Da Nang is Viet Nam’s most dynamic and the fourth largest city. For decades it has been well known as a slightly mundane provincial backwater, but the city is changing very fast. Stroll along the Han riverfront and gleaming sleek new accommodations and restaurants are blooming. Head up north and you’ll find the landmark new D-City rising from the flatlands.
Journey to the south and the entire East Sea strip has been set aside for the bloom of five-star hotels. Perched on the western bank of the Han River, the city is part of a long thin peninsula, so-called Son Tra, with a sparkling lagoon on one side, and the beach on the other. The peninsula is crowned by the mountain that the American soldiers called Monkey. The highlight of visiting Monkey Mountain is the view from the summit, which is astonishing on a clear day. East Sea and the five Marble Mountains lie in the southwest of the city. The city itself still has few conventional sightseeing spots, except for a very decent museum. With its coastline stretches 30 kilometers, the city is renowned for calm, cool waters and also ideal for water sport activities, including fishing, water-skiing, diving, and yachting. Apart from shopping hubs and historical highlights, the main reason for most visitors in this bustling city is its closeness to the famous East Sea, Lang Co Beach, Hoi An and My Son. Lang Co Beach is lined with palm trees, the water of the nearby ocean crystal-clear and enticing, lapping onto white sand.
WHAT TO SEE
Son Tra Peninsula
The one-of-a-kind peninsula in Viet Nam, located at Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra district, Da Nang city, about 10 km northeast of city center. Son Tra with three sides bordering the sea affords an ideal place for a beach holiday with many kinds of activity. Everywhere in Da Nang city, you can see the peninsula looks like a mushroom with the top is Son Tra mountain, the stalk is yellow sand. Son Tra was known as a green lung of Da Nang city.
The sea currents flowing along the coast have brought alluvial ash from this land to the island, forming the peninsula. the western part of the peninsula is Tien Sa tourist port. This is the most important deep-water port in Central Viet Nam, the last of the East-West Economic Corridor originating from Myanmar, through Northeast Thailand, South Laos, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue and ending in Da Nang. The best time to visit Son Tra is from February to May when the weather is cool and the humidity is not high.
Ba Na Hill
Ba Na Hill is located in Hoa Vang district, Da Nang city. Situated at an altitude of 1.487m above sea level, Ba Na has all year-round cool climate, the average temperature in summer is about 18ºC, Ba Na – Chua Mountain is the ideal eco-tourism destination in Central of Viet Nam. Ba Na has rich and diverse fauna and flora. In the primeval forest is a home of 256 animals, including 61 mammals, 178 birds, and 17 reptiles. The flora here have 543 species, Ba Na is also home of many rare animals. In the early 20th century to serve the French needs of relaxing, many motels, villas, hotels were built along the mountainside, top Ba Na and top of Chua Mountain. After the devastation caused by the war, it became abandoned and forgotten over time. In recent years, Da Nang was gradually restored and built some antique French villas, the Buddhist area, wine-cellar and series of hotel. From Vong Nguyet Hill, visitors will be transported by modern cable systems to the center area. This system has 16 cabins which can accommodate about 320 passengers/hour. Up to a peak of Ba Na, visitors must pass 15km winding road. The terrain is flat like a small highland. Every year, Ba Na Hill welcomes thousands of tourists from Viet Nam and abroad. One night stay at Ba Na is a chance for visitors to be able to listen to the breath of wildlife of Ba Na.
Ngu Hanh Son “Marble Mountain”
Let’s explore the best of what our beach city Da Nang has to offer, from lush green terraces to blue long beaches, and make sure it is doubtlessly your dream vacation in Da Nang, one of the best beaches in Viet Nam. Among those, Ngu Hanh Son “Marble Mountain” is the name of five mountains in Da Nang. This is a group of rock mountains (including marble) located close to the beach and was named to symbolize the complex elements of the universe by King Minh Mang. Marble Mountain is located from the center of Da Nang approximately 8 km to the southeast, near the sandy beach. In ancient times, Cham Pa people worship spirits according to their beliefs here, now you can observe it through statues, towers or carving in stone at Linh Ung Temple. Kim Son (Metall – metal) are mountains stretched from east to west, extending from Truong river to Da Nang River, with the old wharf Kings often came here for sightseeing, and now it becomes fields. Moc Son (Holz – wood) located in the southeast, parallel to the Thuy Son Mountain. This mountain name is “Wood” but trees here grow very little, there are some small caves, Moc Son have white marble blocks that look like a human. Thuy Son (Wasser – water) in the northeast is the most beautiful mountains, tourists usually come for sightseeing called it Non Nuoc Temple, There are very beautiful poetic landscapes, temples were built a long time ago, with the stalactites cave, beautiful Tam Thai and Linh Ung Temple. Hoa Son (Feuer – Fire), is the mountain towards to the southwest which is very rugged and steep, facing the mountain Kim Son, and at the left side of Su Van Hanh street. On the mountain still remain rubble is what is left of the towers of the Cham Pa. Hoa Son Mountain is where people exploit marble. Tho Son (Erde – earth) is a low mountain located in the middle of other mountains. The mountain does not have beautiful landscapes like others, only have red clay, sand and stone mix. Tho Son Mountain is where we also find the Cham Pa civilization with sculptures in stone.
Linh Ung Pagoda
Visiting Linh Ung Pagoda, Da Nang, could be an overwhelming experience. Our recommendation for religious attractions in Da Nang will be Linh Ung Pagoda. 10 km from My Khe Beach Da Nang, Linh Ung Pagoda is located on a hill of Son Tra Peninsula, have a shape like turtles, facing the sea, leaning back into the vast primeval forests of Son Tra peninsula…
Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But, Son Tra Peninsula is the largest temple in the city of Da Nang with 20 ha wonderful and architectural art. This temple is situated in the tourist complex of Son Tra Peninsula which was built with a combination of modernity and tradition of Viet Nam Pagoda. This is now the new attractions of this beautiful coastal city. Buddha Statue at Linh Ung Pagoda have the height of 67m, 35m diameter of lotus as tall as 30 storey building is considered the highest Buddha statue in Viet Nam today. Son Tra Peninsula residents said that, in the reign of King Minh Mang (Nguyen dynasty, nineteenth century) has a Buddha statue from nowhere drifted here. Think it is a good sign, they built the temple to worship and from then, the whole sea in this area is not a hurricane, and people lived and worked well for a long time. Area where the Buddha statue drifted was named But Beach “Bai But” (means the presence of the Buddha between real lives) was also where the Linh Ung Pagoda is today.
Han River and Han River Bridge
Han River is both poetic and strong embellish the beauty of developed and active Da Nang City. Han River is a main tributary from upstream flows down to the sea. The green trees along with the gentleness of the Han River create a beautiful and peaceful music note for a busy lifestyle of the city. In the early morning, South River gentle as a maid. In the thin mist, the river does not seem to move at all, it stand still like to see the serene beauty of the motherland. However, at the noon, when the sun is rising, the rays of sun shone down on the river make the river brighter and stronger. The rays seem like it dancing and playing on the water. In the afternoon, the sun’s rays did no longer exist that makes the river turn into purple. Han River became quietly and smoothly. However, lights from tall buildings, billboards, lampposts and high-voltage shine down on the river make it come alive and more colorful.
Referring to the Han River, cannot fail to mention the Han River Bridge. This is the bridge over the Han River began construction on September 2, 1998 and completed on March 29, 2000. This is a bridge was designed and constructed by Vietnamese and is the only swing-bridge in Viet Nam today. Each day, the bridge swing one time during 2g45 – 4g00 in 15-20 minutes. Guests traveling to Han River Bridge in this period will see the swing of the Han River Bridge and will be excited by this moment. The city now has new bridges. However there will be no bridge can creates more emotion for the people as Han River Bridge. Visiting the Han River and the Han River Bridge is an experience visitors cannot miss when traveling to the beautiful city of Da Nang.
My Khe Beach
One of the world’s most gentle beach cities, Da Nang has long been recorded as the most attractive beaches for a family with young children and honeymooners with Viet Nam excellent seafood and mild waves. My Khe Beach in Da Nang is the most famous beach of Da Nang and is rated one of the six most beautiful beaches on the planet. My Khe beach has a length of 900 m, from the airport to here about 2-3km. From the central city of Da Nang, passing the Han River Swing Bridge, and go straight through Pham Van Dong main road for other 1.5 km, the front is My Khe Beach. My Khe Beach is famous for its white sand, gentle waves, warm water year round with beautiful coconut surrounds. My Khe Beach is very convenient for transportation, the beach is open free for all visitors. My Khe Beach is also suitable for playing sports, and has numerous luxury resorts, hotels and villas.
Non Nuoc Beach
Located about 8 km from Da Nang center to Southeast, Non Nuoc beach belong to Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son district, Da Nang city. Non Nuoc beach has a length of 5 km as a green arc along the foot of Marble Mountain. At this sandy and beautiful beach, there are so many luxury resorts, guests will be swimming at the private beach of the resort.
Non Nuoc beach have clear and blue sea, there is no environmental impact and waves here are not too big so it’s suitable for tourists to travel. Non Nuoc Beach located next to the foot of Marble Mountain, located beside the Non Nuoc stone village with many stone sculptures. There is a rescue team which is ready always, good security, there are many types of sea sports, surfing is the sports suit any participant. Non Nuoc beach has the advantage of waves, climate, weather, salinity … should fit the type of beach sports, especially surfing. Come to the Mountain, in addition to rest, bathing, tourists can combine visiting Marble Mountain, where there are ancient temples, caves, a stone carving village at the foot of the mountain or cruising Co Co River. Non Nuoc Beach belongs to coast of Da Nang is rated one of the six most beautiful beaches on the planet by Forbes magazine and is ideal place for any tourist.
WHAT TO EAT
Eating is one of the great joys of travelling in Viet Nam. Traditional dishes are made of fresh ingredients as well as lot of vegetables, making Vietnamese cuisine one of the healthiest recipes around. You may see a wide selection of dining options in Da Nang, from charming street-side cafes to more sophisticated restaurants on the beaches, especially on My Khe Beach. If you would like to try some of Da Nang's local specialties, you don't need to go far to find them. 'Hủ tiếu' (rice noodles served with pork soup) of the south, 'Mì Quảng' (rice noodles serve with every kinds of meat without soup), 'Bánh tráng' (a thin, large, round steamed rice flour cake) and Cau Mong rare beef are indispensable in the menu of travelers to Da Nang.
Vietnamese traditional cuisine
Visitors to Da Nang has quite a few options to choose from, such as the relaxing street-side cafes, tasty noodles joints and the more sophisticated restaurants on the beaches, especially on My Khe Beach. However, the food here is diverse and abundant. Do not forget to try exotic local specialities Quang Nam’s Noodles (Vietnamese: My Quang), Da Nang Beo Cake (Vietnamese: Banh beo), noodle salad with pork and anchovy fish sauce (Vietnamese: Bun mam), sizzling cake (Vietnamese: Banh xeo), Nam O raw fish salad, jelly-fish salad, Vietnamese thick noodle soup, sweetsoup and so forth!
Place to eat:
- Banh Xeo Ba Duong located at K20/23Hoang Dieu St for sizzling cake
- Madam Nga – 193 Dong Da St.; Madam Cam – 54 Le Duan St. for Vietnamese thick noodle soup
- Chen Shabu Restaurant, 29 Pham Hong Thai St.
- Apsara Restaurant, 222 Tran Phu St.
- Blue Whale Restaurant, Son Tra- Dien Ngoc St.
- Memory Lounge, floating restaurant on Han River
- Heaven Restaurant, Le Loi St.
- Blue Whale Restaurant, 5-6 Hoang Sa St.
- Syrena Restaurant, 1C-1D Hoang Sa St.
European and other Asian cuisines
If you are looking for a getaway from local specialities and rice dishes, a plenty of restaurants in Da Nang offer a variety of exotic European and Asian food, ranging from French, Italian to Chinese, Japaness, Thailand, Indian.
Place to eat:
- Mumtaz, 231 Tran Phu St.
- Golden Dragon Restaurant, located at Mercure Hotel, Lot 1A, Green Island
- Ashima 7 Restaurant, 54, 2/9 Road
- Kim Do Restaurant, 180 Tran Phu St.
- Gogyo Restaurant, Lot 22, Truong Sa, Hoa Hai W., Ngu Hanh Son
WHAT TO BUY
Though you may see only a limited selection of items to buy in Da Nang, shopping there can be still very interesting. Try Han Market, the most crowded market near Han River. You will find farming products as well as fresh and ever dried seafood sold by local vendors. Most local people and foreigners visit Han market to buy a wide range of products, from fruits to traditional clothes at a reasonable price. Not far from Han Market, Da Nang shopping mall is another interesting shopping area in Da Nang. You can shop for favorite outfits even local specialties or enjoy relaxing time in entertainment places, for instance, bowling clubs and cinemas. Besides, art crafts and ceramics are sold commonly in souvenir shops, vending streets, and even in hotels. However, Non Nuoc village located in Ngu Hanh Son Mountain is an ideal place that you can buy plentiful handicraft gifts in various shapes and full of colors. Undoubtedly, stone souvenirs made in Non Nuoc Village are part of the city‘s attraction.
DON’T MISS
Da Nang has no shortage of entertainment. If you are beach enthusiast, then, you will find many interesting beach activities to do. The city itself also has some conventional sightseeing spots, except for a very decent museum. When the sun goes down, unlike other cities in Viet Nam, nightlife in Da Nang is fascinating. The city is close to the famous Lang Co Beach, Hoi An and My Son.
Cham Sculpture Museum
Located about 3 km to city center, associated to and development of the city, Cham Sculpture Museum in Da Nang is a large work, with great cultural significance not only for Da Nang but with Viet Nam in general. Because of the importance and significance of the museum, it became Da Nang attractions not to be missed by any visitor. Was started construction in 1915 and opened for the first time in 1919, the Museum of Cham Sculpture has 160 artifacts were displayed that time. Over time, museum’s collection of artifacts is getting bigger, but still retains the architectural style of Gothique originally; artifact collection of Cham culture material is also added more and more.
Visiting the museum, according to the name of each gallery, visitors can identify the location of the artifacts have been found as galleries My Son, Tra Kieu, Thap Mam, Dong Duong, Quang Tri and corridors Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Kon Tum, Quang Binh, Binh Dinh. In addition to galleries, museums also have restored factory, warehouse storage and offices. Museum of Cham Sculpture became one of the most massive collections in Viet Nam that no museum can have.
WHERE TO STAY
À La Carte Da Nang Beach Hotel
À La Carte Da Nang Beach is a fun all sea-view suite hotel offering a lifestyle experience, with a unique add-ons concept. All suites are at affordable rates and feature living area, kitchenette and en-suite bathrooms. Enjoy cool DJ vibes and stunning 360º views on the rooftop infinity pool.
Furama Resort Da Nang
Furama Resort Da Nang is an icon of tourism scene in Central Viet Nam. A short drive from Da Nang airport and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Hoi An, Hue and My Son Holy Land. Offering luxurious 198 Suites and rooms plus 50 two to four bedrooms villas with comfortable and delightful facilities, Furama Resort Da Nang is favored by long stay beach goers seeking privacy and a choice of recreation, dining, cultural tours, water sports, two 18-hole golf courses nearby, as well as health and beauty service. A well-appointed Convention Palace with ballrooms can accommodate up to 450 people in style, with another ten function rooms for 50 to 300 people; A variety of unforgettable cultural-themed parties on the beach or around the lagoon, in the ballrooms with sea-view or catered outside the resort plus exciting team building activities make the Furama Da Nang the sought after venue for MICE groups.
Fusion Maia Da Nang
Fusion Maia Da Nang is a luxurious all-villa resort offering a lifestyle experience with all-inclusive spa. For complete relaxation, guests receive 2 complimentary spa treatments daily and can enjoy breakfast anywhere anytime – both included in the room rates! All 87 villas have private pools surrounded by a tropical garden.
Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort & Spa
Poised on a tranquil stretch of white-sand beach, between the Marble Mountains and the sun-kissed beachscape of renowned Non Nuoc is Hyatt’s newest offering in Viet Nam. Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort and Spa has ushered in a new era in contemporary design with touches of the Asiatic. The resort feels secluded, yet just 15 minutes from Da Nang International Airport making both location and accessibility most favorable for group events. It is situated in Da Nang only moments away from the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Hoi An and two international -class golf courses.
InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort
Nestled in the hills of the famous Son Tra Peninsula, and a short drive from three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort features sumptuous beachfront villas with private pools. Savour the finest cuisine in Da Nang at the hotel’s Citron restaurant, with gourmet dishes served in private overwater dining booths. Relax in luxurious, exquisitely designed suites overlooking white sands, unwind at our full-service spa or enjoy signature cocktails at our beachside bar.
Premier Village Da Nang Resort
Premier Village Da Nang Resort is built with ultra-modern villas, offering Garden, Ocean or Beachfront residences. Each villa consists of 04 bedrooms, private swimming pool; fully stocked kitchen and living area. We offer Spa and Fitness Center, beach activities, bicycle hire, complimentary shuttle services into the city’s center as well as Kid’s Club.
Pullman Da Nang Beach Resort
Located on the stunning white sands of Bac My An Beach, the stylish Pullman Da Nang Beach Resort is an oasis of activities and facilities for the modern traveler. With an idyllic setting on the silver shores of Central Viet Nam, this luxury resort is perfect for a family holiday or romantic beach getaway. And with extensive function facilities, Pullman Da Nang also provides the perfect location for your next incentive getaway or event.
Brilliant Hotel Da Nang
The Brilliant Hotel is located at a prime location on Bach Dang Street, one of the most beautiful hotel in the heart of Da Nang city, overlooking the scenic Han River with its famous bridges and a fantastic view of the beach city. Just 10 minutes drive from Da Nang international airport, the hotel is ideal for travelers to explore the charm of a historic and modern city with points of interest such as Da Nang’s new Administrative Centre, Con Ga Church, the Cham Museum, Han market, shopping malls, restaurants and bars.
Combining luxury and elegance in contemporary European and Asian architecture with Vietnamese hospitality, Brilliant Hotel is a truly home for both businesspersons and travelers in Da Nang. The hotel is tastefully designed to provide space and comfort with top of guest amenities in the international standards of a four-star hotel as well as brings fully comprehensive services to meet all guests’ need.
Grand Mercure Da Nang Hotel
Located on exclusive Green Island in the heart of Da Nang City, Grand Mercure Da Nang is perfect for both business and leisure travelers. Only 10 minutes from Da Nang International Airport. This new hotel consists of 272 modern rooms all featuring breathtaking ocean, river or mountain views. The hotel offers a Brasserie and specialty Chinese Restaurant, lobby bar, Spa, tennis court and fitness centre. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle to town and Da Nang Beach as well as airport two ways transfer.
Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort
Discover Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort Da Nang Viet Nam Managed by Centara, a superb destination where green-blanketed mountains and tropical gardens share the landscape with a pristine stretch of fine sand and the clear waters of the East Sea. Set on Non Nuoc Beach, the resort offers most active guests a fabulous range of facilities and water sports that will ensure every day at the resort is well spent.Spanning across 42 acres of manicured garden, the resort yet manages to provide all the privacy couples and families may require. The resort is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Da Nang International Airport and connects to Hoi An Ancient Town and Da Nang city by complimentary daily shuttle service./.
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