TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. WHEN SHOULD YOU TRAVEL TO DA NANG?
Da Nang is a beautiful destination with many places to visit and activities to participate in. The best time to visit Da Nang depends on your favourite activity and your travel time. Below are some notable things you should know about to accurately select the time you want to visit this lovely city:
- Dry season (January to July): Dry weather, very little rain, warm temperature, suitable for outdoor activities, sun bathing, swimming. You can enjoy your vacation on one of many beautiful beaches such as: Mỹ Khê, Non Nước, Nam Ô or spending time at Bà Nà Hills. Other than that, during June there is also the International Firework Festival in Da Nang which will attract many tourists.
- Tourist season (June and July): This is the summer time, the beaches are beautiful and suitable for swimming and sunbathing. During tourist season, the prices of all services could be a bit more expensive and most destinations will be crowded.
- Rain season (September to December): Lots of rain during this time, less tourists travel here so the service prices are usually cheaper, consider travelling to Da Nang during this time for a calmer atmosphere. But remember to check the weather forecast if you want to travel here during these months, and be prepared for any bad weather.
- Lunar New Year (January or February): Da Nang is lively with many festivals, events celebrating Lunar New Year.
- Da Nang International Firework Festival (Usually during June): A big event attracts many visitors from all over the world to come and watch teams from everywhere compete.
The time to go to Da Nang depends on if you want an active vacation or enjoy a quiet, cheap atmosphere. However, during the dry season from January to July is still the most suitable time for most tourists.
2. WHAT TO DO IN DA NANG?
“What to do in Da Nang?” is a question many tourists want answers to. Da Nang has many tourist attractions, however, below are the list of some of the most outstanding places that tourists should not skip when you are visiting this beautiful city.
2.1. Mỹ Khê Beach
Mỹ Khê beach is known as one of the most beautiful beach in the whole world, with smooth sandy shore, clear blue water and light waves. An ideal place for swimming and other over and underwater activities like surfing, diving, kayaking… and enjoying tasty seafood at nearby restaurants. Mỹ Khê beach will bring you many memorable experiences.
2.2. Bà Nà Hills
Bà Nà Hills lies on the top of Chúa mountain, one of the most well-known destinations in Da Nang, famous for its beautiful natural sceneries, cool temperature year round and unique French architecture. When coming to Bà Nà Hills, tourists can experience the world’s longest cable car, take a tour around Pháp village, Tóc Tiên waterfall and enjoy numerous delicacies in top tier restaurants. Finally, Vàng bridge with its unique design, location and breathtaking views is also a place that should not be missed by any tourists.
2.3. Most Well-Known Bridges In Da Nang
Da Nang is also known as the city of many bridges, each carrying with it its own unique architecture style and contributing to the beauty of the city of Da Nang. Below are 9 unique famous bridges in Da Nang:
- Rồng bridge has the shape of a twisting dragon flying above Hàn river. The bridge have a unique ability to breathe fire or water on weekend nights, bringing a unique and impressive show, attracting many visitors
- Sông Hàn bridge is the only turning bridge in Vietnam, it can rotate 90 degrees at night to open the way for ships to traverse on the river. Sông Hàn bridge is a symbol of Da Nang and a representation of innovation is bridge architecture and building.
- Thuận Phước bridge is Vietnam longest suspension bridge, connecting both banks of Hàn river, bringing a romantic and beautiful view at night.
- Trần Thị Lý bridge is a unique bridge, it has a distinct architecture with a huge leaning tower in the middle of the bridge and holding cables on both end of the bridge, creating an image of a sail full of wind, symbolizing the soaring development of Da Nang and its effort to be known worldwide. The bridge is also equipped with a modern LED light system, creating an impressive scenery at night.
- Nguyễn Văn Trỗi bridge is a bridge created specifically for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge’s design is simplistic but it carries a very high historical value. This is a good place to stop by if you want to watch the sunset and enjoy a bit of a quiet atmosphere away from the noise of traffic in Da Nang.
- Tuyên Sơn bridge connects both banks of Hàn river, this bridge plays an important part in traffic and economical development of the surrounding areas. This bridge is also a perfect destination to view the entirety of Hàn river and Da Nang city itself.
- Hòa Xuân bridge is a newly built bridge, connecting the center of the city to its southern areas. The bridge got a sleek and modern design. It helps in directing traffic and developing new residential areas.
- Cẩm Lệ bridge is a part of South West Da Nang, it connect the central areas to its outlying ones. This is a strategic bridge which helps reduce traffic jams and help local economic development.
- Ngã Ba Huế overpass is Vietnam’s first 3 level overpass, with a unique design and effectively helps in reducing traffic jams. This overpass is a symbol for the scientific and urban development of Da Nang.
Each bridge in Da Nang plays a part in directing traffic in the city, ensuring a smooth and safe travel for everyone. They are also works of art, helping in creating a beautiful and memorable city of Da Nang.
To visit all the above famous bridges in Da Nang, you can travel there yourself or use a tour boat on Hàn river (which will cost about 150.000 – 750.000 VND per person which is equivalent to $6-$30 USD per person, the price changes depending you will have dinner on the boat or not). The typical tour boat will pick you up below Rồng bridge (Đà Nẵng dock) and slowly move through different bridges: Sông Hàn bridge, Trần Thị Lý bridge, Rồng bridge and finally Thuận Phước bridge. The trip usually takes around 1 hour.
2.4. Ngũ Hành Mountains
Ngũ Hành mountains is a pack of 5 limestones mountains called: Kim (Metal), Mộc (Wood), Thủy (Water), Hỏa (Fire), Thổ (Earth). Each of these 5 mountains all have different caves, shrines, temples and unique breathtaking natural views. When going to Ngũ Hành mountains, tourists can climb mountain, visit Linh Ứng temple, Huyền Không cave and explore Non Nước fine art stone carving village with many exotic stone carving. This place attracts many tourists for its natural views and its historical and cultural values.
2.5. Sơn Trà Peninsula
Sơn Trà peninsula is about 10km to the North East from the center of Da Nang. This is a natural reserve with a diverse ecosystem and many breathtaking natural views. Tourists can explore Linh Ứng Bãi Bụt temple ( also known as Linh Ứng Sơn Trà temple) with the tallest statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara in Vietnam, or discover the primary forest and view the entirety of Da Nang from the top of Bàn Cờ peak. Sơn Trà peninsula will bring more than just the relaxing feeling, it is also an ideal place to immerse yourself with the wild natural world surrounding it.
2.6. Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
Mỹ Sơn sanctuary is a world renowned UNESCO certified cultural heritage site, it is located about 40 km to the South West of Da Nang. This is a heritage site consisting of many ancient Chăm Pa temples, built from the 4th to the 14th century. Tourists coming here can discover numerous unique architectures, delicate and artful sculptures and learn more about the culture of ancient Chăm Pa. Mỹ Sơn sanctuary is a source of numerous cultural values and also an attractive destination because of its natural view, a wild and wonderful place to be.
2.7. Linh Ứng Temples
Linh Ứng temples are some of the most famous temples in Da Nang. Linh Ứng temples are 3 temples at 3 different location at Sơn Trà peninsula, Ngũ Hành mountains and Bà Nà Hills. Linh Ứng Bãi Bụt temples is located at Sơn Trà peninsula, this place is famous for the tallest statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara in Vietnam, from this place tourists can see the entirety of the city of Da Nang and the beautiful ocean beyond it. Linh Ứng temple on Ngũ Hành mountains is located on Thủy (Water) mountain, it is a Buddist temple and carry with it plenty of cultural values. Finally Linh Ứng Bà Nà temple is located at Bà Nà Hills, bringing a peaceful quiet atmosphere in the middle of the forest.
2.8. Hàn Market
Hàn market is one of the most famous and populated markets in Da Nang, lies near the center of the city. This is a place where tourists come to buy everything, from clothes, shoes to other local delicacies like fish sauce, candies, dry sea foods and fresh fruits and vegetables. Hàn market is more than just an ideal place for shopping, it is a place to enjoy and discover the lives and food of the people of Da Nang. Tourists can enjoy delicious street food vendors and immerse themselves in the busy, lively atmosphere of the market.
2.9. Other Destinations Near Da Nang
If you have arrived in Da Nang, you should also spend some time to visit nearby tourist attractions such as:
- Hội An old quarter is about 30 km to the south of Da Nang, famous for small ancient streets, old houses and lantern lit streets. Hội An is also a food paradise with many delicious local delicacies.
- Cù lao Chàm is a concentration of islands about 15 km from Hội An. This is an ideal place for swimming, diving, coral reef viewing and discovering a diverse ecosystem.
- The 7 acre coconut forest (or Cẩm Thanh coconut forest, Hội An) has many unique and attractive activities. Here tourists can travel the water way through basket boat, participate in local festivals and activities and enjoy the food of the people here.
3. WHAT TO EAT IN DA NANG?
Beside “What to do in Da Nang”, “What to eat in Da Nang” is also a popular question. Da Nang, besides being an attractive tourist destination, is also an incredible food paradise with many tasty and unique dishes. Below are some of the most famous food that you should not miss when you arrive in Da Nang:
- Seafood: Da Nang is famous for its lively seafood such as shrimp, crab, squid, fish… and there are many ways to cook them (grilled, steamed, stir-fried, fried…). Seafood in Da Nang is fresh and tasty, preserving the natural taste of freshly captured seafood.
- Quảng noodle: Quảng noodle is a unique dish of Quảng Nam – Đà Nẵng, made from thick noodles with bright yellow color, it is eaten with chicken, shrimp, eggs and other vegetables. The broth is rich in taste and delicious. This dish is also eaten with crispy roasted peanuts and sesame rice cake, creating a unique delicious flavor.
- Bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo: a unique but delicate dish, consisting of thin sliced pork, eaten with rice paper wrapper, rice vermicelli, fresh vegetables and special made sauce. The thing that made this dish stand out is the carefully created dipping sauce, creating the rich and tasty flavor.
- Bún chả cá: a special dish made from rice vermicelli and minced fish, the broth is made from fish bone and a lot of vegetables, fruits and herbs and spices like tomato, pineapple, cabbage… The minced fish is freshly caught, tasty and has a distinct aroma. This dish is usually eaten with fresh vegetables creating a balance between different flavors, making it a famous dish.
- Cao lầu: a famous dish of Hội An and is also incredibly famous in Da Nang. The dish consists of thick gold noodles, eaten with char siu, bean sprouts, fresh vegetables and rich and flavorful broth. This dish will bring you an unique flavor, unlike any you have ever tried before.
- Bánh xèo: sizzling pancake with small size, crispy with many different kinds of filling such as shrimp, squid, pork… in combination with bean sprouts. This dish is also eaten with fresh vegetables and sweet and sour sauce, creating a tasty, flavorful dish that will charm anyone.
- Nem lụi: Nem lụi is made from minced pork, wrapped around a bamboo stick and then grilled. Nem lụi is eaten with rice paper wrapper, fresh vegetables, rice vermicelli and sweet and sour sauce.
- Chè xoa xoa hạt lựu: a popular dessert in Da Nang. This dessert dish is made from many ingredients like delatin, pomegranate seeds, green beans, coconut extracts and grinded ice. The dish is sweet, cool, perfect for a hot day.
4. SOME NOTICE WHEN ARRIVING IN DA NANG
In order to have a smooth and complete trip in Da Nang, you should take notice to some of the followings:
- Weather: Dry season (January to July) is the perfect time to travel to Da Nang. During this time the sky is clear, the beach is calm, suitable for swimming and other outdoor activities. However, you will need to prepare suncream, hats, shades to protect your skin from the harm of UV lights.
- Transportation: Da Nang has an international airport, train stations, bus stops which will help you to move around the city easily. Within the city limit, you can also hire a motorbike, use taxis or other tech options to hire vehicles like Grab to move around. If you want to hire a vehicle, you need to check the condition of the vehicle thoroughly and always carry with you important documents like ID and driving license.
- Notice: Da Nang has plenty of occupation options from hotels, luxury resorts to motels, homestays which will satisfy all types of budgets. You should reserved a room before you travel, especially during tourist seasons to ensure you have the most suitable accommodation.
- Security and safety: Da Nang is a safe city, but you will still need to take care of yourself and your personal belongings, especially in crowded places. Please do not leave any items you own in public places and always lock your hotel, motel doors when leaving the room. When participating in underwater activities like swimming, surfing etc… Please follow all safety protocols and instructions and pay attention to lifeguard warnings.
- Food: Da Nang is famous for many tasty and delicious dishes, but if you have a weak stomach, please choose a clean, reputable restaurant. You should bring some kind of digestion pills, anti allergy pills if you have had food allergies before.
- Respect local religion and belief: When coming to religious places like temples, shrines you need to dress politely and discreetly (long pants or long shirts that go past the knees, no tear or torn down shirts) and keep quiet.
- Currency: You should use cash for small transactions, but sometimes it is better to use your credit or debit card to reduce the risk of stealing or scams. There are plenty of ATM machines in the city.
- Spending: You should always try to bargain before buying or using any services at smaller stores to avoid being tricked.
- Using eSIM: Even though free Wi-Fi is plentiful in public places and other residences, you should still have an eSIM to easily contact and access the Internet everywhere in Vietnam and everywhen you want. Contact TrustVisa through our hotline 0978121585 if you need help to get one or advice in getting one.
- Backup plans: Always have a backup plan in case of an emergency like storms, hurricanes, flight delay or cancellation or changes in schedule. You should also save some necessary phone numbers like the police, emergency rescue or your country’s embassy/consulate
Please have a safe, interesting and enjoyable trip in Da Nang!