Things to Visit in Da Nang: Beaches, Mountains, and Marble Caves
See the best of Da Nang from its golden beaches and dramatic mountain passes to the Marble Mountains and iconic Golden Bridge. Covers beaches, landmarks, food, Hoi An day trips, and adventure activities.
da nangvietnamasiabeachesmarble mountainsgolden bridgehoi an
Last updated:
0 of 18 completed0%
Estimated time: 3-5 days
Copied!
Beaches and Waterfront
Swim at My Khe Beach
This 6-km stretch of white sand was named one of the world's most attractive beaches. The water is warm year-round and lifeguards patrol the main sections. The beach is relatively uncrowded on weekday mornings. Free public showers are available near the main access points.
Watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire on weekends
This 666-meter bridge shaped like a dragon spans the Han River and shoots fire and water from its head every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM. The show lasts about 15 minutes. Position yourself on the east bank for the best views and bring a rain jacket if you stand close.
Explore An Bang Beach near Hoi An
A 30-minute drive south, this beach has a more relaxed village feel with beachfront restaurants and cocktail bars. The sand is soft and the water is calm from April through September. Beach loungers cost 50,000-100,000 VND for the day at most restaurants with a minimum food order.
Visit the Son Tra Peninsula and its secluded coves
This mountainous peninsula north of the city has winding roads through forest leading to hidden beaches, a giant Lady Buddha statue, and a wildlife sanctuary with red-shanked douc langurs. Rent a motorbike for 100,000-150,000 VND per day to explore the peninsula roads.
Landmarks and Attractions
Walk across the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills
This 150-meter bridge appears to be held by two giant stone hands emerging from the mountain. It sits at 1,400 meters elevation in the Ba Na Hills resort, reached by one of the world's longest cable cars. Entry to the park including cable car is about 900,000 VND. Go on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Climb the Marble Mountains
Five limestone and marble hills named after the five elements contain Buddhist pagodas, Hindu grottoes, and cave shrines. Thuy Son is the most visited and has a lift to the summit for 15,000 VND or stairs for free. The cave temple interiors with shafts of light are stunning. Full entry is 40,000 VND.
See the Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda
The 67-meter white Goddess of Mercy statue on Son Tra Peninsula is the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam. The pagoda grounds have ocean views and elaborate dragon staircases. Free entry. The statue is visible from My Khe Beach and makes for a dramatic silhouette against the sky.
Drive the Hai Van Pass
This mountain pass between Da Nang and Hue was called the most beautiful coastal road in the world by a popular motoring show. The winding road reaches 500 meters with views of the coastline on both sides. Rent a motorbike or hire a car for the 30-km stretch. The pass itself is about 1 hour each way.
Food Experiences
Eat mi quang noodles, Da Nang's signature dish
Wide turmeric-tinted rice noodles served with pork, shrimp, herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers in a concentrated broth. This is Da Nang's proudest culinary creation and costs 30,000-50,000 VND at local restaurants. The broth should be more of a sauce than a soup, barely coating the noodles.
Try banh xeo, the crispy Vietnamese pancake
Central Vietnam's version of these turmeric-colored pancakes is smaller than the southern style and crispier. They are filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then wrapped in rice paper with lettuce and herbs. A serving of 3-4 pancakes costs 40,000-60,000 VND at local restaurants.
Eat fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant on My Khe
Restaurants along the beach road serve grilled fish, shrimp, squid, and clams with Vietnamese dipping sauces. Choose your seafood live from the tank and it is cooked to order. A full seafood spread for two costs 300,000-600,000 VND. Evening is the best time for the freshest catch.
Visit the Han Market for local snacks
This central market sells fresh produce, dried seafood, coffee, and local snacks on the ground floor with clothing and souvenirs above. The banh trang cuon rice paper rolls and nem lui grilled lemongrass pork skewers at the food stalls are excellent. The market opens at 6 AM and closes by 6 PM.
Day Trips
Explore the ancient town of Hoi An
This UNESCO-listed trading port 30 km south of Da Nang has 15th-18th century architecture, lantern-lit streets, and a famous tailor scene. Buy an Old Town ticket for 120,000 VND that covers entry to 5 heritage sites. The town is most magical at night when lanterns illuminate the Thu Bon riverfront.
Day trip to the Imperial City of Hue
The former imperial capital 100 km north has a massive citadel with the Purple Forbidden City, royal tombs, and pagodas along the Perfume River. The drive over the Hai Van Pass is half the experience. Entry to the Imperial Citadel is 200,000 VND. Allow a full day with the drive.
Snorkel at Cham Islands
This group of 8 islands 20 km offshore is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with coral reefs and clear water. Speedboats from Cua Dai pier near Hoi An take 20 minutes. Day trips including snorkeling, lunch, and island time cost 500,000-800,000 VND. Best visibility from June through September.
Adventure Activities
Surf at My Khe Beach during monsoon season
From September through March, the northeast monsoon brings consistent waves to Da Nang's beaches. Surf schools rent boards and offer beginner lessons for 500,000-800,000 VND for 2 hours. The waves are gentle enough for beginners but consistent enough for intermediate surfers.
Rent a motorbike and ride the coast
The coastal road from Da Nang to Hoi An is flat and scenic, passing through fishing villages, rice paddies, and quiet beaches. The 30-km ride takes about 45 minutes without stops. Motorbike rental costs 100,000-150,000 VND per day. An international driving permit is technically required.
Go paragliding from Son Tra Peninsula
Tandem paragliding flights launch from the Son Tra mountainside and soar over the beaches and city below. Flights last 15-20 minutes and cost 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND including video footage. Conditions are best from April through September when winds are favorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Da Nang?
Three to five days covers Da Nang's beaches, the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, and a day trip to Hoi An. Spend one day on the beach and city landmarks, one day at Ba Na Hills or the Marble Mountains, one day in Hoi An, and extra days for Hue day trip or water sports. Two days is tight but covers the beach and either Ba Na Hills or Hoi An.
What is the best time to visit Da Nang?
March through August is the dry season with temperatures around 25-34 degrees Celsius and calm seas perfect for swimming. September through December brings the monsoon with heavy rain and rough seas, but also good surf conditions. January and February are cooler at 18-25 degrees Celsius with occasional drizzle. Water temperature is warm enough for swimming year-round.
Is Da Nang expensive?
Da Nang is very affordable. Street food meals cost 25,000-50,000 VND. Mid-range beachfront hotels start at 500,000-1,000,000 VND per night. A comfortable daily budget is 800,000-1,500,000 VND including food, transport, and activities. Ba Na Hills is the most expensive single activity at 900,000 VND for the entrance ticket.
How do you get between Da Nang and Hoi An?
Hoi An is 30 km south of Da Nang, about 40 minutes by car or motorbike. Local buses run every 20 minutes from the Da Nang bus station for 30,000 VND. Ride-hailing apps cost about 150,000-200,000 VND for a car. Many hotels arrange shuttle services. Renting a motorbike gives the most flexibility to stop at the Marble Mountains and beaches along the way.