25 Things To Do in Danang: The Most Relaxing Tourist Town in Vietnam

Danang (Vietnamese spelling: Đà Nẵng) is the central jewel of Vietnam and in the often stressed out world of mass tourism, it’s a more relaxed alternative. Apart from the many fun things to do in Danang, popular attractions in Hue and Hoi An cities are only a short drive away.

Danang is located just below the Truong Son mountain range (dãy Trường Sơn) which separates Danang from Hue (Huế) city to the north. Danang International Airport also offers an alternative entry point for exploring Vietnam. 

Top Things To Do in Danang 

Apart from miles of relatively unspoilt beaches, the best things to do in Danang include the Marble Mountains just outside the city, a day at the Ba Na Hills amusement resort with spectacular cable car rides, the Nui Than Tai Hot Spring and waterpark, and three of the best golf courses in Asia.

There are many watersports to enjoy, some of the best seafood in Vietnam, and numerous popular cafes. For natural scenery, you can explore the Son Tra Peninsula and maybe catch a glimpse of rare redshank monkeys.

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1. The Best Thing to Do in Danang: Marble Mountain Temple Caves

Marble Mountain is one of five marble limestone hills about 8 km outside Danang along the coastal road to Hoi An. The main attraction is a series of typical cave temples and Non Nuoc Pagoda (Chùa Non Nước) on the top overlooking the flat plain below.

Also known as Ngũ Hành Sơn, or Hills of the Five Elements, you can easily spend half a day exploring the footpaths and visiting caves. Inside are various Buddhist and other shrines with the spiritual ambience amplified by the play of light through cave roof holes. 

On the mountain where you can buy drinks and snacks, and there’s an elevator to the top. Below are many shops selling marble or granite carvings, semi-precious gemstone ornaments, and trinkets. There are also caves and pagodas at other nearby mountains. 

More about Marble Mountain

2. Redshank Monkeys and Son Tra Peninsula 

Son Tra Peninsula is great for a lazy half or full day of sighting. The most famous stop on the peninsula is the Linh Ung Pagoda (Chùa Linh Ứng) with the Da Nang Lady Buddha, but there are plenty of other fun things to see and do. 

On the east side is the main South Beach with swimming, snorkeling, and other waterport activities. Fishing and diving tour boats often visit or depart from here. There are also smaller beach enclaves, rock pools, and a few restaurants to be found. 

You can also find Da Nang’s famous banyan heritage tree here, enjoy various wildlife such as the Redshank Monkey, and take in amazing views of Danang city from Ban Co Peak. Depending on current restrictions, there may also be paragliding nearby. 

The best way to get around the peninsula is by motorbike, especially if you want to go to more beach locations. Many popular tours explore Son Tra and may also include the Hai Van Pass in one full day of sightseeing. 

More about Son Tra Peninsula

3. Linh Ung Pagoda and The Lady Buddha

Linh Ung Pagoda (Chùa Linh Ứng) is one of the must see places and things to do in Danang. From anywhere along the Danang shoreline you can view its 67-meter-high Lady Budhha statue.

This vast modern complex is testimony to the resurgence of a vibrant Budhhist culture in Vietnam in tune with traditional architectural design.You can enjoy the many beautiful gardens with bonsai and seasonal flowers, go up the pagoda tower, and there’s a gift shop that sells drinks and ice creams. 

You can go there by car, tour van, taxi, Grab, or rent a motorbike. A taxi may cost around 200,000 VND, but some people like to rent a bicycle or even take a hiking challenge. 

More about Linh Ung Pagoda

4. Ba Na Hills Extravaganza

Sunworld Ba Na Hills Fantasy World is one of the top-rated attractions in all of Vietnam. This theme park and resort is set in the cool hillsides of An Son Village (thôn An Sơn) some 20 km outside of Danang.  

The main cable line is the longest sky view in the world with a scenic ride of  5 801 meters reaching 1 487 meters above sea level. Key attractions are the famous 150m Golden Bridge Walk through giant terracotta hands, and Fantasy Park indoor theme world with numerous rides and fun activities—including indoor rock climbing. 

More about Bana Hills Resort

5. Waterslides Pools and Spas at Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park

Nothing can get you out and relaxing for a day like a trip to Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park (Công viên Suối khoáng nóng Thần Tài). This premium hot spring resort is about an hour’s drive from Danang. It’s designed as an eco-park and lies in Ba Na – Nui Chua Nature Reserve. 

Here you can enjoy the day relaxing in nature hotspring baths, mud baths, jacuzzi, or swim in pools and the wave lake. There are fun activities for kids and adults such as the waterslide park, a dinosaur park, BBQ area, orchid garden, and even a mini football court. 

The standard entrance fee is 350,000 VND or about 15 USD. A round trip private car for the day can cost between 30 to 40 USD, or there are shuttle bus tours for around 15 USD. There are various private spas like the herbal bath, wine bath, tea bath, and more. The Japanese Ebisu Hotel has a lunch buffet and other services.

6. My Son World Heritage Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary (Thánh địa Mỹ Sơn) is a collection of mostly temple ruins that were at the center of the ancient Cham (Chăm) Empire that stretched throughout most of southern Vietnam. 

If you’re interested in historical and religious sites, then My Son is a place you shouldn’t miss. The best way to visit it is to book a guided day tour. It takes just over an hour or so by motor vehicle.

You can experience some eight centuries of this ancient Hindu culture including royal tombs, and temples still housing Shiva deities and ancient lingams. There are about 71 standing structures in eight clusters built in characteristic red brick with intricate bas-relief carvings along the edges. 

More about My Son Sanctuary

7. Seafood BBQ and Cham Island Diving

Cham Islands (Cù lao Chàm) are a small cluster of islets a 20-minute boat ride from Hoi An. These islands have the best diving and snorkeling in the region and some of the most pristine beaches. 

Popular day tours can be fun, but if you want to experience the best diving in Cham Islands, then you should opt for a professional scuba diving and snorkeling company. If you want to stay the night, you have to book a local homestay. 

Only the main island is inhabited, but diving and fishing trips can take you to the smaller outcrops. Most people just come to enjoy a bit of casual snorkeling or sea walking, visit attractions on the main island, and chill out with a beach side barbecue and swimming. 

More about Cham Islands

8. World Class Top Golfing Courses

If you’re a golfer, one of the best things to do in Danang is to spend a day or so on one of its world class golf courses. One of these is the BRG Danang Golf Course. Designed by Aussie golf legend Gregg Norman, this is one of the most acclaimed courses in Asia.

 It’s along the scenic coast half way between Danang and Hoi An just down from Marble Mountain. Day visitors are welcome, there’s full equipment hire, and you can play 9-18-27-36 hole courses. 

Right next door is the Montgomery Links Course at the Pullman Resort which was voted by Vietnam Golf Magazine as Vietnam’s Best Championship Course 2013. If you prefer a cooler location, you can enjoy a game at the Ba Na Hills Golf Club course designed by Luke Donald. 

9. A Day Trip to Ancient Hoi An 

There’s just as much to do in Hoi An (Hội An) as Danang, but if you don’t have time to stay over, you should at least spend a day there. 

Hoi An is one of the most picturesque and beautiful towns in Vietnam. The old town is a listed world heritage site and has many wooden framed shop fronts with walls painted in bright yellow. You can spend the day browsing some really nice souvenir and boutique stores— with much better shopping options than Danang.

There are many tours from Danang, and some include the popular Marble Mountain caves. Alternatively, it’s only 45 minutes by motorbike and the coastal highway is pretty good.

See our complete guide to Hoi An

10. Family Fun at Sun World Danang Wonders

Previously known as Asia Park, Sun World Danang Wonders is home to the giant ferris wheel that lights up the Danang skyline. Recently the park was renovated and came under the same management corporation as the Ba Na Hills. 

The park has a rollercoaster and other high thrill rides, rides suitable for young children, a games center, and more. This is a fun place to go if you have young kids or teenagers, or if you need a break from being a tourist.

11. A Thrill Day of Watersports  

Apart from the two surfing or paddle boarding rentals, there are other water sports to do in Danang. 

Heading south down My Khe Beach (bãi biển Mỹ Khê) you’ll come to the Dana Beach Complex where you can make a booking for various fun activities on the water. The exclusive resorts around Danang also offer many water sport activities, especially the Pullman Resort. 

Things you can do are parasailing, jetski, banana boat, wakeboarding, or you can rent a speedboat. Prices are fairly reasonable and depend on the number of people in your group. Parasailing can be done at an individual price. 

12. Sun Out on My Khe Beach 

My Khe Beach runs along the lower half of the Da Nang foreshore. It stretches about 3 km south from where Phạm Văn Đồng Street intersections with the foreshore Võ Nguyên Giáp Boulevard. The central part of the beach is where Võ Văn Kiệt Street runs down from the Dragon Bridge. 

My Khe beach is famous for its broad white sands, shady beach palms, and thatched roofed parasols. There are safe swimming areas with guards, deck chairs for rent, and a couple of free beach volleyball nets. 

You can also stroll along the shaded esplanade that runs parallel to it. If you’re looking for some cool places to hand out within walking distance of the beach, you will need to be in the south section of the beach.

Discover more about My Khe Beach

13. Surf and Chill on Pham Van Dong Beach

Continue up My Khe Beach, or along the Vo Nguyen Giap Boulevard (đại lộ Võ Nguyên Giáp), in the direction of the Lady Buddha, and you’ll come to Pham Van Dong Beach (bãi biển Phạm Văn Đồng). 

There are some nice shady areas along the shorefront here and places along the beach with deck beds and umbrellas. You’ll also find change rooms, toilets, and showers. 

If you walk up the beach some way, you will eventually come to the Danang Surf School where you can take some surf lessons, and rent a surfboard or stand up paddle board. 

14. Join a Cooking Class

Danang is famous for its fresh and plentiful seafood and shorefront restaurants. Nobody should leave Danang without indulging it’s seafood, but one of the nicests things to do in Danang is to join a friendly cooking class and try your hand at a few local dishes. 

There are many Danang’s specialties such as My Quang (mì quảng) rice flour noodles served in different kinds of seafood or meat broths. Another is Bun Cha Ca (bún chả cá) or various kinds of ground fish cakes served in a broth with cabbage, pumpkin, and pineapple. 

If you join a cooking class you might learn to make various noodle dishes or things such as Banh Xeo (bánh xèo) savory pancakes. Cooking tours often include visits to local village markets, and some also cater to vegans and vegetarians.

15. Unwind Along Hai Van Pass to Lang Co Beach 

A trip to Lang Co Beach (bãi biển Lăng Cô) is the perfect opportunity to experience the scenic and winding Hai Van Pass (đèo Hải Vân) on the way to Hue. Hai Van pass takes you along and through the Truong Son mountain range which is the geographic dividing line between Hue and Danang.

The road, famous for its hairpin bends, is about 21 km through lush forests with stunning views of Danang Bay and the southern coastline. The rocky shores and tight bays eventually give way to the wide expanse of Lang Co Bay and its sparkling sea lagoon.

There are various full or half day tours you can book, or you take hire a private car and driver. Motorbike tours are popular too, and since the opening of the alternative route through the Hai Van Tunnel in 2005, it’s a lot safer. From November through to March, the weather on the northern side can be quite cold and wet. 

16.  Travel Back 1000 Years at Cham Museum

Museum of Cham Sculpture (Bảo tàng Điêu khắc Chăm) is a small museum on the corner of a busy downtown intersection right next to the Dragon Bridge. Most of the artefacts are of Hindu pantheon gods and sacred animals made from sandstone and terra cotta.

You can see artefacts and building stoneworks dating from the seventh to the fifteenth centuries and get an amazing insight into the Cham people and their ancient civilization that dominated much of southern Vietnam.   

The yellow brick building was opened in 1919 as a museum by French archeologists and the complex gained extensions in the 1930’s, and again in 2002. 

17. Enjoy a Day In a Spa

Danang is the quintessential local tourist town rather than a bustling metropolis. It doesn’t boast countless historical monuments like Hue, but it’s a gem for ordinary holiday makers. 

Danang is more famous for its many exclusive resorts, but even in the main town you can indulge in various spa treatments. Make sure not to leave Danang unless fully rejuvenated. 

Some of the best spas in Danang include a mud spa, hot stone therapy, bamboo massage, traditional Vietnamese and Thai massages, Himalayan rock saunas, or herbal spas with an array of aesthetically pleasing interior designs, or places for outdoor relaxation.

18. Laughs at Art Paradise 3D Museum 

This museum is not such a well known attraction, but it’s a real fun thing to do in Danang for children or experiencing your inner kid while on vacation. Following in the footsteps of similar ventures in other countries, there are over 130 amazing 3D art pieces hand painted by artists from Korea. 

You can marvel at the 3D illusions or become part of them yourself. Immerse yourself into famous stories, the ocean, the jungle, or become an Egytptian pharaoh. You can catch it all on camera and share your super cool vacation pics. It’s easy to get there by taxi and entrance fees vary according to age and height for children. 

19. The Charming Danang Show

This local cabaret show was piloted by the Department of Tourism with the collaboration of top local artists and performers. The show incorporates different ethnic costumes, folks songs, dance, and stories. You can enjoy a full display of traditional Ao Dai dress, and various elements from Cham culture. 

They have a mid afternoon and early evening show and tickets. The show lasts for 70 minutes, and although well worth it, the usual tickets are a bit pricey at 35 USD.

Note: This show is temporarily suspended due to the 2020 pandemic. 

20. The 5th Military Division Museum

For a full-blown experience of military history and revolution in Vietnam, The 5th Military Division Museum (Bảo tàng Quân khu 5) is an interesting place to explore the past, or for those who just love military museums. 

Outdoor displays feature original tanks, aircraft, and weaponry dating from the first French and American wars. Inside the large building are around 12 showrooms of various military artefacts including hundreds of photographs, documents, and personal paraphernalia.

Next door there’s also a museum to Ho Chi Minh and a replica of his official residence, but it’s closed on Mondays and Fridays. Tickets for both places can be purchased at the door and are relatively inexpensive at 40 000 VND each, and you may have to pay an extra 10 000 VND to take pictures. 

21. Dress Local with Ao Dai Rental 

Ao Dai (áo dài) is the traditional dress of Vietnam. Vietnam’s national dress has a long history and has undergone various evolutionary design changes. The establishment of a national costume or dress code was first dictated by the Nguyen lord Phuc Khoat back in 1744. 

Ao Dai are mostly worn for formal occasions, national events, new year celebrations, or by shop staff and receptionists. There are Ao Dai for both men, women, and children. Some Ao Dai rental shops will do indoor photo shoots for you. 

If you want to go outside, you usually have to pay a little more and also a refundable deposit. Danang always has a relaxed holiday vibe and her sidewalks are quite pedestrian friendly.

22. Stroll along Bach Dang Riverside Boardwalk 

Danang is partly situated on the Han River (sông Hàn) which empties into the Bay of Danang. A casual thing to do in Danang is to take a stroll along the riverfront boardwalk, especially in the evening. 

The best part of the boardwalk extends between the Dragon Bridge to the Han River Bridge, with the Vincom Center on the other side. Sometimes there are activities or displays along the boardwalk. 

Fortunately, Bach Dang street (đường Bạch Đằng) which runs alongside, is only one way. There are numerous restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and boutiques. Other popular eateries and some pubs are situated on the side streets. At night you can admire the changing light displays on the bridges and take some prime pics too.  

23. Walk The Dragon Bridge

There are a number of iconoclastic bridges over the Han River. The Dragon Bridge is the most recent of these and the de facto symbol of Danang. Just before you cross, on the right hand side, is the Cham Museum. Continue towards the sea and you will come to My Khe beach. 

Apart from its unique design based on a Le Dynasty motif, the Dragon also breathes fire. This happens on Saturday evening at 9 pm when the bridge is temporarily closed and young crowds gather. It’s an impressive display and afterwards the Dragon also spews water.

Note: Saturday evening fire breathing is suspended due to the 2020 pandemic.

More about Dragon Bridge

24. Han River Night Cruise Illumination

Being a young and vibrant city, Danang enjoys a flashy lightshow. One of the best things to do in Danang at night is cruise along the Han River where each distinctive bridge vies for your attention. 

The Dragon Bridge is 666 meters long and has some 15 000 LED lights that cycle the bridge through different color hues. The Han River Bridge was the first cable swing bridge in Vietnam, and the suspension cables light up in a pyramid shape. 

Other sites along the way include the Asia Park Sun Wheel, which was the world’s fourth largest ferris wheel at its opening in 2014. Some cruises include a full dinner course with traditional dancing and singing. Other boat tours may include visiting some city night spots by motorbike.

25. Party the Night While Danang is Young

Trendy night spots come and go, but a few good favorites have stood the test of time. 

One is the WaterFront Restaurant Bar— a lively eatery with both local and western cuisine, and a sports bar on the top floor. It faces the Han River half way between the Dragon and Han River bridges on the town side. 

Just further back down the road you’ll come to the Bamboo Bar II which is one of liveliest expat bars in town. They have plenty of burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and local favorites on their menu.  

For something more energetic, there’s the famous New Phuong Dong Club which is one of the largest and most extravagant in Vietnam. The popular  Sky36 Club occupies the three upper levels of the Novotel Danang Premier Hotel. Drinks are rather pricey, but the views are great.

 A more chilled spot is the Brilliant Hotel Roof Bar— just a block up from the WaterFront restaurant.

Getting Around Danang: Car and Taxi

Getting around Danang is fairly easy and stress free. The roads are much wider and less congested than most other big cities, and pavements are more pedestrian friendly. It’s fairly easy to hail a taxi along the street and they are all metered.

Vinasun and Mai Linh taxi companies have mobile applications with English language interfaces. In this way you can get a taxi to your pick up point without having to speak or know any Vietnamese. To register you need to be able to receive a text message.

An alternative to a taxi is the ride hailing application Grab. You can select various sized vehicles at different prices, and you can also rent a driver by the hour. They also have basic help and support in English. Alternatively, often your hotel can arrange a private car rental. 

If you’re planning a day trip to Hoi An, the Son Tra Peninsula, Hai Van Pass, or a day out in Hue, the best option would be to take a private vehicle hire or group tour. 

Getting Around Danang: Motorbikes and Bicycles 

If you just need to get around locally a Grab motorbike taxi is a good choice for one or two people (single riders only). Motorbikes are also relatively inexpensive to rent for a day or more, and you can reserve or order bikes online. 

Deals depend on the company or website, but a scooter for the day is as little as 6 USD. You will need to show your passport, but a national and international driving license is not required for a scooter or a 50cc.   

Bicycle rentals and even electric bicycles are also a popular choice for exploring Danang. Many guest houses and hostels may provide free bikes to their guests. Bicycles are not that much cheaper than motorbikes to rent, and a good mountain bike can cost up to 13 USD per day.