Da Nang is the perfect city to visit for those who are looking to have great fun in a city environment without the “big city” hassle. The city was first made famous to Americans during the Vietnam War by a big American military presence and the popular TV series “China Beach.” Da Nang is a fantastic destination with a beautiful beach on one side and verdant coastal mountains on the other. If you want a choice of great hotels and excellent restaurants suited to match your tastes and budget while being coupled with a rocking night life then this city is just right for you.
Da Nang beach was named as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by Forbes Magazine in 2017. Located on the South China Sea mid-way between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Da Nang is a favorite destination with both Vietnamese and international traveler’s alike. There is so much to do and to see both in the city and at the surrounding attractions that no one is ever bored when visiting the city of Da Nang. In addition to all the local attractions it is only a short drive to the old trading city of Hoi An and the ancient My Son Hindu Sanctuary, 2 of Vietnam’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Great things to do in and around Da Nang.
1. My Khe Beach
Hammock in the My Khe beach, Da Nang city, Vietnam
Enjoy lounging and sunning on My Khe Beach—also known as Da Nang Beach. Located right in the middle of the city it is the most popular beach of all. In close walking distance of most hotels it’s perfect for beaching and sun bathing with its clean white sand, warm clear water and a surf with waves that are big enough to ride. A beach with swimming, surfing and wave runners its got it all.
2. Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills Mountain Resort in Da Nang city
Ba Na Hills sits 45 kilometers from Da Nang and has so much to see and do that many visitors commit two days and spend the night in one of it’s four comfortable hotels. This is the place with one of the most unique attractions in Vietnam, an authentic French Village.
Just like in Da Lat City you will find it a wonderful way to cool off. When it’s 36 or 40 degrees in Da Nang it can be 15-20 degrees up on the mountain.
At the parks entrance you’ll pay the one fee pays all for only $28. And then you will ride the world’s longest cable car ride up the mountain—5 kilometers to the top at 1500 meters above sea level. The views from the cable car on this 20-minute ride are stunning. You are going to love it.
The main attraction is the French village which was first built in 1919. You will feel as though your actually in France when strolling along the quaint streets of this replica village where you will mingle with French actors who walk the streets speaking with the visitors as part of the ambiance designed to entertain the visitors.
Also, on the mountain are several other popular attractions including nine different French Gardens, the favorite being Le Jardin de Amour, the garden of love. In addition to these gardens is an underground amusement park with an amazing climbing wall, a thrilling toboggan ride and a wax museum filled with replicas of world famous celebrities.
3. Marble Mountain
A view from Marble Mountains in Da Nang city, Vietnam
Only 9 kilometers south of the city center stands a cluster of 5 hills known as the Marble Mountains. Thuy Son mountain is the only one of the 5 hills accessible for tourists. The top may be reached either by walking up 165 ancient stairs or if you prefer the easy way, by riding up the modern outside elevator. Many tourists choose to take the elevator up and then walk back down. Be advised that the elevator does not operate on rainy days and if the rain is too heavy the stairs can be very slippery and even dangerous.
Marble Mountain is one of Vietnam’s best attractions and well worth the effort to visit. There is so much to see and often takes over four hours to explore it well. The peak of the mountain can be reached by stairs leading up from the elevator and affords the viewer a stunning view of the Non Nuoc beach coastline. The limestone mountain is filled with large and interesting caves throughout with the biggest and most popular being The Lantern Cave which contains a large and impressive cavern. Inside of the cavern it is filled with beautiful statues, sculptures and pagodas which you are going to love.
4. Linh Ung Pagoda and Goddess of Mercy Statue
Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang city, Vietnam
The Linh Ung Pagoda, situated on the hill overlooking the Son Tra Peninsula, was completed in 2010. Behind the three entry gates are featured 18 white Aharts sculptures representing all of the various human emotions recognized in the Buddhist religion. The pagoda is new and beautiful representing the best in Vietnamese architecture but the main tourist attraction is the spectacular 67-meter high “Goddess of Mercy” sculpture—the tallest sculpture in all of Vietnam. Inside the Goddess contains 17 floors and 21 Buddha sculptures.
Unlike all other pagodas in Vietnam, Linh Ung Pagoda is open at night allowing visitors to enjoy a stunning panorama of the city lights of Da Nang below.
5. Asia Amusement Park and Sun Ferris Wheel
Asia Amusement Park and Sun Ferris Wheel in Da Nang city, Vietnam
The Asia Amusement Park by the side of the Han River is a fun night time activity for young and old alike. The park has a wide variety of rides but for most the Sun Ferris Wheel is number one. The wheel is one of the 10 highest Ferris wheels in the world and it is a can’t miss night time wonder in Da Nang. Try to ride it on a Friday night when you can watch the Dragon Bridge shooting off its famous fire breathing display.
6. Cham Museum
Giant Makaras in Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang city, Vietnam
The greatest collection, world-wide, of ancient Cham sculptures is found in the Cham Museum in Danang.
Dating back as far 200AD these sculptures represent an amazing reflection of a culture whose roots were founded here in Central Vietnam hundreds of years ago.
The museum itself is a beautiful exhibit of Vietnamese art world at its best.
The city of Danang represents the very best of city life in Vietnam—be sure not to leave it off of your Vietnam travel itinerary. Book your trip today.
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And get ready for the best trip of your life!
Getting visa on arrival Vietnam
