We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.
Why Da Nang Should Be a Must-Visit on Your Trip to Vietnam
Standing on the expansive golden sands of My Khe Beach, and staring back at the blend of the bustling cityscapes on one side and the jade green Son Tra Mountain on the other end, blessed by the huge statue of Lady Buddha guarding the city, I wondered why Da Nang no longer seemed a pit stop but a true destination with its own appeal in Vietnam.
Many travellers use Da Nang as a base to travel to nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hoi An or Hue, but over time, Da Nang seems to have caught up to be a destination in its own right in any journey across this land of the Blue Dragon. Here are five amazing places to see in Da Nang that will justify your stay in this city.
Firstly, Where is Da Nang?
For the S-shaped curve that is Vietnam, Da Nang lies perfectly midway on the east, straddling the South China Sea, at the mouth of the Han River. The fifth-largest city of Vietnam, Da Nang is extensively connected to other major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and is an excellent destination to explore the mid of Vietnam.
What to See in Da Nang?
1. Experience Serenity at the Son Tra Peninsula
The Son Tra peninsula and mountain are filled with lush green forests and are an emerald oasis within Da Nang. At its very top lies the Linh Ung Buddhist Pagoda (one of three pagodas of the same name, nonetheless the largest in central Vietnam) replete with statues of the Buddha and other holy men, interspersed with amazingly decorated and neatly maintained bonsai trees. What stands out, though, is the ornately decorated gateway and, of course, the towering statue of Lady Buddha, which at 67 m is the second tallest statue in all of Vietnam.
Best Tips & Tools to Plan Your Trip
Very artistically done, the Goddess of compassion and mercy, atop a beautiful blue lotus, stands like a sentinel, watching over Da Nang, and in turn is visible from perhaps every corner of the city, making it the city’s most unique landmark. Ensconced within a natural reserve, the other drawcard for Son Tra is the possibility of sighting the critically endangered but strikingly colourful red-shanked douc monkey, 60% of whose global population resides in these very hills.
Set aside some good time to not only spot wildlife and pay your homage to Lady Buddha, but also marvel at the cityscapes lining the sea in perhaps the most picturesque vantage point of Da Nang.
2. Travel Back in History at the Museum of Cham Culture
If you have any interest in history, archaeology, or Indology, then the Museum of Cham Culture should be your first pit stop at Da Nang. Akin to Cambodia’s Angkor Vat created by the Hindu-influenced Khmer empire, Vietnam had its own Cham Empire, which can be traced back to the 2nd Century AD.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site My Son – lying 50 km southwest of Da Nang – houses the ruins of its capital, the last vestiges of the Cham Empire, which was sadly bombarded during the Vietnam War. However, many of its treasures are housed in this museum in Da Nang along with priceless statues from around Vietnam, making it the largest treasure trove of Cham sculpture in the world.
Housing over 300 statues in a French-styled building built in the 1920s, the Cham Museum will ensure you are enlightened with Hindu mythology and its pantheon by the time you have walked through this extremely rich museum.
Read More: Ultimate Guide to the Top 15 Things to Do in Vietnam
3. Take Your Unmissable Instagram with the Golden Hands Bridge at the Dreamy Ba Na Hills
30 km from Da Nang lies the Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, a European-themed recreational complex that houses the Golden Hands Bridge, which has exploded in recent times as one of Vietnam’s most Instagrammed locations. Once the most sacred spot to worship the Cham goddesses, these hills were used by the colonial French to escape the tropical heat of the country and were nicknamed the ‘Da Lat of Da Nang’ (Da Lat being one of the most popular hill stations of Vietnam).
Today, the Sun Group has repurposed these hills to create a resort replete with Gothic turreted castles, imposing cathedrals, medieval village squares with cobbled streets, imposing archways and balconies, interspersed with grand gardens and extensive cable cars, the most coveted attraction for kids being a three-storied Fantasy Park entertainment area. Also within these hills lie a Wax Museum and (yet another) Linh Ung Pagoda with fantastic views of the South China Sea.
Given its altitude, the hills are full of mists and clouds and rains for a large part of the year giving it another dreamy touch – the incessant rainfall also ensures that the hillside waterfalls are full, further adding to the magic as you move down the hills on the steep cable cars.
4. Marvel at the Marble Mountains
Just south of Da Nang rises the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five hills of marble and limestone that house cathedralesque caverns within, along with long, winding grottoes housing Buddhist and Hindu shrines. All of the mountains have entrances to their hidden caves and secret tunnels, while one can climb to the summit of one of these, to enjoy expansive views of the city.
If you get awed by the caves, it is interesting to note that this part of Vietnam is classic spelunking country, with some of the largest caves in the world in nearby provinces, given the geology of expansive limestone belts and extensive rainfall – perfect conditions for cave formation.
Close to the Marble Mountains lie series of ateliers and shops of local artists who sell intricately designed statues, particularly of the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas, that is worth a quick stop.
5. Enjoy a Slice of Sandy Paradise
Da Nang has a lot to see but it is also an excellent seaside destination. Expansive golden white sands line the coast all the way from Da Nang to Hoi An, and are peppered with hotels and resorts, including some of the most luxurious brands such as Four Seasons, Anantara, Hyatt, Radisson and many more, reinforcing the rise of Da Nang as one of Vietnam’s most sought-after destinations.
The most popular beaches here are My Khe and Non Nuoc, that remain busy with typical beachside activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and surfing, notwithstanding the fresh, delectable seafood available along the beaches in plenty.
What Else?
The eye-catching Dragon Bridge and the Tran Thi Ly Bridge on the Han River, Da Nang’s Fresco village and the Han Market (for your catch of Vietnamese souvenirs) are some of Da Nang’s other attractions. There are many more markets to explore, while you can take day trips or side trips to nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites such as My Son, Hoi An, and Hue using Da Nang as your base.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
Author Bio: Ayan Adak is a professional consultant who loves traveling and has been to nearly 30 countries. He likes writing about his travel experiences, as well as scribbling poetry, short stories, and essays.
