17 BEST Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is one of those cities that surprises you—in the best way. It’s got big city energy without the chaos, beaches for days, epic mountain views, and ridiculously good food.
It’s also a fantastic base for digital nomads, with solid coworking spaces and an easy vibe.
I stayed here for a few weeks to get a taste, and let’s just say, I might find my way back here sooner rather than later. Here are the best things to do in Da Nang!
Table of Contents
- Quick List for Da Nang:
- 1. Visit the Pink Cathedral
- 2. Explore Son Tra Peninsula & the Lady Buddha
- 3. Treat Yo’ Self: Spa, Facial & Massage Time
- 4. Climb Through the Marble Mountains
- 5. Grab a Bánh Mì (or Ten)
- 6. Check Out the Fire Show at Dragon Bridge
- 7. Chill at the Beaches
- 8. Go on a Food Tour or Make Some Coffee
- 9. Wander Around & Get Lost
- 10. Drink Allll The Coffee
- 11. Shop the Local Markets
- 12. Get Some Work Done at Danasol Coworking
- 13. Sip a Craft Beer at East West Brewing
- 14. Shop for Souvenirs (or Design Your Own!)
- 15. Explore The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills
- 16. Take a Day Trip to Hoi An
- 17. Take a Day Trip to Hue
- BONUS: Do The Hai Van Pass
- What’s The Best Area of Da Nang?
- Where to Stay in Da Nang?
- Read More Vietnam Guides:
Quick List for Da Nang:
Planning Your Trip to Da Nang NOW?
Here is the quick lowdown for your itinerary!
🗺️ Top Experiences and Tours
- Roam around Son Tra Peninsula & the Lady Buddha
- Climb through the Marble Mountains
👉 This tour takes you to all the Da Nang highlights - Beach bum with a coconut
- Get caffeinated at a Vietnamese coffee-making class
- Best day trips: Hoi An and Hue, or do the Hai Van Pass
🏨 Where to Stay in Da Nang:
🚘 Looking for a way to get around?
Check here to see all the transportation routes.
🛟 Safety
Travel insurance is a must, and it doesn’t have to cost much—Here’s what I use.
1. Visit the Pink Cathedral
You literally can’t miss it—Da Nang’s bright pink cathedral is a pastel fever dream that pops against the skyline.
Officially named the Da Nang Cathedral (but often just called the “Pink Church”), this French colonial-style church was built in the 1920s and still holds mass today. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth a visit just to snap a few pics of the cotton-candy façade.
It’s located right in the city center, so it’s easy to swing by while exploring nearby cafes and markets. You can’t always go inside, but the exterior is the main draw anyway.
Visit in the early morning to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos.
2. Explore Son Tra Peninsula & the Lady Buddha
The Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain) is like Da Nang’s natural playground—with sweeping coastal views, forested roads, temples, and monkeys (yep, real ones).
At the top of many must-see lists is the enormous Lady Buddha statue, officially called the Linh Ung Pagoda. She’s 220 feet tall and can be seen from most of the beaches in town.
Take a scooter or grab a taxi to the peninsula and spend a few hours soaking in the views. You’ll find scenic stops all along the way, including hidden coves and quiet temples.
TIP: If you’re low on time and want to squeeze more in your day, this day tour is a great option. It takes you here and to more of Da Nang’s highlights!
3. Treat Yo’ Self: Spa, Facial & Massage Time
Da Nang is one of the best places to indulge in some serious self-care without blowing your budget.
Think full-body massages, facials, foot scrubs, and even body wraps—all for a fraction of what you’d pay back home. You’ll find plenty of spas around town, from luxe spots with Instagrammable interiors to tiny local joints that get the job done for cheap.
After a long travel day (or a hike up Marble Mountain—more on that below), a massage is basically non-negotiable. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
There are MANY to choose from, but I went to Nón Lá Spa 1 (woman-owned and operated) and Nón Spa (great packages) and had fantastic experiences at both.
4. Climb Through the Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are a cluster of limestone and marble hills just outside Da Nang, and they’re an absolute must.
The main mountain is full of caves, pagodas, Buddhist shrines, and steep staircases that lead to stunning viewpoints. Some steps are slick and uneven, and a few paths require a bit of scrambling—so wear decent shoes and be ready to climb.
One cave has “skylights” that let in rays of light, making it one of the most photographed spots in the area.
There’s also an elevator you can take up to avoid some of the stairs (thank you, technology), but you’ll still have to hike a fair bit.
TIP: If you’re low on time and want to squeeze more in your day, this day tour is a great option. It takes you here and to more of Da Nang’s highlights!
5. Grab a Bánh Mì (or Ten)
If you go to Vietnam and don’t eat a bánh mì… did you even go?
This humble sandwich is one of the best bites in the country—crusty French bread packed with savory meats, herbs, pickled veggies, and a splash of chili sauce. And Da Nang’s got some killer spots to try them.
If you’re hitting up a tiny street cart or a local bánh mì chain, you really can’t go wrong. They’re cheap, fast, and super satisfying.
Grab one before a day of exploring, or treat it as a post-beach snack. It’s the food MVP of Vietnam, no question. I ate bánh mì here at least five times during my stay in Da Nang!
TIP: Ask for extra eggs or pate to make the sandwich a bit more filling and keep you full longer.
6. Check Out the Fire Show at Dragon Bridge
Yes, the bridge literally breathes fire. And water.
Every weekend at 9 pm, Da Nang’s Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) puts on a short but dramatic show, where the dragon statue spits flames and mist into the night. It only lasts a few minutes, but it does draw a crowd.
Get there early if you want a front-row view, or just time it right as you’re walking over the bridge or passing by along the riverfront.
It’s one of those quirky things Da Nang is known for, but clearly, I was too lazy to check it out at night; it’s a nice view during the day, too!
7. Chill at the Beaches
Da Nang’s entire eastern edge is basically one long beach—and it’s glorious. My Khe Beach is the most famous (and often the most crowded), with soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of sunbeds and cafes nearby.
Keep walking north or south and you’ll find quieter stretches like Bac My An Beach and Non Nuoc Beach, perfect if you want a bit more peace.
It’s easy to spend your mornings here, sipping a coconut and watching the early risers do tai chi or jog along the shore.
Or swing by for golden hour, it’s one of the best sunset spots in town. Just know the beach can get windy, and the current can be strong at times, so swim with care.
Locals won’t be out on the beaches much during the scolding afternoon hours, but everyone comes for their sunset dip!
8. Go on a Food Tour or Make Some Coffee
If you’re not sure what to eat (or just want someone else to guide your tastebuds), book a food tour.
Da Nang’s food scene is absolutely worth diving into. Think mì quảng (a turmeric-infused noodle dish), bánh xèo (crispy rice pancakes), fresh seafood, and desserts made with coconut and condensed milk.
Many tours will take you to local-favorite street stalls and hole-in-the-wall spots that don’t always show up on Google Maps.
It’s a great way to explore neighborhoods, learn what you’re eating, and avoid playing food roulette. Plus, you’ll walk away (or waddle away) totally full.
There are also coffee-making classes, so you can learn all about Vientamese coffee making (and get caffeinated for your food tour!)
👉 BOOK IT:
9. Wander Around & Get Lost
Da Nang is one of those cities where aimless wandering is actually a great plan. Side streets lead to surprise temples, murals, cute shops, and who knows what else?!
A wrong turn might land you at a coffee shop with a rooftop view. And you’ll probably stumble on a random street vendor selling something sizzling on a charcoal grill.
Don’t overthink your itinerary; some of the best moments here come from going with the flow. This is not only my favorite thing to do in Da Nang, it’s my favorite thing to do anywhere! Getting lost for a bit is always a fun activity.
10. Drink Allll The Coffee
I drank so much coffee. All the time, even when I didn’t need one, because it’s so damn good, cheap, and well, it’s a fun thing to do—if you like coffee that is!
I found a few fav spots, but one of my favs was just a simple place right on the beach (right here). They also offered cheap beach umbrellas and chairs to rent for the day right in front of their hut.
11. Shop the Local Markets
Da Nang’s markets are a whole experience. Whether you’re bargain-hunting, souvenir-grabbing, or just here for the people-watching, you’ll want to spend at least an hour getting lost in the stalls.
Han Market is a great place to start—it’s centrally located and packed with everything from cheap clothes and cute accessories to dried fruits, snacks, and coffee beans.
This is where I snagged a few pairs of super comfy pants ($5) and shorts ($3) at excellent prices.
I even got a new pair of Crocs for like $9. Fake or real? They look at feel real to me! Be ready to haggle (it’s expected), unless the price is already posted, and bring cash.
If you’re looking for souvenirs that aren’t just the usual tourist fare, this is the place to dig around. There are also some good food stalls here—so keep an eye out for a bánh bèo or fresh fruit smoothie while you shop.
12. Get Some Work Done at Danasol Coworking
For my fellow digital nomads, Danasol Coworking is a solid option in Da Nang. It’s got good food (their breakfasts are bomb!) and a comfortable, quiet workspace upstairs.
The vibe is more laid-back than stuffy, with decent Wi-Fi and enough space to spread out and get in the zone.
Whether you’re here for a quick inbox-clear or spending the whole day editing videos or writing your next big thing, it’s a great spot to stay productive without feeling like you’re stuck in a cubicle.
READ MORE: Living in Vietnam as a Digital Nomad
13. Sip a Craft Beer at East West Brewing
Right on the beach with ocean views and solid vibes, East West Brewing Da Nang is a must for beer lovers.
This isn’t your average Vietnamese bar—this is legit craft beer with full flavor, creative pours, and a relaxed but lively atmosphere. You’ll find IPAs, stouts, sours, and seasonal experiments.
It’s a great hangout spot to chill with a pint after a long and hot day.
Their food menu’s not bad either, with some fusion bites that pair perfectly with your beer flight or even just some coconuts to sip on while you watch the waves lap.
Come around sunset, and you’ve got front-row seats to the colors lighting up the coast.
14. Shop for Souvenirs (or Design Your Own!)
Da Nang isn’t short on souvenir shops, but some stand out more than others. You’ll find the usual postcards and trinkets, but you’ll also see local artisans selling handmade goods, jewelry, and textiles.
One cool experience? There are stores, like this one, where you can actually design and make your own jewelry—perfect if you want something personal instead of mass-produced.
It’s also a fun way to spend a few hours inside if it’s too hot or rainy outside. Prices range depending on how custom you go, but even simple pieces make unique keepsakes or gifts.
And you get the added bonus of saying, “I made this in Vietnam,” which is way cooler than, “I bought this at the airport.”
15. Explore The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills
Yeah, you’ve probably seen this spot on Instagram or some of the main photos you see of Da Nang, even. But Ba Na Hills is actually an hour away from Da Nang.
It features Asia’s longest non-stop single-track cable car, which glides you straight to the famous golden bridge that’s held up with stone hands.
It’s a whole day affair out here, as there are tons of other sights and activities, so don’t plan anything else for the day.
👉 BOOK IT:
16. Take a Day Trip to Hoi An
Just 30–45 minutes from Da Nang, Hoi An is the charming, lantern-filled UNESCO town you’ve probably seen before.
It’s known for its ancient architecture, glowing yellow buildings, riverside cafes, and tailors that’ll custom-make a suit or dress in 24 hours flat.
Come for the history, the street food, and the dreamy vibes. Stay into the evening to see the lanterns light up Old Town—it’s ridiculously pretty.
You can rent a bike, cruise through the countryside, or just wander the alleys and eat your way through local specialties like cao lầu and white rose dumplings. One day is enough to get a taste, but you’ll probably want more.
👉 BOOK IT:
17. Take a Day Trip to Hue
A bit farther out (around 2–2.5 hours by car or train), Hue is packed with royal tombs, temples, and the famous Imperial City.
If you’re into history, this is where Vietnam’s Nguyen dynasty ruled for over a century, and the remnants of that era are still standing (and slowly being restored).
The train ride along the coast is beautiful if you’ve got time—otherwise, a private car or motorbike ride can make for an adventurous day trip.
It’s a great contrast to Da Nang’s beachy modern feel, giving you a deeper look at central Vietnam’s layered past. Be prepared to walk a lot!
👉 BOOK IT:
BONUS: Do The Hai Van Pass
If you want to experience Hue to Da Nang, then doing the Hai Van Pass is THE way to do it! This is one thing I ran out of time for, and I want to do it!
You’ll visit a lot of Da Nang’s highlights, like Marble Mountain and Son Tra, but you’ll also be cruising along the coast from Hue, down to Da Nang or Hoi An. You’ll have insanely beautiful coastal coves and views, all while you zig and zag your way through lush hills.
If you’re renting a motorbike, cruise along at your leisure. Otherwise, there are two other ways to do this:
- Hai Van Pass motorbike tour: Hop on the back of a motorbike, and a local will drive you through the pass.
- Hai Van Pass by Train: Take a relaxing train ride to cruise through the pass up to Hue!
What’s The Best Area of Da Nang?
Da Nang’s pretty spread out, but the good news? Most neighborhoods are well-connected by Grab and motorbike, so you can get around easily.
Still, each area has its own personality—here’s a quick cheat sheet depending on what kind of traveler you are:
- My Khe Beach and An Thuong Area
Near the beach, full of trendy cafes, coworking spaces, smoothie bars, and seafood joints. It’s a walkable area with a friendly, social vibe, where many long-term travelers and remote workers call home, mixed amongst the locals and tourists. This is where I stay. - City Center (near Han River)
Close to markets, bridges (hello, Dragon Bridge), and walkable attractions like the Pink Cathedral. More local food options and a bit more buzz, but you’re farther from the beach. - Son Tra Peninsula
Not super central, but quiet with epic views, hidden beaches, and jungle vibes. Great if you want a chill escape at an epic resort away from the city noise.
Where to Stay in Da Nang?
You’re likely going to want to stay in the My Khe Beach and An Thuong Area.
Here are the best hotels in these areas!
👉 Accommodation in Da Nang
Read More Vietnam Guides:
Read more of my guides to Vietnam:
- Living in Vietnam as a Digital Nomad
- Visiting Hanoi’s Train Street: READ THIS FIRST!
- 17 BEST Cafes in Hanoi, Vietnam (DN-Friendly Too!)
- 31 BEST Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam
- Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam: Itinerary, Map, and Tips
- Your Guide to Ninh Binh, Vietnam: What to Do!
- 17 BEST Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam
- 1-Week North Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Ha Giang, and Ninh Binh
