Beaches
Da Nang is a coastal city in Vietnam and is home to many stunning beaches with golden sand, turquoise waters, and lush green palm trees. There’s something for everyone, from the bustling My Khe Beach to the secluded An Hai Beach. Read on to learn more about the best beaches in Da Nang and their available activities.
My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach (also known as China beach) is one of the most popular beaches in the central city of Da Nang, Vietnam. Located just 3 kilometers from the city center, My Khe Beach is well known for its fine white sand and crystal-clear blue water.
For those looking to escape from their daily hustle, My Khe Beach is a perfect destination as it offers plenty of attractions such as:
- swimming and snorkeling in its pristine waters
- kayaking or paddle boarding
- windsurfing and water skiing
Additionally, there are many activities like badminton and beach volleyball that people can enjoy on the shorelines of My Khe beach.
Moreover, the vibrant nightlife of bars and restaurants lined up along its white sandy beaches has drawn several tourists yearly. At My Khe beach, many travelers can indulge in local food delicacies such as seafood dishes, fried noodles with Tam Giang shrimp paste, Mi Quang noodles soup, etc. Above all, and its beautiful sunsets provide moments to behold!
Non-Nuoc Beach
Non-Nuoc Beach, also known as Da Nang Beach, is a beautiful white sand beach located near Hoa Hai Village in Non-Nuoc village, Da Nang City. Once a traditional fishing village, this beach is now a popular tourist destination due to its gorgeous views of the South China Sea, abundant sunshine, and genuine coconut palms that line the coast. In addition, the mountainous backdrop of Marble Mountain and Son Tra Peninsula create stunning scenery, making it one of the most picturesque beaches in Vietnam.
Non-Nuoc Beach is ideal for swimming or just relaxing in the sun. The calm waters are perfect for surfing and snorkeling enthusiasts or those just learning to surf, as the waves are usually not too strong. With plenty of food stalls and restaurants along the shoreline offering freshly-caught seafood, you can watch people catching fish on colorful jon boats nearby or enjoy your deliciously cooked meal at Non-Nuoc Beach.
On top of its fantastic scenery and array of water activities, Non-Nuoc Beach also has plenty of entertainment for visitors looking for more than sea-gazing or swimming. There’s an amusement park nearby with rides and games, outdoor sports like volleyball courts, and recreational facilities like scuba diving areas waiting to be explored. In addition, tourists can rent banana boats or get onto speedboats to get around Non-Nuoc Beach’s coral reefs if they don’t want to remain landlocked on beach days. Vacationers can also make their way up nearby Marble Mountains by cable car – with a bonus view over Da Nang city – before venturing back down again after taking in all the sights!
Bac My An Beach
Bac, My An Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in Da Nang, Vietnam. It is located just a few miles south of downtown; this stunning beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. This beach draws locals and tourists with its powdery white sands, crystal clear waters, and scenic views.
Visitors can enjoy various activities like beach volleyball, parasailing, and kayaking. There are also plenty of restaurants and food stalls to explore for lunch or be tempted by multiple shops for some souvenirs or gifts. Facilities like lifeguards on duty, first aid stations, and restrooms make it complete for a leisurely day out in the sun!
Historical Sites
Da Nang has many historical and cultural sites, including the Hai Van Pass, the Marble Mountains, and the Imperial City. So whether you are looking for a relaxing day of sightseeing or are itching to explore the history behind each site, Da Nang has something for everyone.
This section will focus on the historical and cultural sites in Da Nang:
Cham Museum
Established in 1919, the Cham Museum is a must-see while visiting Da Nang. Located at the lower end of Posiphet Street, it is Southeast Asia’s first museum specializing in Cham art and culture. The building is an architectural wonder designed by the famous architect Henri Parmentier himself. It boasts a great collection of sandstone sculptures dating from the seventh and fifteenth centuries.
Going through its seven chambers with stone artifacts from across Vietnam, you can consider it one of your top priorities when touring this historical city. The sculptures featured at the museum are from different dynasties and eras: Examples include images of Hindu gods like Shiva, sculptures of mentors and princesses from Dong Duong and My Son temple ruins, and pieces dedicated to ancestor worship and Buddhist saints. As part of modern history, these works deserve some respect due to their age.
Overall, with its extensive collection dedicated to preserving cultural relics over centuries-old – a visit to Da Nang’s Cham Museum should be part of your itinerary when visiting this beautiful city.
Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are one of the most iconic landmarks in Vietnam, and they are not to be missed when visiting Da Nang. Located just south of Hoi An, these five marble hills represent the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire, and earth.
Each hill is peppered with caves, pagodas, and tunnels that house Buddhist sanctuaries surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Many of these ancient sites were used as a refuge during conflicts throughout history.
Calm seas and cool air make the Marble Mountains a popular attraction for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center. With its many historic temples and countless viewpoints high up on the mountain peaks and down towards the white sandy seashore below, it is no wonder why the Marble Mountains remain one of Da Nang’s top destinations for sightseeing.
Take a leisurely walk through winding paths lined with bonsai trees to explore curious cave formations sporting local artwork from generations gone by, or gather your courage to climb all 76 steps leading up to Thien-Long Grotto as you take in breathtaking views from atop this beautiful natural park.
Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula, known as Monkey Mountain, is integral to Da Nang’s culture and heritage. Located on the northeast side of Da Nang Bay, the peninsula holds a variety of historical sites that attract visitors from all over the world.
At its highest point, two towers were built during the French colonization. The east tower offers sweeping views of Da Nang Bay and Son Tra Peninsula, while visitors can explore historical artifacts and buildings at the west tower. In addition to exploring this rich historic site, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as trails for walking and hiking, beach activities like fishing and swimming, or bird watching due to its diverse avian population.
Many areas within Son Tra Peninsula attract tourists yearly, such as Lady Buddha Temple or Thien Yueyen Tower, which overlooks Da Nang’s beaches. While traveling to this unique area full of culture and history, visitors can also learn more about the rich history of Vietnam by visiting the Hien Luong Bridge, which stands on a line separating North and South Vietnam during war times, or Bai But Pagoda, which is surrounded by lush foliage and offers stunning views over clouds at high elevation points.
Explorers keen to discover more should take a trip up The Giant Bell Tower, located at 649 meters above sea level on Son Tra mountain’s peak – offering panoramic views stretching from Son Tra to Hoi An City in Quảng Nam Province. Capping off a tour around Son Tra Peninsula is Ling Ung Pagoda – situated next to Vong Phu Mountain peak with mythological legends about princesses creating it through miracle stones from heaven – offering breathtaking moments looking over all sides Da Nang city below with lush greenery inland from sea edges.
Cultural Attractions
Da Nang, Vietnam, is home to many fascinating cultural attractions. From ancient temples and museums to vibrant markets, there is something of interest in Da Nang for those looking to experience the local culture.
In this section, we will explore some of the most popular and interesting cultural attractions in Da Nang:
Han Market
Han Market is a vibrant and popular tourist attraction deep in Da Nang, Vietnam’s third largest city. Located on Nguyen Van Linh Street, Han Market is one of Da Nang’s oldest and most beloved markets – if not the oldest. It was established in 1876; this bustling market stretches for four blocks and offers a great selection of goods, from traditional clothing and jewelry to homemade souvenirs and trinkets. One can easily spend hours exploring the myriad stalls to find the perfect souvenir of their time in Da Nang.
The true highlight of visiting Han Market is the incredible fresh produce: ripe tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, and meats are abundant at all times of the day. In addition, a wide selection of Vietnamese street food stands offering delicious banh mi sandwiches and more daring dishes like banh khot (Vietnamese rice cakes stuffed with shrimp) can be enjoyed while strolling between stalls.
This crowded labyrinthine network has something for everyone:
- shoes to clothes
- kitchenware to electronics
- electronics to living plants
- old furniture items to beautifully handcrafted souvenirs
Be sure to bargain for a lower price because you will get much better deals here than elsewhere! So whether you’re looking for that perfect gift or filling up your suitcase for home-bound gifts – for friends or family – make sure you stop by Han Market before your visit ends!
Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills is one of the most popular destinations in Da Nang, Vietnam. This hilltop resort and amusement park boasts stunning views of the city and a unique mountainous landscape. A cable car system provides access to two summits, where visitors can explore gardens and temples, ride amusement park rides, watch parades and shows, enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and more. Ba Na Hills also features a climbing wall, zip lines, an animal zoo, and many shops and restaurants. The alpine climate makes it an attractive destination all year round.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or peaceful relaxation in a picturesque setting, Ba Na Hills has something for everyone to enjoy:
- Explore gardens and temples
- Ride amusement park rides
- Watch parades and shows
- Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine
- Climb a wall and zip line
- Visit the animal zoo
- Shop and dine
Dragon Bridge
Dragon Bridge is a stunning landmark and one of the most iconic attractions in Da Nang, Vietnam. Spanning the Han River, this bridge features a unique dragon-like shape that has become a symbol of the city. This bridge is 699 meters long and 35.4 meters wide and includes striking dragon-shaped sculptures provided by military factories in Hanoi.
Dragon Bridge is best experienced at night when illuminated with a dazzling display of shifting colors from over 2,500 LED lights. On Saturdays and Sundays, fireworks displays are alive with vibrant colors. The illumination show occurs at 9 pm daily and sends locals into wild applause after each performance – it’s truly something to behold!
But this bridge isn’t just a pretty face, as it also serves an essential purpose – providing access between Da Nang’s city center and its beaches on the opposite bank. Visitors can find plenty of activities near Dragon Bridge, like local street food stalls and boat rides along the Han River, making this iconic structure a great attraction to explore during your trip to Da Nang!
Outdoor Activities
Da Nang is a beautiful city in Vietnam known for its stunning beaches and lush landscapes. It makes it the perfect spot for outdoor activities, so why not take a trip there to explore?
From rock climbing to kayaking, plenty of outdoor activities are here to experience and enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the outdoor activities you can do in Da Nang:
Ba Na Cable Car
The Ba Na Cable Car is one of Da Nang, Vietnam’s most iconic and popular outdoor activities. Located in the mountains of Son Tra Peninsula and extending up to Mang Mountain, this two-stage journey is home to stunning landscape views.
The first stage cable car voyage brings revelers from the Vong Nguyet hills, near Sea Link city, up 1,368 meters above sea level. Along the journey, revelers can enjoy sights such as Hon Quy Nhon – a mountain pagoda complex atop a 250-meter rock’ and French Village – a European-style settlement built during colonial times. At the top of Mount Toc is Linh Ung Paifang – home to a five-star 85-meter tall Buddha statue flanked by two other seven-meter statues.
The second cable car travel on this mountaineering adventure takes visitors three cylinders higher than before onto Lao To son peak at 1,487 meters altitude, where visitors are ushered into a giant amusement park; featuring an array of video arcades and games perfect for children enjoying an outdoor activity. Additionally, advanced rides testing your strength, balance, and swings can be enjoyed at Le Jardin D’amour garden adventure park or with Segway presentations alongside guides providing insights about local history along the tranquil trails.
Cu Lao Cham Island
Cu Lao Cham Island, or Cham Island, is a cluster of eight small islands off the coast of Da Nang. The largest, Hon Lao (also known as Hon Khoai), is an exciting place to explore on an outdoor adventure. Though the area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s still relatively undiscovered and offers visitors the chance to experience remote Vietnamese culture.
To reach the island, you can take a one-hour catamaran boat ride from Da Nang, which passes through sheltered waters between Hòn Tre Islet and Hoàng Sa Islet. On the island, guests can take guided tours that visit Bai Chong beach — the main settlement with fresh seafood restaurants and guesthouses — or explore on their own by bike or by foot.
Another popular activity on Cu Lao Cham Island is kayaking around Hòn Gói Bay or diving in its coral reefs. There are several dive shops where tourists can rent gear and join a group tour that takes them to various sights in and around the bay, such as coral gardens full of colorful tropical fish, tranquil lagoons inhabited by sea cucumbers, statues from fishermen’s mythology hidden in caves and much more. Those with fitness levels high enough for deep-water dives may also have the chance to swim alongside friendly manta rays!
Cu Lao Cham may seem like an off-the-beaten-path destination compared to other coastal hot spots in Vietnam, but it’s worth visiting and provides an accurate picture of authentic Vietnamese island life.
Ba Na Hills Adventure Park
Take a trip to Ba Na Hills Adventure Park and experience all the thrills, action, and fun of an amusement park just outside Da Nang. The outdoor adventure park, located in the beautiful Ba Na Hills area just 25 kilometers southwest of town, is a great place to spend the day outdoors. Visitors can explore one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting and interactive theme parks with activities that include a cable car ride, a 4D simulation show, carnival games for all ages, and more.
Ba Na Hills Adventure Park also offers zip lines, bike tracks, hiking trails, and many other outdoor activities for those feeling exceptionally adventurous. But, of course, the cable car ride is a must – it takes guests on an eight-minute journey over the park’s rolling hills and canyons for breathtaking views.
Other attractions at the park include a roller coaster, water slides, go-karts, laser tag, and bumper cars. Plenty of spots for taking pictures, from gardens with themed statues to animal shows featuring parrots or crocodiles!
Restaurants
Da Nang is a vibrant city in Vietnam with a lot to offer regarding dining. From traditional Vietnamese cuisine to fusion restaurants, there is something for everyone.
This section will focus on the best restaurants in Da Nang that will tantalize your taste buds! Let’s get started.
La Maison 1888
La Maison 1888 on Son Tra Peninsula is an outstanding restaurant for Da Nang, Vietnam visitors. Owned and operated by Grand Hôtel Dǎ Nang, French-Vietnamese cuisine is crafted here by expert chefs using traditional ingredients and local herbs. The restaurant was inspired by the year Grand Hôtel Dǎ Nang was founded and used regional influences to bring a unique dining experience.
The cozy decor of La Maison 1888 adds to the atmosphere, making it an ideal location for those wanting to experience fine dining in Da Nang. An impressive menu of modern French and Vietnamese dishes are available, ranging from iconic recipes such as Salmon with citrus fruits, squid ink pasta with mussels, beef steak with truffle mashed potato, and many more exciting choices. In addition, there are vegetarian dishes and an international wine list featuring French whites and reds alongside Australian Shiraz and Italian varietals.
The passionate team at La Maison 1888 continually strives to provide a warm welcome in welcoming surroundings, creating memories that will last well after leaving the beautiful city of Da Nang.
Xuan Restaurant
Xuan Restaurant is one of the most popular destinations for visitors looking to experience authentic Vietnamese food in Da Nang. It is located near the Han River and offers stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or family gathering.
The menu features various dishes, including eggplant with minced pork, lemongrass beef, papaya salad, and a wide selection of wines and seafood. All dishes are prepared using freshly harvested ingredients from local farms to ensure quality and flavor every time.
Moreover, guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring mouth-watering Vietnamese and international specialties. With its attentive staff and excellent service, Xuan Restaurant guarantees an enjoyable dining experience that allows you to enjoy the taste of traditional Vietnamese cooking at its best.
Ngan Tho Restaurant
Ngan Tho Restaurant is located in the heart of Da Nang and is known for its traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant serves an array of regional dishes such as Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), Banh Cuon (rice noodle rolls with pork and mushrooms), Pho (noodle soup with beef and other ingredients), as well as local specialties like Bun Mam (Vietnamese fish stew). The menu also features classic Vietnamese favorites like spring rolls and Crab Soup.
The restaurant has a cozy, relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy the fresh flavors of home-style Vietnamese cooking. The friendly and attentive staff ensures customers get the most out of their dining experience. In addition, dishes are reasonably priced, so diners can get great value for their money.
Whether you’re looking for an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine or something to satisfy your appetite, Ngan Tho Restaurant will surely deliver an unforgettable experience.