Nestled along Vietnam’s central coast, Da Nang is where turquoise waters meet sleek skyscrapers and where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with a modern lifestyle.
Often overshadowed by Hanoi to the north and Ho Chi Minh City to the south, Da Nang has quietly become one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations.
From pristine beaches and majestic mountains to buzzing cafés and shimmering bridges, this city is a fusion of nature and modernity that leaves travelers both relaxed and inspired. Here’s your 2025 travel guide to Vietnam’s dazzling coastal gem.
Beaches & Coastal Adventures
● My Khe Beach: More than just a stunning shoreline, My Khe is where Da Nang’s vibrant city life meets tranquil seaside charm. Once hailed by Forbes as one of the world’s most luxurious beaches, this 9-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters offers space for everyone, whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or strolling. Even during peak times, it feels surprisingly uncrowded. The beach has lifeguard-patrolled swimming zones, and its east-facing sunrises make early mornings here unforgettable.
● Non Nuoc Beach: Nestled at the foot of the Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc offers a serene escape with gentle waves, soft white sand, and panoramic ocean views. Framed by lush greenery and distant peaks, it’s the perfect setting for sunrise meditation, a quiet beach stroll, or simply unwinding under the shade of a palm.
● Water Sports: At My Khe and Non Nuoc beaches, adventure meets ocean bliss. Glide over turquoise waves on a jet ski, soar high while parasailing, or test your balance with stand-up paddleboarding. For a gentler pace, try kayaking or a banana boat ride with friends. Equipment rentals and instructors are available right on the sand, making it easy for both beginners and pros.
Scenic Mountains & Wild Nature
● Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain): Just a short drive from the city, the Son Tra Peninsula offers winding coastal roads, hidden beaches, and a lush forest home to the endangered red-shanked douc langur. The highlight is the 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda, gazing over the East Sea. With panoramic viewpoints like Ban Co Peak and peaceful hiking trails, it’s a must for nature lovers and photographers.
● Hai Van Pass: Dubbed “one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world,” this 20-kilometer stretch between Da Nang and Hue winds through misty mountains with sweeping views of the sea. Best experienced by motorbike or jeep, it’s dotted with lookout points, wartime relics, and endless photo opportunities.
● Marble Mountains: Rising unexpectedly from the flat coastal plain, these five limestone hills, named after the five elements, are filled with sacred caves, pagodas, and traditional stone-carving villages. The largest, Thuy Son, offers panoramic views, steep stairways, and mystical grottoes like the atmospheric Huyen Khong Cave.
● Hoi An: Nestled close to Da Nang, adds another layer of charm to any visit. A UNESCO World Heritage town, Hoi An enchants with its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture, riverside cafes, and bustling night markets. Whether you’re exploring tailor shops, gliding down the Thu Bon River on a traditional boat, or simply soaking in the old-world ambience, Hoi An offers a magical contrast to Da Nang’s vibrant coastal energy. It’s a journey back in time that perfectly complements the city’s modern seaside appeal.
Temples & Heritage Sites
● Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra & Ba Na Hills): Da Nang is home to multiple Linh Ung Pagodas, but the most iconic stands proudly on the Son Tra Peninsula. This serene temple complex is famous for the towering 67-meter Lady Buddha statue, Vietnam’s tallest, which gazes protectively out to sea. Surrounded by lush gardens and bonsai trees, the site offers sweeping views of the East Sea and the Da Nang skyline. Another Linh Ung Pagoda resides atop Ba Na Hills, blending Buddhist architecture with mountain mist and tranquility, offering visitors a peaceful spiritual retreat above the clouds.
● Other Spiritual Sites: Quan Am, Phap Lam, Linh Chua Linh Tu Pagodas & Da Nang Cathedral: Da Nang’s religious diversity is reflected in its variety of sacred places. Quan Am Pagoda, located near Marble Mountains, is a quiet, lesser-known temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Phap Lam Pagoda, right in the city center, is known for its peaceful courtyard and intricate Buddhist statues. Linh Chua Linh Tu Pagoda, nestled on Ba Na Hills, is revered for its mountain-top serenity and traditional design. In contrast, the Da Nang Cathedral, affectionately called the “Rooster Church”for its weathercock spire, showcases Gothic-style architecture in soft pink hues—a colonial-era gem still active today and open to visitors of all faiths.
● Cham Sculpture Museum: Just a short walk from the Han River, the Cham Sculpture Museum is a cultural gem preserving the legacy of the ancient Champa Kingdom, which once ruled central and southern Vietnam. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Cham art, with sandstone and terracotta sculptures dating from the 4th to 14th centuries. These works, featuring intricate carvings of Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma reveal the Champa civilization’s deep Indian influences and spiritual symbolism. The museum offers a quiet, air-conditioned escape for history
buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
● My Son Sanctuary: Located about an hour’s drive from Da Nang, My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as the spiritual and political heart of the Champa Kingdom. Set in a lush jungle valley surrounded by mountains, this archaeological site features dozens of red-brick temple towers built between the 4th and 13th centuries, most dedicated to Hindu gods, especially Shiva. Despite damage from war and time, many of the temples still display remarkable stone carvings, Sanskrit inscriptions, and religious motifs. Guided tours or audio headsets help bring its rich history to life, making My Son a powerful day trip for those interested in ancient architecture and Vietnam’s pre-colonial heritage.
City Life & Arts
●Han River & Its Iconic Bridges: The Han River flows through the heart of Da Nang, offering one of the city’s most scenic strolls along its calm, breezy embankments. Lined with charming cafés, boutique hotels, street art, and light installations, the riverside comes alive at night when the city lights reflect off the water. The river is also home to Da Nang’s famed bridges, each with its own story and visual appeal.
Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng): The most famous of all, Dragon Bridge is an architectural and cultural symbol of Da Nang. Shaped like a giant golden dragon stretching 666 meters across the Han River, it represents power and prosperity. Every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 PM, the dragon comes alive—breathing fire and water in a thrilling pyrotechnic display that draws crowds of both tourists and locals. The bridge is especially stunning at night, lit with shifting LED lights that bring the dragon to life
even when it’s not performing.
●Han River Bridge: The Han River Bridge holds the title of Vietnam’s first swing bridge, and it remains a proud feat of local engineering. Every weekend around midnight, the bridge slowly rotates on its axis to allow ships to pass through—a fascinating display of functionality and design. At night, it glows with soft, color-changing lights, offering a quieter yet equally impressive contrast to the nearby Dragon Bridge.
●Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge: Just outside Da Nang, Ba Na Hills is a surreal mountaintop resort blending natural beauty with European fantasy. Its most iconic feature is the Golden Bridge—a 150-meter pedestrian walkway held aloft by two giant, weathered stone hands emerging from the mountainside. Nestled in mist at over 1,400 meters above sea level, the bridge feels like a dreamscape. Beyond the bridge, the complex features a French village, lavender gardens, an alpine coaster, and even a
mini theme park, all accessible via one of the world’s longest cable car rides.
Da Nang is more than a stopover, it’s a destination in its own right. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant urban life, mouth-watering cuisine, and rich culture, Da Nang offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re a beach bum, foodie, history buff, or adventure seeker, this coastal gem invites you to stay a little longer and explore a little deeper. With Vietnam Airlines direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, Da Nang is now closer than ever. In just a few hours, you can swap bustling cityscapes for Nang is now closer than ever. In just a few hours, you can swap bustling cityscapes for Vietnam. From the moment you board, enjoy the comfort of a full-service carrier, the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality, and a seamless journey to one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting seaside escapes.
