Top 10 Things to do in Da Nang (Vietnam)

Da Nang is one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. Located between the blue waters of the South China Sea and the Marble Mountains, this coastal city has become a favorite place for travelers in Southeast Asia.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Da Nang. The city is full of natural beauty, cultural spots, and modern attractions. Whether you want to relax at the beach, explore temples, or enjoy fun activities, Da Nang has something for everyone.

From the famous Golden Bridge that looks like it’s held by giant stone hands, to long clean beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing, Da Nang is full of surprises. Once a small fishing village, it has now become one of Vietnam’s top travel destinations.

Explore our Da Nang tour packages from Nepal too.

In this guide, we’ll show you the top 10 things to do in Da Nang so you can enjoy the best of 

1. Visit the Golden Bridge

One of the top things to do in Da Nang is visiting the Golden Bridge at Bà Nà Hills. This stunning bridge looks like it’s being held up by two giant stone hands! It’s one of the most famous photo spots in Vietnam and even around the world.

What Makes the Golden Bridge Special?

• The bridge is 150 meters long and sits 1,400 meters above sea level.
  
• From the top, you’ll see amazing views of green mountains and the coastline.
  
• The design makes it feel like you’re walking through the clouds on a path held by giant hands.
  

More Than Just a Bridge: The Ba Na Hills Experience

Your visit starts with a beautiful cable car ride up to Sun World Ba Na Hills, a fun mountain park with:

• French-style castles and gardens
  
• A wine cellar and old French village streets
  
• Indoor games and shows
  
• Restaurants, cafes, and flower gardens
  

Best Time to visit:

• Visit early in the morning (around 8–9 AM) to avoid crowds.
  
• Vietnamese holidays and weekends can get very busy.
• Explore Best time to visit whole Vietnam.
  

Travel Tip:

• Buy a combo ticket that includes the cable car, park entrance, and meals. It’s worth the price.
  
• Keep at least one full day to explore everything at Ba Na Hills.

2. Relax at My Khe Beach

If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Da Nang, a visit to My Khe Beach is a must. This beach is one of the most beautiful in all of Asia. It stretches about 20 kilometers along Da Nang’s coast and is known for its soft sand and clean blue water.

Why Is My Khe Beach So Special?

• Soft golden sand: Great for laying down, playing, or just walking.
  
• Gentle waves: Perfect for swimming and even for beginner surfers.
  
• Clean and comfortable: With showers, changing rooms, and beach chair rentals.
  
• Lively vibe: Street food stalls, beach cafés, and music in the evenings.
  

Things to Do at My Khe Beach:

• Morning: Watch the sunrise and see local fishermen at work.
  
• Daytime: Swim, sunbathe, or try fun water sports like jet skiing, banana boat, and parasailing.
  
• Evening:  Enjoy beachside BBQs, seafood, and amazing sunset photos.
  

A Surfing Hotspot:

Did you know? My Khe Beach is now called the surfing capital of Vietnam. The warm water and small waves are great for both beginners and pros. You’ll find many surf schools along the beach that offer training and board rentals.

Food by the Ocean:

Across the road from the beach, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy:

• Fresh seafood
  
• Local Vietnamese dishes
  
• International food, all with a great sea view

3. Ride the Ba Na Hills Cable Car 

One of the most exciting things to do in Da Nang is riding the Ba Na Hills cable car. This ride is fun and also holds multiple Guinness World Records! It’s the longest single-track cable car in the world and climbs high above the forest and mountains.

What Makes This Cable Car Special?

• 5,771 meters long and rises over 1,300 meters.
  
• It’s the cable car with the highest height difference in the world.
  
• Built with advanced Austrian technology, it’s safe, smooth, and comfortable.
  

A Ride Through Changing Climates:

In just 28 minutes, you pass through four climate zones from tropical heat to cool mountain air. Along the way, you’ll see:

• Thick green jungles
  
• Beautiful waterfalls hidden in trees
  
• Cloud-covered mountain tops
  
• Long views of the ocean and Da Nang city
  

Perfect for Photos:

You’ll get amazing views through the large glass windows. As you move through the clouds, the scenes feel magical and peaceful. Ideal for taking great photos and videos.

4. Discover the Marble Mountains

Looking for peaceful yet adventurous things to do in Da Nang? The Marble Mountains are a perfect mix of nature, history, and spirituality. Known as Ngũ Hành Sơn, this group of five marble and limestone hills is named after the five elements, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.

Why Are Marble Mountains Special?

These sacred mountains have been spiritual places for over 600 years. You’ll find caves, temples, and shrines built directly into the rocks, making it a unique experience full of culture and beauty.

What You Can Explore:

• Cave Temples: Walk through cool limestone caves with Buddha statues, natural rock formations, and quiet altars.
  
• Ancient Pagodas: See historic Vietnamese temples with detailed carvings and peaceful courtyards.
  
• Marble Villages: Visit local workshops where skilled artists make stone sculptures by hand.
  
• Viewpoints: Climb up to the top for amazing 360° views of Da Nang, the beach, and nearby countryside.
  

For Adventure Lovers:

There are hiking trails for all fitness levels from easy paths to challenging climbs. You can even try rock climbing or explore deep caves if you love adventure.

Cultural Vibes:

Take part in Buddhist rituals, learn about local beliefs, or buy handmade marble souvenirs directly from artisans.

5.  Take a Day Trip to Hoi An 

One of the best things to do in Da Nang is to take a short day trip to Hoi An. It’s just 30–45 minutes away and is known as one of the most beautiful and historic places in Vietnam. This ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

Why Hoi An Is So Special?

Hoi An was once a busy port city, welcoming traders from China, Japan, India, and Europe. The mix of cultures shaped its architecture, food, and traditions, many of which remain unchanged even today.

Things You Shouldn’t Miss:

• Japanese Covered Bridge: A stunning bridge from the 16th century that connects old town streets.
  
• Ancient Houses: Old-style homes that show how wealthy merchants lived in the past.
  
• Chinese Assembly Halls:Colorful temples with beautiful decorations built by Chinese traders.
  
• Local Markets:Great for shopping local products, spices, and street snacks.
  

The Lantern Magic:

In the evening, Hoi An lights up with thousands of colorful lanterns. The streets glow in warm light, creating a dreamy atmosphere. During the Lantern Festival (on the 14th day of the lunar month), you’ll see floating lanterns on the river and cultural shows.

Try Local Food & Cooking Classes:

Hoi An is famous for dishes like:

• Cao Lầu noodles
  
• White Rose dumplings
  
• Banh Mi sandwiches
  

You can also join a cooking class and learn how to make these dishes yourself.

Custom Tailoring:

Want a dress, suit, or shoes made just for you? Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops. They can create custom outfits in just 1–2 days, often at low prices.

6. Visit the Dragon Bridge 

One of the most exciting things to do in Da Nang is visiting the Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng). This golden dragon-shaped bridge stretches across the Han River and is the city’s most famous modern landmark.

What Makes Dragon Bridge Special?

• The bridge is 666 meters long and shaped like a giant dragon.
  
• It’s decorated with over 2,500 LED lights, which light up beautifully at night.
  
• In Vietnamese culture, dragons symbolize power, luck, and success.
  

Don’t Miss the Fire & Water Show:

Every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM, the dragon breathes real fire and water in an amazing 15-minute show. It’s free and draws a big crowd every weekend perfect for families, couples, and even solo travelers.

Best Places to Watch the Show:

• East Bank of Han River: Great view of the full dragon shape.
  
• Bach Dang Riverside:  Enjoy drinks or dinner at riverfront cafés while watching the show.
  
• Near Han Market: Higher viewpoints for great photos.
  
• River Cruise Boats: Watch the show from the water for a unique experience.
  

Photography Tip:

Go during blue hour (just after sunset). The sky looks magical, and the bridge lights really pop perfect for photos and videos.

7. Admire the Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda 

If you’re looking for peaceful and spiritual things to do in Da Nang, visiting the Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula is a must. It’s home to the tallest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam, standing at 67 meters high and overlooking the sea.

The Beautiful Lady Buddha Statue:

The Lady Buddha (also called Quan Thế Âm) is known as the goddess of compassion in Buddhism. Her gentle smile and calm posture bring a feeling of peace to everyone who visits no matter their religion.

What You’ll See on Son Tra Peninsula ?

This area, also called Monkey Mountain, is full of natural beauty and only a short drive from the city.

• Quiet beaches: Great for relaxing and swimming away from the crowds
  
• Green forests: Home to rare animals like the red-shanked douc monkey
  
• Old lighthouse: Offers incredible views of the coast
  
• Hiking trails: Explore the jungle on well-marked forest paths
  

Spiritual Moments:

At Linh Ung Pagoda, you can light incense, take part in prayer ceremonies, or try Buddhist meditation in peaceful surroundings. The gardens, small shrines, and open courtyards offer a quiet escape.

Best Time to Visit:

Come in the late afternoon for amazing sunset views over the South China Sea. It’s perfect for photography and reflection.

8. Enjoy Nightlife at Bach Dang Riverside 

When the sun goes down, one of the liveliest things to do in Da Nang is visiting Bach Dang Riverside. This riverside street turns into a colorful and energetic place full of music, food, lights, and fun. Whether you want to relax, explore, or party a little, this area has something for everyone.

Eat with a View:

The riverside has all kinds of restaurants and cafes from Vietnamese street food to fancy international dining. You can:

• Sit on a rooftop and watch the Dragon Bridge light up
  
• Enjoy riverside meals with city skyline views
  
• Try fresh seafood, hot pots, or Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes)
  

 

Things to Do at Night:

• Live Music: Hear traditional Vietnamese songs or local bands play live
  
• Night Markets: Shop for handmade goods, souvenirs, and try local snacks
  
• River Cruises: Take a relaxing boat ride with dinner and cultural shows
  
• Bars & Lounges: Chill at stylish cocktail bars with a view of the river
  

Culture & Street Fun:

You’ll often find street performers, music shows, and small festivals happening here. It’s a great place to feel the local culture and energy of the city.

Best Spot for Night Photos:

The river reflects all the lights from bridges, boats, and buildings. It’s a perfect place to take photos of Da Nang at night especially with the Dragon Bridge glowing in the background.

9.Take a Day Trip to Hai Van Pass 

One of the most adventurous things to do in Da Nang is to take a day trip to Hai Van Pass. The name means “Ocean Cloud Pass,” and it truly lives up to its name with stunning views of sea, sky, and mountains. It’s one of the best coastal drives in all of Southeast Asia.

What Makes Hai Van Pass Special?

• The road winds up to 500 meters above sea level
  
• Along the way, you’ll see tropical forests, fishing villages, and ocean views
  
• It became world-famous after being featured on Top Gear’s Vietnam Special
  

How to Explore:

• Motorbike Tour:  Popular choice for thrill seekers and scenic explorers
  
• Private Car Tour: Comfortable ride with a local driver and photo stops
  
• Self-Drive: Rent a motorbike or car and enjoy the road at your own pace
  

Must-Visit Spots on the Way:

• Hai Van Gate:  An old French military fort with epic mountain views
  
• Lang Co Beach: A quiet lagoon beach, perfect for a swim or seafood lunch
  
• Elephant Springs: Natural rock pools in the forest, great for cooling off
  
• Local Villages: See everyday life and eat at small seaside restaurants
  

For Adventure Lovers:

The area has hiking trails, jungle treks, and even some spots for rock climbing. Nature lovers will enjoy the fresh air and chance to spot unique plants and animals.

Best Time to Visit:

Go in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and cooler weather. Try to avoid the monsoon season (Oct–Dec) because roads can get slippery and views may be blocked by fog or rain.

10. Visit Da Nang’s Local Markets

If you want to truly experience local life, one of the most authentic things to do in Da Nang is to explore its traditional markets. These markets are full of colors, sounds, and flavors that show you the real daily life of the people living here.

Han Market

Located in the heart of the city, Han Market is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Da Nang. You’ll find:

• Ground floor: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and local spices
  
• Second floor: Clothes, fabrics, and household goods
  
• Top floor: Souvenirs, handmade items, and artworks
  

It’s the perfect place to buy gifts, try snacks, or simply watch how locals shop.

Con Market 

If you want a more local feel, visit Con Market. It’s where residents go for everyday shopping. Here, you can:

• Try real Vietnamese street food
  
• Watch people bargain and chat
  
• Explore small stalls selling fresh goods and handmade crafts
  

What to Look For:

• Silk Products: Scarves, dresses, and fabrics at great prices
  
• Vietnamese Spices: Perfect to take home for cooking or gifts
  
• Handicrafts: Ceramics, wood carvings, and lacquerware made by locals
  
• Street Food: Try bánh xèo, fresh spring rolls, and grilled meats
  

Tips for Visiting Markets:

• Bargaining is common smile and be polite while negotiating
  
• Bring cash in small amounts (VND)
  
• Respect local customs and enjoy the experience with an open mind
  

Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most special places. It brings together natural beauty, cultural history, modern attractions, and the warm hospitality of local people. The top 10 things to do in Da Nang shared in this guide will help you enjoy the best of everything this amazing city has to offer.

From walking across the magical Golden Bridge, relaxing on My Khe Beach, exploring ancient temples, to enjoying the colorful nightlife, Da Nang creates unforgettable memories for every kind of traveler.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, cultural experiences, or delicious local food, this coastal city has something for you. Da Nang is growing fast but still keeps its true Vietnamese charm, making it one of the top travel destinations in Southeast Asia.

So why wait? Plan your trip today and explore the many wonderful things to do in Da Nang. Each moment here offers a chance to connect with nature, learn about local traditions, and enjoy life in a beautiful and peaceful way.