Da Nang Attractions Guide: What to See in Da Nang Vietnam?

Da Nang is the capital city of the Central region, and one of the most attractive destinations to tourists in Vietnam. It’s established by French colonists and called by them as Tourane in 19^th century. Now, this coastal municipality is home to 1,1 million people and has positive transformations quicker than anywhere. Proudly being titled “the best Vietnamese city to live”, it pleases visitors with clean streets, fresh air, unhurried traffic, delicious foods, friendly people and of course, many stunning attractions. Thanks to abundant nature and featured culture, Da Nang’s places to visit cover a wide range. There are sandy beaches, rivers with bridges, mountains with forests and waterfalls, museums, theme parks, passes, temples in different faiths and beliefs, archaeological and history sites, and more. Each has its own interests that bring the visitors different experiences. Here, we outline all of Da Nang attractions to help you find out the favourites quicker for your upcoming trip.

The Marble Mountains

Main article: The Marble Mountains

10-mins drive from the city downtown, the Marble Mountains is a complex of five spectacular marble hills with old Buddhist temples and incredible caves. To sightsee, visitors need to trek on hundreds of steps. Around its foot, Non Nuoc marble village boasts of its 400-years handicraft in making sculptures. This attraction was named by the king as “Five-elements Mountain”. In the busiest year, it attracts 2 million tourists.

Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge

Main articles: Ba Na Hills, the Golden Bridge

Ba Na Hills was widely known by tourists before its Golden Bridge became a social media hit recently. Both stand in Da Nang’s highest mountain, nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, where the temperature is always lower than anywhere in town. After a 40-mins drive, visitors enjoy the ride on the world’s longest cable car that moves above a pristine rainforest with impressive rocks and falls. Flower gardens, a large Buddha, Vietnam’s only underground theme park, a huge French town, outdoor performances from European dancers, and temples are what to see in the hills. Half of visitors traveling to Da Nang note these places in their bucket list.

Dragon Bridge

Main article: The Dragon Bridge

Breathing fire and water each evening on the weekend, this bridge with a large steel dragon is a must for nightlife at that time. In the daytime, a visit here can be combined with Museum of Cham sculpture, and when it’s dark, with Son Tra night market near the head.

Museum of Cham Sculpture

Main article: Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Established in 1915 and built in 1919, this museum now houses the largest collection of Cham sculptures in Vietnam, nearly 2,500. Only one fifth of them are exhibited but it’s enough to see, admire and know better the Champa kingdom’s history and culture. A handful of noble titles “the National treasure” are here.

Lady Buddha

Main article: The Lady Buddha Da Nang

Some 10 kilometers from the city downtown, this statue of Lady Buddha is 67 meters in height, the largest of its kind in Vietnam. Local fishers come here to pray before setting sail, because they think that she shelters and saves them on the sea when faced with the dangers. In the same hill, Linh Ung Pagoda “the third” includes grand Buddha shrines, ornamental trees and marble sculptures. Visitors love to enjoy scenic views over the surroundings from here, especially at sunset.

Hai Van Pass

Main article: Hai Van Pass

Hai Van pass or “the Ocean Cloud pass” is in the north most of Da Nang. It’s 20 kilometers in length, and the top is at an elevation of nearly 1,500 meters. None of the motorcyclists and cyclists doesn’t know this picturesque coast route, with a high mountain on one side and the sea on the other. Soaked in the mist frequently, a ride here provides many fun and lots of photo opportunities. On Hue’s side, blueish Lang Co lagoon is a popular stop to unwind and taste fresh seafood.

My Khe Beach

Main article: My Khe Beach

A short drive from the city center or airport, this world-famous sandy beach stretches for miles, with sun beds lounging on. It’s edged by unpolluted waters in the front, coconut palms in the back and a view to the Lady Buddha. There are lots of sea-facing hotels and seafood restaurants lining the boulevard running parallel to it. During the Vietnam war, American soldiers camped by My Khe beach, and habitually called it “China beach”. Now, a government-owned rehabilitation hospital is still based here.

Da Nang Tourist Places at Night

Da Nang’s Night Markets

Main article: Da Nang Night Market

The largest night market in Da Nang is Son Tra, located near the Dragon Bridge. It opens from the sunset to around 10 a.m but may close later in high tourist seasons. If planning to watch the fire show or strolling along romantic Han riverfront in the evening, this is a must stop. By the Ferris wheel, Helio night market also draws many people, but mainly locals. No matter which place, visitors still have the chance to try different foods and drinks, shop cheap things and feel a chaotic air. Live music performances occur in both. Little-known small market in Le Duan St provides a real perspective into local people’s life.

Da Nang Ferris Wheel

Main article: Da Nang’s Amusement Parks

Within a theme park named Asia Park, this wheel is among the world’s 10 highest observation wheels, 115 meters from the ground. From above, visitors can view lightful Han River and colorful buildings near its waterfront, the most wonderful scene of Da Nang at night. The experience is more special during the Fireworks festival every summer.

Ba Na Hills French Village

Main article: Ba Na Hills

The evening is among the best times to visit Ba Na Hills and its French Village portion. Not only cool temperature, visitors enjoy classy architecture of buildings in fairy light, and in a tranquility that may be lost previously by crowds. Epic Golden Bridge is without people. Restaurants still open this time, to serve delicious dishes from Vietnamese, western or fusion cuisines. Because they have been ever in the attraction before, lots of visitors choose to come here by night for the second time.

Instagrammable Famous Places in Da Nang Vietnam

Da Nang’s Bridges

Cutting Da Nang’s downtown into two, Han River is crossed by 6 bridges. Han River Bridge was first built and one of a few swing bridges still exists today. Visitors often come here in the midnight, to take photos with colorful neon lights in the main span, and watch how it turns. Towards the upstream, the Dragon Bridge is uniquely-designed, and famous for fire shows every weekend. In the estuary, the lovers definitely enjoy a mesmerizing beauty of nature in the sunrise or sunset in Thuan Phuoc Bridge. Taking some walks on pedestrian Nguyen Van Troi or Tran Thi Ly bridges, provides cool breezes around the hair. Up the mountains, the Golden Bridge is a must-know photogenic spot, with over 11,000 hashtags in Instagram. Its curving deck with golden handrails, holded by two huge hands, has been inspired travelers globally.

The Pink Church

Facing Tran Phu Rd, this is the cathedral of Da Nang which was colonized by Catholic-followed French in 19^th century. It is the only Christian church built in colonial time. Here, visitors love to take photos with its pinky main hall, rising up to 70 meters from the ground. A couple of places in the front provide a view to it too, are not strangers for instagrammers.

Nearby places: Han market, Bach Dang riverfront, Con market, Dragon bridge.

Best Da Nang Attractions for Family

Ba Na Hills

Main article: Ba Na Hills

This reputable attraction keeps all members of the family entertained during the visit. The cable car ride above the forest and hills is stunning and definitely a favourite of all ages. For those who like to seek photogenic places, the Golden Bridge is among the best choices in Da Nang. Don’t forget that it made a social media hit right from its opening day. Not far from the bridge, colorful flower gardens, Fantasy theme park, Alpine coaster and outdoor celebrations, allow all members to have a nice time together. The most picked lunch option is the buffet, that it’s a great chance to see and try different dishes on a shared table. Ba Na Hills is the best fit for a family day trip.

Than Tai Hot Spring Park

Main article: Da Nang Hot Springs

30 km west of Da Nang, this naturally-sourced hot spring is a perfect escape for the family from busy downtown. It owns hot and cool pools, streams, baths, sauna rooms and Vietnam’s largest Japanese onsen spa tower, just to bring as many options as possible to visitors. Childens may have guns when they go around the campus, swim in mineral water, soak in muds or boil the eggs. In the same area, a waterpark with long slides, swimming pools, and other water games can be seen. Dimension films are available in the tower.

Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula

Main article: Da Nang’s Mountain Temples, Lady Buddha Da Nang

Leaning against the magnificent Son Tra mountain and overlooks the sea, this Buddhist attraction owns very large grounds, up to 20 hectares. While roaming around, parents can marvel at giant shrines and a 67-meters-tall Lady Buddha. There are many stories and meanings behind it. It provides really pretty outlooks, and a perfect location to see the sunset. Here, childrens may like to look at fun marble statues with different attitudes on the face, ornamental trees, or naughty monkeys moving around. They can learn a little bit about a new (strange) religion.

Da Nang’s Theme Parks

Main article: Da Nang’s Amusement Parks

Besides Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park, families can visit the Asia Park (now Sunworld Da Nang Wonders) right in the city center. It provides exciting games to entertain, an awesome copy of many world’s wonders to photograph, top highest observation wheel of the globe, and delicious buffet with lots of food choices. On the outside, parents can take their little ones to Helio night market or Helio Kid center, to continue the enjoyment.

Da Nang Visiting Places for Kids

The Children’s Cultural House

At 2B Phan Dang Luu St, this is the largest playground for kids and childrens in the city. It hosts many activities, clubs, classes and libraries to teach, share and give little ones proper entertainment. Opening from the morning to 10 p.m daily, its architecture is inspired by origamis, and features bright, lively colors. Many visitors come here to take photos for their own social media posts.

Helio Center

Location: 2 Thang 9 St

Taking the name from Helios god in Greek mythology, this entertainment place includes Helio Play and Helio Kids, to ensure the little ones have a fun time. While both provide many games to play with, the second aims for education also. Opening hours are from 5 to 10 in weekdays, and from 8 a.m to 10 p.m in the weekend. In a close distance, food courts, night markets, bakeries and coffee shops are nice spots to eat, drink and take a break. Food venues serve a variety of cuisines, from Vietnam and some countries, giving the childrens to taste different flavours.

3D Museum Art in Paradise Danang

Location: Lo C2 – 10 Tran Nhan Tong St

Opening the doors from 9 a.m to 10 p.m, this is the 6^th member of the largest 3D museum group of the world. Here, little visitors can explore 9 zones with superb creative art works in different themes. All were made by 20 Korean artists during 4 monks, and absolutely gives a fun experience with posings and imaginations. Ticket price is 200,000 VND for adults and childrens above 1,3m height, 100,000 for little ones from 1 to 1,3 meters, and free for the rest.

Upside Down World Danang

Location: 44 Ho Xuan Huong St

This indoor entertainment attraction opens in 2018, and provides around 10 rooms to allow all family members to have fun photos together. The rooms depict different corners in the house, comic figures that all kids can call the name, and more. Ticket admission is 130,000 VND for adults and 70,000 VND for childrens.

Da Nang Nature Attractions

Son Tra Nature Reserve

Besides the urban jungle of Da Nang, this nature reserve aims to preserve wealthy biodiversity in Son Tra mountain and shallow waters off its coast. It’s famous all over the world thanks to being home of one of rarest primates, red shanked douc. Titled as “queen of all monkeys”, the city committee selected the live to be an emblem for an international conference. Visitors can tour the wild zones by car roads or hidden trekking trails. Fresh environment, lush vegetation, pretty outlooks to the city, breezy peaks and some Vietnam war remains, are what to expect.

Ba Na-Nui Chua Nature Reserve

Ba Na Hills cable car transfers the visitors from the plain to the summit of Da Nang, to help preserve better Ba Na-Nui Chua reserve. Harbouring a rich biodiversity in old forests, this ecological gem is the source of three rivers flowing to the city. Recently, some new rare birds and endangered primates have been found there. To the north, it connects with Bach Ma National Park that is famous for trekking routes and high waterfalls.

Hoa Phu Thanh

Main article: Da Nang Outdoor Activities

In the foot of Ba Na Hills, this eco-friendly tourist attraction provides a fun-filled rafting experience in its river. Being available only in the morning, keep in mind to time well the itinerary to join and enjoy. Foods are sold in on-site restaurants, including grilled chicken eaten with side stir-fried vegetables and local style salt.

Heritage Site in Da Nang

My Son Ruins

Main article: My Son Sanctuary

Around 70 km southwest of Da Nang, this complex of Hindu temples became a Unesco world heritage site in 1999. Its oldest remains date back from 4^th century, and the youngest one in 14^th century. Dedicated to worship of Shiva, God of destroying and recreation, Champa kingdom’s emperors and monks held uncountable ceremonies here throughout the time. Abandoned in the jungle until French rediscovery, reconstruction works are ongoing in My Son’s temple ruins.

Hidden Places to Go in Da Nang

Gieng Troi Waterfall

Location: Hoa Ninh, Hoa Vang District

In the local language, the name of this white-water fall means “the Heaven well” because it flows into a circle-like portion of the river. It’s located in a pristine forest of Ba Na Hills nature reserve, and to get there, visitors need to trek a few hours. On the weekend, locals love to come here to escape from the busy city and be closer to nature. They also bring food to grill, tents to camp and swimsuits to swim into clear and cool water. During the wet season, the stream is feeded by heavy rains, making the fall very majestic. There are not many international tourists knowing this hidden gem.

Cao Dai Temple

Location: 63 Hai Phong St

In the historic quarters, this is the largest edifice of Caodaists in Central Vietnam. It boasts of an exotic, well-blended architecture between local and western elements, and incredibly beautiful interior. To attend the ceremonies, Taoism followers wear traditional long dress (ao dai), both men and women. For a long time previously, the outsiders couldn’t see how people express their respect and honor to the God of Father. Now, tourists are allowed but have to follow regulations, rules and instructions from the religion guides. Remember to wear long clothes and do anything without permission. In Da Nang, there are 50,000 followers practicing Caodaism, a native faith of Vietnam.

Temple of Thoai Ngoc Hau

Location: Ha Thi Than St (near Dragon Bridge)

Standing next to a communal house where village founders are venerated, this temple is for worship of Thoai Ngoc Hau in his hometown. This man was borned in 1761 and passed away in 1829, and had great contributions in reclaiming the Mekong Delta. In 1824, construction of a 80-km-long canal was finished under his leadership, and after that, the king named it the same as his wife’s name. The mountains nearby as a whole, were renamed to Thoai Son or “Thoai’s mountains’ ‘. His tomb is not here, in Da Nang but villagers still hold festivals to pay homage to him.

Da Nang Sites to See for History Lovers

The Marble Mountains Da Nang

The Marble Mountains have a long history, ever used by Cham people as a Hindu sanctuary. Many sculptures of gods and altars are found around it. After Vietnamese arrivals, its slopes are added with Buddhist temples and small shrines for folk beliefs are placed inside its grottoes. Two oldest pagodas stand here today, including the first Linh Ung pagoda. The Metal mount of this complex is home of Quan Am pagoda, the host of the largest traditional festival. Hundreds of inscriptions, links to Vietnam war and stories, tales are extra interests the history lover may know about.

Read also: The Marble Mountains (a complete guide), Da Nang Mountain Temple

The Monkey Mountain Da Nang

Near Da Nang’s bay and river mouths, the west side of Son Tra peninsula or Monkey mountain is where French and Spanish soldiers stayed in 19^th century. They were based there to start their first steps to occupy Vietnam. However, their plan was not successful and many of them passed away there. Come to Y Pha Nho cemetery (close by Tien Sa port), history lovers can see the tombs and a small chapel. Because of strategic location and elevation, once again, Americans used this place mainly for military purposes.

Read also: Son Tra Mountain, Lady Buddha

K20 Revolutionary Base

Location: Xom Dong St, Ngu Hanh Son District

Near the Marble Mountains marine base of Americans, this base basically is a village where people support the Vietcong during the Vietnam war. Villagers make tunnels in their houses, gardens, family temples and more, to allow the communists to hide in raids of the army on the other side. Today, a memorial hall is built and some tunnels are kept to introduce to tourists.