Bangkok Airways Round Up
- Da Nang, Vietnam, is a popular travel destination offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and vibrant city life. Enjoy stunning views from the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, explore caves and ancient pagodas at the Marble Mountains, relax on My Khe Beach, and shop for souvenirs at Han Market. As night falls, watch the Dragon Bridge fire show, take a cruise along the Han River, or enjoy dinner at a rooftop bar.
- From Da Nang, you can also take a day trip to two of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Start at My Son Sanctuary to discover the history of the Champa Kingdom, explore ancient red-brick temples, and watch traditional Cham cultural performances. Then continue to Hoi An Ancient Town to admire historic architecture, take photos at the Japanese Covered Bridge, enjoy an evening boat ride along the Thu Bon River, and release a flower lantern.
Da Nang, a popular coastal destination in central Vietnam, offers a perfect blend of iconic landmarks, stunning natural scenery, and local charm. Bangkok Airways brings you five exciting ways to experience the city, from exploring must-see attractions to savoring Vietnamese cuisine and discovering local culture.
Explore Da Nang’s Iconic Landmarks and Cultural Heritage
1. Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge
Take a scenic cable car ride over lush forests and mountains to Ba Na Hills, one of Da Nang’s most popular attractions. One of its cable car routes set a Guinness World Record in 2013 for the longest non-stop single-track cable car, stretching 5,801 meters. Located nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, Ba Na Hills features European-style architecture, beautiful flower gardens, temples, and a large amusement park, offering plenty of activities for a full day of exploration.
Must-visit highlights at Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge, Da Nang include:
- Golden Bridge: Walk across the nearly 150-meter-long golden bridge, supported by two giant stone hands, and capture stunning photos of the surrounding mountains and misty landscapes.
- French Village and Moon Castle: Explore European-style buildings, a Gothic-style church, and the village square before heading to Moon Castle. Enjoy immersive experiences at the Flying Eye Airship cinema and Moon Intersection 4D cinema, and take photos of the castle’s impressive architecture.
- Fantasy Park and Thrill Rides: Experience exciting attractions, including the 29-meter-tall Drop Tower, the outdoor Alpine Coaster with its winding tracks, and the Jurassic-themed dinosaur zone. With activities for different age groups, Fantasy Park is a great stop for families and adventure seekers.
- Linh Ung Pagoda (Ba Na Hills): Visit the 27-meter-tall white Shakyamuni Buddha statue, offer prayers for peace and good fortune, and enjoy beautiful mountain views in a peaceful setting.
2. Dragon Bridge
Admire the impressive Dragon Bridge, one of Da Nang’s most iconic landmarks, stretching 666 meters across the Han River. Designed in the shape of a golden dragon inspired by Vietnam’s Ly Dynasty, the bridge symbolizes the city’s prosperity and growth.
At night, colorful LED lights illuminate the bridge, creating a stunning sight. The main highlight is the spectacular fire-and-water show, typically held every Friday through Sunday at 9:00 p.m. You can watch the performance from the bridge, along Tran Hung Dao Street near the dragon’s head, or take a Han River cruise to enjoy the show and Da Nang’s beautiful nighttime skyline from a different perspective.
3. Marble Mountains
Discover the beauty of the Marble Mountains, also known as Ngu Hanh Son, a group of five limestone and marble hills south of Da Nang. The hills are named after the five elements (earth, water, fire, wood, and metal). The site was recognized as a Special National Relic of Vietnam in 2019. Thuy Son (Water Mountain), the largest of the five, is the main sightseeing area. Climb the stone steps or take a glass elevator to explore fascinating caves, ancient pagodas, and scenic viewpoints along the mountain trails.
Must-visit highlights on Thuy Son, Da Nang include:
- Linh Ung Pagoda and Vong Hai Dai Viewpoint: Visit Linh Ung Pagoda, nestled among limestone cliffs, to pay respects to the Guanyin statue. Then head to Vong Hai Dai Viewpoint for panoramic views of Da Nang’s coastline and the sea.
- Thien Long and Van Thong Caves: Explore the caves to admire natural rock formations and sunlight filtering through openings in the rocks, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
- Tam Thai Pagoda, Huyen Khong Cave, and Vong Giang Dai Viewpoint: Offer prayers at the historic Tam Thai Pagoda before exploring Huyen Khong Cave, where sunlight streams through openings in the ceiling, illuminating Buddha statues and altars. Then head to Vong Giang Dai Viewpoint for sweeping views of the surrounding rivers and mountains.
4. Museum of Cham Sculpture
Learn about the history at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, home to the world’s largest collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts. The museum displays around 500 artifacts from a collection of more than 2,000, dating from the 5th to 15th centuries. These include sandstone sculptures, terracotta pieces, and metalwork that reflect the daily lives and religious beliefs of the Cham people.
The galleries are organized by excavation sites, such as Tra Kieu, Thap Mam, and My Son. Don’t miss the My Son E1 Altar, the Tra Kieu Altar, and a bronze statue of Tara Bodhisattva standing approximately 1.15 meters tall, all recognized as national treasures of Vietnam.
Discover Scenic Mountain Views and Beautiful Beaches
5. Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain
Explore the natural beauty of Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain), located on Da Nang’s Son Tra Peninsula. This popular attraction and nature reserve is home to more than 1,000 plant species and over 360 animal species, including the rare red-shanked douc langur. You can enjoy lush forests, peaceful mountain scenery, and stunning sea views from scenic viewpoints across the area.
Highlights of Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain, Da Nang include:
- Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra) and Lady Buddha: Pay respects to the 67-meter-tall white Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda, set on a hillside overlooking the sea. Offer prayers for good fortune and enjoy panoramic views of Da Nang and its coastline.
- Ban Co Peak: Head to a viewpoint approximately 700 meters above sea level and take photos with a statue of an immortal playing chess, inspired by a local legend. Take in breathtaking views of Da Nang, Da Nang Bay, and the Hai Van Mountains.
- Nature Trails and Red-shanked Douc Langurs: Explore Son Tra’s natural scenery along a mountain route of approximately 24 kilometers. If you’re lucky, you may spot rare red-shanked douc langurs, known for their distinctive colorful fur. The area is ideal for hiking and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.
6. My Khe Beach
Relax by the sea at My Khe Beach, one of Da Nang’s most popular beaches, recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the six most attractive beaches in the world in 2005. Known for its 900-meter stretch of white sand, clear waters, and coconut palm trees along the shore, the beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, parasailing, and playing beach volleyball.
Take a morning stroll to watch the sunrise and capture photos of traditional round basket boats lined up along the northern part of the beach near Man Thai Fishing Village, reflecting the unique way of life of local fishermen.
Shop at Local Markets and Savor Authentic Vietnamese Food
7. Han Market
Shop for souvenirs and experience local Vietnamese life at Han Market (Cho Han), a historic market near the Han River in central Da Nang. Located on Tran Phu Street, the market is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Its two-story building houses more than 500 stalls selling a wide variety of local products. The upper floor offers clothing, bags, shoes, and Ao Dai, the traditional Vietnamese outfit, available in both ready-made and custom-tailored styles.
The ground floor features local foods and popular souvenirs, including Vietnamese coffee, dried fruits, traditional snacks, dried seafood, and local condiments such as shrimp paste and Mam Nem (fermented anchovy sauce). Local specialties worth trying include Mi Quang (Quang-style noodles), Nem Lui (grilled pork skewers with lemongrass), and Banh Xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes).
8. Pham Hong Thai Night Food Street
Taste your way through Vietnamese street food on Pham Hong Thai Street, a lively food street in central Da Nang near Han Market. Less than 800 meters long, the street is lined with local eateries and offers a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes, including Mi Quang (Quang-style noodles), Com Tam (broken rice with grilled pork), Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (boiled pork wrapped in rice paper), Nem Lui (lemongrass pork skewers), seafood, and traditional Vietnamese desserts. Enjoy the bustling nighttime atmosphere as the street comes alive with food stalls and local diners, generally from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily.
Experience Da Nang’s Vibrant Nightlife
9. Han River Night Cruise
Take a scenic night cruise along the Han River and enjoy Da Nang’s beautiful nighttime skyline. Cruises depart from Song Han Pier on Bach Dang Street, and some offer traditional Cham dance performances. Sail past the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Han River Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and Tran Thi Ly Bridge, on a journey lasting approximately one hour.
10. Sky36 Rooftop Bar at Novotel Danang Premier Han River
Enjoy a night out with friends or a romantic dinner with your partner at Sky36, the highest rooftop bar in Da Nang, located on the 35th to 37th floors of Novotel Danang Premier Han River. Take in stunning 360-degree views of Da Nang’s skyline and the Han River.
The venue features an Indoor Lounge on the 35th floor, offering cocktails in an elegant setting; an Outdoor Bar on the 36th floor with vibrant lights, music, and exciting live performances; and a Dining & Lounge area on the 37th floor, serving European-style cuisine and a wide selection of drinks alongside stunning city views.
Take a Memorable Day Trip from Da Nang
11. Hoi An Ancient Town
Stroll through Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1999, located about a 45 to 60-minute drive from Da Nang. Once a major trading port in Southeast Asia from the 15th to the 19th century, the town has preserved more than 1,000 historic buildings reflecting a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences along its narrow streets.
Stop for photos at the Japanese Covered Bridge before taking an evening stroll along the Thu Bon River, illuminated by colorful lanterns. Enjoy a boat ride and release a flower lantern onto the river, following a local tradition.
12. My Son Sanctuary
Explore the ancient temples of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1999, located about a 1.5-hour drive from central Da Nang. Walk among ancient red-brick temples and towers, discover Shiva lingam and yoni altars, and capture photos of the historic ruins.
Enjoy views of Mahaparvata Mountain, rising approximately 730 meters, and watch traditional Cham cultural performances, including the Doa Pu (Water-Carrying Dance) and folk music played on Paranung drums and Saranai horns. The sanctuary is generally open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with ticket sales ending at 5:00 p.m.
Best Time to Visit Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang, Vietnam, is a year-round travel destination, with February to April generally offering the best weather. During these months, temperatures are pleasant, making this period ideal for sightseeing and exploring natural attractions. However, each season offers different weather conditions and activities to enjoy.
- February to April (Best Weather): Enjoy pleasant temperatures, minimal rainfall, and mostly clear skies. This is an ideal time to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, take photos at the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, and discover ancient caves and pagodas at the Marble Mountains.
- May to August (Beach Season): Expect hot, sunny weather with generally calm seas and clear waters. This is a great time for swimming and sunbathing at My Khe Beach, snorkeling to explore coral reefs near Bai Rang Beach on the Son Tra Peninsula, and taking an evening cruise along the Han River.
- September to January (Rainy Season): Expect more frequent rainfall, especially in October and November, when heavy rain, storms, and flooding are more likely. Enjoy indoor activities such as exploring ancient artifacts at the Museum of Cham Sculpture, shopping for souvenirs at Han Market, and sipping drinks while admiring city views from Sky36’s Indoor Lounge. Be sure to check the weather forecast and allow flexibility in your travel plans.
How to Get to Da Nang, Vietnam from Thailand
Make your trip to Da Nang more convenient with Bangkok Airways Codeshare Flights, connecting travelers from Thailand to Vietnam under a single booking. Fly directly from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, with the flight operated by Bangkok Airways’ codeshare partner, Vietnam Airlines.
Alternatively, you can begin your journey from Chiang Mai, Phuket, Sukhothai, or Trat with a connecting flight via Bangkok, depending on the available itinerary. Baggage check-through to your final destination is also available on eligible codeshare itineraries, making your journey smoother all the way to Da Nang.
Q&A About Da Nang, Vietnam
Is Da Nang Worth Visiting for First-Time Travelers?
Yes, Da Nang is an excellent destination for first-time travelers, offering a perfect mix of beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and delicious Vietnamese food. Highlights include iconic landmarks such as the Golden Bridge and Marble Mountains, the relaxing atmosphere of My Khe Beach, and vibrant local markets. The city is also a great starting point for day trips to Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary.
How Many Days Do You Need to Explore Da Nang?
Spending 3 to 4 days in Da Nang is ideal for exploring its main attractions, including Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, and the Han River. This also allows time to enjoy local food, shopping, and nightlife. If you plan to take day trips to both Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary, consider staying 5 to 6 days for a more relaxed experience.
Can You Visit Hoi An on a Day Trip from Da Nang?
Yes, Hoi An Ancient Town is an ideal destination for a day trip from Da Nang, just a 45 to 60-minute drive away. You can explore historic buildings, take photos at the Japanese Covered Bridge, and enjoy authentic Vietnamese food. Plan to stay until the evening to admire the colorful lanterns along the Thu Bon River and enjoy a traditional boat ride.
Do International Tourists Need a Visa to Visit Da Nang, Vietnam?
Visa requirements for Da Nang, Vietnam, vary by nationality. For example, passport holders from the UK, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany can stay visa-free for up to 45 days. Thai, Singaporean, and Malaysian citizens can stay visa-free for up to 30 days. US and Australian travelers generally need a visa and can apply for an e-visa valid for up to 90 days.
For other nationalities and the latest visa requirements, check Vietnam’s visa exemption list and the Tourism Development Stimulus Program before traveling.
Uncover the Best Things to Do in Da Nang with Bangkok Airways
Discover the best things to do in Da Nang, from taking in breathtaking views from the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills to relaxing on My Khe Beach and experiencing vibrant nightlife along the Han River. Begin your journey from Thailand to Da Nang with Bangkok Airways Codeshare Flights and enjoy a smooth, comfortable travel experience.
Bangkok Airways: Experience Unparalleled Comfort and Convenience
Embark on seamless travel adventures with Bangkok Airways’ extensive network of flights connecting you to Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, and Hong Kong. Additionally, enjoy our domestic flights to Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat.
Through our codeshare partnerships, you can also access more destinations beyond Bangkok Airways’ own network, with the convenience of booking Bangkok Airways and partner airline flights in a single reservation and enjoying through-checked baggage on eligible connections.
- Seat Selection: Choose your preferred seat on your flight to ensure a comfortable journey.
- Baggage Allowance Included: Enjoy up to 20 kg of checked baggage, allowing you to bring along your essentials without worry.
- In-flight Meals: Enjoy complimentary meals and beverages on board.
- Airport Lounge Access: Relax and unwind in our exclusive airport lounges before your flight.
