Da Nang Itinerary: 15 Epic Things to Do + Expert Tips [2024]

Are you looking for a perfect Da Nang Itinerary?

You have come to the right place! Whatever your travel preferences, how can you possibly decide what to do in Da Nang? Well, I’ve come up with the ultimate Da Nang itinerary to guarantee you the best experience!

In this article, you’ll not only find information on the best attractions in Da Nang. Here you will also find all the logistics to plan your visit to Danang, how to budget your trip, the best hotels to stay in Da Nang, and all tips to plan a perfect trip.

Da Nang is a popular coastal city that’s located along the East coast of Vietnam. It’s the fourth-largest city in the country and the largest city in Central Vietnam. Da Nang marks the halfway point between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, so it’s a great place to visit during your Vietnam Itinerary.

Home to French colonial buildings, delicious food, and pristine beaches, Danang has so much to offer. In fact, Da Nang’s coastline stretches for around 18.5 miles (30 km) so it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. Danang is also the perfect base, as you can visit a variety of destinations on a day trip. That includes Hoi An, Hue, My Son, and the Marble Mountains. So without any further ado, let’s dive into this awesome Danang itinerary.

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Before we jump into this Da Nang itinerary, let’s do a quick overview to help you plan your visit.

If you are wondering: “How many days is enough in Da Nang, Vietnam?”

Although many people only choose to spend a day or two in Da Nang this city has so much to offer. For the best experience, you’ll want to spend at 3 days in Da Nang, and even more, if you’re using this place as a base to take some day trips.

What are the best day trips from Da Nang?

Both Hue and Hoi An can be visited on a day trip. So if you’re not planning to stay in those cities you can visit them from Da Nang. However, you’re going to want to spend a full day (or near enough) at each. If that’s the case, allow at least five days here so you’re not rushing around! That will give you plenty of time to visit all the places in this Da Nang itinerary!

What to book in advance for your Danang Itinerary?

I recommend o book some tours in advance. Da Nang is a popular destination in Vietnam for a reason. Many attractions will have long lines, and some need to be booked in advance.

✨ Da Nang and Hoi An Private Tour: I highly recommend booking this tour. You can explore Da Nang and Hoi An without a crowded tour bus.

✨ Marble Mountains & Son Tra Peninsula Tour from Da Nang: This is a must-do tour, where you will visit the Marble Mountains to see the pagoda and hidden caves and grottoes. Plus you will enjoy views of Vietnam’s coast and visit the Son Tra Peninsula.

✨ Ba Na Hills with Golden Bridge Private Tour: The Golden Bridge is the highlight of Danang, and you cannot miss it. with this tour, you will skip the lines and the crowds.

1. Admire Lady Buddha

✨Suggested Tour: Da Nang: Lady Buddha, Monkey Mountain, and Am Phu Cave Tour.

Lady Buddha is the tallest Buddha statue in the country so as you can imagine, it’s pretty impressive! The statue is located on the Son Tra Peninsula and is just 8.5 miles (14 km) from the city center of Da Nang.

Boasting a height of nearly 220 feet (67 meters) and a diameter of 114 feet (35 meters), its size is the equivalent of a 30-story building. Now, that’s something you don’t see every day! Due to its sea-facing location, you’ll get impressive views of the surrounding area. If it’s a clear day, you’ll even get striking views of Son Tra, The Marble Mountains, and Da Nang city.

This fantastic tour will take you to the Lady Buddha, as well as Monkey Mountain and Am Phu Cave. It includes lunch, hotel pick-up and drop-off, some entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide!

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2. Head to Ba Na Hills

✨ Suggested Tour: Ba Na Hills with Golden Bridge Private Tour.

Ba Na Hills is a must for any Da Nang itinerary so don’t leave this place off your list. It’s part of the Sun World Amusement Group and is located on top of a mountain that sits around 4878 feet (1487 meters) above sea level. Aside from the mesmerizing views, there are plenty of fun activities to do up here.

For starters, this is where you’ll find the iconic ‘Golden Hands’ or Golden Bridge that’s taken over Instagram. There’s also an awesome cable car ride that you’ll take to the top, and you can visit the miniature French village too!

When it comes to visiting Ba Na Hills independently you can either catch a taxi or shuttle bus. Your other option is to take a tour and there are plenty of options! This Private tour includes an English-speaking guide that will make your trip truly memorable. Or, you’ve got this Ba Na hills tour that includes a buffet lunch.

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3. Relax on My Khe Beach

If you’re heading to Da Nang for a beach vacation then you won’t be short of options. Some of the best beaches in the area include Non-Nuoc, Bac My An, Son Tra, and Thanh Binh. However, My Khe Beach is by far the most popular!

It’s a lot more developed than many of the other beaches in the area. This is due to American soldiers seeking some R&R here whilst fighting in the Vietnam-US War.

Boasting pristine white sands, crystal-clear (and warm) waters, and swaying palm trees, it’s the definition of tropical paradise. Whether you’re just looking to glimpse at its beauty, or you’d prefer to spend a few hours here, this isn’t a place you want to leave off your Da Nang itinerary!

You’ll generally find that most hotels are located in this area so you’ll have easy access to My Khe Beach. Unlike many of the beaches in Southeast Asia, it’s free to visit and extremely clean. If you don’t have the chance to visit Mui Ne, then this is the place to visit for some beach time.

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4. Wander around the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Visiting the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is one of the best things to do in the city. The museum was built in the early 1900s and is home to the largest collection of Cham sculptures and artwork on Earth. Now, that’s a pretty big reason to visit so don’t leave it off your Da Nang itinerary!

For those who don’t know, the Kingdom of Champa used to control South and Central Vietnam until 1697. In the late 15th century, the Champa empire declined and was eventually dissolved in 1832.

What remains can be found in this museum, and there are nearly 300 sculptural works to be seen here. This date back to between the 7th and 15th centuries so you’ll be admiring a part of Vietnam’s history.

Upon your visit to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, you can purchase an English-language guidebook that will help to explain the importance of the sculptures.

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5. Take a day trip to the Marble Mountains

✨ Suggested Tour: Marble Mountains – Hoi An Ancient Town Daily Ingroup Tour

The Marble Mountains are one of the most impressive sights you’ll see in Vietnam, let alone just Da Nang. Made up of five separate limestone mountains, this wonderful place is an easy day trip from the city. This makes it a must for any Da Nang itinerary!

The five Marble Mountains are named after the five elements (metal, water, wood, fire, and earth). They hold special significance to the people of Vietnam as they’re known to be a spiritual site!

To climb to the top, you’ll have to walk up a fair few stairs. However, the views from the top are certainly worth it. You can also explore the network of caves that are found underneath, with Huyen Khong being the largest of the caves. I wrote this whole article on how to explore Marble Mountain if you are interested in more information.

If you’d prefer not to visit on your own then you can take a tour of the Marble Mountains. You’ll get to explore this spectacular wonder, before heading to Hoi An Ancient Town. This way, all your transport is included and your dinner is too!

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6. Walk over the Dragon bridge

No Danang itinerary is complete without walking over the city’s iconic Dragon Bridge. This is one of the coolest bridges you’ll ever see, as if you hadn’t guessed by the name – it depicts a flying dragon. The design of this dragon was inspired by the Ly dynasty and is an epic sight to see.

The Dragon Bridge spans across the Han River and is an impressive 2,185 feet (666 meters) long. There are six vehicle lanes and two lanes for pedestrians so it’s very wide, and it’s thought to have cost around $88 million which is crazy!

The incredible design isn’t the only thing that draws people to the Dragon Bridge. This bridge is home to 15,000 LED lights and is lit up at night time, which is one of the best times to visit. If you’re in Da Nang on a Saturday or Sunday, then you’re in for an even more magical experience. On the weekends at 9 pm, the bridge has a fire and water performance where the dragon breathes fire!

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7. Admire the views from Sơn Trà Mountain

✨ Suggested Tour: Marble Mountains & Son Tra Peninsula Tour from Da Nang.

Son Tra Mountain is located out on the Son Tra Peninsula and is also known as Monkey Mountain. Often referred to as the ‘Green Lung of Da Nang’ this towering mountain is covered in the lush forest so it’s undeniably beautiful.

The Mountain is located at around 2,2800 feet (695 meters) above sea level so as you can imagine, the views from the top are rather impressive. Not only will you be treated to striking views of Da Nang, but you’ll get to admire the city’s breathtaking coastline too. During your time here, you’ll also want to leave some time free to visit some of the attractions including the iconic Lady Buddha.

This amazing 4-hour tour will not only take you to the Marble Mountains but you’ll get to explore the Son Tra Peninsula. Here, you’ll get to admire the impressive views, visit Lady Buddha, and marvel at Son Tra Linh Ung Pagoda!

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8. Drive some of the iconic Hai Van Pass

✨ Suggested Tour: Your Incredible Scooter Adventure On Hai Van Pass.

The Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic roads in Vietnam making it a must for any Da Nang itinerary. Known as the ‘Ocean Cloud Pass’, this road is a 21 km long pass that connects Hue and Da Nang. Aside from getting spectacular sea views, the pass also runs through the Annamite Range.

This road has become a popular tourist attraction and many people choose to hire a scooter so they can drive part of the pass. Due to a new road being built in 2005, you won’t experience much traffic along this route either which is always a bonus.

For those who are experienced in driving a scooter, you can head out on this Hai Van Pass adventure if you don’t fancy taking on the drive by yourself. Or, this tour also includes a private scooter driver if you’d prefer to sit in the back seat. Either way, this isn’t an experience you want to miss.

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9. Try a cooking class

✨ Suggested Tour: Da Nang Home Cooking Class.

If there’s one thing Vietnam is known for it’s its delicious food, and Da Nang is no different! You’ll find endless restaurants in the city so there are lots of foodie options. Two of the most popular dishes are Banh Nam and Banh Bot Loc – both are a kind of rice dumpling cake.

However, to make the most of your foodie experience in Da Nang you’ll want to take a cooking class and there are plenty of options!

This unique home cooking class is a great choice as it’s run by a local family so offers a very authentic experience. During this class, you’ll get to visit a market to pick up fresh ingredients, and then you’ll cook four Vietnamese dishes. You’ll also get to try the local coffee!

One of the best things about this tour is that it’s limited to 9 people so you won’t have to worry about an overcrowded experience. If you’ve got the time, I’d recommend including a cooking class on your Da Nang itinerary!

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10. Have some fun at Asia Park

Asia Park is another quirky theme park that’s owned by the Sun World Group. It’s located on the edge of the Han River and is known for its iconic attractions, cool rides, and diverse cuisine.

The park is split up into three main zones; a modern outdoor park, a cultural park, and the Sun Wheel – one of the city’s most popular attractions! It marks the entrance to Asia Park and is one of the highest Ferris wheels in the world at an impressive 377 feet (115 meters) high. The views from the top are incredible, and the wheel is also lit up at night.

Another popular area of this theme park is the Cultural Park which features replicas of cultural landmarks and historical sites from all over Asia! If you’re simply looking to have some fun, then there are a couple of rides to try out too.

The park is open from 3 pm – 10 pm as its primary focus is children. Just keep that in mind, because you won’t be able to visit in the morning or during midday which many people usually do with theme parks!

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11. Take a day trip to My Son

✨ Suggested Tour: My Son Sanctuary Tour from Da Nang

There are plenty of day trip opportunities from this coastal city, but a visit to My Son is a must for any Da Nang itinerary! My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s situated within a rainforest.

Built between the 4th and 13th centuries CE, this place offers you the chance to explore Vietnam’s history. At around 1600 years old, these ruins show the influence of the Champa Kingdom and you’ll get to see this through the impressive tower temples that remain.

My Son actually used to have around 70 structures. These were mostly dedicated to the deities of Krishna, Shiva, and Vishnu. Unfortunately, most of the temples here were destroyed during the Vietnam War. However, some of the structures still remain to this day, and here you can find the complete guide on how to visit My Son.

This 5-hour My Son Tour includes pick-up and drop-off in Da Nang, transportation, and entrance fees. You’ll also have an English-speaking guide if you’re looking to learn more about this wonderful place!

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12. Explore the Imperial City of Hue on a tour

✨ Suggested Tour: Imperial City, Hue: Tour from Hoi An and Da Nang.

Hue is another popular city in Vietnam, and many people choose to stay here for 2-3 days. However, if you’re short of time then you can always visit on a day trip!

You’ll find plenty of awesome things to do here like visiting the abandoned waterpark, exploring the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, and admiring Thien Mu Pagoda. You’ve also got the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and the Perfume River!

However, the city’s most famous attraction is the Imperial Citadel, or the ‘Imperial City’ as it’s also known. It’s an enclosed city within Hue itself and was once the imperial capital of the country during the Nguyễn dynasty. Inside, you’ll find so much to explore but don’t forget about the Purple Forbidden City!

This very cool 10-hour tour includes pick-up in Da Nang and transport to Hue, where you’ll get to see the very best of this Imperial City. Firstly, you’ll drive to Hue along the iconic Hai Van Pass. Then, you’ll visit some of the city’s most popular attractions like the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.

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13. Go snorkeling at Cham Island

✨ Suggested Tour: Cham Island: Underwater Walking & Snorkeling Tour

If you’re looking to escape the city then why not take a day trip out to the Cham Islands? This area is recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and is home to a wealth of marine life and an abundance of coral reefs.

This makes it the place to visit if you’re looking to snorkel or admire the area’s wildlife. Not only that, but this island is undeniably beautiful with pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation.

Although the Cham Islands are located off the coast of Hoi An, this snorkeling tour will pick you up in Da Nang. You’ll then be taken to the islands on a traditional Vietnamese boat. Whilst on the island, you can snorkel, dive, try underwater walking or simply relax in the hammocks. The choice is yours!

If you’ve got some extra time in Da Nang, then I’d definitely consider heading to this tropical paradise!

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14. Admire the architecture of Da Nang Cathedral

Da Nang Cathedral is one of the most beautiful religious buildings you’ll come across in Vietnam. It was the only church built here during the French colonial period, so as you can imagine the architecture is unique. This cathedral has been around since 1924 and is in fantastic condition considering the subsequent wars that would follow.

The first thing you’ll notice about Da Nang Cathedral is that it’s pink! In fact, it gives off very similar vibes to Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City! Although the exterior is extremely impressive, make sure you head inside too if the church is open.

Boasting breathtaking stained glass windows, engraved motifs, and impressive statues that depict events from the Bible, there’s so much to see here. Even better, the cathedral is free to enter but you’ll want to research the mass times before your visit.

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15. Take a day trip to Hoi An

✨ Suggested Tour: Da Nang and Hoi An Private Tour.

If you’re not planning to stay in Hoi An then you should definitely include a day trip on your Danang itinerary! This city was once an ancient trading port that used to link China and Japan with the rest of Asia, and there’s still evidence of this port today. Considering this trading port dates back to the 15th and 19th centuries – that’s pretty impressive.

The most popular area to visit is the Old Quarter. Here, you’ll find ancient yellow buildings, colorful lanterns, and stone roads making it extremely charming. You can also head to one of the tailor shops, take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River, or visit the Precious Heritage Project!

If you’re looking for an organized trip then you should check out this private tour! Not only will it show you around Da Nang, but you’ll also head to Hoi An. During the tour, you’ll get to explore the Ancient Town, hit some of the nearby stalls, and taste some delicious food.

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Vietnam as a whole is extremely affordable and that goes for Da Nang too. There are endless accommodation options in this coastal city, so no matter your budget you’ll be able to find something that suits your needs.

For the shoestring travelers out there, you can find accommodation for as little as $9. That’s often for a private room too! Mid-range accommodation tends to cost around $40-60, whilst luxury hotels are still extremely affordable. In fact, you can get a beautiful room in a 5* hotel for as little as $70.

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First of all, you’ll need to reach the city. Now, you can either travel overland from some of the other cities or fly to Da Nang International Airport. If you opt for the latter, then you can either catch a taxi or bus into the city center.

If you’d prefer to have your transport organized in advance, you can book a private shuttle. This is especially handy after a long flight, and you won’t have to barter down your taxi price in the airport.

Once you’ve arrived in the city and found your accommodation, there are a couple of ways to get around the city. One of the most popular ways to get around is by taxi or motorcycle taxi, but you may need to negotiate the price.

There are a couple of public bus routes you can use but this method of transport isn’t advanced, not compared to the likes of Hanoi or Hoi Chi Minh anyway. Lastly, you can rent a motorbike for a couple of days if you wish – this will be especially handy, as some of the sights in this article are located out of the city.

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The best time to visit Da Nang is considered to be January-May as this is when the Dry Season takes place. The Dry Season actually lasts until August but in the months running up to it, temperatures can reach up to 104°F (40°C). Due to the intense heat and humidity, you’ll want to visit before this if possible.

Between January and May, the temperature fluctuates between 68-91°F (20-33°C) with higher temperatures being encountered during March and May. Before these months, the climate is relatively cold and dry and you won’t encounter too much rain either.

The Wet Season in Da Nang falls between September to December and is generally split into three phases. September is the month for typhoons, while October and November encounter the most rainfall. If you’re traveling at this time of year, then December is by far the best time to visit during the wet season!

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If you’ve been wondering what to do in Da Nang, then hopefully this Danang Itinerary has given you a good idea of the attractions and activities on offer. This wonderful coastal city has so much to offer, and is a place that you need to include on your Vietnam itinerary!

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, hit up some natural wonders, or have some fun at a theme park, this city has it all. That makes it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, family holiday, or adventure trip.

Not only are there plenty of things to do in Da Nang itself, but this city is a great base for exploring nearby destinations. No matter what you choose to do, you won’t run out of places to visit or things to do! Hopefully, this guide has given you some ideas for your Da Nang itinerary!

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