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After three weeks, I know exactly what to do in Da Nang, Vietnam. Here are the best things to do, free activities, and nighttime experiences to add to your Da Nang itinerary.
Da Nang is (in my opinion) one of Vietnam’s most underrated destinations. It sits in Hoi An’s shadow, but the coastal city deserves more love. It’s the perfect mix of culture, iconic landmarks, fun day trips, white sandy beaches, and lively night markets. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or settling in for a longer stay like me, there’s no shortage of things to do in Da Nang for every type of traveller. Stick around to see just what I’m talking about.
Da Nang travel tips
Before we get started, here are some quick Da Nang travel tips:
- Da Nang has a very centrally located airport. I arrived by plane from Hanoi and left by plane for Chiang Mai.
- The easiest and cheapest way to get around is using Grab. From the airport to attractions to food deliveries, Grab was my go-to.
- I stayed at Samatha Apartment & Hotel, and I would recommend it in a heartbeat. It was new at the time and run by a lovely local family. They have a range of rooms, and I stayed in a spacious studio with a desk, dining table, kitchenette, and large bathroom. There’s also a rooftop pool with sweeping ocean views, and you can walk there yourself in five minutes.
- I picked up a local SIM card in Hanoi, but another option is an e-sim like Sim Local. Click the link for 10% using the code HOLIDAY10.
- I used a combination of card and cash. Cash was best for markets and local stalls, while several restaurants and cafes accepted cards.
- Don’t drink the tap water. My accommodation had massive water containers for a few dollars, but you can buy something similar at grocery stores.
Best free things to do in Da Nang
Let’s start with all the free attractions in Da Nang, Vietnam, because let me tell you, there are plenty!
1. Visit Han Market
Visiting Han Market (Cho Han) in the Hai Chau district is one of the most popular things to do in Da Nang. It’s the city’s oldest traditional market, jam-packed with clothing, fabrics, tailor shops, souvenirs, snacks, dried food, and local ingredients, all under one roof. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great spot to wander and soak up the local atmosphere.
Hot tip: Another market literally down the road is Con Market. I didn’t visit, but I heard it has a similar range of clothing, local produce, and street food.
2. Do some shopping
Indochina Mall sits just down the road from Han Market, and is a good stop if you’re craving air conditioning or familiar brands. It has shops, a food court, a cinema, and river views from the upper levels. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already exploring the waterfront.
On the other side is Vincom Plaza, even larger, with four levels featuring a cinema, shops, and several eateries. I highly recommend exploring WinMart Supermarket – 3000 square metres of food, cosmetics, clothing, and more. Oh, the goodies I got!
3. Check out Da Nang Cathedral
Da Nang Cathedral, often called the Pink Church, is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. It’s Da Nang’s only Catholic church, and dates back to the French Colonial era. Centrally located near Han Market, it’s easy to visit while sightseeing around the city.
4. Stroll the Danang Riverwalk
There’s a beautifully wide, paved walking path along the Han Market-side of the Han River, aptly named the Danang Riverwalk. It’s a great place to view the city’s multiple bridges (more on them below), and take photos of the scenery.
5. Explore Fresco Village
Fresco Village is a hidden gem, a little off the beaten path in Da Nang. It includes a couple of laneways filled with colourful murals and European-style architecture. For a street art girlie like me, it was worth the mini detour while walking along Da Nang’s riverfront. Find it here.
6. Say hello to Lady Buddha and Linh Ung Pagoda
The Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda is one of Da Nang’s most iconic attractions. Located on the Son Tra Peninsula, it offers sweeping views over the coastline and city. The 67-metre statue has 17 levels inside, each featuring different Buddha forms. If you want to visit, you must cover your shoulders and knees. Instead, I spent my time exploring the grounds of Linh Ung Pagoda. You’ll find manicured gardens, shrines, and bonsai trees.
Hot tip: I easily got a Grab scooter there and back. I also recommend visiting either early or late. It’s open 6 am to 9 pm, and tourist buses hit it hard mid-morning, as I found out 😅.
7. Spend the day at the beach
My Khe Beach was my local beach during my time in Da Nang. Overlooking beautiful Da Nang Bay, I visited for morning walks, sunset strolls, and a daytime dip! There always seemed to be something happening along its shores, including festivals and local group activities. You’ll find plenty of food options lining the waterfront, or you can rent a beach chair for the day. Pick your poison.
Best things to do in Da Nang
Here are some paid things to do in Da Nang that are worth the money!
8. Do a Vietnamese cooking class
I took a Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An (they also run classes in Da Nang), and it was AMAZING! In just two hours, you’ll learn how to cook four Vietnamese dishes. The menu varies by day, but it usually includes green papaya or mango salad, fried or fresh spring rolls, and a crispy side like Vietnamese pancakes. For just $31 AUD, it’s such an affordable local experience in Da Nang.
Hot tip: The same company offers a Vietnamese coffee-making workshop, where you learn to make four different types of Vietnamese coffee, including coconut and egg coffee. It’s only $24 AUD, so it’s a must for Aussie coffee lovers.
Day trips from Da Nang
There are so many things to do near Da Nang. Here’s a glimpse at the epic Da Nang day trips available.
9. Hoi An
A Hoi An day trip from Da Nang must be the most popular option. I spent a few days in Hoi An afterward and just took a Grab for the 45-minute ride. Hoi An is very compact, so you can easily spend a day exploring the Old Town, eating and shopping up a storm!
10. My Son
I visited My Son Sanctuary back in 2012. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site in Central Vietnam, home to several ancient Hindu temples surrounded by lush greenery. I recommend doing a guided tour, and this one is so affordable. For under $30 AUD, you get picked up and dropped off in Da Nang, a guided tour with a Champa performance, lunch at a local restaurant, a rice paper-making demonstration, and a boat cruise back to Hoi An. That is incredible value.
11. Hue
Speaking of affordable tours, how about this guided tour to Hue for just $20 AUD? The full-day tour includes a stop along the iconic Hai Van Pass, a guided tour of the Hue Historic Citadel, lunch at Madam Thu Restaurant, and then afternoon visits to the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady and the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh. Hue is another place I visited years ago, but I can confirm that this really captures the best of the city in one day.
12. Marble and Monkey Mountain
The Marble and Monkey Mountains are just outside of Da Nang’s city centre. But a guided tour lets you comfortably visit both destinations and Lady Buddha. The Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) are five incredible limestone-and-marble hills, home to caves and pagodas. The largest/highest is Thuy Son or Water Mountain. At the same time, Monkey Mountain (also known as Son Tra Mountain) offers fantastic views over Da Nang.
13. Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge
Another one of the most popular Da Nang day trips is Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge (you know, that bridge being held by a hand? I know you’ve seen the photos). This guided tour takes you first to Ba Na Hills SunWorld, and then you hop on Asia’s longest cable car ride and get hours to soak up the Golden Bridge and the Bà Nà Hills.
Best things to do in Da Nang at night
Here’s what to do in Da Nang at night.
14. See the sunset from the Walking Bridge
The Walking Bridge (find it here) is at the end of the Danang Riverwalk. I can’t remember who told me to visit at sunset, but I’m glad they did! Seeing the sunset over the mountains from the bridge was breathtaking, and I wasn’t the only one enjoying it.
Hot tip: After all the walking, keep going a little further and treat yourself to a burrito from Tacos Danang.
15. Visit the Love Bridge/Love Pier
Oh yes, Da Nang also has a love lock bridge. Add it as a pitstop on your riverfront walk to see hundreds of padlocks couples have locked to the bridge, securing their love. It’s even better at night when the heart-shaped lanterns glow. Find it here, but it’s next door to the Dragon Bridge.
16. Enjoy dinner at Son Tra Night Market
Son Tra Night Market is one of the best places to visit in Da Nang at night. It’s filled with stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, and traditional Vietnamese street food, all set near the Dragon Bridge. The atmosphere is lively (if not a little chaotic with every stall-owner trying to get your attention), but it’s a great place to indulge in some local fare. Just look at this spread I enjoyed (plus the $1 sugar cane juice bigger than my head).
17. See the Dragon Bridge breathe fire!
Seeing the Dragon Bridge after dark is one of the most popular free attractions in Da Nang as it’s lit up gloriously. But on weekend nights (starting at 9 pm), this is taken to the next level when the dragon breathes fire and then water. You can enjoy it from the waterside or at one of the riverfront pubs.
Did you know? At 666 metres long, it’s Vietnam’s longest bridge!
18. Take a seat at a rooftop bar
Check out this article for the best rooftop bars in Danang. But you can enjoy your cocktail by the pool at Endless Summer Rooftop Pool and Bar, have a beer at East West Brewing Co., take in sweeping city views from Sky 36, or see incredible sunsets from Horizon Bar.
19. Visit An Thuong Night Market
I actually stumbled upon An Thuong Night Market (find it here) as I walked home from dinner. Open nightly from 6 pm, you’ll find everything from souvenirs to streetside massages and food stalls. I had to try the rolled ice cream, and you know this wasn’t my last visit!
20. Treat yourself to a seafood feast!
Danang is known for its fresh seafood, and you’ll find seafood restaurants offering live tank-to-table dining along the beach and specifically up Nguyễn Văn Thoại. I personally had this seafood noodle dish from a local restaurant with rave Google reviews, and I wasn’t disappointed. Can you just imagine how much a dish with this much seafood would cost in Australia? 😅
21. Cruise along the Han River
One of the most affordable things to do in Da Nang at night is a Han River cruise (this one is just $9 AUD). You can take in the sparkling city and bridge lights from the river. Plus, time your cruise right and you’ll see the Dragon Bridge come alive.
Where to eat in Da Nang
I have a comprehensive Da Nang city food guide coming soon, and I’ve mentioned a few places you must visit above. But here’s a quick hit list of my favourite Da Nang restaurants and cafes:
- Loving Vegan because even if you’re not vegan, the food is cheap, fresh, and freaking delicious!
- Ùmm Banh Mi & Cafe is a great place for, you guessed it, banh mi and coffee!
- Le Bordeaux is the cutest French bakery with to-die-for pastries.
- Kebab Ngon also has the most delicious chicken teriyaki banh mi. I re-visited multiple times!
- Thìa Gỗ Restaurant Da Nang is an award-winning restaurant serving the best local dishes.
I hope this comprehensive travel guide has prepared you for a great Da Nang holiday!
Da Nang is a city that’s easy to enjoy, whether you’re travelling on a budget or planning a relaxed getaway. With a mix of cultural landmarks, free attractions, scenic walks, and lively nightlife, it’s a destination that offers something different every day.
Da Nang travel FAQs
I’d say you don’t want to miss visiting My Khe Beach, walking along the Han River, seeing Lady Buddha, doing a day trip to Hoi An, and marvelling at the Dragon Bridge.
Da Nang is best known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and fresh seafood.
Absolutely! I highly recommend people not skip visiting Danang on the way to Hoi An. It’s the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and cheap local food.
October to February is Da Nang’s wet season, with heavy rainfall. However, I was there in October, and while it was humid and rainy, the rain didn’t last all day.
March to May is the best time to visit Da Nang.
It depends on what vibe you’re after. Hoi An is definitely more touristy and chaotic, but it offers a picturesque Old Town. Meanwhile, Da Nang is the chill coastal cousin.
Three days is a good amount of time to see the best of Da Nang, but add a day if you want to do one of the many day trips mentioned above.
As a solo traveller, I wandered the Da Nang city streets at night and felt comfortable. However, I stuck to heavily trafficked streets (around the An Thuong area) out of personal preference.
If you visit Da Nang on a rainy day, head indoors to a cosy cafe, treat yourself at a local spa, do a cooking class, explore the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, or go shopping at Vincom Plaza or Han Market.
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