15 best things to do in Da Nang

Da Nang has grown from a laid-back fishing town into one of the country’s most interesting places to visit. With more than a million people living here, it’s a good jumping-off point for exploring central Vietnam—Hue is just to the north, and Hoi An is a short drive south—but it’s more than just a stopover. Here are some of the best things to do in Da Nang.

1. Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are a group of five craggy limestone and marble hills just outside Da Nang, each named after a natural element—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Locals have been coming here for centuries to pray, reflect, or just enjoy the views. The main mountain, Thuy Son (water), is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.

You can walk up a long stone stairway (or take the elevator) and explore a network of caves, temples, and pagodas built right into the cliffs Some caves open into huge chambers where sunlight pours in through gaps in the rock, lighting up old statues and altars.

Down at the base, you’ll pass by stalls and workshops where artisans carve statues from marble—many of them from families who’ve been doing this for generations.
 

2. Han Market

Han Market is right in the middle of Da Nang and is where many go to do their shopping. The ground floor is mostly food—fresh produce, dried goods, and some really good noodle stalls. 

Upstairs, it’s more clothes, fabric, and household stuff. It can be crowded and loud, but that’s part of the experience. This isn’t just for tourists—it’s a working market, and people actually come here to get their groceries. You’ll find that most vendors are used to helping visitors navigate the place. It's a fantastic addition to any Vietnam itinerary.

3. My Khe Beach

My Khe runs along the eastern edge of Da Nang and is easy to get to from just about anywhere in the city. The sand is soft, the water’s usually calm enough to swim, and there’s plenty of space to stretch out. 

In the early morning, you’ll see locals exercising or doing tai chi. Later in the day, there are food vendors, loungers, and places to rent gear for paddleboarding or surfing. 

There are resorts nearby, but the beach is public, and you don’t need to be staying anywhere fancy to spend the day there. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, it's one of the best things to do in Da Nang, especially around sunset.
 

4. Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass is a 13-mile (21-kilometer) stretch of mountain road between Da Nang and Hue. It climbs through the Annamite Mountains and gets its name—“Sea Cloud Pass”—from the mist that often drifts in from the coast. 

At its highest point, you’re around 1,640 feet (500 meters) above sea level, with views of the ocean on one side and dense forest on the other. It has a long history. For centuries, it marked the boundary between kingdoms, and during more recent conflicts, it became an important military route—there are still bunkers along the road. 

Most people ride it by motorbike, but it’s also manageable by car or bus. The road is winding, the weather can shift quickly, and you’ll pass small fishing communities down near the water. See more about the weather in Vietnam.

5. Dragon Bridge

This bridge crosses the Han River and connects the airport area to the city center. It’s shaped like a dragon, and on weekend nights, it breathes fire and water in a short show that pulls in a crowd. 

The bridge is 2,185 feet (666 meters) long and lit with LEDs that change colors to match different events or holidays. You can walk across or drive—either way, you’ll get good views of the river and skyline, especially in the evening. 

It’s also a main traffic route, so if you’re coming in from the airport, you’ll probably drive across it without realizing you’re already seeing one of the city’s landmarks. See our guide to getting around Vietnam.
 

6. Try bún chả cá and mì quảng

These are two of Da Nang’s go-to dishes and a good way to understand what locals eat day to day. Bún chả cá is made with rice noodles and grilled fish cakes, topped with fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables, and served with a light broth or dipping sauce. It’s savory with a bit of a tang. 

Mì Quảng is a noodle dish with just a small amount of broth—usually turmeric-tinted noodles with shrimp, pork, and quail eggs. It’s served with fresh greens and a crispy rice cracker. You’ll find both at small restaurants and street vendors around town. These are meals people grow up eating here. Da Nang is home to some of the best food in Vietnam.

7. Da Nang Museum

If you’re trying to get a clearer picture of Da Nang and central Vietnam, this museum’s a good place to start. It walks you through the region’s past—from the ancient Cham era to colonial times, the American War, and more recent changes. 

The exhibits include traditional clothes, war memorabilia, and photos, plus old pottery and documents that help connect the dots between different time periods. Most of the displays have English translations, so you won’t feel lost. 

It’s especially helpful for understanding the background behind other places you might visit nearby, like the Marble Mountains or My Son. It’s not flashy, but it gives useful context.
 

8. My Son Sanctuary

My Son is about 37 miles (60 km) from Da Nang, tucked into a forested valley. The site is home to the remains of Hindu temples built by the Cham people between the 4th and 14th centuries. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Vietnam.

These were once used for religious ceremonies tied to the Champa Kingdom. The temples were made with red bricks, without mortar, and some are still standing, which has puzzled archaeologists for years. 

You’ll see detailed carvings, statues, and ancient Sanskrit inscriptions—clear signs of Indian influence, but shaped by local hands. Some buildings were damaged during the war, but parts are still being restored. The jungle setting is part of what makes the place memorable. If you’re curious about Vietnam’s history beyond the majority Kinh culture, this is one of the best things to do in Da Nang.

9. Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra

This temple sits on the Son Tra Peninsula, and you’ll probably notice it before you even get close—the statue of Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy, is about 220 feet (67 meters) tall and easy to spot from Da Nang. 

The temple complex was completed in 2010, but it follows traditional Vietnamese design, with curved rooftops, stone dragons, and a peaceful courtyard. 

Inside, there are carved wooden altars and Buddha statues, and the view over the sea and city is worth the drive. The road out to Son Tra winds through forested hills, and if you’re lucky, you might see red-shanked douc langurs along the way. The temple is active, but casual visitors are welcome.
 

10. Night market at Helio

Helio Night Market gets going around late afternoon and runs until midnight. It's near the Dragon Bridge, and it draws a crowd. Food is the main focus here—there’s everything from grilled corn and seafood skewers to bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) and fresh spring rolls. It’s casual, fast, and inexpensive. 

Beyond food, you’ll find clothes, accessories, and souvenirs that are usually priced for locals, not tourists. There’s often live music or DJs and some street performers, especially on weekends. A Vietnam local travel expert can show you the best stalls.

A lot of Vietnamese families come here just to walk around, eat, and enjoy the atmosphere—it’s a regular way to spend the evening. The market’s right by the river, so there’s usually a breeze, and you get a view of the Dragon Bridge all lit up once it gets dark.

11. Museum of Cham Sculpture

This museum sits right in Da Nang and focuses on the ancient Cham civilization that once ruled much of central and southern Vietnam. The collection includes over 300 sandstone sculptures dating from the 7th to 15th centuries. 

These pieces come from former Cham centers like My Son and Thap Mam, and they include carvings of Hindu gods, animals, and royalty. The museum is organized by region and time period, so you get a sense of how the style evolved over time. 

Most exhibits have English explanations that go into the religious and cultural context without being too technical. The building itself was built in 1915 during the French colonial period and still has that look—airy corridors, big windows, and tiled floors. If you're already planning to visit Cham ruins like My Son, this is one of the best things to do in Da Nang for context.
 

12. Take the cable car at Ba Na Hills

The Ba Na Hills cable car takes you up to a resort built in the mountains about 4,880 feet (1,487 meters) above sea level. The ride takes about 20 minutes and climbs nearly a mile (1.6 kilometers), crossing valleys, waterfalls, and forests.  This is part of what makes Da Nang one of the best cities in Vietnam.

You’ll feel the temperature shift as you gain altitude—what starts as hot and humid at the bottom turns cool and breezy at the top.

At the summit, there’s a replica French village, some gardens, and the well-known Golden Bridge, the one that looks like giant stone hands are holding it up. The whole mountaintop area was first used by the French as a hill station to escape the heat, and it’s since turned into a mix of historic buildings and newer attractions. Even if theme parks aren’t your thing, the cable car ride is worth it just for the scenery and that change in elevation.  If you're planning a trip with the whole family, be sure to see our guide to Vietnam with kids.

13. Ride the Da Nang ferris wheel (Sun Wheel)

At 377 feet (115 meters) tall, the Sun Wheel stands out along the Han River and is one of the easiest landmarks to recognize besides the Dragon Bridge. 

The ride takes about 20 minutes, with 42 air-conditioned cabins slowly rotating to give you full views of the city, the coastline, and the mountains. It runs all day, but evenings are the most atmospheric—once the lights come on.

If you’re with a group or on a date, it’s easy to get a private-feeling cabin since each one fits up to six people. It’s one of those things that doesn’t take a lot of planning but gives you a memorable view of the city, especially after dark.
 

14. Cruise along the Han River

A river cruise is a relaxing way to see Da Nang without weaving through traffic. Boats run along the Han River, passing by things like the Dragon Bridge, the Sun Wheel, and newer buildings along the waterfront. 

You can choose a simple 45-minute ride or stretch it to two hours if you want to make an evening of it. Some cruises include traditional music or a meal on board. It’s especially nice at night when the bridges light up, and you get a view of the city from the water.

15. Son Tra Peninsula 

About 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the city center, the Son Tra Peninsula—also called Monkey Mountain—is one of the easiest places to get into nature without going far. The area is a protected reserve with forested hills, quiet beaches, and roads that curve through jungle and along the coast. 

You can hike or rent a motorbike, depending on how much ground you want to cover (see our guide to motorbiking in Vietnam). Trails range from short walks to more demanding routes through the forest. 

Keep an eye out for red-shanked douc langurs, a rare monkey species that lives here. There are beaches like Bai Bac and Bai Nam that often feel empty, plus temples tucked into the hillside—like Linh Ung Pagoda, with its large Lady Buddha statue overlooking the bay. It’s an easy half-day trip, but if the weather’s good, you might end up spending most of the day here.

Planning your trip to Vietnam? Don't miss our guides to the best cities in Vietnam, including the best things to do in Nha Trang and the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.