Overview
Da Nang is a central-coast city with beaches, Cham sculpture and access to Hoi An and Hue. Combine My Khe Beach with the Marble Mountains and the riverside Dragon Bridge.
Beach · Food · Museums · Nature
Did you know?
- The Marble Mountains contain caves and Buddhist temples.
- The Museum of Cham Sculpture displays sandstone sculptures.
- Mì Quảng combines turmeric-spiced noodles with chicken, shrimp and peanuts.
Why go?
Da Nang is Vietnam's fifth largest city, located on the central coast midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a laid-back atmosphere with beautiful beaches, Cham ruins, and proximity to Hoi An and Hue. The city has seen a tourism boom since the mid-2010s, with highrise hotels replacing backpacker lodges, but still retains local charm.
Understand
The region was founded by Cham Hindus around 3,000 years ago. Da Nang was the first point of colonial invasion by the French and later where American combat troops landed during the Vietnam War. Since the 1990s, the government has pursued foreign investment and infrastructure development, leading to a tourism boom.
When to go
The hottest months are June to August, with temperatures up to 40°C and high humidity. Tropical storms usually occur from October to November. The best time to visit is during the dry season from January to August, but be prepared for heat.
Things to do
Visit the Marble Mountains, a group of five marble and limestone hills with caves, Buddhist temples, and panoramic views. Explore the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which houses sandstone sculptures from the Cham civilization. See the Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire and water on weekend nights. Take a cable car to Ba Na Hill Station for views of the South China Sea and Lao mountains. Relax on My Khe Beach, a wide sandy beach with free access.
Food and drink
Da Nang is known for seafood and regional specialties like mì Quảng (turmeric-spiced noodles with chicken, shrimp, peanuts) and bún chả cá (rice vermicelli with fish sausage). For breakfast, try bánh mì from street carts or bún bò (beef noodle soup). Vegetarian restaurants are common and usually vegan. Coffee is popular, with local chains like Long Coffee offering a quintessential Vietnamese experience.
Where to stay
Accommodation is concentrated along the My Khe Beach strip, from high-rise hotels near the city to resort-style properties further south. Budget options include hostels like Danang Backpackers Hostel (US$6) and Funtastic Hostel (dorm from 150,000 dong). Mid-range hotels like Dang Viet Hotel (from 300,000 dong) offer good value. Luxury resorts like Furama and InterContinental are also available.
Safety
Da Nang is safer and more laid-back than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Avoid wearing ostentatious jewelry, carry cash in a thin wallet, and be cautious when crossing roads as traffic never stops. Cannabis is illegal despite being common at some bars. Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
Go next
Popular day trips include Hoi An (45 minutes by bus), Hue (2 hours by bus), and the Cham Islands (20 km across the bay). The Hai Van Pass is a scenic motorbike ride between Da Nang and Lang Co. Quy Nhon is a less touristy alternative further south.
Learn
Learning Vietnamese in Da Nang is possible with local teachers at about US$5 per hour. The local dialect is distinct from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City versions. Language exchange partners are available through the University of Da Nang.
Shopping
Shops operate from ground floors of homes, selling a variety of goods. Night markets like Son Tra Night Market and Helio Night Market offer souvenirs and food. Han Market is a traditional market for clothing, silk, and food. Supermarkets like Big C and Lotte Mart have fixed prices.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Eat
Bambino
Quiet location, good food wine selection. Australian steak grilled to order. International, French and local foods, run by a French couple. A good place for a quiet meal with friends.
Eat
Bánh Mì̀ Bà Lan
One of the most famous sandwich carts in the city. Try their bánh mì que which is a string baguette filled with a pork pâté.
Price when recorded: US$1 (Jan 2018)
Eat
Bún Mắm Vân
Bún mắm is an extremely pungent noodle dish made with a fermented fish sauce called mắm nêm. Mắm nêm can best be described as "smells like hell, tastes like heaven." Bún Mắm Vân is in what is called "Bún Mắm Alley" where a few bún mắm shops have congregated. You can smell this alley from a block away. Try the bún mắm thịt quay or bún mắm with roasted pork. If you are put off by the smell of strong fish sauce this is not the place for you. If you like bún mắm this place is heaven.
Price when recorded: US$1 (Jan 2018)
Eat
Bún mắm Bé Hà
Great local place. Casual restaurant. The Bun Mam is good. The rice crackers are recommended. From afar, you can already smell the fish sauce. If you are a foreign tourist this is a good choice.
Eat
Chân Gà Nướng Hai Còi - Delicious BBQ Chicken
Hai Còi is a local restaurant. There are 3 locations with the same boss. Still, the original house seems to be the best one. The stir-fried noodles are good. The chicken wings are very good, seasoned and grilled over charcoal fire.
Eat
Com Nieu Nha Do
Cơm niêu is a type of rice that's baked in a clay pot and served with any number of sides — beef, chicken, fish, hot pot — but it's the way it's served that catches your attention. Waiters come out of the kitchen bearing hot clay pots straight out of the oven, pull out hammers, smash them at your table, and fling the crusty, baked rice inside back and forth across the room. Otherwise, the food is what you'd get at a normal restaurant, but it's fun to see the show. There are many of these restaurants on Nguyen Tri Phuong St, but this one is a favourite.
Eat
Cơm Nhà Linh
Delicious food, true to the homemade style, suitable for the North. The set menu is full of meat, fish, soup, vegetables, peanuts and eggs. If you are craving something local, they don't disappoint. Great experience to grill your own meat at the table. The service might be a bit slow though.
Eat
Cơm gà A.Hải
Typical basic Vietnamese restaurant. The chicken rice that the locals also enjoy is nice. Both the roast chicken and thinly steamed chicken rice are tasty. The chicken soup served first is also tasty.
Before you go
Food
Seafood and local noodles like mì Quảng are must-tries. Street food is cheap and safe.
Language
English is not widely spoken; learning some Vietnamese helps. The local dialect differs from Hanoi.
Money
Carry cash; haggling is expected at markets. ATMs and card payments are limited.
Safety
Da Nang is generally safe, but watch for traffic and keep valuables secure. Cannabis is illegal.
Transport
Taxis are honest and metered; motorbike rentals are available. Crossing roads requires caution.
