My Favorite Things to Do in Da Nang (Top 7 You’ll Want To Experience!)
Da Nang, Vietnam’s vibrant coastal city, is known for its stunning beaches and rich culture. I loved Da Nang and if I were to live in Vietnam, it’s definitely somewhere I would consider. The city offers a good balance between urban convenience and natural beauty. Although living in Da Nang may not be for everyone, visiting on vacation is a different type of experience and worth experiencing.
Getting right to the purpose of this post, here are my recommendations of the best 7 things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam – in no particular order!Â
More than just a list, you will also find some helpful tips and suggestions!
1. Dragon Bridge
Like its name suggests, this one of a kind bridge is in the shape of a dragon and even spits out fire on the weekends! It’s one of Da Nang’s most iconic landmarks for good reason. There is none like it in the world.
The dragon design symbolizes power and prosperity.Â
At night, it lights up and changes colors. It’s spectacular!
Visit at night to witness the dragon breathe fire and water—an enchanting spectacle that attracts both locals and tourists alike.
2. Relax On Gorgeous Beaches
Da Nang is famous in Vietnam for its beautiful beaches, offering miles of soft golden sands and waves perfect for surfing.
During my visit, the beach was wonderfully relaxing and pleasantly uncrowded. I easily laid my towel on the sand to sit back and soak up the sun.
In the distance, the mountains added a picturesque backdrop as I listened to the soothing sound of the waves. I brought my own Vietnamese coffee to the beach, my favorite beverage!
My Khe Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, exercising on the beach and water sports. You’ll find some vendors on the beach selling drinks and renting chairs with umbrellas.Â
If you get hungry during your beach day, walk a few blocks from the beach and you will find a plethora of local restaurants and cafes. Try a local food cart selling Bahn Mi’s for a budget friendly meal. Bahn Mi’s are Vietnamese sandwiches made on a soft french roll. A must-try in Vietnam!
3. Cable Car Ride Through The Mountains At Ba Na Hills
Take a cable car for a scenic journey through lush mountain landscapes while overlooking panoramic views of Da Nang. On a good day, you can see all the way to the beaches of Da Nang.
This Cable Car ride, other than experiencing the culture, was one of the highlights of my trip to Da Nang.Â
To experience the Cable Car ride, it is a part of a theme park called Sunworld Ba Na Hills. The cable car is the start to your adventure at Ba Na Hills which is nestled in the mountains 1,487m above sea level. The ride to the top takes about 20 minutes.Â
Afraid of heights? I’ll be honest, this may not be the ride for you. It’s a thrill! Just when you think you have reached the mountain peak, there are more mountains to climb and a lot to see below.
There were moments when the fog was so dense that I couldn’t see anything outside the cable car. Yet, there were also times when the visibility cleared, revealing a stunning view of the sea. It was incredible!Â
TIP– Please bring a jacket and layers for warm clothes. It can get very very cold and chilly because Ba Na Hills is high up in the mountains. It doesn’t matter if its hot in Da Nang, its a completely different climate up high!
Quick note: The entrance fee to Ba Na Hills will include the cable car ride. Here is the link to the official website to check entrance fees https://banahills.sunworld.vn/en
4. Hand Bridge at Ba Na Hills
Once you reach the top of the mountains and arrive at Ba Na Hills, your next adventure awaits at the stunning Hand Bridge.
The bridge is a marvel of design and artistry. The bridge is supported by gigantic stone hands that seem to rise from the mountains.
Before my visit, I had seen pictures of the hand bridge and I knew that it was something I wanted to see for myself rain or shine! It was something unique and different that I didn’t think I could just see anywhere in the world.
It did not disappoint.
If you watched my YouTube video on Da Nang (see it here), you probably noticed how crowded the bridge was—that’s just the reality. I was prepared for it, so it didn’t really bother me. Luckily, I did get a few quieter moments. It had rained earlier, and some people cleared out during the rain, which gave me a bit more space to enjoy the view.
The crowds of people, the rain, it’s all just a part of the adventure. Go with the right mindset and you will be fine. Don’t worry about the perfect IG photo or video shot with no people in it. Perfect is overrated anyway! What you see in the video is reality.
TIP: Make sure to pack a rain poncho (like one of these from amazon)Â just in case it rains. Everyone should always travel with a rain proof jacket or poncho. Don’t let a little rain spoil your adventures, just go prepared!
5. Indulge In Something Delicious!
Da Nang is a food lover’s paradise, and you can find everything from local food stands to upscale restaurants.Â
I will warn you that there seems to be many fake reviews on Google reviews now, so you can’t always trust the ratings on there anymore. Read the reviews carefully! I found that the best way to judge a place is use your nose (if something smells good, try it) and pay attention to where other locals are going. If you see a busy place (with more than tourists), it may be worth giving it a try.
EDIT – I recommended a specific place in this blog post when it was first written, but and after revisiting recently in 2026, I found that the food was no longer the same quality and I was really sad about that. It may have changed ownership. For that reason, I will come back soon to update with some other places I recommend.
6. Explore Marble Mountains
Just a short drive from Da Nang is the Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hà nh Sơn), a group of five limestone mountains where you can explore the sacred caves, temples, and pagodas nestled within the mountains.
Each mountain represents one of the five elements, Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), and Tho (earth). The view from the top is beautiful, providing a panoramic vista of Da Nang and the coastline.
I arranged a ride on an app called GRAB which is like the UBER or Lyft of Asia. I highly recommend using this app for rides in Vietnam. Would you like me to write more about Grab on the blog? Let me know in the comments below.
7. Day Trip to Hoi An
For an enchanting evening illuminated by colorful lanterns along the river of an ancient town, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An on a day trip.
While the evening is where Hoi An truly comes to life, you can spend the day exploring the charming streets, sampling street food, and shopping for handmade crafts. Â
How far is Hoi An from Da Nang?
Hoi An is about 30 kilometers (around 18 miles) from Da Nang. The drive typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. It’s a popular day trip destination, so you’ll find various transportation options available, including tour buses and taxis. I hired a local driver arranged by my hotel. (You can message me in the comments or blog if you want their contact info.)
If you have time on your trip, consider an overnight trip to fully appreciate Hoi An’s magic as the sun sets and the lanterns light up the streets.
TIP – One thing you should know about Hoi An, is that it is very touristy, especially in the evening. You will be approached countless times to purchase something whether it be a souvenir, boat ride or other experience. Embrace the art of a polite “no” and be ready to use it. I just look at it as a part of the experience. For this reason, a few days in Hoi An is more than enough for me. I had 3-4 days there and it was more than I needed. No doubt it was a beautiful place and glad I went.
I have food recommendations and other need-to-knows to share about Hoi An? That will come in a future post. Make sure to subscribe to the blog if you want to know when that’s posted.Â
Hope you found my list of things to do in Da Nang helpful. Â
Have questions? Leave me a comment below.Â
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