Da Nang, City Guide
VNRentals's Top 15 Things To Do in Da Nang
10 April 2026
Da Nang is often treated as a stopover between Hoi An and Hue - which is a mistake. It's one of Vietnam's most liveable cities: wide roads, clean beaches, good coffee, and easy access to some of the best scenery in the country.
Here are our top 15 things to do and see, for visitors who want a mix of coastline, city life, and easy day trips.
1. 🏖️ My Khe Beach
Cost: Free!
A long, clean stretch of sand running along the eastern side of the city. It's one of the best urban beaches in Southeast Asia and never feels overcrowded unless you're directly outside the main resorts.
Locals use it daily - swimming, jogging, dancing or sitting with coffee facing the sea. The further south you go, the quieter it gets, the part we find the best for quietness is near Hồ Xuân Hương street and the further north you go, you'll find the beach changes to shingles and has a local boat-fishing community, so we recommend staying south for the most idyllic beach vibes.
Area: Võ Nguyên Giáp Street, Sơn Trà District
2. 🏔️ Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn)
Time: ~2 hours | Entrance: ~40,000 VND
A cluster of limestone hills filled with caves, hidden temples, and steep staircases. Inside, you'll find incense-filled shrines carved into the rock and openings that lead to panoramic coastal views. This might not be a great choice if you have mobility issues or younger children due to the mobility required.
Address: 81 Huyền Trân Công Chúa, Ngũ Hành Sơn
Tip: Take the stairs up for the full experience, elevator down to save your knees.
3. 🌉 Dragon Bridge Fire Show
Time: 15 minutes | Free
Every Saturday and Sunday at 9pm, the dragon breathes fire and water. It's designed for tourists, but still worth seeing once or if you're in the area at the time - a must do if this is your first time in the city.
Address: Nguyễn Văn Linh, Hải Châu District
4. 🚲 Cycle the Coastal Road
Cost: ~50k-100k VND/day
Da Nang is one of the few cities in Vietnam where cycling feels manageable. Ride along Võ Nguyên Giáp prominade, heading north toward the Son Tra Peninsula - it's flat, scenic, and far less chaotic than Hanoi or Saigon.
You can pick up a bike rental for really cheap depending on the make, model and age of the bike
5. ☕ Coffee by the Han River
Cost: 30,000-70,000 VND
The riverfront has a completely different feel to Hanoi - modern cafes, wide pavements, and space to sit outside. It's best in the evening when the bridges light up and the temperature drops.
Area: Trần Hưng Đạo Street
6. 🏝️ Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain)
Time: Half day | Free
A jungle-covered peninsula just outside the city. The roads wind through dense forest with viewpoints looking back over the coastline. This will be one of the your best moped rides if you're driving there.
If you've never seen wild monkeys before, this is a must do activity, although they mostly are found in the parking area, the Pagoda is also very tranquil which is the reason for the ride up.
Highlight: Linh Ung Pagoda and the 67m Lady Buddha statue.
7. 🏮 Day Trip to Hoi An
Time: Half-full day | ~45 minutes away
A UNESCO-listed town known for its preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets. It's touristy, but still one of the most atmospheric places in Vietnam. If you've got a valid international licence it can be a good adventure to drive out.
Our best pick is one of the lantern making classes, on really busy days you'll need to book-up early, but most of the time it's come as you go, and you can take your lantern home since it folds down nicely!
Best time: Leave in the early afternoon and leave an hour after darkness.
8. 🛵 Hải Vân Pass
Time: Half day
A coastal mountain road connecting Da Nang and Hue. Bring an extra set of clothes because you can occasionally be riding in the clouds depending on the cloud level. Expect sweeping ocean views, sharp bends, and old French and American war relics along the route. Off the beaten paths you can find waterfalls that people will have as the primary destination taking these roads.
Tip: Go early - clouds can roll in quickly and kill visibility.
9. 🍜 Mi Quang for Lunch
Cost: ~30,000-50,000 VND
Da Nang's signature dish - thick turmeric noodles, herbs, peanuts, pork, shrimp, and just a small amount of broth. It's lighter than pho and typically eaten at lunch.
Tip: Look for busy local spots with quick turnover.
10. 🏯 Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
Time: Full day | ~900,000 VND
A surreal hilltop resort featuring a replica French village giving Universal Studio Vibes, home of the by giant stone hand bridge. It's heavily commercialised but visually unique.
A 10 minute exciting cable car takes you on this journey up the mountains, there's different levels of the mountain which contains garderns, amusement parks, resutraunts and cafes
Tip: Go early for a quieter vist, typically the busiest in the middle of the day.
11. 🌉 Han River Bridges at Night
Time: 30-60 minutes | Free
Da Nang's skyline comes alive after dark. Walk along the river and cross a few bridges - each one has a different design and lighting style.
12. 🍺 Beachfront Bars
Cost: 30,000-100,000 VND per drink
Unlike typical Vietnam city plastic stool culture, Da Nang leans more modern across the beachfront promenade. Expect relaxed beachfront bars either sheltered or chairs on the beach with music, cocktails, and open space. Just remember to stay hydrated if you plan on drinking in the summer sun.
13. 🛍️ Con Market
Time: 1 hour
A large local market that feels far more authentic than the tourist-focused spots. Good for street food, snacks, and seeing everyday city life.
Address: 290 Hùng Vương, Hải Châu
14. 🧖 Spa & Massage
Time: 1-2 hours | ~300,000 VND+
Da Nang has some of the best-value spa experiences in Vietnam. After a day riding or walking, a proper massage here goes a long way.
Tip: Look for clean, well-reviewed places - quality does vary a lot and typically inflated reviews can be 'bought' for a discount on your massage.
15. 🌿 Day Trip: Hue
Time: Full day | ~2-3 hours away
The former imperial capital of Vietnam. Expect citadels, royal tombs, and a slower, more historical atmosphere than Da Nang.
Best combined with the Hai Van Pass if you're doing it in one trip, else you can take a train which is a bit cheaper, but less comfortable than a rented taxi.
New to Da Nang?
We've put together a practical guide covering visas, transport, SIM cards, and what to expect living by the coast.
Read the Vietnam guide 📚🏠 Where to Stay in Da Nang: Expat Neighbourhoods
Da Nang is compact — most areas are within 20 minutes of each other. Here's how the neighbourhoods break down for longer stays.
- My Khe Beach area: The most popular area for digital nomads and short-stay expats. Walkable to the beach, good cafes and co-working options nearby. ₫6–12M/month for a 1-bedroom.
- Son Tra Peninsula: Quieter and greener with elevated views over the bay. Better for those who want space and nature over convenience. ₫5–10M.
- Han River / City Centre: Central location with good transport links and a mix of local and expat amenities. ₫4–8M — the best value for central living.