Da Nang is one of the largest cities in Vietnam and is located in the centre of the country between Hué and Hoi An. Because Da Nang is located on the coast, many travellers go there to relax on the beach and the famous Hai Van Pass is also visited by many backpackers passing by Da Nang.
Things To Do in Da Nang
The list of things to do in Da Nang and Da Nang attractions is not that big, especially compared to other cities and towns in Vietnam, but that doesn’t mean that Da Nang is not worth visiting, there are some interesting places to visit in Da Nang and beautiful beaches in Da Nang, and best of all, you can spend just one day in Da Nang and see them all if you really want.
In this Vietnam travel blog, I’m going to tell you how to spend one day in Da Nang doing all of the top things to do in Da Nang!
Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge
If you only have 1 day in Da Nang, start off with Ba Na Hills early in the morning so you have enough time to see everything on this Da Nang itinerary.
30 km from Da Nang is the Ba Na Hills theme park. The theme park is home to the famous stone hand bridge that is a very Instagrammable spot in Da Nang and by far one of the most popular things to see in Da Nang, but this bridge is actually called the Golden Bridge.
Around the stone hands of the Golden Bridge are recreations of Dutch or Parisian European cities with performances and attractions, as well as Buddhist temples.
Whilst you are in Ba Na Hills they also have the longest cable car in the world at 5km. It’s well worth going on the cable car it if you get a sunny day to see the scenery of Da Nang below.
How to get to Ba Na Hills?
The Ba Na Hills park is around 30km from the centre of Da Nang so you can either take a taxi for around $15 if you want to visit on your own.
Or you can take an organised day tour to the Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge, your accommodation will be able to help you with this or you can book a tour online. Most day tours to the Ba Na Hills will offer will include round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch and the cable car ride.
Dragon Bridge
The Dragon Bridge in Da Nang has become the emblem of the city and is one of the must-see tourist attractions on your visit to Da Nang. The bridge is built with a huge dragon figure that goes from one end of the bridge to the other. It is spectacular both by day and by night when it is completely illuminated.
If you’re in Da Nang on the weekend wondering what to see in Da Nang, every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 pm the dragon bridge offers a fire and water show!
Related Post: Make sure these best places to visit in Vietnam spots are on your Vietnam itinerary!
Linh Ung Buddhist Temple
The Linh Ung complex is one of the most impressive places to visit in Da Nang because of its magic and majesty.
Linh Ung Pagoda is the largest Buddhist sculpture in the world with its 67 meters high representing Lady Buddha (Lady Bodhisattva in Vietnam) making it popular out of the Da Nang Tourist Spots.
You will be able to see its majesty from different points of the city of Da Nang, since it is located in a mountain to the north.
Linh Ung recreates a perfect harmony between modern and traditional Vietnamese sculpture, especially at the main entrance. The local people believe that the statue of Lady Buddha not only protects the fishermen but also gives them the strength to fight the storms and strong waves of the ocean.
The Linh Ung complex in Da Nang also has a beautiful garden with different types of bonsai and 18 statues with expressive faces. Around the statue of Lady Buddha, you can see the ocean and the city of Da Nang surrounded by monkeys that climb the walls to pose in your photos and look for food. The complex makes a great sunset spot in Da Nang due to its impressive views!
Da Nang Cathedral
The Da Nang Cathedral was built during the French colonial period, specifically in 1923.
Like most churches in Vietnam, this one is pink so it makes for good photos and should be on your list of Da Nang things to do!
The Da Nang Cathedral opening hours are from 5:00 pm to midnight so you have to visit towards the end of your day sightseeing in Da Nang!
Da Nang Night Market
In Da Nang you will find several night markets, I recommend the Cho Dem Son Tara Night Market. It is located at one end of the Dragon Bridge. It’s nice to walk across the bridge on your way to this popular Da Nang night market.
The Cho Dem Son Tara Night Market opening hours are 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm.
For more ideas on places to eat in Da Nang, keep reading until the end of the post!
If you have more time in Da Nang, here are some places to visit near Da Nang which are great Day trips from Da Nang!
Marble Mountains
10 km south of Da Nang surrounded by jungle, are another one of the Da Nang top attractions – the Marble Mountains!
With several natural caves, hidden inside small Hindu and Buddhist shrines and spectacular views from the top of the mountain, these undoubtedly one of the must-see places in Da Nang.
The Marble Mountains opening Hours are 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Due to their distance from the city, a Marble Mountains organised tour is a popular way to do this Da Nang day trip, here are 2 highly rated Marble Mountain day tours that you can book online:
Cham Islands
The Cham Islands are a group of eight islands that form the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park. They are located in the South China Sea and are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Visiting the Cham Islands is a popular Da Nang day trip and going on an organised tour to the Cham Islands to go snorkelling is a popular thing to do when visiting Da Nang.
Click here to check out a highly rated Cham Island Snorkelling tour that you can book online!
Where to stay in Da Nang?
Still looking for accommodation in Da Nang and wondering where is best to stay in Da Nang?
We recommend staying in My Khe Beach during your trip to Da Nang. My Khe Beach is the beach that bathes the neighbourhood of Phước Mỹ and is where you will find modern accommodation for all tastes and pockets.
My Khe is one of the closest beaches to the centre of Da Nang, only 8 minutes by bike (if you dare) crossing the Cầu Rồng bridge (Dragon Bridge) or the Cầu Sông Hàn bridge.
It has a good promenade with seafood restaurants and fresh fish mostly (where you choose your own crabs, shrimps or fish) and miles of wide beach, ideal for running, walking, relaxing in the sand or in one of the loungers offered by their premises or playing with the waves.
Here are some recommended options depending on your budget:
Budget accommodation in Da Nang:
Good value for money accommodation in Da Nang:
High End Accommodation in Da Nang:
Stella Maris Beach Da Nang (4*)
Where to Eat in Da Nang
Da Nang has no shortage of places to eat. Its wide range of restaurants ranges from Banh Mi street stalls to expatriate-run night markets to fine seafood restaurants on the waterfront.
There is also no shortage of Western restaurants, with Italian, Spanish, French and American food available.
Thien Ly is a highly recommended place to eat in Da Nang, it is a Vietnamese food restaurant located north of the centre of Da Nang. The attention of the staff and their attitude are the best, in addition to the great food.
The owner loves to practice languages and it shows in his menu, written in Vietnamese, English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and something more secure. Try the local specialities, marked on the menu, such as the Mi Quan.
Check out Thien Ly on Da Nang Tripadvisor here.
Enjoy your stay in Da Nang!
This article was submitted as a guest post by Ultimate Vietnam – be sure to check out their site to help plan all of your trip to Vietnam!
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