Visiting Da Nang Vietnam, which has been nicknamed a “worth-living city”, you should know Da Nang things to do to enjoy every moment in one of the most beautiful cities in central Vietnam. The city has both seaside and mountainous areas, with a diverse cuisine which will surely make a strong impression on you.

1. What to do in Da Nang, Vietnam? Enjoy awe-inspiring views on Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass has been known as an outstanding landscape along the north-south national route and one of the world’s top ten most beautiful coastal roads. Connecting Da Nang City and Thua Thien Hue province, this highest pass in Vietnam offers a spectacular view with zigzag roads, spectacular mountains and an immense sea below. Hai Van means clouds that rise from the sea and cling to the mountain tops.

Visiting Hai Van Pass is one of the must-do things in Da Nang (Source: Collected)

2. Take a day trip to Son Tra Peninsula

Visitors are highly recommended to visit Son Tra Peninsula in a day to explore the rich flora and fauna in Son Tra Nature Reserve. On top of Son Tra Peninsula, you can enjoy an aerial view over Da Nang City.

Son Tra is one of Da Nang top attractions (Source: Collected)

There are various tranquil beaches in Son Tra like But Beach, Tien Sa Beach, Da Den Beach, South Beach, and North Beach. Linh Ung Pagoda and Chessboard Peak, Cape Nghe and Radar Station 29 are other destinations that you should visit. 

Fresh seafood is available in the area such as grouper, lobster, eel, prawn, octopus, and red sea snail.

3. Discover VinWonders Nam Hoi An

Visiting VinWonders Nam Hoi An is among the top things to do in Da Nang and Hoi An, which is a world-class amusement park. The complex is located some 17 kilometres away from Hoi An city centre, where visitors will be stunned by the modernity and beauty of the place.

The park is divided into 5 large subdivisions, namely Harbor Corner, Island of Folk Culture, River Safari, Adventure Land and Water World. Visitors of all ages will have a chance to lose themselves in a vast world of cultural heritage and entertainment.

Shopaholics can buy various things in some street stores like Riveria Souvenir, Kid zone, Safari Souvenir, Alibaba, and Hoi An colors. They can also enjoy Asian and European cuisines at Deli Land Restaurant, Riverrine Restaurant and Cho Que Restaurant. 

4. Bring your romantic partner to Da Nang Love Bridge

Love Bridge on Han River is one of the popular tourist attractions in Da Nang, where couples usually bring padlocks and lock them onto the bridge to express their close ties. The keys will then be thrown away. Standing on the 68-metre-long bridge, you can observe Da Nang City from a different viewpoint. 

5. Try a slow-paced lifestyle in the nearby Hoi An ancient town

Some 30 kilometres to the south of Da Nang city, Hoi An ancient town is not only a famous tourist attraction, but also an architectural relic and heritage site.

A slow boat trip on Hoai River around the town is on the top of things to do in Da Nang and Hoi An. Hoi An and Hoai River look more sparkling at night, especially during the full moon, with lights from the houses, and floating candles that people have set free on the river. 

There are many places that visitors should go around the town like Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Quang Thang House, Tran Family Worship House, Quan Cong Temple, and Minh Huong Pagoda. Hoi An Central Market and Hoi An Museum of Culture are recommended to tourists who want to understand the local lifestyle and tradition. 

Hoi An is famed for many delicacies like Banh Mi Phuong (local sandwich), Cao Lau (golden noodles topped with char siu, deep-fried pork rind, and bean sprouts), Quang noodle, Chicken rice, Banh Dap (smashed rice pancake) and Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake).

6.  Laze around on stunning beaches in Da Nang

The list of things to do in Da Nang Vietnam must include visiting local beaches along the city’s 60-kilometre-long coastline, where you can relax in the quiet turquoise water, sunbathe on the smooth white sand and enjoy fun water games.

• My Khe Beach is one of the nearest beaches to Da Nang City centre, which lies just three kilometers to the east of the centre. It is no wonder why it has become the most popular beach in the city. 

• Xuan Thieu Beach is a quiet beach in Da Nang Bay that embraces smooth white sand. The beach has another name, Red Beach, because at sunrise or sunset, the sun is reflected on the water as if a red coat were covering the area. 
• Non Nuoc Beach was named in the list of the six most beautiful beaches on the planet by Forbes magazine (the leading American travel magazine) in 2005. Though it has been popular among tourists for many years, the beach still retains its pristine beauty like in the early days. The white sand running along the 5 kilometer-long beach at the foot of Marble Mountains, along with the calm sea waves, creates a painting of nature throughout the year.
• Tien Sa Beach is near Tien Sa Port. The area is ideal for individual relaxation and team building.

7. Enjoy the divine atmosphere in famous sacred sites in Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang is also famed for various holy sites. Temples in Da Nang offer a glimpse into the city’s rich spiritual heritage. Add the following places to your list of things to do in Da Nang:

• Linh Ung Pagoda: Da Nang has three Linh Ung pagodas including Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountains and Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula.
• Da Nang Cathedral: also known as Con Ga Church (Rooster Church). The cathedral was built in 1923 by the French. Today it has gathered a Catholic community of over 4,000.
• Quan Am Pagoda: located at the foot of Kim Son Mountain. It has spectacular architecture blended with a unique cave system. The pagoda is the first Buddhist Museum in the country with valuable antiques. 
• Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple: on the peak of Chua Mountain. The temple is dedicated to the Forest Goddess.
• Chinh Toa Cathedral: built by the French in Gothic style, now a religious hub and tourist destination. 
• Phap Lam Pagoda: is a serene Buddhist temple known for its impressive architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and a giant Buddha statue that attracts both worshippers and visitors.

8. Watch the jaw-dropping fire-breathing show on Dragon Bridge

Watching a fire show on Dragon Bridge is among the top things to do in Da Nang at night. The bridge was designed in the form of a Ly Dynasty dragon. At night, some 15,000 led lights are lit on the bridge, making it sparkle above Han River. The dragon “spouts” fire and water from its mouth at 9 p.m every Saturday and Sunday night.

9. Discover the hidden beauty of Cham Islands

Cham Islands consists of 1 main island and 8 surrounding small islands located some 20 kilometres away from Hoi An Ancient Town. This island cluster has rich flora and fauna, which was recognised as one of the world’s biosphere reserves by UNESCO in 2009. Visiting the islands, you can swim at the beautiful beaches, visit the windy strait of Cham Islands, the ancient well of Cham people, Hai Tang Temple, and Tan Hiep Market.

You should try specialties like boiled or grilled pyramid top shell sea snail; grilled dried squid, abalone processed in various ways including boiling, frying, and grilling; grilled sea urchin; and steamed rock crab.

10. Venture into the spectacular Ba Da Phot Waterfall – One of the TOP things to do in Da Nang

Ba Do Phot Waterfall is situated on Chua Mountain Range in Hoa Vang District. Nature lovers will fall in love with this destination which has pristine scenery, many trees, and cool weather all year round.

11. Explore the time-honored Nam O fish sauce craft village

The village is located at the foot of Hai Van Pass, which has a long history of making fish sauce. The handicraft has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage.

This area has been attracting visitors with its scenic coastline and local trade activities. Delicacies like herring salad and fish gruel are also like magnets to tourists.