If you’re a first-time visitor to Vietnam, Da Nang is your perfect choice. From its stunning beaches and the iconic Dragon Bridge to the majestic Marble Mountain, this city offers diverse attractions and activities, promising unforgettable memories. This Da Nang Travel Guide covers everything you need to know about travelling to Da Nang city, ensuring an incredible adventure.
All About Da Nang
Where and Why Danang?
Da Nang, a coastal gem in central Vietnam, is a rising star for global travelers. Its strategic location, nestled between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, makes it an ideal base for exploring the region, particularly the nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hue, Hoi An, and My Son. For those beginners planning their first time travel to Vietnam, this is your perfect travel guide 2025.
Within Da Nang itself, a wealth of attractions awaits. Stunning beaches like My Khe invite relaxation, while the iconic Dragon Bridge and the majestic Marble Mountains showcase the city’s blend of modern innovation and natural beauty. These highlights, combined with a vibrant culinary scene and welcoming atmosphere, create a truly memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Da Nang
Da Nang’s weather, a tropical monsoon climate, shapes its allure. Sun-drenched days and dramatic skies paint a captivating picture, making understanding the seasons crucial for any Da Nang travel plan. From basking on pristine beaches to capturing the Dragon Bridge’s fiery breath, the weather is a key player in the Da Nang experience.
Da Nang has two distinct seasons: Dry (March-September) and Rainy (October-February). The dry season is ideal for enjoying My Khe Beach, photographing the Dragon Bridge, and exploring the Marble Mountains. The rainy season, though wetter, offers a different charm with lush landscapes and fewer crowds. It can also create unique photographic opportunities with dramatic skies and reflections.
Best Time to Visit Da Nang:
- Dry Season (March-September): Ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and enjoying the sunshine. Expect higher tourist traffic.
- Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October): A good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Rainy Season (October-February): Budget-friendly option with cooler temperatures. Be prepared for rain, but often with sunny spells in between. Fewer tourists.
Planning your Da Nang travel around the weather ensures you experience the city at its best, whether you prefer the vibrant energy of the dry season or the quieter charm of the rainy months.
Top 5 Da Nang Must-Go Places 2025
Ba Na Hills – Above the Clouds in Da Nang
Ba Na Hills, a mountaintop resort complex nestled in the Truong Son Mountains west of Da Nang, offers a whimsical escape from the city’s bustle.
Accessible by a breathtaking cable car ride – once the world’s longest – Ba Na Hills transports visitors to a charming French Village, complete with cobblestone streets, grand architecture, and a distinctly European atmosphere. Beyond the village’s charm, a plethora of attractions awaits, from the iconic Golden Bridge, held aloft by giant stone hands, to fantasy parks, a wax museum, and serene gardens. Visitors can explore ancient pagodas, indulge in international cuisine, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. For those planning to travel to Da Nang, Ba Na Hills is a must-see destination.
Best Time to Visit: During weekdays in dry season (March – September)
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Fees: Ranging from around 700,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND for adults.
When you travel to Da Nang, make sure to allocate a full day to explore all that Ba Na Hills has to offer.
Dragon Bridge – The Iconic Landmark of Da Nang
Spanning the Han River in the heart of Da Nang, the Dragon Bridge isn’t just a functional piece of infrastructure; it’s a symbol of the city’s dynamism and progress. Its distinctive architecture, shaped like a magnificent golden dragon, sets it apart from any other bridge in the world. This mythical creature, a powerful symbol of strength, good fortune, and prosperity in Vietnamese culture, breathes fire and water during special occasions, a spectacle that draws crowds from near and far.
Best Time to Visit: Around 8PM – 10PM, when the city lights illuminate its golden form, and especially during the weekend fire and water show.
Show Schedule: Every Saturday and Sunday night at 9:00 PM.
Entrance Fees: Free
More than just a visual marvel, the Dragon Bridge represents Da Nang’s ambition and its connection to Vietnamese folklore.
Da Nang Beaches
My Khe Beach – Top 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in Asia
My Khe Beach, frequently lauded by international media, is a true gem among Da Nang’s many beautiful shores.
My Khe Beach’s proximity to Da Nang’s city center—just three kilometers east—makes it the city’s most popular stretch of sand. Extending ten kilometers from Son Tra Peninsula to the Marble Mountains, and only 25 kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town, its location is undeniably convenient. For those planning to travel to Da Nang, My Khe’s accessibility makes it the perfect choice.
Recognized by TripAdvisor readers as one of Asia’s top 25 beaches, and even hailed by Forbes and The Sunday Herald Sun, its reputation is well-deserved.
you travel to Da Nang, prepare to be captivated by My Khe’s beauty – a place where blue skies meet smooth sand and gentle waves, offering a tranquil escape year-round. Those planning to travel to Da Nang will find My Khe Beach a highlight, a must-see destination that lives up to the hype. Indeed, for those considering travel to Da Nang, My Khe Beach offers an idyllic coastal experience.
Son Tra – Coastal Heaven on The Mountain of Da Nang
Son Tra Peninsula, northeast of Da Nang’s city center, is a 60-square-kilometer haven of natural beauty. Just 8 kilometers from the city, it boasts numerous stunning beaches, including Bai Da Den, Tien Sa, Nam, But, and Bac. When you travel to Da Nang, exploring these diverse coastal gems on Son Tra Peninsula is highly recommended.
Da Den Beach, with its unique black stones creating natural pools, offers clear, calm waters perfect for swimming, fishing, and scuba diving. Nearby, Tien Sa Beach, close to Tien Sa Port, is a popular destination when travelling to Da Nang. Known for its romantic scenery, Tien Sa Beach inspires artists and offers a great spot for both individual relaxation and group activities.
Best Time to Visit Beaches of Da Nang: During the dry season (March – September)
Entrance Fees: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7
Marble Mountains – Where Nature Meets Culture in Da Nang
The Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone peaks rising dramatically from the coastal plains south of Da Nang, are a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
Each mountain is named after one of the five elements in Eastern philosophy – Kim (Metal), Thuy (Water), Moc (Wood), Hoa (Fire), and Tho (Earth) – reflecting the deep spiritual connection the Vietnamese people have with these natural wonders. Intricate pagodas and grottoes are nestled within the mountains, offering serene spaces for reflection and worship. These caves, once used as hideouts during wartime, now house stunning Buddhist statues and intricate carvings, showcasing the artistry and history of the region.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Entrance Fees: Vary slightly depending on which caves and attractions you choose to visit, typically ranging from 15,000 VND to 40,000 VND per person per site.
Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning, when the temperatures are cooler, the crowds are smaller, and the sunlight filters beautifully through the caves, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience.
Museum of Cham Sculpture
The Museum of Cham Sculpture, nestled on the banks of the Han River in Da Nang, is a unique cultural treasure, housing the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts. Located in the heart of the city, it’s easily accessible for anyone eager to delve into the fascinating history of the ancient Champa Kingdom.
The museum’s distinctive architecture, with its blend of French colonial and Cham influences, provides a fitting backdrop for the invaluable collection it houses. Inside, visitors can explore a rich array of sandstone sculptures dating from the 7th to the 15th centuries, depicting deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from Cham mythology.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fees: ~30.000VND/ person
When you travel to Da Nang, take some time to explore this remarkable museum. It provides a valuable context for understanding the cultural heritage of Central Vietnam and offers a unique perspective on the region’s history.
Da Nang offers a diverse mix of experiences, from relaxing on My Khe Beach to exploring the heights of Ba Na Hills. See the iconic Dragon Bridge, discover the Marble Mountain’s caves, and enjoy unique shopping. Feeling hungry while exploring Da Nang? Check out our Highlights on 9 Regional Specialities Cuisine in Vietnam and find Da Nang.
Whether you want relaxation, adventure, or culture, Da Nang delivers. Let this Da Nang Travel Guide lead you to an unforgettable trip.
