Travel Planning · 9 min read
40 Best Things to Do in Da Nang: The Complete 2027 Guide
From sunrise swims at My Khe to fire-breathing dragons over the Han River, Da Nang packs an enormous range of experiences into one compact city. This guide covers the 40 best things to do in Da Nang, with prices, timings, and insider tips for every budget.
Things to Do in Da Nang: The Complete Guide
Da Nang is one of the most rewarding cities in Southeast Asia for travelers and long-term residents alike. Whether you have two days or two months, things to do in Da Nang range from free beach walks and ancient caves to mountain cable cars and late-night night markets. This guide groups the 40 best Da Nang things to do by category so you can plan your time without wasting it.
All prices are as of October 2026. Confirm locally before you visit as fees and hours change.
Beaches and Water
1. My Khe Beach
Da Nang's most famous beach runs for about 30 km along Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Son Tra District. Entry is free and it is open 24/7. Go at sunrise to get the water almost to yourself, or in the late afternoon when the heat drops. Lifeguards patrol during peak season. Sunbeds and umbrellas rent for roughly 30,000 to 50,000 VND per day.
2. Non Nuoc Beach
South of My Khe, quieter and backed by the Marble Mountains. Good for a morning swim away from the main tourist strip. Free entry.
3. Surfing at My Khe
October to March brings consistent swells. Several board-rental shops cluster near the beach at around 100,000 to 150,000 VND per hour. Lessons start from about 300,000 VND.
4. Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Rentals are available at My Khe and Non Nuoc from around 150,000 VND per hour. Morning is calmer. Bring reef shoes for rocky entries at Non Nuoc.
5. Parasailing
Operators work the My Khe beachfront. Prices run about 400,000 to 600,000 VND per flight as of October 2026. Always check the boat, harness, and operator reputation before boarding.
6. Son Tra Peninsula Beaches
Bai Bac, Bai Nam, and other small coves are reached by motorbike up Son Tra. Most are free and uncrowded on weekdays. The road is steep in places so confident riders only.
Da Nang Attractions: Culture and History
7. Museum of Cham Sculpture
One of the best museums in Vietnam. It holds the world's largest collection of Cham artifacts. Located at 2 Thang 9 Street, Hai Chau. Open 07:00 to 17:00. Entry is approximately 57,000 VND (about $2.28 USD) per adult as of October 2026. Spend at least 90 minutes here.
8. Da Nang Museum
31 Tran Phu, Hai Chau. Open 08:00 to 17:00. Free entry. Covers the city's history from the Cham era through the Vietnam War to the modern port city. Smaller than the Cham Museum but worth an hour.
9. Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son)
Five marble and limestone hills about 9 km south of the city center, each named after a natural element. Take the elevator (15,000 VND) or climb the stone steps. Cave entry tickets cost around 40,000 VND per person as of October 2026. Arrive before 09:00 to beat tour groups. The views from the top over Non Nuoc Beach are excellent.
10. Linh Ung Pagoda and Lady Buddha
On the Son Tra Peninsula, about 15 minutes from the city center by motorbike or Grab. The 67-metre Lady Buddha statue is visible from the beach. Entry is free. Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered. Open daily.
11. Dragon Bridge
Crosses the Han River on Nguyen Van Linh Boulevard. Walk it any evening for city views. The fire-breathing and water-spraying show runs on Saturday and Sunday nights. Check the current schedule with your hotel as times shift seasonally. Free to watch from the riverbank.
12. Love Bridge (Cau Tau Mau)
A short pier near Dragon Bridge lined with padlocks. Free, open evenings, and best combined with a Han River walk at sunset.
13. Han River Promenade
The riverfront footpath stretches for several kilometers. Rent a bicycle from one of the stalls along Bach Dang Street for about 30,000 to 50,000 VND per hour and ride it at dusk.
14. French Colonial Architecture Walk
Around Tran Phu and Bach Dang streets, several French-era buildings survive including the old post office and former city hall. Self-guided and free.
Ba Na Hills and Nearby Attractions
15. Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge
Located in the mountains about 25 km west of the city. The Sun World cable car is among the world's longest. The Golden Bridge, held up by two giant stone hands, is the headline attraction. Book tickets in advance online. Full-day combo tickets (cable car plus attractions) were approximately 750,000 to 900,000 VND per adult as of October 2026. Bring a light jacket: the summit sits at around 1,487 metres and is noticeably cooler. Expect crowds on weekends and public holidays.
16. Asia Park and the Sun Wheel
Urban theme park near the city center on 3 Thang 2 Street. The Sun Wheel is one of Southeast Asia's largest Ferris wheels. Good for families and couples after dark. Check their website for current ticket prices.
Food and Markets
17. Mi Quang (Quang Noodles)
Da Nang's signature dish: turmeric-tinted noodles with pork, shrimp, peanuts, and fresh herbs. Find a bowl from about 30,000 to 50,000 VND at any local com pho shop or market stall.
18. Banh Mi Breakfast Tour
The city has dozens of banh mi carts opening from 06:00. Budget 15,000 to 25,000 VND per roll. The area around An Thuong is a reliable hunting ground.
19. Han Market
Central market at Tran Phu and Bach Dang. Two floors of fresh produce, street snacks, souvenirs, and fabric. Open roughly 06:00 to 18:00. A bowl of soup at the market stalls costs under 40,000 VND.
20. Con Market
Bigger and more local than Han Market. Better for cheap street food, fresh seafood, and everyday goods. Open from early morning.
21. Avocado Ice Cream at Cho Bac My An
This neighborhood market near My Khe is famous for kem bo, avocado ice cream layered with coconut milk and jackfruit crisps. Cost is around 20,000 to 30,000 VND per cup. A genuinely local treat that most visitors miss.
22. Seafood Dinner on the Beach
Restaurants along My Khe serve grilled prawns, clams, and whole fish by weight. Budget meals start around 150,000 VND per person; a full seafood spread with drinks can reach 500,000 VND or more. Go after 18:00 when the restaurants fill up and the atmosphere is best.
23. Izakaya Night Out
Da Nang has a strong Japanese food scene. Izakaya Idaten in Hai Chau (rated 4.9, $$) and Umi Izakaya, also in Hai Chau (rated 4.7, $$), are two of the city's best. Kanpai Izakaya & Sushi in An Thuong (rated 4.9, $$) is the pick for sushi near the beach strip.
24. An Thuong Street Food Crawl
The An Thuong neighborhood north of My Khe is packed with restaurants, cafes, and stalls. Start at An Thuong Night Eats and graze your way south. Most dishes cost under 80,000 VND.
Night Markets and Shopping
25. Helio Night Market
Open Thursday to Sunday evenings in Hoa Cuong. Food stalls, carnival games, live music, and local crafts. Free entry. Helio Night Market is family-friendly and the food is cheap.
26. An Thuong Night Market
Smaller and more neighborhood in feel. An Thuong Night Market draws a mix of locals and expats on weekend evenings. Free entry, street food prices.
27. Son Tra Night Market
A waterfront option on the Son Tra side of the Han River. Son Tra Night Market is less polished but more local. Good for grilled snacks and cheap beer.
28. Vincom Plaza Shopping and Cinema
If the weather turns bad (and during typhoon season it will), Vincom Plaza on Nguyen Van Linh has international and local brands, a food court, and a multiplex cinema. Good air conditioning and a reliable rainy-day option. See our Vincom Plaza guide for details.
Nightlife
29. Dragon Bridge Fire Show
See item 11 above, but worth repeating: Saturday and Sunday nights, free, and best viewed from the east bank of the Han River.
30. Rooftop Bars
Gypsy Rooftop Restaurant & Bar in Hai Chau (rated 4.9, $$$) has city and river views. Icon Rooftop Restaurant & Bar in An Hai (rated 4.7, $$$) overlooks the beach zone. Both are worth booking ahead on weekends.
31. Beach Bar Sundowners
Esco Beach Bar Lounge & Restaurant in An Hai (rated 4.6, $$) is a reliable spot for a cold drink as the sun drops behind the mountains. No entry fee.
32. Live Music
Several bars in An Thuong and along Bach Dang host live bands from around 21:00. Walk the strip and follow the sound.
Day Trips from Da Nang
33. Hoi An Ancient Town
About 30 to 45 minutes south by car or Grab (roughly 200,000 to 300,000 VND one way). The old town ticket for most attractions costs around 120,000 VND. Go on a weekday and arrive before 09:00 to see it before the crowds. Stay for the lantern-lit evening.
34. Hai Van Pass
The mountain pass between Da Nang and Hue offers some of the best coastal scenery in Vietnam. Rent a motorbike (from about 120,000 VND per day) or hire an Easy Rider for around 600,000 to 800,000 VND. Allow a full morning.
35. Hue Imperial City
About 100 km north by road or a scenic 2.5-hour train ride. The Citadel entry is approximately 200,000 VND as of October 2026. A long day trip but entirely doable.
36. Cham Islands Snorkeling
Day trips by speedboat from Cua Dai pier near Hoi An take about 20 minutes. Tours including snorkeling and lunch run roughly 700,000 to 1,000,000 VND per person as of October 2026. The islands close to visitors from roughly November to March due to rough seas.
37. Basket Boat Tour in Cam Thanh
Nipa palm forest boat tours near Hoi An are run by operators including Hacoconut. Expect to pay around 200,000 to 300,000 VND per person for the boat ride and a spinning demonstration. Combine with a Hoi An day trip.
38. Bach Ma National Park
About 70 km north of Da Nang. Dense cloud forest, waterfalls, and birdwatching. Entry around 60,000 VND. A full-day excursion, best in the dry season.
39. Son Tra Peninsula Half-Day Loop
Drive or Grab to Linh Ung Pagoda, continue to Monkey Mountain viewpoint, stop at Bai Bac beach, and return via the coastal road. About two to three hours total. Mostly free.
Wellness and Active
40. Sunrise Yoga or Tai Chi on the Beach
Several studios run early-morning beach yoga sessions near My Khe from around 06:00. Drop-in rates are typically 80,000 to 150,000 VND. Local residents do free tai chi along the promenade every morning.
Quick Reference: Top Da Nang Attractions by Category
| Category | Top Pick | Price Range | Best Time | |---|---|---|---| | Beach | My Khe Beach | Free | Sunrise or late afternoon | | Culture | Museum of Cham Sculpture | ~57,000 VND | 07:00 to 09:00 | | Theme Park | Ba Na Hills | ~750,000-900,000 VND | Weekday morning | | Night Market | Helio Night Market | Free entry | Thu-Sun from 18:00 | | Day Trip | Hoi An Ancient Town | ~120,000 VND | Weekday, early | | Nightlife | Dragon Bridge Fire Show | Free | Sat/Sun nights | | Food | Mi Quang noodles | 30,000-50,000 VND | Breakfast or lunch |
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Typhoon season runs roughly October to November. Some outdoor activities and day trips will be disrupted. Read our Da Nang Flood and Typhoon Season guide before planning.
- Language: A few words go a long way. Check our Vietnamese phrases guide for the basics.
- Getting around: Grab is the easiest option for most journeys. Renting a motorbike gives you more flexibility for the peninsula and Hai Van Pass.
- Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees at pagodas and temples. Lightweight layers are all you need except at Ba Na Hills where a jacket helps.
- Cash: Markets, street food stalls, and smaller attractions are cash only. ATMs are plentiful along Tran Phu and near My Khe.
Ready to start planning? Browse every venue, beach, and restaurant on the Da Nang Directory map to build your personal itinerary.
Quick answers
- How many days do I need to see the best things to do in Da Nang?
- Three to five days covers the main city highlights, Ba Na Hills, and a day trip to Hoi An. If you want to add Hue, the Cham Islands, or Bach Ma National Park, extend to seven days. Da Nang is compact and most attractions are within 30 minutes of the beachfront.
- What are the top free things to do in Da Nang?
- My Khe Beach, the Han River promenade, Linh Ung Pagoda, the Dragon Bridge fire show on weekend nights, Da Nang Museum, and the Son Tra Peninsula loop are all free or nearly free. You can fill two full days in Da Nang without spending much at all.
- When is the best time to visit Da Nang?
- The dry season from roughly February to August is best for beaches, Ba Na Hills, and outdoor day trips. October and November bring typhoon risk and heavy rain. December to January is cooler and quieter, fine for culture and food but less ideal for swimming.
- Is Da Nang good for families with children?
- Yes. My Khe Beach has calm sections, Ba Na Hills has a full theme park, Asia Park has the Sun Wheel, and Helio Night Market is safe and entertaining for kids. Most restaurants are family-friendly and food is cheap. The city is flat and easy to navigate with children.
- Can I visit Hoi An as a day trip from Da Nang?
- Easily. Hoi An is about 30 to 45 minutes south by car, taxi, or Grab, costing roughly 200,000 to 300,000 VND one way as of October 2026. The ancient town ticket covers most attractions for around 120,000 VND. Leave early to beat the midday crowds.
- What is the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills?
- The Golden Bridge is a pedestrian walkway appearing to be held up by two enormous stone hands, set against mountain forest at around 1,400 metres altitude. It sits inside the Ba Na Hills Sun World resort. Entry is included in the Ba Na Hills combo ticket, approximately 750,000 to 900,000 VND as of October 2026.
- Is Da Nang safe for solo travelers?
- Da Nang is consistently rated one of the safest cities in Vietnam. Petty theft is uncommon compared to larger Vietnamese cities, the streets are well-lit, and tourist areas have a visible police presence. Solo female travelers generally report feeling comfortable, though standard travel precautions always apply.
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