3. Da Nang
Da Nang sits between the mountains and the sea on Vietnam’s central coast. It’s a laid-back city with a long stretch of beach—My Khe—running for nearly 20 miles (30 km).
There are plenty of things to do in Da Nang. In the city, the Dragon Bridge is hard to miss. It lights up at night, and on weekends it actually shoots fire and water.
One of the most popular things to see right outside Da Nang is the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five mountains named after the earth’s elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), and Tho (earth). The main attraction is Nui Thuy Son Mountain, the largest in the group and home to a series of caves worth exploring.
You can also head up to Bà Nà Hills, which is where the Golden Bridge is—the one held up by massive stone hands.
Food-wise, look for mì Quảng. It’s a local noodle dish with turmeric, shrimp, pork, and peanuts. Most casual restaurants and street stalls will have it, and it’s worth trying at least once.
How to get to Da Nang
Da Nang International Airport has regular domestic flights and links to major cities across Asia. The coastal train line stops here too—scenic but a bit slow. Open-tour buses connect Da Nang with Hoi An (about 45 minutes south) and Hue (around 2.5 to 3 hours north). Occasionally, cruise ships pull into Tien Sa Port. For more tips see our guide to getting around Vietnam.
When to visit Da Nang
Between February and May, the weather’s warm and generally dry, which is good beach weather. Around April or May, the city hosts the International Fireworks Festival, with teams competing along the Han River.
The Da Nang International Marathon happens in August and draws runners from all over. In October, the Fisherman’s Festival includes boat races and food events, though keep in mind that heavy rains often start around then and continue through December.