Incredible things to do in Da Nang - Vietnam

Da Nang is one of the most attractive city to foreigners in Viet Nam. In order to spend unforgetable moment, there are 10 things to do in Da Nang during the dry and rainy season.

Da Nang is a city that seamlessly blends between tradition and modernity, offering a variety of wonderful experiences for all tourists. In this article, we will guide tourists on a journey through the city with highlights of things to do in Da Nang during both the dry and rainy seasons so the trip will be unforgettable.

10+ things to do in Da Nang during the dry season (January to August)

The dry season in Da Nang is from January to August, this coastal city has a myriad of captivating experiences for travelers to immerse themselves in during this time of the year. Below is a list of activities in Da Nang VietNam during the dry season that promise to create unforgettable memories for all tourists:

Pay a visit to Lady Buddha

  • Cost: free entry;
  • Time: 24-hour accessible;
  • Location: Linh Ung Pagoda, Son Tra Peninsula, Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang city.

The Lady Buddha statue located in Linh Ung Pagoda, is 67 meters high and is the tallest one in Vietnam with skillful sculpture, standing on a foundation with the shape of lotus flower with 17 floors hiding inside with many Buddha statues. Many tourists visit to admire the spectacular beauty of the Lady Buddha and pray for peace and wishes.

Enjoy a fire show at Dragon bridge at night

  • Cost: free entry;
  • Time: 9:00 PM, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday;
  • Location: Dragon Bridge, Nguyen Van Linh street, Phuoc Ninh ward, Hai Chau district, Da Nang city.

Constructed over the Han river in July 2009, the Dragon Bridge is an icon of Da Nang. On the weekend evening, the bridge is closed to traffic for a breathtaking fire show of the iconic Dragon. Regularly, at 9 o’clock on Saturday and Sunday nights, tourists will have a chance to watch the fire from the massive dragon head, releasing bursts of flames along with water in a spectacular night show. The absolute best spot to watch the fireballs is on the left or right side of the dragon, around 100 meters from its head. There are also pretty cafes lining the bridge from where you can marvel at this majestic display. 

Dragon bridge

Watch a fire show on Dragon Bridge at night

Sunbathe on My Khe Beach with your family

  • Cost: free entry;
  • Time: 24-hour accessible;
  • Location: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Phuoc My Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang city.

My Khe Beach is a beautiful and popular beach in Da Nang, Vietnam. It is about 6 kilometers east of the city center and 24 kilometers north of Hoi An. The beach has smooth sand, gentle waves, and clear water. It is suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The best time to visit My Khe Beach is from January to July, when the weather is dry and sunny. Besides, you can enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset on the beach, which create a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.

My Khe Beach is also a great place to take photos, as it has a scenic view of the coast, the coconut trees, and the sky. Moreover, if you are looking for more fun and adventure, you can try some water sports such as paddleboarding or jet skiing.

My Khe beach

Enjoy the sun in My Khe Beach

Explore the Ban Co Peak

  • Cost: free entry;
  • Time: 24-hour accessible;
  • Location: Son Tra Peninsula, Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang city.

Ban Co Peak is a good place to go climbing up the mountain, enjoy the wind and admire the panoramic views of the city from the mountain summits, especially to watch the sunrise and sunset in the sea of Da Nang. Tourists will also find the huge chess board drawn on the rock to admire the story of a famous chess player named De Thich.

Admire the Famous Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills

  • Cost:
    • Adults: VND 900,000;
    • Children (1m - 1.4m in height): VND 750,000.
  • Time: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM;
  • Location: An Son Village, Hoa Ninh Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang city.

Opened in 2018, the Golden Bridge is a marvelous architecture on the top of Ba Na Hills, which is a resort complex with various facilities and activities. The bridge is 150 meters in length with two gigantic hands wrapped around, blended in the clouds, offering a good opportunity to feel the wonderful wind and freshness, especially when it is cloudy. The best time to visit the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills is from 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM, when the crowds are less and the light is better. 

The visiting of the bridge is included in the ticket to access BaNa Hills. Besides the golden bridge, there also are many services offered in the ticket such as: cable cap, Le Jardin D’Amour flower garden, French village, Debay ancient wine cellar...

Golden bridge

Spectacular Golden Bridge in Da Nang

Go to Da Nang Love Bridge with your partner

  • Cost: free entry;
  • Time: 24-hour accessible;
  • Location: Han River at Tran Hung Dao Street, Son Tra District, Da Nang city.

Many couples like to mark their love to eternity in the Love Bridge on Han River with love locks and beautiful pictures to save memories. One special thing that couples usually do is to bring padlocks with them then lock onto the bridge to tie the bonding and love. The keys are thrown into the Han river so that nothing can separate the two. 

Visit Son Tra Mountain

  • Cost: free entry;
  • Time: 24-hour accessible;
  • Location: Son Tra Peninsula, Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang city, Vietnam.

Son Tra Mountain is a scenic and natural attraction in Da Nang, Vietnam. It is about 10 kilometers from the city center and offers a stunning view of the sea and the city. Son Tra Mountain is also a rich biodiversity hotspot, with over 1,000 plant species and 120 animal species, many of which are endangered.

It’s recommended to visit Son Tra Mountain in the middle of the week, when it is less crowded and you can see more sights and enjoy the fresh air. You should also visit the thousand-year-old banyan tree, which is 25 meters high and has roots that grow from the top to the ground.

Drive over Hai Van Pass

  • Cost: free entry;
  • Time: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM;
  • Location: National Highway 1A on the border of Thua Thien - Hue Province and Da Nang city.

Hai Van Pass is the border between Da Nang city and Hue city, this is the route that witnesses the history of Vietnam from the Nguyen Dynasty as a crucial military road. Named as one of the most picturesque coastal drives in VietNam for the breathtaking landscape, driving through the pass is one of the adrenalin-raising experiences. 

Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass connecting Da Nang city and Hue city

Snorkel in Son Tra Peninsula with Your Friends

  • Cost: VND 500,000 - 650,000 per person (USD 22 - 28.6 per person);
  • Time: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM;
  • Location: Son Tra Peninsula, Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang city.

Snorkeling is a great activity for sport lovers, families or friends groups because of the adventurous feeling when diving into the ocean. Tourists will have a great opportunity to conquer fears and explore the island which nests diverse types of coral and thousands species of fish to view. Be aware to go with professionals to prioritize your safety.

Enjoy durian sweet gruel

  • Cost: approximately VND 30,000 (USD 1.27) per serving;
  • Time: 24-hour accessible;
  • Location: local eateries in Da Nang city.

Durian sweet gruel is an iconic snack in Da Nang, there are many local eateries that sell this so that it is very easy to find. With the sweet, special taste and fattiness of durian and some unique ingredients in Da Nang, this gruel is a popular dessert not only for local people but also tourists like it a lot and is a must try snack.

Experience Local Culture at Con Market

  • Cost: free entry;
  • Time: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM;
  • Location: Con Market, 90 Hung Vuong street, Hai Chau 1 ward, Hai Chau district, Da Nang city.

If you want to know more about the local culture or find souvenirs then immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Con Market. This is the biggest market in Da Nang offering a wide range of local products, traditional dishes, souvenirs and handicrafts. The market is always busy, full of tourists enjoying local snacks and people go shopping. 

Con market

Enjoy local food and market style in Con Market 

Try Avocado Ice-Cream

  • Cost: approximately VND 15,000 (USD 0.61) per serving;
  • Time: 24-hour accessible;
  • Location: local eateries in Da Nang city.

With the hot weather in Da Nang, avocado ice cream has become the most popular dish in Da Nang. The ice cream is a blend of sweetness and fatty taste from avocado. Served in a cup with layers of avocado, coconut ice cream adding toasted coconut or jackfruit flakes on the top, the cool cream will make you forget about the hot weather.

Besides these wonderful activities, it is convenient to discover a nearby famous city with many attractive spots, that is the ancient Hoi An city. Check out places to visit in Hoi An for an unforgettable trip.

10 things to do in Da Nang during the Rainy Season (from September to December)

The rainy season in Da Nang is from September to December, this city has a variety of impressive activities for travelers to immerse themselves in during this time of the year. Below is a list of activities in Da Nang Vietnam during the rainy season that will make rainy day more exciting:

Explore Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

  • Cost: approximately VND 60,000 (USD 2.5);
  • Time: 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM;
  • Location: no. 02, 2/9 Street, Binh Hien Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.

Cham represents an ethnic minority in Vietnam with a signature language and culture.  The Cham Museum was built in the style of Cham architecture, displaying approximately 300 sandstone and terra-cotta sculptures. Thousands of masterpieces from Champa culture were gathered from Cham’s old temples and towers from many provinces, allowing us to delve deep into the history of the Cham civilization.

cham museum

Cham Museum

Go to Da Nang Fine Art Museum

  • Cost: approximately VND 20,000 (USD 0.82);
  • Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM;
  • Location: 78 Le Duan street, Phuoc Ninh ward, Hai Chau district, Da Nang city.

This Museum was founded in 2014 with three floors to preserve and showcase the values of the artistic heritage in the area of Central Region and Highlands. The museum displays about 1000 modern art works and traditional handicrafts, covering a variety of materials like oil, lacquer, silk and sculptures that are surely impressive to many tourists. 

Learn History in Cao Dai Temple

  • Cost: free entry;
  • Time: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM;
  • Location: 635 Tran Cao Van street, Thach Thang ward, Hai Chau district, Da Nang city.

Cao Dai religion or Caodaism is a God-worshiping religion founded in southern Vietnam in 1926. Cao Dai followers believe that God is the founder of religions and the entire universe. All teachings, symbol systems and organizations are directly assigned by "The Holiness Cao Dai". 

The Cao Dai temple was a blend of various religions, making the structure of the temple very diverse in styles with some aspects of the West and some of the East. This is to represent the special characteristics of these religions. The temple looks simple outside but has a very charming, incredible interior, with typical Cao Dai decoration. 

Get a Spa Treatment with Your Lover

  • Cost: approximately VND 200,000 -  900,000 (USD 8 - 37);
  • Time: 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Depending on the spa you choose);
  • Location: various spas across Da Nang city.

Offering a perfect escape from the rainy weather, couples and friends can take some time to experience a spa in Da Nang. This will be very relaxing and bring the romantic vibe to your relationship. The service in the spa in Da Nang is really hospitality, it is recommended to book a session and enjoy this as a special activity in your trip. Within a budget-friendly price, spa centers still offer combos for different areas in the body like combining the head-shoulder-neck or shoulder-hand-leg to bring tourists the most comfortable time.

Relax with Hot Stone Massage 

  • Cost: approximately VND 200,000 -  900,000 (USD 8 - 37);
  • Time: 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Depending on the spa you choose);
  • Location: various spas across Da Nang city.

Hot stone massages will be a good option to pick during the rainy day in Da Nang. Professional massage stones heated in special techniques combined with special oil and the skillful massage movement performed by professionals. This experience will let the body unwind and relax, bringing a new, unique experience to freshen up the body and mind. There are many famous places offering this experience in Da Nang that can be found easily by recommendations from hotel service.

Visit Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park and Try Japanese Onsen Bath

  • Cost: free entry;
    • Onsen ticket for adult: VND 350,000 (USD 14,33) per adult;
    • Onsen ticket for children (1m - 1.4m in height): VND 300,000 (USD 12.28).
  • Time: 24-hour accessible;
  • Location: Hoa Phu, Hoa Vang, Da Nang.

If you are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in Da Nang, you should visit Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park and try the Japanese onsen bath. Nui Than Tai is a natural wonder, with hot mineral springs and stunning scenery of Ba Na Nui Chua mountains. You can enjoy the benefits of the hot water, which can soothe your muscles and skin, while admiring the beauty of nature.

Nui Than Tai is about 20 kilometers from the city center, and you can reach it by car or motorbike in less than an hour. You can choose to visit for a day or stay overnight, and enjoy the top-class services and facilities that the park offers. However, you should book in advance, especially on holidays, as the park is very popular among tourists. Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park is a perfect place to relax and refresh yourself.

Enjoy Coffee Culture Through the Rainy Window

  • Cost: approximately VND 25,000 - 45,000 (USD 1 - 2) per cup;
  • Time: 24-hour accessible;
  • Location: coffee shops across Da Nang city.

Coffee is very popular in Da Nang, with a lot of cozy ambiance coffee restaurants, the coffee culture is a part of daily life. There are many special local drinks to try such as: avocado coffee, destructed coconut ice coffee,... Many coffee restaurants offer different styles of decoration to enjoy both the drink and the space with friends or a book.

Explore Da Nang Specialties

  • Cost: approximately VND 30,000 - 50,000 (USD 1.23 - 2.05) per serving;
  • Time: 24-hour accessible;
  • Location: local eateries across Da Nang city.

Mixed between local dishes and special ones from the nearby provinces, Da Nang is considered to be the representative of the rich culinary heritage in Vietnam’s Central region. It may take tourists days to try all the dishes. Mi Quang, Cao Lau, rice noodles with barbecue,... are usually served with warm sauce that will be perfect for rainy days.

My quang da nang

Mi Quang Da Nang

Visit Da Nang's Shopping Mall

  • Cost: shopping expenses;
  • Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Depending on the shopping mall you choose);
  • Location: Vincom Plaza, Lotte Mart, Indochina Riverside Towers, etc.

The vibrant city has some large shopping malls with many top international brands which is an ideal for a rainy day shopping. Moreover, some shopping malls have places and game zones for kids and adults to spend time entertaining and have some fun.

Chill with Your Friends in Local Pubs

  • Cost: drink prices vary;
  • Time: 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM (Depending on the pub/bar you choose);
  • Location: various pubs in Da Nang city.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful evening by the beach or a lively night out with friends, Da Nang bars and pubs can bring you the experience you want with the local hospitality. The city offers some enchanting and dynamic bars and pubs that are suitable for seeking an exotic night or spending some chill time with your friends.

da nang at night

Da Nang at night

If you are planning your trip to Da Nang, please immediately take the following notes down to have a safe, fun and economical trip:

Transportation options:

There are various options to choose to ensure a seamless trip:

  • Rent a taxi: utilize taxi services, this option is readily available and accessible. You can use some travel app to book a taxi or seek assistance from your hotel or accommodation for reliable recommendations;
  • Motorbike rental: for adventurous tourists, renting a motorbike is a flexible option. Numerous motorbike rental shops are available with reasonable prices. It is recommended to hire a manual transmission scooter instead of a scooter to ensure the ability to drive up to many hills in Da Nang. Don't forget to fill up the gas tank for a smooth ride. You can ask for assistance from your hotel or accommodation, they usually offer this service beside the stay.

Weather checking:

Check the weather forecast for your trip plan. Pack accordingly to ensure comfort and convenience during your explorations. Da Nang's tropical climate can be hot, so it is recommended to bring sunscreen, light clothing, and stay hydrated or bring an umbrella or raincoat to protect your health.

Itinerary planning:

Efficiently arrange your schedule to maximize your time and explore attractions with convenient distances between them. Da Nang offers a diverse range of experiences, so planning your move based on your interests and weather is important.

Safety first:

Whether you're navigating the city by taxi or motorbike, prioritize your well-being. Take precautions, especially when traveling by motorbike, and use helmets for protection.

Payment method:

While larger establishments may accept credit cards, having cash in Vietnamese Dong is advisable, especially when making purchases at local markets or smaller stores. 

Respecting local culture:

When engaging in activities and sightseeing, always respect local customs and traditions. This is especially crucial when visiting spiritual sites, such as pagodas and temples, which are prevalent in Da Nang. Tourists are required to wear appropriate clothes to visit certain places such as temple, pagodas.

Da Nang, with its vibrant atmosphere, ensures an unforgettable experience for every tourist. Whether you're exploring historical landmarks, local cuisine, or simply relaxing in a spa, regardless of the season, Da Nang can surely satisfy you with a lot of things to do all year round. If you want to experience Da Nang for yourself, visit Vietnam Airlines’ monthly offer page to find your trip and book now to get the best deal for your trip.