Short answer: The best things to do in Da Nang are climbing the Marble Mountains, seeing the Lady Buddha on the Son Tra peninsula, watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire on weekend nights, swimming at My Khe Beach, and taking day trips to Ba Na Hills, Hoi An and the Hai Van Pass. Plan two to three days for the city and one day for each trip outside it.
Top 10 things to do in Da Nang
# | Thing to do | Time needed | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1.5–2 h | Go before 9:00, before the heat and the tour groups | |
2 | 1 h | Combine with a drive around Son Tra | |
3 | 30 min | Saturday and Sunday at 21:00; stand on the east bank | |
4 | Half a day | Swim early morning or late afternoon | |
5 | Full day | Arrive at opening time to beat the queues | |
6 | Afternoon and evening | Stay for the lanterns after dark | |
7 | Half a day | Clear mornings give the best views | |
8 | 1 h | Good for snacks, coffee and dried goods | |
9 | 1 h | Take the evening cruise to see the bridges lit up | |
10 | 2–3 h | Best in the evening, when it is cooler |
A simple 3-day plan
- Day 1, Da Nang city: Son Tra and the Lady Buddha in the morning, Marble Mountains, lunch, Han Market, then the beach. On a Saturday or Sunday, finish at the Dragon Bridge at 21:00.
- Day 2, Ba Na Hills: a full day at the Golden Bridge and the French Village, back by late afternoon.
- Day 3, Hoi An: leave after lunch, stop at Marble Mountains or the coconut forest on the way, and stay for the lanterns.
A private driver for Day 1 is $40 for 6 hours. Days 2 and 3 have fixed prices on our private car day trips page: Ba Na Hills return is $35 and the Hoi An day trip with Marble Mountains is $50, per car.
Day trips from Da Nang
Da Nang is the best base for the region. All of these are one day or less by car:
- Ba Na Hills: 45–60 minutes
- Hoi An: 40–50 minutes. See the Hoi An travel guide.
- My Son Sanctuary: 1 h 15 – 1 h 30
- Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Beach: about 1 hour
- Hue: 2.5–3 hours. See the Hue travel guide.
- Nui Than Tai hot springs and VinWonders Nam Hoi An: good for families
- Cham Islands: by speedboat from Hoi An
Below are all our guides to things to do in Da Nang (70 articles), grouped by interest.
Top sights and landmarks
- Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But: Visiting the Lady Buddha on Son Tra: Visit Linh Ung Pagoda at Bai But on Son Tra with clear directions, temple etiquette, Lady Buddha context, access advice and a practical visit plan.
- Off the Beaten Path in Da Nang: Places Most Visitors Miss: The corners of Da Nang that stay off the tour route — quiet beaches, working neighbourhoods and viewpoints without a coach park.
- Best Places to Take Photos in Da Nang: Instagram Spots: Uncover the Best Places to Take Photos in Da Nang: Instagram Spots that will elevate your social media game with stunning backdrops and unique locations.
- Marble Mountains Da Nang: Caves, Tickets, Lift and Visiting Tips: Visit Marble Mountains Da Nang with a practical Thuy Son route, published ticket prices, cave highlights and clear advice on steps, the lift and access.
- Da Nang’s Hidden Gems: Uncovering Delicious Mi Vit Tiem: Craving Da Nang's hidden gems? Uncovering delicious Mi Vit Tiem reveals where to find the city's richest duck noodle soup, with a step-by-step guide…
- Da Nang’s Best Goi Cuon: Fresh Spring Rolls for a Healthy Bite: Craving fresh, healthy bites? Da Nang's Best Goi Cuon: Fresh Spring Rolls for a Healthy Bite guides you to the city's top spots for perfectly wrapped…
- Best Sunset Views in Da Nang (The Beaches Face East): My Khe faces east, so the sun sets behind you.
- Da Nang’s Top Rice Dishes: Beyond Just White Rice: Savor Da Nang's Top Rice Dishes: Beyond Just White Rice, from savory Mi Quang to fragrant Com Ga.
- Da Nang’s Best International Cuisine: A Taste of the World: Savor Da Nang's Best International Cuisine: A Taste of the World.
Beaches and water fun
- Da Nang’s Hidden Water Parks: Cool Off This Summer: Escape the crowds and discover Da Nang's hidden water parks to cool off this summer , with insider tips on secret slides and local pricing.
- Surfing in Da Nang: Season, Beaches and Surf Schools: When to surf in Da Nang, which beaches work, verified surf schools on My Khe with lesson prices, rip current safety and kitesurfing options nearby.
- My Khe Beach Da Nang: Swimming, Timing and Practical Tips: Plan time at My Khe Beach Da Nang with advice on swimming conditions, sunrise walks, beach facilities, access and choosing the right seafront base.
- Exploring Da Nang’s Coastal Gems: Lesser-Known Beaches to Visit: Skip the tourist crowds and find Da Nang's hidden shoreline gems, with exact spots, access tips, and local picks.
- Da Nang’s Best Beaches for Swimming and Sunbathing: Plan your beach days with Da Nang's Best Beaches for Swimming and Sunbathing —find calm waters, soft sand, and the top 5 shorelines ranked…
Nature and outdoor adventure
- Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park: Tickets, Pools and Planning: Plan Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park from Da Nang with published ticket references, package comparisons, transport, pool rules and practical family advice.
- Han River Cruise Da Nang: Choosing a Boat, Tickets and Boarding: Choose a Han River cruise in Da Nang with clear advice on ticket inclusions, boarding points, Dragon Bridge timing, accessibility and operator checks.
- Son Tra Peninsula Da Nang: Access, Wildlife and Planning: Plan Son Tra Peninsula Da Nang with route restrictions, Linh Ung, responsible douc watching, transport choices and practical advice for a half-day visit.
- Da Nang’s Best Scenic Drives: Coastal Routes and Mountain Passes: Cruise Da Nang's best scenic drives: coastal routes and mountain passes .
- Da Nang Zipline Adventures: Thrills in the Forest: Book Da Nang Zipline Adventures: Thrills in the Forest for real-time prices, safety rules, and the 3 best jungle canopy courses ranked by height.
- Da Nang’s Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Biking, and More: Plan the best Da Nang's Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Biking, and More — from Marble Mountains to Hai Van Pass trails and hidden beaches.
- Da Nang Bike Tours: Scenic Routes Along the Coast: Pedal along Vietnam's central coast on Da Nang Bike Tours: Scenic Routes Along the Coast , from Hai Van Pass to Son Tra Peninsula.
- Paragliding in Da Nang: Son Tra Status, Costs and Safety: Son Tra tandem paragliding has been suspended since July .
- Ultimate Guide to Da Nang’s Wildflower Meadows: Seasonal Blooms to Admire: Plan your trip with the Ultimate Guide to Da Nang's Wildflower Meadows: Seasonal Blooms to Admire , featuring peak bloom months and map.
- Da Nang’s Top Birdwatching Spots: Nature Lover’s Guide: Discover Da Nang's Top Birdwatching Spots: Nature Lover's Guide , covering 10+ locations and 120+ resident bird species with trail maps and seasonal tips.
- Da Nang for Adventure Seekers: Kayaking and Caving Excursions: Paddle through Son Tra’s hidden coves and crawl into ancient caves on Da Nang for Adventure Seekers: Kayaking and Caving Excursions .
- Da Nang’s Eco-Tourism: Sustainable Travel Options: Experience nature and culture with Da Nang's Eco-Tourism: Sustainable Travel Options, featuring unique activities like local farm stays and eco-friendly tours.
Culture, art and crafts
- Da Nang Historical Walking Tour: Colonial Architecture Sites: The Da Nang Museum moved and the old building was demolished.
- Da Nang Art Gallery Walk: Contemporary and Traditional Exhibits: Plan a self-guided Da Nang Art Gallery Walk , featuring contemporary galleries and traditional exhibits from local Vietnamese artists.
- Da Nang’s Hidden Art Studios: Meet Local Artists and See Their Work: Meet local painters and sculptors at Da Nang's Hidden Art Studios: Meet Local Artists and See Their Work , with studio maps and exclusive workshop schedules.
- Explore Da Nang’s Ancient Cham Ruins: A Historical Journey: Step back in time at My Son Sanctuary and Da Nang's Cham ruins—uncover 1,700 years of history, architecture, and spiritual legacy.
- Cooking Classes in Da Nang: What to Book: Da Nang cooking classes cost US$24–46 for 2.5–5 hours.
- Discovering Da Nang’s Folk Music Traditions: From Instruments to Melodies: Da Nang folk music explained — Bai Choi’s UNESCO status, the Hò and Lý song families, and where to hear live performances around the city.
- Da Nang’s Must-Visit Museums: Art, History, and Culture: Plan your Da Nang trip with Da Nang's Must-Visit Museums: Art, History, and Culture guide, featuring 7 top venues with entry fees and hidden exhibits.
- Da Nang Pagodas: 6 Spiritual Sites Worth Your Time: Six Da Nang pagodas, from the 67 m Lady Buddha on Son Tra to the Marble Mountains cave shrines — with dress code, timing and a one-day route.
- Discover Da Nang’s Unique Architecture: A Visual Exploration: Explore Da Nang's Unique Architecture: A Visual Exploration , from the iconic Dragon Bridge to ancient pagodas and modern designs.
- Top 10 Must-See Street Murals in Da Nang: Uncover vibrant artistry with the Top 10 Must-See Street Murals in Da Nang, featuring stunning visuals that transform the city’s urban landscape into a gallery.
- Da Nang’s Cultural Festivals Calendar: Events You Can’t Miss: Plan your travels with Da Nang's Cultural Festivals Calendar: Events You Can't Miss—featuring dates, highlights, and insider tips for…
Nightlife and entertainment
- Dragon Bridge Show in Da Nang: Schedule, Viewing Spots and Practical Tips: Check the Dragon Bridge show schedule in Da Nang, compare viewing options and plan transport, crowds and water spray before your evening visit.
- Laser Tag in Da Nang Where You Can Actually Play: Helio and Asia Park are closed. This guide leads with the two venues still open, and says plainly which ones are not.
- Da Nang’s Best Laid-Back Lounges: Chill Spots for Relaxation: Unwind at Da Nang's Best Laid-Back Lounges: Chill Spots for Relaxation , featuring ocean-view hammocks and craft cocktails under 100k VND.
- Da Nang Shooting Range: Two Real Air-Gun Clubs (No Live Firearms): Da Nang has no live-firearm range. Here are the two air-gun clubs that actually exist, with addresses, prices and what to expect.
- Da Nang’s Top Nightclubs and Dance Floors: Party Until Dawn: Explore Da Nang's Top Nightclubs and Dance Floors: Party Until Dawn — find the best DJ sets, VIP tables, and beachside venues for an unforgettable night.
- Da Nang’s Best Live Music Venues for an Unforgettable Night Out: Experience Da Nang's Best Live Music Venues for an Unforgettable Night Out—from beachfront jazz clubs to hidden rock bars with local bands and craft cocktails.
- Da Nang’s Top Karaoke Bars: Sing Your Heart Out: Find your perfect spot in Da Nang's Top Karaoke Bars: Sing Your Heart Out, with honest reviews on sound systems, private rooms, and drink prices.
- Asia Park Da Nang Is Closed: What Happened, and Where to Go Instead: Asia Park Da Nang (Da Nang Downtown) stopped receiving visitors on 3 September and the site is now under construction.
- Da Nang’s Hidden Speakeasies: Secret Bars to Find: Find Da Nang's hidden speakeasies: secret bars to find, from a jazz lounge behind a laundromat to a rooftop tucked in an alley.
Shopping and markets
- Han Market Da Nang: What to Buy, Prices & Bargaining Tips: Han Market Da Nang guide: opening hours, what to buy (dried squid, coffee, tailoring), rough prices, bargaining tips and what to eat inside.
- A Shopper’s Paradise: Da Nang’s Best Department Stores and Malls: Where to shop in Da Nang — Vincom, Lotte Mart, Indochina Riverside, K-Mart and the Han and Con markets compared on what each is actually good for.
- Authentic Da Nang Lanterns: Where to Buy and What to Look: Buy authentic Da Nang lanterns: shop Hoi An’s old town, spot silk vs.
- Da Nang Night Market Shopping: What to Buy and Eat: What to buy at Da Nang’s night markets and what to skip — prices, haggling, and which market has the souvenirs worth carrying home.
- Da Nang’s Best Shopping Malls: Retail Therapy: Compare the top 5 malls in Da Nang retail therapy, from luxury brands at Vincom to local crafts at Han Market and new dining options.
- Da Nang’s Luxury Shopping Districts: High-End Brands and Boutiques: Navigate Da Nang's Luxury Shopping Districts: High-End Brands and Boutiques with a detailed guide to premium labels, local designer stores, and…
- Da Nang’s Best Vintage and Thrift Stores: Score Unique Finds: Score one-of-a-kind pieces at Da Nang's Best Vintage and Thrift Stores: Score Unique Finds , from curated boutiques to hidden local markets with…
- Da Nang’s Unique Souvenir Ideas: Handcrafted Gifts and Crafts: Skip the mass-produced keychains. Da Nang's Unique Souvenir Ideas: Handcrafted Gifts and Crafts reveals 15+ local artisans, from stone carving…
- Discovering Da Nang’s Best Bookstores and Reading Nooks: Find Da Nang's best bookstores and reading nooks, from indie shops to quiet café corners, with insider tips for every book lover.
- Exploring Da Nang’s Unique Artisan Workshops: Find Handmade Treasures: Skip the souvenir shops—Exploring Da Nang's Unique Artisan Workshops: Find Handmade Treasures leads you to 12+ local studios where you can watch…
Wellness and fitness
- Da Nang’s Top Fitness Centers: Gyms and Workout Classes: Seven Da Nang gyms compared — CrossFit Lotus, Engine Room, Elite Fitness, Khe Gym, HD Fitness and more, with prices, class schedules and what each is best for.
- Da Nang’s Best Sound Bath Experiences: Harmonic Healing: Find your inner calm with Da Nang's Best Sound Bath Experiences: Harmonic Healing — compare top studios, prices, and what to expect.
- Da Nang’s Top Spa and Wellness Centers: Relax and Recharge: Escape the heat and discover Da Nang's Top Spa and Wellness Centers: Relax and Recharge with ocean-view treatments and authentic Vietnamese therapies.
- Da Nang’s Green Spaces: Parks and Gardens for Serene Visits: Discover Da Nang's Green Spaces: Parks and Gardens for Serene Visits.
Couples and families
- Romantic Activities for Couples Visiting Da Nang: Experience unforgettable moments with romantic activities for couples visiting Da Nang, from sunset beach strolls to intimate dining experiences.
Plan your trip
- Da Nang’s Weekend Getaways: Short Trip Ideas for Locals and Tourists: Plan a weekend from Da Nang: Hoi An food, Hue's imperial sites, Ba Na Hills and Son Tra, with travel times, budgets and fixed-price private car tips.
- Da Nang in the Rainy Season: What to Expect, What to Pack & What to Do: Visiting Da Nang from October to December?
- Common Tourist Scams in Da Nang and How to Avoid Them: Taxi meter tricks, fake eVisa sites, money mix-ups and beach pricing: the common tourist scams in Da Nang and simple ways to avoid them.
- Da Nang for Solo Travelers: Safe and Exciting Destinations: Explore Da Nang for Solo Travelers: Safe and Exciting Destinations.
Getting around
Grab is easy for short rides in the city. For days with several stops, or trips outside Da Nang, a private car with a fixed price saves time. Read how to get around Da Nang, and book your airport pick-up before you fly. Where to sleep? See where to stay in Da Nang, and for meals, our Da Nang food guide.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Da Nang?
Three days is enough for the city, Ba Na Hills and Hoi An. Add a fourth day for Hue or the Hai Van Pass.
What is Da Nang famous for?
Its long city beach, the Marble Mountains, the Dragon Bridge, the Lady Buddha on Son Tra and the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills. It is also the gateway to Hoi An and Hue.
When does the Dragon Bridge breathe fire?
On Saturday and Sunday nights at 21:00. The show lasts about 15 minutes, with fire first and then water.
What can you do in Da Nang at night?
Watch the Dragon Bridge show at weekends, take a Han River cruise, visit Asia Park and the night markets, or try the rooftop bars along the river and the beach.
Need a plan? See the Da Nang itinerary guide, the 3-day Da Nang and Hoi An plan, and Da Nang with kids for family days out.