even more impressive up close. Every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm, the dragon lights up and breathes real fire.

The waterfront area around the bridge starts filling up around 8:30, so make sure you get there early for a good spot!

2. Visit one of the amazing coffee shops.

Vietnamese coffee is seriously some of the best in the world. It’s rich, flavorful, and ridiculously cheap. You can have the best coffee of your life for under $2!

There are plenty of Da Nang cafes and coffee shops to pass an afternoon in, and if you choose a place with air conditioning, it’s a great way to escape the heat! Some of our favorites were 43 Factory, Bread n Salt, and Gozar Coffee. Check out the full list of recommendations here!

My personal favorites are egg coffee and coconut coffee! You can ask for these Vietnamese specialties at almost any coffee shop – and I promise you will be hooked!

3. Day trip to Hoi An.

Just a 45 minute drive from Da Nang, the ancient town of Hoi An has a completely different vibe. Filled with historical buildings and brightly colored lanterns, Hoi An has a charming small town feel, but is packed with tourist attractions and sightseeing tours.

One of the best things to do in Hoi An is visit the city’s many tailor shops. You can have clothing, shoes and accessories custom made for a fraction of the price you’d pay at home!

One of the other best things to do is explore the ancient city full of quaint yellow painted buildings and lanterns that line the river.

Watch my full travel guide to Hoi An below!

4. Visit the Marble Mountains.

things to do in Da Nang: marble mountains

A popular day trip from Da Nang, the Marble Mountains are just 20 minutes away by bus or motorbike. This collection of limestone hills provides stunning views of Da Nang and the surrounding area.

Each of the hills is named for one of the five elements: Thuy Son (water), Kim Son (metal), Moc Son (wood), Hoa Son (fire), and Tho Son (earth). If you plan on hiking to the top, make sure you wear proper footwear! Thuy Son is over 150 steps to the top, but there is an elevator for those who can’t make the climb.

5. Ride the Hai Van Pass.

No trip to Da Nang is complete without driving the Hai Van Pass, a beautiful stretch of coastline connecting the city to Lang Co in the Hue Province. Over 500m above sea level and full of hairpin turns, this route isn’t for the faint of heart.

Voted one of the best coastal roads in the world, the pass rewards visitors with sweeping views of the mountains and South China Sea. The best way to take in the view is by renting a motorbike, but make sure you’re comfortable driving one first, and always wear a helmet!

6. Sunbathe at the beach.

One of the best things to do in Da Nang is to visit one of the gorgeous beaches. My Khe Beach is the most popular, located just three miles from the city center. A little further afield but less crowded is Non Nuoc Beach. Both offer calm, clear water, beachfront restaurants, and plenty of sunshine!

7. Visit the Bà Nà Hills.

If you’ve seen any photos of Vietnam on Instagram, you’ve probably seen the famous “hand bridge”. Its real name is the Golden Bridge, and its part of the Bà Nà Hills resort, which has become a popular photography destination for Instagrammers and tourists alike.

Visitors can take a cable car up to the resort complex, which sits high in the hills at 4,800 ft above sea level. There are plenty of other attractions to explore as well, including temples, a fantasy park, and several restaurants.

8. Go snorkelling off the Cham Islands.

One of the top things to do in Da Nang, the Cham Islands are a collection of eight different islands just off the city’s coast. A perfect getaway from the bustle of downtown Da Nang, the islands boast beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and turquoise water full of vibrant fish and coral.

9. Watch the sunrise over ancient ruins.

My Son Sanctuary - things to do in Da Nang

Just an hour’s drive from Da Nang lies the My Son Sanctuary. This temple complex was the capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to 14th centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Although most of the buildings are in ruins, the lush jungle setting makes it a magical place to take in the sunrise. Leave early to avoid the crowds and midday heat.

10. Explore the Son Tra Peninsula.

Not far from the city center of Da Nang, Son Tra Nature Reserve offers breathtaking views and plenty to see and explore. There are hiking and cycling trails, beaches, and pagodas, but the main attraction is Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain), named for the rare species of monkey that calls the mountain home.

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Da Nang.

Da Nang is a fantastic place to visit, whether you’re staying for a few days or a few months. From coffee shops to hiking trails and beaches, you get the best of the city while still being close to nature.

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