Danang is the third largest city in Vietnam and is home to some major ports. Geographically speaking, the city is located on the Eastern sea coast. Danang is not just about natural beauty; it has everything from gothic style cathedrals to serene beaches. Soak up in the tranquillity of Danang and explore amazing places. If you are a history buff, you can learn a lot from the various museums of Danang. From learning about the details about their culture to trying some adrenaline activities, Danang one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Here are some of the Best Things to do in Danang:
Son Tra Mountain
Son Tra Mountain, also known as Monkey Mountain, is a breath-taking national park in Danang that stands at 693 metres above sea level. Locally known as the Son Tra Peninsula, the winding roads surrounding prove to be a popular spot for motorcycling while hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the verdant jungles and also spot rare species such as the red face monkeys. Linh Ung Pagoda is also set on Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain, which is a prominent attraction in Da Nang for housing the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy Quan Yin. Built atop a lotus-shaped platform, there are a total of 21 miniature Buddha sculptures within the beautiful, 67-metre-tall, white statue.
Dragon Bridge
The Dragon Bridge measures 666 metres in length, making it the longest bridge in Vietnam. A popular spot for photographers, the 6-lane bridge crosses the Han River and is constructed in the shape of a golden dragon, which locals believe symbolises power, nobility and good fortune. While it’s a magnificent sight at any time of the day, Dragon Bridge is particularly cool – and busy – during weekends as it’s illuminated with colourful LEDs and it breathes fire and spits out water from 9 pm onwards (on Saturdays and Sundays only).
My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach boasts a 20-mile stretch of white sand that’s approximately 6 km east of Danang. Named by the American troops who visited during the Vietnam War, it’s considered to be one of Vietnam‘s most picturesque beaches. Hosting a number of high-end resorts and seafood restaurants, My Khe Beach is also a popular spot for sunbathing, fishing, snorkelling, jet-skiing, and surfing. Visitors can also check out numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An Ancient Town, Hue Imperial City, and Phing Nga Caves, all of which are easily accessible via bus.
Marble Mountains
Marble Mountains are a cluster of 5 limestone and marble hills within Hoa Hai District, about 9 km south of Danang. Named after natural elements, the peaks are individually known as Thuy Son (water), Moc Son (wood), Hoa Son (fire), Kim Son (metal) and Tho Son (earth). There are also a host of 17th-century Buddhist sanctuaries and pagoda temples dotted across the mountains, where locals pray and have their fortunes told. A must-do for any first-time visitor to Danang is climbing the steps to the top of the Marble Mountains, where they can enjoy spectacular views across Non Nuoc Beach or My Khe Beach. Alternatively, there’s an elevator service available for those unable to walk to the top.
Phap Lam Pagoda
Phap Lam Pagoda is set within a 2-storey building along Ong Ich Khiem Street, featuring plenty of trees, manicured gardens, and beautiful Buddhist sculptures. Despite its location within bustling Danang city centre, the atmosphere here is very serene with locals praying in the morning and monks going about their daily lives. The courtyard of the pagoda houses a 1.1-metre-high seated Buddha statue and brass statues of the Goddess of Mercy (Avalokitecvara) and Dai The Chi Bodhisattva. Visitors can also enjoy vegetarian cuisine at local restaurants and food carts surrounding Phap Lam Pagoda.
Da Nang Cathedral
Danang Cathedral is one of the most unique catholic churches in Vietnam, featuring a pink-painted edifice, stained-glass windows, and an imposing bell tower topped with a rooster weathercock. Built by the French in 1923, it’s also known as Con Ga Church (Rooster Church) and serves the local Catholic community to this very day. The cathedral is located along Tran Phu Street, about a 15-minute walk from the iconic Dragon Bridge. Entrance to Danang Cathedral is free of charge and its high tower offers a stunning view of the city, Han River, and verdant mountains.
Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Pass stands at 500 m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam. It’s located on the border between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Danang City, where you can enjoy panoramic views of verdant mountains and clear blue skies as well as Danang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and the South China Sea. The pass also hosts a dilapidated French-built fort that was later used as a bunker by South Vietnamese and US armies during the Vietnam War. Due to its sudden curves and blind corners, Hai Van is also notorious for its fair share of accidents – look out for small altars set along the roadside which are dedicated to perished victims.
Non Nuoc Beach
A 20-minute drive from Danang City, Non Nuoc Beach boasts international acclaim as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Featuring soft white sands, a gentle slope, unpolluted waters and mild waves, visitors can do plenty of leisure activities such as sunbathing, jet-skiing, and surfing whilst enjoying local seafood dishes. Non Nuoc Beach takes up 5 kilometres of Hoa Hai Ward’s coastline, ending at the foot of Marble Mountains, which hosts ancient pagodas, sacred caves, and handicraft villages.
Asia Park
Asia Park is situated at a beautiful resort. It casts as a comprehensive amusement and culture park with many distinctive features which can be significantly associated with East Asian Flair. The Asia Park is divided into three: an Amusement Park, a Cultural park and a Central Zone. A 115 meter Sun Wheel (a clock tower basically) can be seen standing tall in the centre of the park that displays time zones of different countries and is surrounded by a breath-taking garden. The Amusement Park features shows, events, restaurants, rides and other interactive and adventurous activities. The Cultural Park throws light on the historical values such as performing arts, folk dances, crafts, architecture and cuisines of 10 prominent Asian countries.
