- Recommendations for sightseeing in Da Nang
- Directions and costs for each spot
- Recommended people for each spot
- Sample travel plan in Da Nang
- Security and prices in Da Nang
In June 2023, I spent 5 days in and around Da Nang, Vietnam. We had a very productive time, but to be honest, there were some places we didn’t need to go…?
In conclusion, we would like to tell you that you should spend at least 4 days and 3 nights in Da Nang for sightseeing! We will introduce in detail the recommended places for sightseeing in Da Nang, including the reasons why, so please read to the end.
Tourist Attractions in Da Nang
The area where Da Nang Airport, Dragon Bridge and My Khe Beach are located is the center of Da Nang. From there, go about 10km south to the Marble Mountains, go further south to Hoi An, go 50km south-southwest to My Son Sanctuary, and go 30km west to Ba Na Hills.
Let us now review detailed information on each of the following.
My Son Sanctuary
What are My Son Sanctuary?
My Son is the only Hindu-derived World Heritage site in Vietnam, built between the 7th and 13th centuries by the Champa Kingdom, which ruled the area at that time.
Although inscriptions have been left behind, they have yet to be deciphered, and the ruins are shrouded in mystery, except for the above.
How to get to My Son Sanctuary
It is located about 45 km from the center of Da Nang and is not served by public transportation such as buses or trains. It is possible to take a cab, but it would be more economical to book a shared-ride bus from a local tour company.
The optional tour site I used [Klook] charged about USD 11.55 per person for a round trip from Da Nang.
Cost
Tickets for My Son Ruins cost 150,000 VND per person. At the rate at the time of my visit, it was about USD 5.77.
There are cart rides and shows in the facility, but they are included in the admission fee, so there is no need to pay extra.
Recommended people/Not recommended people
people who like ruins.
People who want to see extraordinary scenery.
People who have few sightseeing days.
People who are not interested in historical buildings.
If you like history and ruins, you will not regret visiting.
On the other hand, it is nearly 50 km away from Da Nang one way, and it takes time just to travel there (in my case, it took nearly 2 hours one way because I was on a tour bus and had to wait for other passengers).
Therefore, you can spend half a day just to visit My Son Sanctuary. If you can spare a certain number of days for sightseeing in Da Nang, it is good, but if not, it would be better to visit My Son Sanctuary another time.
Impressions of My Son Sanctuary
As it is a Hindu ruin, there are sights that you cannot see every day. Although many of the ruins have been destroyed due to the Vietnam War, there are still areas in good condition that are worth seeing.
Personally, I want to see things and do things that I wouldn’t normally be able to do, so I’m glad I visited My Son Sanctuary in that respect!
Points to note for sightseeing｜Precautions against heat stroke are essential as the facility is spacious and there are few obstructions to block the sun.
The Marble Mountains
What is The Marble Mountains?
Refers to an area consisting of five mountains. It is also known as Marble Mountain because it is made of marble.
Furthermore, since it is also a marble production area, there were many shops in the surrounding area that sold Buddha statues carved out of stone.
How to get to Marble Mountains
Marble Mountain is located about 10km south of the center of Da Nang.
When I looked it up on the internet, there was information that there was a bus running from the city center, but I couldn’t find it. So, I went there using Grab (110,000 dong, about USD 4.23).
Cost
Tickets for Marble Mountain cost VND40,000 (approximately USD 1.54) per person. Also, the elevator to go up and down the mountain costs 15,000 VND (approximately USD 0.57) one way.
There is also another paid area (cave) under Marble Mountain, which costs VND 20,000 (about USD 0.77) per person.
People who want to sightsee near the city.
People who like power spots.
People who want to spend a relaxing time in Da Nang.
People who are not confident in their physical strength.
It is close to Da Nang city and is within easy sightseeing distance compared to My Son Sanctuary and Ba Na Hills. The advantage of this location is that it is relatively easy to get to.
It is also a mountain where there is a legend that Son Goku was trapped, and it is a very popular place as a power spot. It is also an attractive place for people who visit power spots in around the world.
On the other hand, the roads are well maintained and there are elevators, but it is still a mountain. Therefore, you cannot climb with heels. This place is not suitable for people who want to spend a relaxing and luxurious time in Da Nang.
Impressions of The Marble Mountains
Huyền Không caves., located at the deepest part of Marble Mountain, was a place that made me think, “I’m glad I came here.” Personally, I tend to feel disappointed when there are a lot of tourists, but this place is so crowded and lively that I felt it was a place that was loved by the people and seemed appealing to me.
There are also other buildings dotted around the mountain that will make you feel like you are on an adventure. Marble Mountain is one of the must-visit places in Da Nang.
The cave, which is another paid area of Marble Mountain, had a scary atmosphere, probably based on hell. Honestly, I don’t think you need to go there.
My Khe Beach
What is The My Khe Beach?
A popular beach that makes Da Nang a beach resort. I had the impression that Westerners were far more likely to swim than the local Vietnamese.
How to get to My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach is located about 3 km from the city center. Therefore, you can also go there cheaply by taxi. I used Grab and it cost 70,000 dong (about USD 2.69) one way.
People who want to enjoy the sea!
People who want to relax on the beach.
People who are not interested in beach resorts.
People who don’t want to get sunburned.
The level of recommendation for this place changes 180 degrees depending on the purpose of the person visiting Da Nang. In the first place, many people come for the sea or beach resort, and for those who don’t, it’s a place to just enjoy the view.
Impressions of My Khe Beach
I personally wasn’t going to the beach, but since I came to Da Nang, I thought I’d give it a go! A beach that represents Da Nang.
The waves are calm and the beach gives the impression that it’s a beach you can enjoy even with children, so it’s no wonder it’s so popular. I probably should have tried swimming a little bit, but now I regret it.
Dragon Bridge
What is The Dragon Bridge?
A bridge spanning the Han River that flows through the center of Da Nang. Its official name is Ron Bridge, but it is nicknamed Dragon Bridge because of its design with a dragon motif.
There are several other bridges spanning the Han River, but Dragon Bridge is the newest bridge, having been built only 10 years ago.
The show, in which fire and water are spit out of the mouth, is very popular not only among tourists but also locals.
How to get to Dragon Bridge
It’s located in the center of the city, so depending on the location of your hotel, you might be able to walk there. Also, even if you are 2-3km away, you can probably get there for less than USD 3.21 using Grab.
People in Da Nang on Saturday, Sunday and night.
People who want to see the best of Da Nang!
People who are anxious about their legs and feet.
People who do not want to get wet.
Dragon Bridge shows are held every Saturday and Sunday at 21:00, in conjunction with shows on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (and also on Fridays during the summer tourist season, for example). Therefore, you need to be in Da Nang on weekends to see the show.
Also, since the show will be held on Dragon Bridge, you will have to stand on the sidewalk for 30 to 40 minutes, including waiting time. If you are worried about your legs or back, we recommend viewing from a pleasure boat, although you will be a little further away.
Furthermore, if you are near the dragon’s face, you will get soaked when it releases water. People who don’t want to get wet will need to be careful about that.
Impressions of Dragon Bridge
The show itself will be about 20 minutes. Especially in the first 15 minutes, they keep blowing fire, so to be honest, I got bored halfway through. However, when the dragon finishes blowing fire, it spits out water.
Personally, I liked it more when he was spitting water than when he was breathing fire because it felt more chaotic.
It is certainly a bridge that represents Da Nang in both the rabbit and the corner. If you visit on the weekend, we recommend that you check it out at least once!
Ba Na Hills
What is The Ba Na Hills?
The place has been popular as a summer resort since the French colonial period. Currently, an amusement park called Sun World is operated there. To get there, you need to take the ropeway, which boasts the world’s longest and highest elevation gain.
How to get to Ba Na Hills
It is about 30 km away from the center of Da Nang, but there is no public transportation such as buses or trains, so as with the My Son Sanctuary mentioned above, it is best to take an optional tour to get there.
I used Klook’s pick-up and drop-off plan and paid USD 6.42 for the round trip.
Cost
This is a ticket for Sun World.
As mentioned in the point, the admission fee to Sun World is 900,000 VND per person (about USD 34.66). This is a surprisingly high price in Vietnam, where prices are moderate.
However, this fee includes the aforementioned fare for the world’s longest ropeway. The ropeway is about 5 km one way, and the round trip takes 40 minutes. If you consider that the ropeway is also included, it is not that expensive.
Anyone who wants to see the Golden Bridge anyway.
People who want to spend time in Vietnam without sweating.
People who don’t like crowds.
People who stay in Da Nang for a short time.
I came to Ba Na Hills to see the Golden Bridge. So I had no expectations for the amusement park area.
I have always had a dislike for screaming machines and amusement parks. Once I saw the bridge, I had accomplished my goal, so I almost didn’t ride any of the attractions.
Considering this, I think I spent extravagant time and money, but I was personally satisfied because I got to see the “Hand of God,” which I had wanted to see someday.
However, I don’t think this will be the case for some people. Especially since Ba Na Hills is also 30km away from Da Nang & the site area is huge, so sightseeing will take a whole day. Therefore, if you are planning to stay in Da Nang for a short period of time, it would be better to skip Ba Na Hills.
It has been known as a summer resort since the French colonial period, and it is a rare place where one does not sweat at all, even in the scorching heat of Vietnam.
This is a good place for those who want to cool off during a long stay in Vietnam.
Hoi An
What is The Hoi An?
During the Vietnam War, there was little damage, and the city has become a beautiful town where wooden buildings from over 200 years ago still remain. For this reason, Hoi An’s old town is also registered as a World Heritage Site.
It was also a town that was a base for Japanese traders during the Edo period. For this reason, the old Japanese town and Japanese Covered Bridge remain in one corner of the city. In addition to Japan, the city was also used as a trading base for countries such as China and the Netherlands, so the cityscape has an atmosphere of a mix of various cultures.
How to get to Hoi An
Although it is located about 30km south of Da Nang, there are no trains running between Da Nang and Hoi An. Therefore, we recommend taking a taxi for transportation. In my case, it cost 380,000 VND (approximately USD 14.76) one way using Grab.
Cost
Some facilities in the Hoi An Old Town area require a fee. A ticket to enter the five facilities costs VND 120,000 (approximately 4.62 USD). There are about 20 paid facilities, so you’ll need four times that amount to see them all.
I personally went into 10 facilities that cost 2 tickets, but I felt that 1 ticket is enough if you choose carefully. Recommended facilities are introduced in the Hoi An tourism detailed article below, so please take a look.
People who stay in Hoi An.
People who want to see the city as it was then.
People with fewer days of sightseeing.
If you come all the way to Da Nang, it would be a waste not to stop by Hoi An! This is a highly recommended place to visit for sightseeing.
Also, if you come to Hoi An, I highly recommend you to stay there for at least one day. Although it is not a world heritage area, An Hoi Island is very beautiful lit up at night.
Hoi An is also popular for its local gourmet food. If you want to enjoy Hoi An’s three major gourmet foods: Cao Lau, White Rose, and Bon Hon Chan, it’s a good idea to have at least one night’s time.
So, Hoi An is a place I recommend to everyone who visits Da Nang, but if I had to choose someone I wouldn’t recommend it to, it would be people who came on a bullet trip.
If you can’t spend even one day sightseeing, you won’t be able to fully enjoy Hoi An at night or gourmet food. If so, I think it would be better to concentrate on the center of Da Nang.
Sample travel plan in Da Nang
From here, I would like to introduce a travel plan for Da Nang by number of sightseeing days. I don’t think it’s quite possible to stay for just one night, so consider staying for two to four nights.
Sample itinerary for 2 Nights and 3 Days in Da Nang (with Beach)
- 【First day】
Transfer to Da Nang - 【Second day】
Morning｜Walk around the city
Afternoon｜My Khe Beach
Nighttime｜Dragon Bridge - 【Third day】
Morning｜Marble Mountains
Afternoon | Return home (move to next town)
Considering swimming at My Khe Beach, you will have to give up much of the sightseeing around Da Nang. Even if you can go, it will be the closest Marble Mountains.
Sample itinerary for 2 Nights and 3 Days in Da Nang (no beach)
- 【First day】
Transfer to Da Nang - 【Second day】
Morning｜My Son Sanctuary
Afternoon｜Marble Mountains
Nighttime｜Dragon Bridge - 【Third day】
Morning｜Walk around the city
Afternoon | Return home (move to next town)
Even if you don’t go to My Khe beach, My Son Sanctuary would be the only place to go for 3 days/2 nights (Ba Na Hills and Hoi An would take a full day to visit).
Sample itinerary for 3 Nights and 4 Days in Da Nang
- 【First day】
Transfer to Da Nang - 【Second day】
Morning｜My Son Sanctuary
Afternoon｜Marble Mountains
Nighttime｜Dragon Bridge - 【Third day】
Daytime｜Hoi An or Ba Na Hills - 【Fourth day】
Morning: My Khe beach or city walk
Afternoon | Return home (move to next town)
If you go up to 3 nights and 4 days, you can add either Hoi An or Ba Na Hills, which will give you the impression that the level of sightseeing has suddenly increased.
Personally, I recommend Hoi An more than Ba Na Hills.
Sample itinerary for 4 Nights and 5 Days in Da Nang
- 【First day】
Transfer to Da Nang - 【the 2nd day】
Morning｜My Son Sanctuary
Afternoon｜Marble Mountains
Nighttime｜Dragon Bridge - 【Third day】
Daytime｜Ba Na Hills
Nighttime｜Move to Hoi An & Walk around An Hoi Island at night - 【Fourth day】
Daytime｜Hoi An Old Town Sightseeing
Night｜Move to Da Nang - 【Fifth 5】
Morning: My Khe beach or city walk
Afternoon | Return home (move to next town)
By the time you get to this point, don’t you think it’s a fulfilling sightseeing trip to Da Nang? By the way, I stayed in Hoi An for another night, and I think the above plan is the best way to get around efficiently.
Prices in Da Nang
Regarding the prices in Da Nang, I don’t have the impression that they are high.
For example, at the local eatery mentioned above, a bowl of pho was 40,000 dong (about 1.53 USD).
At the kiosk, 1.5L of water was sold for 12,000 VND (about 0.38 USD).
These prices are not so different from those in other cities in central Vietnam (Hue and Dong Hoi). Although Da Nang is a representative city of central Vietnam, I felt that prices were not much different.
If you go to an upscale restaurant, you will find lots of expensive food. If you want to save money, take advantage of local restaurants, although you should try not to eat vegetables so as not to upset your stomach.
Public security in Da Nang
I felt that Da Nang was very safe. Security is good not only in Da Nang but throughout Vietnam.
If you are a solo female traveler, you may have a different impression, but we spent 5 days as a couple in the Da Nang area and did not experience any trouble.
There are no pushy salespeople at Grab or souvenir shops, and if you gently refuse, they will withdraw.
In addition, although not limited to Da Nang, you need to be more careful when crossing the street in Vietnam than in terms of public safety. Even if there is a pedestrian crossing, cars and motorcycles do not stop. I was surprised at first because I had to cross the street through a group of motorcycles that were running at a certain speed.
Do not take it easy and cross after the locals.
Summary of Da Nang Tourism
So far, we have introduced recommended sightseeing spots in Da Nang, model courses for visiting them, and information on prices and public safety.
There are many things to see, so if possible, we recommend setting aside at least 3 nights and 4 days to see the sights.
Also, the prices are low and the security is good.
If you are interested in traveling to Da Nang, please give it a try!
