If you wonder about the best things to do in Da Nang, I'll share the top attractions as a backpacker and local expert. This coastal paradise promises unforgettable experiences and thrilling discoveries for tourists.
List of Contents
1. Overview of the best things to do in Da Nang
Da Nang's charm lies in its blend of mountains, rivers, and sea. This city boasts clean air, friendly locals, and a wealth of must-see attractions that draw visitors from around the globe. With stunning landscapes and rich heritage, Da Nang is perfect for adventure and relaxation.
To ensure you don't miss out, I've compiled the best things to do in Da Nang. Unlike travel companies, I'll reveal lesser-known spots that capture the essence of this city.
Elitrawo is a blog by local people, so the written content is drawn from Elitrawo's own experiences, combined with reviews of tourists who have traveled to Da Nang before.
2. Relax at My Khe Beach
No discussion of beautiful places in Da Nang would be complete without mentioning My Khe Beach. This pristine stretch of sand is the crown jewel of Da Nang tourism, earning the city its reputation as a coastal paradise and one of the most livable places in Vietnam. Relaxing at My Khe Beach is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Da Nang.
Tripadvisor's 2023 “Best of the Best Beaches Asia” list proudly features My Khe Beach, cementing its status as the most beautiful beach in Da Nang. Near the city center, this beach caters to every traveler.
Water sports enthusiasts will find their slice of heaven at My Khe Beach, renowned for its array of outdoor activities like surfing, snorkeling, and Flyboard water jet. The beach also boasts numerous restaurants, cafes, and facilities, allowing you to savor delicious local cuisine or sip a leisurely coffee while taking in the breathtaking ocean views.
Ticket price: Free
For accommodation near My Khe Beach, I've written “Where to Stay in Da Nang.” I provide recommendations for hotels and resorts praised by previous visitors, based on types and standards.
3. The Marble Mountain
When searching for the best things to do in Da Nang, you'll come across Marble Mountains – a destination blending history, spirituality, and natural beauty. This treasure trove is highly rated by tourists and considered one of the beautiful places in Da Nang.
Thuy Son takes center stage as the main attraction and one of the interesting places in Da Nang city.
To reach Thuy Son's top, you have two options: the western route to Tam Thai Pagoda (156 steps) or the eastern route to Linh Ung Pagoda (132 steps). These paths were built to appreciate stunning water, sky, and sea views.
You can tackle the steep stone steps yourself or opt for an elevator ticket. Be cautious when exploring the cave temples, as the steps inside can be slippery. Maps, rest areas, and refreshments are available to comfortably discover these historically and spiritually significant caves.
Ticket Prices:
| Attractions | Adults | Students | Children (<6 years old) |
| Thuy Son | 40,000 VND – 1.69 USD | 10,000 VND – 0.42 USD | Free |
| Am Phu Cave | 20,000 VND – 0.84 USD | 7,000 VND – 0.30 USD | Free |
| Elevator Service | 15,000 VND – 0.63 USD | 15,000 VND – 0.63 USD | Free |
Address: 81 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
For accommodation near Marble Mountains, it's best to refer to Da Nang beach resorts. While there are cheap hotels in the area, they may not provide the optimal experience.
Now, let's dive into some essential spots within Marble Mountains:
3.1. Xa Loi Tower
A 7-story, 28m tower blending Thai, Vietnamese, and ancient Greek architecture. Each floor holds Buddhist meanings.
3.2. Sea View Station
Stunning views of the sea, beaches, islands, and Son Tra peninsula. Perfect for nature and history lovers.
3.3. Linh Ung Pagoda – Marble Mountains
A spiritual destination with a 10m Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Nearly 200 years old, it offers a peaceful escape.
3.4. Am Phu Cave
The longest, most mysterious cave in Da Nang. Rock formations simulate the realms after death according to Buddhism.
3.5. Tam Thai Temple
A majestic, 400-year-old temple preserving Nguyen Dynasty architecture. Attracts visitors for its history and spirituality.
3.6. Huyen Khong Cave
A must-visit cave resembling a giant upside-down bell. Offers spiritual, geoscientific, and archaeological value.
4. Discovery Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills, with its cool climate and beautiful landscape, is a top Da Nang tourist destination. From the entrance to the cable car ride and incredible views, everything leaves you in awe.
The Golden Bridge is one of the most popular world-famous Ba Na Hills attractions, where visitors can take pictures and enjoy the Truong Son mountains' natural space. The architectural marvels like the French Village, Linh Ung Pagoda, and wine cellar are unique and beautiful. Gardens, arcades, statues, entertainers, and funicular offer plenty to see and do.
Ba Na Hills combines adventure, culture, natural beauty, and breathtaking cleanliness. However, some international tourists feel tickets are not cost-effective to visit a location replicating European styles and housing a Disney park.
Based on experience, I recommend focusing on the renowned Golden Bridge, Buddhist architecture at Linh Ung Pagoda-Ba Na Hills, and serene cloud and mountain views. Visit March to July for the best weather if you love mountains.
Fare:
Sun World Ba Na Hills (included: round trip cable car, visit and experience architectural works such as Golden Bridge, Fantasy Park, Moon Castle…)
Note: Tickets to see the Wax Museum are omitted, Debay Cellar and bonus games.
| Ticket Type | Adults (above 1.4m) | Children (1m to 1.4m) | Children (below 1m) |
| Entrance Ticket | 900,000 VND – 38 USD | 750,000 VND – 32 USD | Free |
| Lunch Buffet Ticket | 350,000 VND – 15 USD | 210,000 VND – 9 USD | Free |
Operating hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Address: An Son Hamlet, Hoa Ninh Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City.
You can stay at hotels in the city center near Da Nang airport or at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills if you want to stay overnight in Ba Na Hills.
5. Son Tra Mountain
Son Tra Peninsula is a treasure trove for those seeking the best things to do in Da Nang. This quiet natural location offers views of the blue sea and the entire city, with many beautiful attractions to explore.
While tourists on organized tours typically visit Linh Ung Pagoda, I suggest exploring other places on the Son Tra Peninsula independently, such as Ban Co Peak, Son Tra Banyan Tree, and Truong Sa Street near InterContinental Son Tra. These destinations create unique experiences in Da Nang.
Regarding transportation to the Son Tra Peninsula, renting a motorbike, taxi, or car with a local driver is hassle-free. However, if using a motorbike, note that automatic transmission motorcycles can only travel from Linh Ung Pagoda to Ghenh Bang, while manual transmission motorcycles can reach Son Tra Banyan Tree or the top of Ban Co Peak via Yet Kieu Street.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, one of the most luxurious beach resorts in Da Nang, is located on the Son Tra Peninsula and is considered one of the best resorts in Da Nang.
Ticket price to visit Son Tra peninsula: Free
Address: Tho Quang ward, Son Tra district, Da Nang City.
5.1. Ban Co peak
Ban Co Peak, a famous Son Tra Peninsula tourist destination, is known for pristine beauty and a stone statue of an older adult sitting thoughtfully playing chess. This must-see Da Nang destination attracts domestic and international tourists, offering scenic relaxation.
The road from Da Nang to Ban Co's top is stunning. At the peak, visitors can paraglide – one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Da Nang.
Upon arrival, visitors will be mesmerized by the breathtaking panoramic view including the entire Da Nang city, Dragon Bridge, and high-rise buildings.
The rugged landscape, rocky rapids surrounding Son Tra Peninsula's foot, and the vast blue sea create a picturesque scene. Lucky visitors may spot golden monkey herds and brown-shanked douc langurs living on the peninsula.
To reach Ban Co's top, follow Yet Kieu Street. When returning, take Hoang Sa Street or Yet Kieu Street, enjoying fresh air, beautiful sea view, and Da Nang's cityscape.
5.2. Linh Ung Pagoda – SonTraPeninsula
Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula is a famous Da Nang attraction, located atop Son Tra Mountain. Built between 2004 and 2010, this temple boasts unique architecture.
The pagoda's prominent feature is the 67m-high Buddha statue (equal to a 30-story building), once Vietnam's tallest. Locals believe the sacred statue guards Da Nang from storms, ensures fishermen's safety, and helps ships navigate the port.
Visitors experience a peaceful atmosphere, with the grounds, statues, and history blending harmoniously. The landscape features Son Tra's lush green mountain forest, fresh climate and air. Visitors can walk around, admire the Buddha statue, and worship.
To fully appreciate the pagoda, plan 2 hours exploring. The terrain is flat and accessible.
5.3. Scenery along Hoang Sa Road, near InterContinental Danang
Hoang Sa Road is a gorgeous, gently winding silk strip road. Flanked by mountains and shady trees, it offers stunning sea views from above. On weekends, locals flock to this spot to admire the ocean and take pictures.
6. Hai Van Pass
One of the best things to do in Da Nang is exploring the thrilling Hai Van Pass! This pass attracts travelers seeking challenging roads. Located on the Bach Ma range, it's a natural Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang boundary. Spanning 21km and peaking near 500m, it's Vietnam's most renowned and perilous yet beautiful mountain pass.
The incredible scenery and driving a winding road attract visitors. One side is mountain, the other an abyss and sea, offering breathtaking ocean and Da Nang city views from above.
As you ascend, the landscape becomes unique, revealing pristine beaches, azure waters, and distant islands. At the top, the historical Hai Van Quan, built in 1826, brims with history.
Fear, nervousness, excitement, joy – these words describe tourists' feelings journeying from Hoi An to Hue through Hai Van Pass. Sharing this with friends is unforgettable.
If traveling from Hoi An to Hue, this route offers myriad experiences – showcasing driving skills, enjoying sea views, visiting Hai Van Quan.
When riding motorbikes, avoid returning at night as it has no lights and fog obstructs vision. Consider renting a car with local driver to safely explore Hai Van Pass and witness mountain-sea harmony.
Many beautiful scenes at Hai Van Pass:
7. Go Shopping at Con Market
Shopping and savoring the cuisine at Con Market are among the best things to do in Da Nang. This market is a snapshot of local life in Da Nang, where visitors can find everything they want, especially the local food in Da Nang. Many visitors have provided feedback praising the food at Con Market.
If you want a taste of local life, this is the place to go. When pondering “What to eat in Da Nang,” this market has you covered with a wide variety of dishes. The stall owners are friendly and cute, and they will try to answer visitors' questions through guides or interpreters.
The variety at Con Market is unbelievable; it's a shopper's paradise, offering everything from countless kinds of tea to shoes and clothes.
Price list of some words at Con market for your reference:
| No. | Food Item | Price Range (in VND) |
| 1 | Snails (various types) | 30,000 VND to 50,000 VND (1.27 USD to 2.11 USD) |
| 2 | Banh Canh | 20,000 VND to 50,000 VND (0.84 USD to 2.11 USD) |
| 3 | Banh Beo | 40,000 VND to 60,000 VND (1.69 USD to 2.53 USD) |
| 4 | Grilled Pork Noodles (Bun Thit Nuong) | 20,000 VND to 40,000 VND (0.84 USD to 1.69 USD) |
| 5 | Grilled Pork Rice Paper Rolls (Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo) | 30,000 VND to 80,000 VND (1.27 USD to 3.38 USD) |
| 6 | Quang-style Noodles (Mi Quang) | 20,000 VND to 50,000 VND (0.84 USD to 2.11 USD) |
| 7 | Grilled Pork Sticky Rice (Xoi Thit Nuong) | 15,000 VND to 50,000 VND (0.63 USD to 2.11 USD) |
| 8 | Avocado Ice Cream (Kem Bo) | 8,000 VND to 20,000 VND (0.34 USD to 0.84 USD) |
Ticket price: Free
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Address: 290 Hung Vuong Street, Vinh Trung Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
In addition to the places mentioned above, you can learn about Asia Park if you want a fun place for your children. If you are a history lover, visit the Cham Museum in the center of Da Nang city.
Da Nang is a vibrant city with plenty of exciting activities to enjoy during the day. From exploring stunning beaches to visiting historical landmarks and indulging in delicious local cuisine, there's no shortage of things to do.
As the sun sets, the city comes alive with a thriving nightlife scene. For those interested in experiencing the best nightlife activities, be sure to check out our guide on Things to Do in Da Nang at Night. Discover the city's top bars, clubs, and evening entertainment options to make the most of your time in this lively coastal metropolis.
8. Conclusion on the best things to do in Da Nang
In conclusion, “Best Things to Do in Da Nang” is part of the Da Nang Travel Guide series by Elitrawo, which provides other Da Nang tourism information like “What to Eat in Da Nang,” “How to Get Around Da Nang,” and articles about the best hotels in Da Nang.
This guide aims to help international tourists visiting Da Nang. With stunning natural beauty and exciting activities, this city will make your experience unforgettable. Arrange your schedule and prepare to discover Da Nang's great things today!
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