Da Nang Travel Guide: Tourist Places & Activities
Located on the central coast, this city is known for its sandy beaches and history as a French colonial port. It's a popular base for visiting the inland Bà Nà hills to the west.
- Population
- 1.2 million
- Size
- 1285 square km
- Airport
- Da Nang – Int'l.
- Train Station
- Da Nang Station
- Est. Visit Days
- 3 days
Overview
Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam, is known for its sandy beaches and history as a French colonial port. The city is a hub for cultural attractions, with the Museum of Cham Sculpture and The Marble Mountains offering insight into its past. Da Nang's Dragon Bridge and the Linh Ung Pagoda are popular landmarks, adding to the city's appeal. However, rapid development has led to some environmental concerns, and the city can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Despite this, Da Nang remains a fascinating destination with a good mix of urban and natural attractions.
Traffic & Transport
The city's traffic is relatively moderate compared to larger urban centers, making it convenient for tourists to explore. The best means of transport for sightseeing are motorbikes and bicycles, which offer flexibility to navigate through both the city and surrounding areas at a leisurely pace. For those preferring a more structured route, local buses are available and provide an affordable way to reach major attractions. Renting a car is also an option, especially for visitors planning to venture further into the region. For reliable taxi services, Mai Linh and Vinasun are the most reputable companies, known for their professionalism and wide availability. Additionally, the Grab app is widely used for booking both taxis and motorbike rides, offering a convenient and efficient way to travel around.
History
Historically, the area was known as Tourane and was a key port for the Cham Kingdom, facilitating trade in the region. It later became a French colonial port in the 19th century, known for its strategic importance. During the Vietnam War, it was a significant military base for the United States. The city was the site of the first U.S. combat troops landing in Vietnam in 1965. Today, it is celebrated for its beautiful beaches and is a hub for cultural events and festivals.
Itinerary Sample
Explore Da Nang over three days with a focus on cultural, historical, and natural attractions:
– First day: Visit The Marble Mountains, explore the caves and temples, and relax at My Khe Beach.
– Second day: Tour the Museum of Cham Sculpture and Da Nang Cathedral, then walk across the Dragon Bridge.
– Third day: Take a day trip to the ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Near Excursion
This city offers several interesting day-trip options within a short distance. Here are some suggestions:
– Hoi An at 30 km: A well-preserved ancient town known for its historic architecture and lantern-lit streets.
– My Son Sanctuary at 40 km: A cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and the 14th century.
– Ba Na Hills at 40 km: A hill station with a French village, the famous Golden Bridge, and various entertainment options.
– Marble Mountains at 10 km: A group of five marble and gorgeous hills with caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries.
– Lang Co Beach at 30 km: A beautiful beach with clear water, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Attraction
This city is known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and nice culture.
– My Khe Beach: A popular beach with soft white sand and clear blue water, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
– Marble Mountains: A cluster of five marble and beautiful hills with caves, temples, and sensational views.
– Dragon Bridge: A unique bridge shaped like a dragon that breathes fire and water during weekend nights.
– Ba Na Hills: A hill station with a French village, amusement park, and the famous Golden Bridge held by giant hands.
– Han Market: A pleasant market where you can buy local goods, souvenirs, and enjoy traditional Vietnamese food.
– Museum of Cham Sculpture: A museum showcasing the art and culture of the ancient Cham civilization.
Activity
In Da Nang, travelers can enjoy unique experiences blending nature, culture, and adventure.
– Marble Mountains: Explore caves, pagodas, and panoramic views from these nice hills.
– Dragon Bridge: Witness the dragon-shaped bridge breathe fire and water on weekend nights.
– My Khe Beach: Relax on a beautiful sandy beach with clear waters and gentle waves.
– Son Tra Peninsula: Hike or drive to see the giant Lady Buddha statue and panoramic views.
– Hai Van Pass: Drive or bike through scenic coastal and mountainous landscapes.
Cuisine
The city offers a magnificient food scene with a mix of traditional Vietnamese dishes and fresh seafood. Street vendors and local markets are popular spots to experience authentic flavors.
– Mi Quang: Turmeric rice noodles with shrimp, pork, herbs, and peanuts in a savory broth.
– Bun Thit Nuong: Grilled pork served over vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs and fish sauce.
– Banh Xeo: Crispy rice flour pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
– Nem Lui: Grilled pork skewers served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce.
– Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo: Rice paper rolls with pork belly, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce.
– Che: A sweet dessert soup made with beans, fruit, and coconut milk.
Shopping
For a unique shopping experience, visit the Han Market, a vibrant local market where you can find a variety of goods from fresh produce to clothing. Another great spot is the Con Market, known for its wide range of local handicrafts and textiles. A recommended gift to purchase is a set of custom-made clothes from one of the city's skilled tailors, or traditional Vietnamese silk. For a more artistic souvenir, consider buying hand-painted lanterns, which reflect the local culture and craftsmanship.
Arts & Culture
The city hosts the annual Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, a major event attracting teams from around the world. It is also home to the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, where artisans have been practicing their craft since the 18th century. The city's Museum of Cham Sculpture displays an extensive collection of artifacts from the ancient Champa civilization. Additionally, the city often features contemporary cultural expressions through various art exhibitions and music concerts.