Da Nang is Central Vietnam's most liveable city - a proper working city with a 10km beach, the Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula's jungle and Lady Buddha, and a Dragon Bridge that breathes fire on weekends. Less polished than Hoi An, less solemn than Hue, but the best base for exploring the entire central region - and increasingly worth visiting in its own right.
Best Months to Visit
Highlights
What To Do
Places to Visit · 5 spots
Suggested Itineraries
Swim at My Khe before 7am with locals. Afternoon ride around Son Tra Peninsula. Dragon Bridge fire show Fri/Sat/Sun at 9pm - don't stand under the mouth.
Morning at the Marble Mountains - go early before tour groups arrive. Afternoon at the Museum of Cham Sculpture - largest collection of Cham artifacts in the world. Evening seafood on the beach.
Early morning swim. Afternoon motorbike loop around Son Tra - quiet roads, great views, chance to spot red-shanked douc langurs.
Morning at the mountains. Afternoon at the museum. Evening fire show.
Hoi An: 45 min by bus, easy day trip. Ba Na Hills: book tickets in advance, full day. Pick one - trying both in one day is rushed.
Getting There
Multiple daily flights on Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo. Da Nang airport is 3km from the city centre - taxi around 80,000 VND.
Overnight sleeper. Da Nang station is central.
Multiple daily flights on Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo.
Overnight sleeper. Book a berth for comfort.
Goes through Hai Van Pass on local buses - scenic but slower. The tunnel is faster but you miss the views.
Bus No.1 runs frequently. Grab also works well.
Budget per Day
Ba Na Hills ticket (~1,500,000 VND) not included. Seafood restaurants can push costs up quickly.
Plan Your Trip
More in Da Nang Province