Why Da Nang Is the Perfect Base for Exploring Central Vietnam

After our fifth visit to Da Nang, we’ve become convinced that this vibrant seaside city is one of the best places to base yourself while exploring Central Vietnam. What was once a quiet coastal stopover has evolved into a lively destination on its own or as an addition to any Vietnam itinerary.

Da Nang has long sandy beaches, an incredible food scene and modern infrastructure with convenient access to Central Vietnam’s most famous historic and cultural sites.

For travelers who want to explore the region without constantly changing hotels, Da Nang offers the perfect combination of comfort, location and variety.

A Strategic Location in the Heart of Central Vietnam

One of Da Nang’s greatest advantages is its location on Vietnam’s central coast, within easy reach of various sights and activities.

Just 30 minutes south is the lantern-lit UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, known for its preserved architecture, riverside cafés and colorful evening lantern displays.

To the north lies the former imperial capital of Hue, home to royal tombs, pagodas and the historic citadel of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty.

Because these destinations, and many others, are so close, it’s easy to visit them as day trips while enjoying the comfort and variety of a larger city.

Easy Access Via an International Airport

Arriving in Da Nang is simple thanks to Da Nang International Airport, Vietnam’s third-largest airport. The airport offers numerous domestic connections to cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as international flights from destinations throughout Asia.

On our most recent trip, we flew from Bangkok to Da Nang and then from Da Nang home to Seattle with a stopover in Seoul.

Even better, the airport is located just minutes from the city center and the beach. Within a 20-minute drive, you can already be checking into your hotel or enjoying your first bowl of Pho.

Accommodation for Every Style and Budget

Da Nang’s long coastline is lined with beachfront resorts and modern hotels overlooking the sea, with its beaches often ranked among the most beautiful in Vietnam.

At the same time, travelers on a budget will find plenty of boutique hotels, guesthouses and hostels throughout the city.

For longer stays, there are also apartment rentals, making it easy to settle in comfortably. This variety makes Da Nang equally appealing for a weekend escape or for several weeks exploring the region.

Check out a wide range of accommodation options on TripAdvisor.

Modern Conveniences That Make Travel Easy

Da Nang also offers all the conveniences of a modern city. Grocery and corner stores, shopping malls, pharmacies and medical clinics are all easy to find.

Reliable high-speed internet and a growing number of co-working spaces have also made Da Nang popular with digital nomads and long-term travelers.

The result is a city where visitors can enjoy Vietnamese culture while still having the comforts that make travel easy.

Getting Around is Simple and Affordable

Navigating Da Nang is straightforward. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab are inexpensive and widely available. Or you can hire a car with a driver to take you around town, or even on day trips, for a very reasonable price

You can also hire your own scooter to get around, but you might want to wait on that decision until you feel comfortable with the challenging yet efficient traffic system.

Note: You can hire a scooter with an International driving license, but a Vietnamese license is required for a car or motorbike.

A Food Scene Worth Exploring

One of our favorite things about staying in Da Nang is the food. Local restaurants serve regional specialties such as Mi Quang, a turmeric-colored noodle dish topped with herbs and peanuts, and Bun Cha Ca, a comforting broth filled with local fish cakes.

Other local musts are Banh Mi (sandwiches on fresh French bread), Ban Xeo (crispy savory pancakes), and Pho (soup), to name just a few. Of course, being on the coast also means an abundance of fresh seafood.

Coffee drinkers will be in heaven in Vietnam with delicious concoctions such as coconut coffee, salt coffee, egg coffee and Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk.

In recent years, Da Nang has also seen a surge of international restaurants, vegan cafés and specialty coffee shops, giving travelers plenty of variety.

Plenty to See Without Leaving the City

Although Da Nang works beautifully as a base for exploring Central Vietnam, there’s also plenty to see within and close to the city itself.

One of the most famous attractions is Ba Na Hills, reached by a spectacular cable car ride into the mountains. The highlight is the famous Golden Bridge, where giant stone hands appear to support the walkway high above the clouds.

Another must-see nearby attraction is Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills dotted with caves, pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints. Visitors can climb stone stairways through hidden grottoes and temples, emerging at viewpoints that overlook the coastline and surrounding countryside.

Nature lovers should also explore the lush Son Tra Peninsula, home to winding scenic roads, hidden beaches, and the impressive Linh Ung Pagoda, where a towering statue of Lady Buddha overlooks the sea.

Then there’s the quirky Dragon Bridge that separates downtown Da Nang from beachside Da Nang. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9 pm, the dragon breathes fire and water to the thrill of onlookers. Be prepared for crowds and plan for extra time arriving and leaving.

Incredible Day Trips in Every Direction

Perhaps the biggest advantage of basing yourself in Da Nang is the number of incredible day trips available. The charming streets of Hoi An are close enough for an easy afternoon or evening visit. Although we do recommend staying at least one night to get the full experience.

To the north, travelers can explore the imperial history of Hue, reached via the scenic Hai Van Pass, one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular coastal drives. There are also several trains per day going between Da Nang and Hue, and it’s been called one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

Another fascinating excursion leads to My Son Sanctuary, an ancient temple complex hidden in the jungle that once served as the religious and political center of the Champa Kingdom. Bach Ma National Park and Cham Islands can also be done on a day trip from Da Nang.

A City We Keep Returning To

After five visits, we continue to fall deeper in love with Da Nang and have no doubt we will return. It’s a city that feels relaxed yet energetic, modern yet distinctly Vietnamese.

Beaches stretch for miles, the food scene keeps evolving, and there is always something new to discover.

For travelers exploring Central Vietnam, Da Nang offers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and adventure.

Where to Stay in Da Nang

As mentioned, Da Nang offers a wide variety of accommodation options for short or long-term stays, from budget homestays to luxury resorts.

Accommodation prices have risen a fair bit just in the last year, but Da Nang is still very inexpensive. If you’re usually a budget traveler, you can treat yourself to a nice place for the same price as a hostel in other destinations.

We have stayed in a few different places ourselves and have also visited friends in other hotels. However, we have only checked out hotels on the beach side of Da Nang. Here are a few we can personally recommend.

Mercy Emerald Hotel

Situated on a main road just a 5-minute walk to the beach, Mercy Emerald Hotel is in a great location. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the property has a nice rooftop pool and bar with great views. We may have had more than one passion fruit mojito here.

M Hotel Danang

For an upscale experience in a central location across from the beach, M Hotel Danang hits the mark. The sleek grey slate exterior contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery and makes it hard to miss. The suites are lovely and the ocean views from the rooftop are incredible.

Ben’s House With FM Rentals

This is where we choose to stay for longer-term visits because it’s set up as an apartment rather than a hotel. The location is perfect, down a quiet street but just steps from a bustling main road full of restaurants and shops. Ben’s doesn’t have a pool or front desk; it is a self-contained apartment with a small kitchen and washing machine, so you’ll have everything you need for a longer stay. Plus, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the beach.

Flower Beachstay and Coffee

If you don’t mind being a bit further from the beach, you can save money by staying at one of the many homestays. These are usually small, family-run hotels with basic amenities, but they’re comfortable and offer a more authentic experience.

Where to Eat in Da Nang

Speaking of budget, it’s hard to blow it in Da Nang as dining out is very inexpensive. It seems even the locals don’t cook at home much.

International food is understandably more expensive than Vietnamese, but it’s still generally below back-home prices. However, unless you’re in Vietnam for a while and need a pizza fix, you really should stick to the delicious local food.

These are some of our favorites, but we haven’t even scratched the surface.

Bep Cuon Danang

If you search Google Maps for restaurants in Da Nang, you’ll see why we rave about the food scene here. There are literally hundreds of places to eat, serving all types of food for every budget.

This lovely restaurant will likely make any list of the best restaurants in Da Nang. Not only is it adorned with colorful lanterns, but the food is amazing. On your first visit (you’ll probably return), we recommend one of the platters, which will give you a taste of local specialties such as Banh Xeo and Vietnamese spring rolls.

Note: Expect a lineup at the door, but you usually won’t have to wait more than 15-20 minutes and it’s worth it.

Emo’s Homecooked Vietnamese Cuisine

This is one of our favorite places for fresh, home cooking. It’s a bit tucked away, so you’ll always get a table. The chicken or seafood with passionfruit sauce is delicious, as is the caramelized pork belly and stir-fried morning glory. But honestly, everything we’ve tried has been great.

The Tamarind Tree

This tiny family-run restaurant is tucked away down an alley, but it’s well known by locals and frequent visitors to Da Nang, so you may have a short wait for a table. They serve many must-try local dishes, which are all delicious, but we especially like their Vietnamese curries.

The Pasta House

Da Nang has plenty of great pizza and pasta places, but if you like the idea of eating on the beach, this is our top choice. It’s more of a food truck than a restaurant, but they have little tables right on the sand, and the prices are great, as is the food, and you can’t beat the view.

Zo Zo Seafood

As you would expect from a seaside city, the seafood is excellent and there are plenty of restaurants serving it up fresh. Many places have massive tanks full of every kind of fish and shellfish you can imagine, including some varieties we’ve never seen before.

Like everywhere in the world, seafood is higher priced than other dishes, but it’s still very reasonable. If you want something decadent, try the shrimp in garlic butter sauce…they’ll even peel the shrimp for you at the table.

Tours & Day Trips

• Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge, cable car, theme park): Book on Viator | GetYourGuide
• Marble Mountains: Book on Viator | GetYourGuide

eSIM: Stay connected in Vietnam with a local eSIM from Airalo.

Travel Insurance: Coverage is strongly recommended for Vietnam travel, particularly for medical and emergency evacuation. SafetyWing | Squaremouth

Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.

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• Ultimate Guide to the Top 15 Things to Do in Vietnam
• From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh: Navigating the Labyrinth of Vietnam’s Vibrant Landscape

Author Bio: Sarah Hughes and her husband are full-time travelers who run several travel and lifestyle websites, including the international travel site Live Dream Discover. She caught the travel bug early in life and eventually created a location-independent business that supports her passion to explore the world. As a writer, editor, photographer, and social media expert, Sarah shares her experiences and insights, inspiring people to find their own passion for travel.

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