Da Nang – Gateway to Central Vietnam and UNESCO Heritage Wonders
Da Nang is a coastal city in central Vietnam, situated almost halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It holds a strategic position as the gateway to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the ancient capital of Hue, the lantern-lit Old Town of Hoi An, and the sacred My Son Sanctuary. Geographically, Da Nang borders Thua Thien – Hue Province to the north, Quang Nam Province to the west and south, and the East Sea to the east.
Top Tourist Attractions in Da Nang
My Khe Beach
- Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, My Khe is known for its fine white sand, clear blue water, and ideal conditions for swimming and water sports.
Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng)
- Located at Ba Na Hills, this world-famous bridge is held up by giant stone hands and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and clouds.
Ba Na Hills
- A mountain resort complex featuring French-style villages, flower gardens, amusement parks, and cool mountain weather. Highlights include the Golden Bridge and the scenic cable car ride.
Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn)
- A cluster of five limestone hills named after the five elements. The site is home to ancient pagodas, hidden caves, and spectacular viewpoints.
Linh Ứng Pagoda
- Situated on Son Tra Peninsula, this large pagoda features a 67-meter tall statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Lady Buddha), overlooking the sea and city skyline.
Han River and Dragon Bridge
- The Han River flows through the heart of Da Nang, lined with walking paths and illuminated bridges. The Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water every weekend night.
Asia Park (Sun World Da Nang Wonders)
- A family-friendly amusement park with cultural zones, thrilling rides, and the iconic Sun Wheel—one of the tallest Ferris wheels in Southeast Asia.
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
- Located near the Marble Mountains, this traditional village specializes in exquisite handcrafted stone sculptures and souvenirs.
Cham Museum
- The world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts, showcasing sculptures, carvings, and relics from the ancient Champa Kingdom that once thrived in Central Vietnam.
Hoi An Ancient Town (Just 30 km away)
- Though technically outside Da Nang, Hoi An is a must-visit destination for its lantern-lit streets, heritage architecture, and vibrant culture—a perfect day trip.
Best Time to Visit Da Nang
March to August
- This is the best time to visit Da Nang, with warm, sunny weather and calm seas—perfect for beach lovers and outdoor explorers. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). It’s the ideal season to enjoy My Khe Beach, Ba Na Hills, and Marble Mountains.
September to November
- This is the rainy season, with occasional heavy showers and tropical storms. While temperatures remain pleasant at 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F), rain may affect outdoor plans. However, it’s also low season, meaning fewer crowds and better travel deals.
December to February
- The weather is cooler and drier, with temperatures between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F). It’s a great time for sightseeing without the heat, though occasional cold fronts may bring chilly breezes.
How to Get to Da Nang
By Air – Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
- The most convenient way to reach Da Nang. The airport is well-connected with direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and various international cities in Asia and beyond.
By Train – Da Nang Railway Station
- A scenic and relaxing option for travel from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The route includes stunning views, especially along the Hai Van Pass.
By Car – Rental or Private Transfer
- Travelers coming from nearby cities like Hue or Hoi An can rent a car for flexibility. Self-driving along the coast offers beautiful scenic routes.
By Motorbike
- An adventurous choice for short-distance travelers. Renting a motorbike is popular among backpackers and offers a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore the region.
Must-Try Dishes in Da Nang
Vietnamese Pancake (Bánh Xèo)
- A crispy pancake filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and mushrooms, served with fresh greens and a tangy dipping sauce.
Quang Noodle Soup (Mì Quảng)
- A regional favorite from Quang Nam, made with turmeric-infused noodles, pork or shrimp, and topped with herbs and crispy rice crackers.
Cao Lầu
- Originally from Hoi An but popular in Da Nang, this dish features chewy noodles, braised pork, and crunchy wontons in a rich, flavorful broth.
Thick Noodle Soup (Bánh Canh)
- A comforting bowl of thick tapioca or rice noodles served with pork, crab, or shrimp in a savory, hearty broth.
Mini Crispy Pancakes (Bánh Khọt)
- Bite-sized, crispy rice flour pancakes topped with shrimp and green onions, served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
Grilled Pork Skewers (Nem Lụi)
- Juicy, aromatic pork skewers grilled over charcoal and wrapped in rice paper with vegetables and dipping sauce.
Fresh Seafood
- Da Nang is a seafood paradise. Don’t miss grilled squid, steamed clams, garlic butter scallops, or a seafood hotpot at seaside restaurants or local night markets.
Da Nang is a dynamic coastal city where natural beauty, rich culture, and modern comforts come together seamlessly. Whether you’re wandering along My Khe Beach, tasting local specialties like Mì Quảng and Bánh Xèo, or exploring the iconic Golden Bridge, Da Nang offers something for every traveler. With its convenient transport links and year-round appeal, this central gem is the perfect base for discovering the best of Vietnam.
Let PHM Travel help you turn your Da Nang adventure into an unforgettable experience.