Two Weeks in Da Nang, A Central Vietnam Itinerary
Da Nang was our base for this trip, combining relaxing beach days with memorable excursions throughout central Vietnam.
After our trip to Ho Chi Minh City, returning to Vietnam for
our second big adventure, we set our sights on Da Nang. We heard amazing things
about the city but wanted also to check out its famous beaches for future
tropical getaways.
How to get from Da Nang International Airport to Downtown Da Nang
Because our hotel was just
2.4 km from the airport and we were traveling with only backpacks, we decided
to walk. It was an easy stroll and a great way to get our first glimpse of the
local streets and experience the city from the moment we arrived. If you're
traveling with luggage, the easiest and fastest way to reach downtown Da Nang
is by taxi, Grab, or a pre-booked private shuttle. Several companies offer
airport transfers, including Klook, which is a reliable option. A Grab ride
typically costs between 50,000-100,000 VND for a private car.
Public transportation in Da Nang
Da Nang's public transportation is primarily served by the municipal
DanaBus network, which operates around 20 routes throughout the city and into
the surrounding provinces. Bus fares range from 7,000 to 80,000 VND, depending
on the route, travel distance, and whether the service is subsidized. We used
the public bus on two occasions and were pleasantly surprised by the
experience. Not only was it an incredibly affordable way to get around, but the
buses were also clean, reliable, and easy to use, making them an excellent
option for budget travelers like us.
Our Accomodation in Da Nang
We stayed at the Fivitel Boutique Da Nang, which is within walking
distance of the iconic Dragon Bridge. Our spacious 35-square-metre room offered
beautiful views of both the city skyline and the bridge, making it a great
place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. One of the highlights of our stay
was the excellent buffet breakfast, which featured a generous selection of both
Western favourites and authentic Vietnamese dishes. Complimentary bottled
water, coffee, and tea were replenished daily, and the room was spotless and
well-equipped with everything we needed, including a refrigerator, kettle,
in-room safe, slippers, bathrobes, and complimentary toiletries.
The best places to visit in Da Nang
Phap Lam Pagoda
This peaceful Buddhist
temple is located in the heart of downtown Da Nang. Inside, there are
impressive golden Buddha statues, while the pagoda's architecture is adorned
with intricate carvings and striking yellow accents throughout the roof,
columns, and interior. Admission is free, making it a worthwhile stop to admire
its beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
APEC Park
The modern riverside park is
located along the Han River in the heart of Da Nang. Known for its iconic
kite-shaped canopy, landscaped gardens, and public art celebrating APEC member
economies, it is a good place to relax or enjoy the city views.
Dragon Bridge
If there's one landmark
that symbolizes Da Nang, it's the spectacular Dragon Bridge. Spanning the Han River in the
shape of a magnificent golden dragon, it symbolizes prosperity, power, and good
fortune. The bridge is best known for its spectacular weekend fire and water
show, during which the dragon breathes fire and sprays water in a performance
that attracts thousands of visitors.
The free show takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9:00
p.m. and lasts about 10 minutes. The area becomes extremely crowded before the
performance, so arriving early is a good idea. We chose to watch it from the
ground level riverside walkway, where we had a great view while avoiding the
soaking that spectators on the bridge often experience when the dragon sprays
water.
Beautifully illuminated after sunset, the Dragon Bridge is even more
impressive at night. Combined with its striking architecture, lively
atmosphere, and panoramic views of the Han River, it is a must-see attraction
for anyone visiting Da Nang.
The Dragon Carp Statue and The Love Bridge
Located side by side on the
eastern bank of the Han River, the Dragon Carp Statue and Love Bridge are just
a short walk from the iconic Dragon Bridge. The Dragon Carp Statue was inspired by the Vietnamese legend of a carp
transforming into a dragon, a symbol of success, prosperity, and good fortune.
Standing 7.5 meters tall near the Han River, the statue is a favorite photo
spot and offers beautiful views of Dragon Bridge, especially at sunset and in the
evening. The Love Bridge is a
charming pedestrian bridge decorated with heart-shaped lanterns and overlooking
the Han River. Because of its romantic atmosphere, especially after dark when
the city lights reflect on the water, many couples attach love locks a symbol
of their love.
My Khe Beach
As one of Da Nang's most iconic beaches, it is famous for its powdery
white sand, crystal-clear waters, and gentle waves. Forbes Magazine included it among the six most attractive beaches in the world. The beach provides an ideal
setting for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, or simply unwinding by the sea. We
spent four wonderful days here, taking long walks along the city's scenic
coastline, relaxing on beach loungers, and cooling off with refreshing swims.
Since we visited in August, we enjoyed sunny weather every day, and the warm
water was perfect for swimming. The beachfront is lined with palm trees,
charming cafes, fresh seafood restaurants, and luxury resorts, offering
accommodation and dining options for every budget. Despite its popularity, we
found prices to be remarkably clean and affordable compared to other destinations we have
visited around the world. Beach loungers cost about CAD 2 per day, while drinks
were typically between CAD 1 and CAD 2, making it easy to enjoy an entire day
by the ocean without spending much.
Da Nang Museum
A
visit to Da Nang Museum offers an insight into the history, culture, and
development of the city and the surrounding region, from ancient times to the
present day. Located in the city centre, the museum displays archaeological
artifacts, traditional clothing and historical exhibits that give a better
understanding of the traditions and stories behind this rapidly growing coastal
city.
Da Nang Cathedral
One of
the city's most recognizable landmarks is Da Nang Cathedral, often referred to
as the Pink Church because of its distinctive pink facade. The church is the
only Catholic church in Da Nang that was constructed during the French colonial
period. Its unique colour, Gothic architecture and towering spires make it a
popular tourist attraction.
Da Nang Riverwalk
Among the best ways to experience Da Nang is by exploring its scenic
riverside promenades along the Han River. The city has developed an extensive
network of wide, clean, and well-maintained walking paths that stretch along
both sides of the river, offering beautiful views of the water, bridges, and
the city's modern skyline. The most popular area is along Bach Dang Street on
the western bank, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll past landscaped
gardens, cafes, restaurants, and viewpoints overlooking landmarks such as
Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge. The eastern riverfront along Tran Hung Dao
Street provides a more relaxed atmosphere, with open spaces, waterfront
seating, and easy access to attractions like the Dragon Carp Statue and Love
Bridge. Da Nang’s riverside walks are perfect for spending a few hours,
especially in the late afternoon and evening when temperatures are cooler and
the city lights are on.
Forest98Coffee
Forest98Coffee is a place that stands out for its tranquil atmosphere
and lush greenery. Tucked away from the busy streets, it feels like a peaceful
urban oasis, with plants and natural wood creating a relaxing setting. Whether
you're enjoying a traditional Vietnamese coffee, or simply looking for a quiet
place to unwind, Forest98 Coffee offers a memorable experience that perfectly captures
Da Nang's relaxed cafe culture.
Highlands Coffee
Coffee
shops are an essential part of daily life in Vietnam, and Highlands Coffee has
become a symbol of the country's modern cafe culture. With locations throughout
Vietnam, its cafes are popular gathering places where people spend hours
catching up with friends, or simply relaxing over a slowly brewed cup of
coffee. It was at one of these cafes that we met a fellow Instagrammer Natalia who now temporarily works and lives in Da Nang and also wrote a great travel book. We spent a couple of hours chatting, exchanging travel tips
and local recommendations, getting to know each other better, and enjoying the
welcoming atmosphere that Vietnamese coffee culture is known for.
Da Nang famous markets
Han Market
Han Market is one of Da Nang's oldest and most popular
traditional markets, located in the heart of the city near the Han River and in
walking distance from our hotel. A favorite destination for both locals and
tourists, the market offers a vibrant shopping experience with hundreds of
stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, spices, local snacks, handicrafts, and
souvenirs on the ground floor while the apparel, shoes and fashion items are on
the first floor. We had to bargain for everything but we found the prices to be
the best compared with other markets in Da Nang.
Con Market
With over 2,000 stalls
offers everything from fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties to
clothing, souvenirs, and everyday essentials. The market is especially well
known for its vibrant street food area, where you can sample a wide variety of
authentic Central Vietnamese dishes, local snacks, and delicious desserts at
very affordable prices.
Son Tra Night Market
Day trips and experiences around Da Nang
Day Trip to Marble Mountains
We chose to travel to
Marble Mountains by public bus, which turned out to be an easy and
budget-friendly option. Bus Route 06 runs between Da Nang Airport and
Vietnam-Korea University, passing through the city along the way. We boarded
the bus at the So 9-11 Nguyen Van Linh stop in central Da Nang and got off at
the Co So Da Xuat Anh stop, which is conveniently located directly across the
street from the Marble Mountains entrance. The journey was surprisingly
affordable, costing 22,000 VND per person on the way there and 15,000 VND for
the return trip, less than 2 CAD in total for a round trip. The modern bus was also
very quiet during our visit, and we were the only passengers onboard for part
of the journey, making it feel almost like having our own private transport
while enjoying a local travel experience.
The Marble Mountains are a
stunning cluster of five limestone and marble hills located just south of Da
Nang. Named after the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, they
are famous for their ancient Buddhist temples, sacred caves, pagodas, and
panoramic viewpoints. From the bus stop is just a short walk to the entrance
where the ticket booth is. All of the main attractions, including the caves,
pagodas, and viewpoints are concentrated on just one mountain, Thuy Son (Water
Mountain). The remaining four peaks are either closed to visitors or can only
be viewed from a distance.
Visitors can enter Thuy Son
through two main gates, Gate 1 and Gate 2, located on opposite sides of the
mountain. The usual route is to enter through one gate, follow the walking
trail around the summit to explore the temples, caves, and viewpoints, and then
descend through the other gate. Gate 2 is the more popular entrance, as it is
also where the glass elevator is located. For those who prefer to avoid some of
the steep climbing, the elevator is an affordable option at just 15,000 VND per
person. The entrance ticket to Thuy Son costs 40,000 VND per person.
Once at the top, visitors
can discover several important religious sites, including Xa Loi Tower, Linh
Ung Pagoda, and Tam Thai Pagoda. The mountain is also home to impressive
natural caves such as Tank Chon Cave and Huyen Khong Cave, each offering a
unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere. For a little adventure,
the steep stone staircase leading to Thuong Thai Peak, the highest point of
Thuy Son, is well worth the climb. Although the steps can be uneven, slippery,
and challenging, the panoramic views from the top provide one of the best
perspectives over Da Nang and the surrounding coastline. At the foot of the
mountain, beside the Gate 2 ticket booth and near the elevator entrance, is Am
Phu Cave (Hell Cave). This attraction requires a separate ticket of 20,000 VND,
but its displays and unique atmosphere make it a worthwhile to visit.
Exploring the Marble
Mountains involves a considerable amount of climbing, whether you choose to use
the elevator or not. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is highly recommended, as
many of the paths and stairways are carved directly into natural stone and
marble, making them uneven, steep, and sometimes very slippery. Some of the
uphill sections also have limited or no handrails, which can make the ascent
challenging and the descent even more demanding. Even though we consider
ourselves quite active, we still had sore muscles for several days after our
visit.
Day trip to Ba Na Hills
There are several ways to reach Ba Na Hills. You can take a Grab or
taxi, book a shuttle service, join an organized tour, or travel by public bus.
After researching Da Nang's public transportation options, we decided to take
the bus, which turned out to be an easy and budget-friendly choice.
Bus Route 03 operates between Da Nang International Airport and the Ba
Na Hills Tourist Area, with its final stop conveniently located at the cable
car parking lot. The journey took about an hour, and a one-way ticket cost just
30,000 VND, making it by far the most economical way to get there.
The Sun World Ba Na Hills cable car system
is one of the highlights of the visit and an attraction in its own right. Recognized for setting multiple world records when it first opened, the cable cars climb from the foothills to the mountain summit, covering a distance of several kilometres while ascending more than 1,300 metres. The journey takes around 20 to 25 minutes and offers breathtaking panoramic views of lush forests, waterfalls, and the surrounding mountains. The ticket cost is 1,000,000 VND per person and it covers unlimited travel across the entire cable car network. The only strict rule is that you cannot ride a cable car all the way back down to the ground-level parking lot and expect to use the same ticket to go back up later.
Of the eight operational cable car lines and two funiculars at Ba Na
Hills, we used three during our visit:
Hoi An – Marseille Line. This is the route most visitors
take first, and we did the same. It runs from Ga Hoi An 2 Station to the famous
Golden Bridge. After purchasing our tickets, we set out to find the entrance,
but the area was packed with tourists and large tour groups, with people moving
in every direction. Reaching the station was less straightforward than we
expected, requiring us to navigate a maze of covered walkways, escalators, and
staircases. At times, it felt quite overwhelming. Fortunately, a helpful cable
car employee pointed us in the right direction.
Bordeaux – Louvre Line. After exploring the Golden
Bridge, we took this cable car to the French Village, enjoying beautiful views
of the surrounding mountains and forests along the way.
Toc Tien Waterfall – L’Indochine
Line. For our
return journey, we chose this direct, non-stop cable car from the French
Village back to the base station. This impressive line holds Guinness World
Records for the longest non-stop single-cable car route (5,801 metres) and the
greatest elevation difference of any non-stop cable car in the world, making
the descent an attraction in itself.
The Golden Bridge
On clear days, the bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the
surrounding mountains and lush forests. Although it is one of Vietnam's busiest
tourist attractions, the Golden Bridge is far more than just a popular photo
spot. Framed by colourful flower
gardens, elegant golden railings, and the dramatic backdrop of Ba Na Hills, its
innovative design creates a truly unforgettable experience. The combination of
striking architecture and spectacular natural scenery makes the Golden Bridge
one of the highlights of any visit to Da Nang.
You'll often read that the best way to experience the Golden Bridge is
to arrive early in the morning before the crowds. While that's excellent
advice, it's not always practical, especially if you're travelling by public
transport or on an organized tour. As one of Vietnam's most famous attractions,
the Golden Bridge is busy throughout the day, and large crowds are simply part
of the experience. That said, big crowds do not discourage us. While the bridge
itself is usually packed with visitors, the walkways and viewing areas beneath
and around the bridge are much quieter. We found these lower vantage points to
be perfect for taking photos with far fewer people in the background, while
also offering a unique perspective of the bridge's giant stone hands supporting
the structure above.
Love Garden and Suoi Mo Garden
Just a short walk from the
Golden Bridge are the beautifully landscaped Love Garden and Suoi Mo Garden,
both well worth exploring. These colourful gardens are filled with vibrant
flower beds, manicured hedges, elegant fountains, and winding pathways that
provide a peaceful escape from the crowds on the bridge. The gardens are
carefully designed with a variety of themed sections, making them a delight to
wander through and enjoy the natural beauty of Ba Na Hills before continuing on
to the French Village.
Linh Ung Pagoda
Steps
away from the gardens and perched on the hilltop overlooking the surrounding
mountains, the Buddhist temple is one of the most peaceful places in Ba Na
Hills. The pagoda is best known for its impressive 27-metre-high white Buddha
statue, serene atmosphere, and panoramic views.
Eclipse Square and Lunar Castle
Once
you reach the top of Ba Na Hills, the area feels like a mountain resort filled
with a mix of nature, architecture, entertainment, and cultural attractions. The
complex is divided into two main themed areas, each representing a different
fantasy world inspired by European architecture, mythology, and fairy tales, the
Sun Kingdom on the eastern side of the mountain peak and the Moon Kingdom on
the western side. The two kingdoms are connected by the central Eclipse Square, a grand open space
featuring an impressive glass structure at its heart, surrounded by elegant
European-style colonnades. Lunar Castle rises
above Eclipse Square as a magnificent medieval-style fortress. The castle's
impressive scale and detailed architecture, with its massive stone walls, tall
towers, arched entrances, and gothic-inspired details is one of the most
visually striking structures at Ba Na Hills.
French Village and Linh Phong Thien Tu Pagoda
French
Village was inspired by French architecture and features cobblestone streets,
stone buildings, Gothic-style churches, elegant squares, castles, cafes, and
restaurants. Walking through the village feels like stepping into a fairy tale
version of France. The walk will take you to the western most point of the
complex where Linh Phong Thien Tu Pagoda can be found. This is a peaceful
Buddhist temple with traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture and elegant
wooden details.
Sun
Kingdom has several other fascinating areas, each offering its own unique
atmosphere. Medieval Fair is a
charming themed space designed to recreate the atmosphere of a European
medieval festival while nearby the Helios
Waterfall is an impressive decorative waterfall featuring golden sculptures
of Greek gods and mythical figures. After a long day of exploring, the Beer Plaza offers a welcoming place
to relax after a busy day at Ba Na Hills. Designed in a European style as a
large, glass-domed entertainment and dining venue, it is a popular place to
enjoy food, drinks and live performances. A helpful tip if you plan to visit Sun Kraft Beer, located directly opposite Beer Plaza is
to remember to collect the complimentary coupons handed out at the cable car
entrance. You get two glasses of beer per person,
but you can also use the coupons for food. Each coupon entitles you to one food
item, such as French fries, making your visit even more enjoyable.
Day trip to My Son Sanctuary
My Son
Sanctuary is one of Vietnam's most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains, it was
once the spiritual and political center of the ancient Champa Kingdom between
the 4th and 13th centuries. The sanctuary is home to dozens of Hindu temple
ruins, many of which were dedicated to the god Shiva. Although parts of the
complex were damaged over the centuries, particularly during the Vietnam War,
My Son’s intricate carvings and peaceful setting make it easy to imagine what
this sacred site looked like centuries ago.
We
visited My Son Sanctuary as part of Klook's “My Son Sanctuary Half Day Tour
from Da Nang”. It was one of the very few tours we found that included hotel pickup
and drop-off from Da Nang, most of the other options we came across departed
from Hoi An. The tour cost 32 CAD per person, with the entrance fee (150,000
VND, or about 8 CAD) paid separately. Lunch was included, making it a
convenient and good-value option for visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Included
in the ticket was also a traditional Cham performance of Apsara dances and songs
that recreate the artistic values of Cham culture. Lunch was served at Hoa Tien
My Son Restaurant and Coffee, a place that offered tasty traditional Vietnamese
dishes.
Trip to Hoi An
To
travel between Da Nang and Hoi An, we pre-booked a shuttle van through Klook.
The return trip cost approximately CAD 15 per person, and the service was
operated by Barri Ann Travel. We were very impressed with their experience, the
communication was excellent, with all pickup details confirmed the day before,
and the driver arrived exactly at the scheduled times for both pickup and
drop-off. It was a convenient, reliable, and stress-free way to travel between
the two cities.
Hoi An Ancient Town Pass Attractions
Once
arrived in Hoi An we walked to one of the 11 small, yellow official ticket
booths located around the perimeter of the historic district and purchased passes.
The cost of a pass is 120,000 VND and covers entry to 5 heritage attractions
out of the 25 sightseeing places in the Old Town. A map is handed out and you
can only visit one attraction per colour-coded category from the given map. If
you want to visit more than 5 places you have to buy one more pass. Our choice
for the 5 attractions was Tan Ky Old House, Museum of Folk Culture, Quan Cong
Temple, Fujian Assembly Hall and Hoi An Communal House. One of the most
architectural and significant symbol of Hoi An included in the pass was the
Japanese Covered Bridge but we decided to only pass through and visit it from
outside.
Hoi An
Ancient Town was one of the traditional trading ports in Southeast Asia in the
past, where traders from all over the world met and exchanged goods. Thus, the
city is considered a living museum of architectural monuments that include
living houses, assembly halls, pagodas, communal houses, temples and markets.
Hoi An Precious Heritage ArtGallery Museum
Beyond
the attractions covered by the Ancient Town Pass, Hoi An offers many free
experiences that are equally impressive and in some cases even more memorable than
the paid sites. Two excellent examples are the Ba Mu Temple Gate and the Hoi An
Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum. The latter showcases the extraordinary
work of French photographer Rehahn, who has spent years documenting Vietnam’s
diverse ethnic communities. The museum features his striking portraits,
authentic traditional costumes, and an extensive exhibition space that includes
videos and music highlighting his journeys throughout Vietnam.
A walk in Hoi An
Walking
through Hoi An is an unique experience. The ancient streets are a beautiful mix
of old yellow buildings, colourful lanterns, traditional shops, and lively
markets that fill the air with aromas and sounds. Along the river, wooden boats
decorated with traditional lanterns slowly drift by calling out to visitors to
offer their services. Although the town can become crowded with tourists,
especially in the evenings, the atmosphere is pleasant. Wandering through its
narrow lanes, with centuries-old architecture, local traditions and modern
visitors create the feeling of moving through a living museum.
Day trip to Hue
The
easiest way to visit Hue is by organized excursion. We booked ours through
Klook, “Hue Discovery Deluxe Full Day Tour” for the cost of about 57 CAD per
person with lunch included. The itinerary included visiting Hue Historic
Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh. We were the only
couple in the car with an English guide, which made the trip as a private one.
Hue Historic Citadel
Hue
Historic Citadel is one of Vietnam’s most significant cultural landmarks and a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the early 19th century and was the
imperial seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, serving as the political and royal centre
of Vietnam for over a century. The vast complex features ornate and colourful palaces,
temples, gates, and gardens that reflect the grandeur of Vietnam’s imperial
past. We were lucky to have perfect sunny weather during our visit which made
the historic buildings and structures even more striking and beautiful.
Thien Mu Pagoda
This
historic Buddhist temple is known for its seven-story Phuoc Duyen Tower,
surrounded by peaceful gardens and overlooking the river. The pagoda remains an
active place of worship and an important symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. We were
pleasantly surprised to discover that one of the most powerful historical
exhibits at Thien Mu Pagoda is the Austin Westminster car that belonged to
Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc. The monk is known for its 1963 protest against
the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government when he set
himself on fire. The moment was captured by photographer Malcolm Browne, and
the image became one of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century.
Decades later, the photograph also inspired the cover artwork for the album
Rage Against the Machine by the band with the
same name, reflecting themes of protest, resistance, and political
activism.
Lunch at Biet Phu Thao Nhi Restaurant
After
visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda, we stopped for lunch at Biet Phu Thao Nhi
Restaurant, a beautiful garden-style restaurant just outside Hue. The wooden
furniture, ornate decorations, and the heritage-inspired details gave us a
sense of Hue’s cultural style while enjoying our meal of Vietnamese dishes.
Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh
The
tomb is the final resting place of Emperor Khai Dinh, the 12th emperor of the
Nguyen Dynasty. Set on a hillside and reached by a long staircase, the
mausoleum has elaborate stonework, dark exterior, and richly decorated
interiors featuring colourful porcelain and glass mosaics. Built into the side
of a steep hillside, its elevated position, long staircase, and towering stone
walls give it a sense of grandeur and make it appear even more imposing than
its relatively small size suggests.
Enjoy Da Nang Festival
During
the last days of our trip we were able to attend the “Enjoy Da Nang Festival”,
a vibrant celebration with live music performances, cultural shows, food
experiences and beach activities. It was a great opportunity to experience Da
Nang beyond its famous attractions.
We loved the relaxed atmosphere of the city, the warmth of the people, and how easy it was to combine sightseeing with time by the ocean. Da Nang had a little bit of everything a traveler could ask for, from beautiful beaches and great food to history, culture, and adventure. We have a feeling this will not be our last visit here. We will gladly return one day to explore more of this wonderful coastal city.
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