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Things to Do in Da Nang

Things to Do in Da Nang

Da Nang Da Nang City, Vietnam Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Engage with The City of bridges's natural environment through various active pursuits.

Hiking & Trekking

Marble Mountains

Explore the various caves and pagodas within the five mountains. Climb to the peaks for panoramic views. Paths are paved but involve many steps and some steep sections. This is a medium difficulty level. Book tours here.

Son Tra Peninsula

Features numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks along paved streets to more challenging treks through lush forests. Many trails lead to secluded beaches or stunning viewpoints. Hiring a local guide for exploration and wildlife spotting is advisable.

Wildlife Encounters Son Tra Peninsula

This peninsula has the best chance to spot the Red-shanked Douc Langurs, a highly endangered primate species. These sightings are best achieved with a specialized local tour guide who knows their habitats and behaviors.

Water Sports & Cycling

  • My Khe Beach: Ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Seasonal waves (November-February) attract surfers. Jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides are also available.
  • Snorkeling/Diving: Direct snorkeling or diving off Da Nang beaches is limited. Better options exist via boat tours to nearby islands, like the Cham Islands, a popular day trip for coral reefs and marine life. Find tours here.
  • Coastal Street Biking: Cycling along My Khe Beach and extending north or south provides scenic and relatively flat routes. Rental bikes are widely available from hotels and local shops.
  • Son Tra Peninsula Cycling: has challenging but rewarding cycling for experienced riders. The peninsula features steep climbs and stunning coastal views.

Canyoning/Abseiling

  • While more commonly linked with Da Lat, some operators near The City of bridges might have trips to surrounding mountains.
  • Inquire with local tour companies for availability and details.
  • These adventure sports are great for thrill-seekers.

Ziplining

  • Ziplining is available at Ba Na Hills.
  • It features a thrilling ride with beautiful scenery over the holiday resort.
  • A fun activity for families and individuals.
  • Combine with a trip to the Golden Bridge.

Coastal Adventures

  • Explore tucked-away coves and beaches along the Son Tra Peninsula by motorbike or organized tour.
  • Consider a paddleboarding or kayaking session along the coastline for a peaceful water experience.

Safety Advisory

Always book adventure activities through reputable tour operators and verify their safety standards and insurance coverage. Follow all instructions from guides.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Vietnamese culture through hands-on experiences and performances.

Workshops & Classes

  • Cooking Classes: Take a class on making traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho, spring rolls, or banh xeo. Many classes start with a market visit for ingredient selection.
  • Lantern Making (The City of lanterns): In nearby Hoi An, you can join workshops to make traditional Vietnamese silk lanterns, a beautiful local craft.
  • Traditional Music: Occasionally, you will find traditional music performances at cultural centers or upscale restaurants in Da Nang.
  • Language Learning: Some private tutors or small language centers in Da Nang offer short-term Vietnamese lessons. These aid learning basic phrases.

Cultural Performances & Festivals

A O Show Hoi An

While located in The City of lanterns (a popular day trip), this show blends acrobatics, contemporary dance, and traditional music to tell poetic stories about Vietnamese life.

Da Nang International Fireworks Festival DIFF

Held annually, typically in June, this festival features international teams competing with spectacular fireworks displays. It draws large crowds and is a major event.

Hue Festival

(Held every two years in Hue, a one-day trip from The City of bridges) This major cultural event showcases traditional Vietnamese arts, music, and shows, providing a deep dive into imperial culture.

Community-Based Tourism

Opportunities for community-based tourism are more prevalent in rural areas or Hoi An than within Da Nang city. Seek journeys that emphasize local interaction and sustainable practices, ensuring local communities get benefit.

Spa & Wellness

Many high-end accommodations and resorts have excellent spas with traditional Vietnamese massage, hot stone massage, and physical wraps. Mid-range spa options are widely available, especially in the An Thuong area.

Hot Springs & Therapy

Than Tai Mountain Hot Springs Park (30 km west of Da Nang) has hot mineral springs, mud soaks, and various pools. This offers a relaxing escape and therapeutic benefits.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for rest and rejuvenation in The City of bridges's serene settings.

Spa & Wellness Center Recommendations

  • Many high-end hotels and vacation spots in Da Nang feature excellent spas. They have traditional Vietnamese massage, hot stone massage, body wraps, and a range of other treatments.
  • Mid-range spa options are widely available in the city, especially in the An Thuong area, holding good value for massages and basic treatments.
  • Traditional healing practices: Traditional Vietnamese massage and herbal remedies are available at local spas and pharmacies.
  • Beach and Pool Clubs: Numerous resorts and hotels have daily tickets for their pools and beach clubs, allowing non-guests to enjoy their facilities. My Khe Beach itself is a large public beach, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.

Hot Springs & Yoga Retreats

Than Tai Mountain Hot Springs Park

Located about 30 km west of Da Nang, this park features hot mineral springs, mud baths, and various pools. It provides a relaxing escape and therapeutic benefits.

Yoga and Meditation Retreats

Some smaller studios and retreats are present in Da Nang, notably catering to the expat community and tourists seeking wellness. Search for local listings if a dedicated retreat interests you.

Peaceful Beach Walks

Take serene walks along My Khe Beach during sunrise or sunset. The tranquil atmosphere is ideal for quiet reflection and unwinding.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music & Clubs

Waterfront Bar & Restaurant usually includes live bands. Sky36 Bar (Novotel The City of bridges rooftop) has DJ music and panoramic city views, creating a lively atmosphere. Sky36 is Da Nang's highest rooftop bar, known for its energetic club atmosphere.

Theater & Performance

For traditional and contemporary performances, check the schedule at Trung Vuong Theatre. Occasionally, special cultural shows appear for visitors.

Bar Districts

Bach Dang Street (Han River waterfront) features many taverns and bars with scenic river views. The An Thuong Area is a concentrated spot with many bars, pubs, and casual eateries, popular with tourists and expats.

Shopping & Markets

Explore The City of bridges's shopping scene, from bustling traditional markets to modern malls.

Traditional Markets

  • Han Market (Chợ Hàn): A bustling central market selling everything from fresh produce, seafood, and seasonings to clothing, fabrics, and souvenirs. A good place to experience local life and practice polite bargaining.
  • Con Market (Chợ Cồn): Larger than Han Market, known for its extensive food stalls on the ground level and various clothing and household goods on upper floors.
  • Bac My An Market: A local market notably famous for its excellent street food, especially "chè" (sweet soups).
  • Bargaining: Common in traditional markets, especially for keepsakes and clothing. Start with about 50% of the asking price and negotiate politely.

Artisan & Souvenirs

Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village

At Marble Mountains, artisans carve statues, jewelry, and other items directly from marble. You can watch them at work, finding unique souvenirs.

Silk & Tailoring

While Hoi An is more famous for tailors, some tailor shops and silk stores appear in Da Nang, having custom-made clothing options.

Popular Souvenirs

Marble carvings, Vietnamese coffee and traditional coffee filters (phin), local spices, dried seafood, Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), silk products, lacquerware, and conical hats (Nón Lá) are popular.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Vincom Plaza Da Nang is a modern shopping mall featuring international and local brands, a cinema, and a food court. A Western-style shopping experience is found here. Indochina Riverside Towers has some boutiques and cafes.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

  • When buying handicrafts, try to purchase directly from artisans or from reputable shops that clearly support local communities and fair wages.
  • Be mindful of items made from endangered species and avoid purchasing them.
  • Support local businesses to contribute to the local economy.

Shipping & Customs Information

  • If you purchase large or heavy items, like marble statues, inquire about international shipping services on offer from Da Nang.
  • Research customs regulations for your home country regarding restricted items or duty-free allowances before making large purchases.
  • Keep receipts for large purchases for customs declarations.

Late-Night Entertainment

Street Food & Cafes
  • Many street food vendors operate late into the night.
  • Local cafes often stay open, providing opportunities for late-night snacks and drinks.
  • The Han River waterfront is specifically lively in the evenings.
Bars & Pubs
  • Bar districts like An Thuong and Bach Dang Street remain active into the late hours.
  • Sky36 Bar is a top choice for those in search of a lively club atmosphere with great views until late.
  • Enjoy a leisurely evening wander down the Han River to experience the illuminated bridges.

Tips for Nightlife

Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when out late. Use reputable taxi or ride-hailing services like Grab for transportation.

Activity Planning Summary

Morning Activities

  • Sunrise at My Khe Beach followed by a local breakfast.
  • Explore Marble Mountains in the colder during the morning.
  • Join a morning cooking class, starting with a market visit.
  • Visit local fishing villages for an authentic experience.

Afternoon & Evening Activities

  • Relax at a spa or wellness center.
  • Shopping at Han Market or Vincom Plaza.
  • Enjoy dinner at a riverfront restaurant with illuminated bridge views.
  • Experience the Dragon Bridge fire and water show followed by Sky36 Bar.
Things to Do in Da Nang. Activities, Experiences, Adventures