Whether or not you’re heading to Vietnam for the native avenue meals, to catch some surf or to go to UNESCO-recognized historic websites, think about a cease in Da Nang. A contemporary metropolis recognized for white-sand seashores and public artwork—together with an enormous, dragon-shaped bridge that breathes hearth at 9 pm each weekend evening—Da Nang has emerged as considered one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing tourism locations, with worldwide guests in 2023 exceeding even pre-pandemic ranges.
Due to its location in Central Vietnam, Da Nang is a strategic jumping-off level for day-tripping to neighboring iconic historic points of interest, like the traditional port city of Hoi An, the previous imperial capital of Hue and the Hindu temples of My Son—a cluster of ruins from the bygone Champa empire. And whereas these websites are all underneath two hours away by automotive, there’s loads of tradition to see with out even leaving the town of Da Nang, together with a 17-story statue of Girl Buddha and the hikeable Marble Mountains temple complicated.
It’s additionally by no means been simpler to get to Da Nang, with newly-launched direct flight routes from Taipei, Seoul and Tokyo. Now, fairly than a second cease in Saigon or Hanoi, worldwide vacationers on long-haul flights could make their technique to Da Nang with out that further connection. In the event you’re contemplating a visit to Vietnam, try our information to Da Nang’s greatest inns, excursions, seashores and eating places.
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The place to Keep
Thọ Quang, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000
This sprawling 189-room, Invoice Bensley-designed resort accomplished an in depth renovation simply in time for its tenth anniversary in 2022, including a brand new foyer and membership lounge in addition to villas and a recent spa idea. The resort, which employs a full-time zoologist, is about on the luxurious Son Tra Peninsula, the place a nature reserve is dwelling to the critically-endangered red-shanked douc langur. Spend your days reenergizing on the new yoga pavilion, having fun with water sports activities on the personal seashore or taking a dip in any of the three swimming pools. On the eating entrance, attempt informal Vietnamese bites on the Barefoot Seafood & Grill Restaurant, or splurge on a few of Vietnam’s greatest French high-quality eating at La Maison 1888, overseen by chef Pierre Gagnaire.
Trường Sa, Đà Nẵng, 550000
Set on the lengthy stretch of seashore connecting Da Nang with Hoi An, this luxurious boutique lodge opened its doorways in 2014. Designed by up to date Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia with an emphasis on pure supplies, the property, which was renovated in 2021, boasts 102 rooms in addition to villas, that are outfitted with personal plunge swimming pools. If leisure is your prerogative, Naman gives choices for all-you-can-spa remedy packages.
88 Võ Nguyên Giáp, Mân Thái, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng 50410
For lodging nearer to the middle of the town, the Southeast Asia-based Fusion Resort Group lately opened this beachfront lodge with room choices for people, {couples} or households (there are even suites with bunk beds). Although you’re steps away from world-class seafood, you too can go for fashionable, wholesome takes on Vietnamese specialties on the on-site restaurant. To unwind, head to the pool or take a yoga class.
What to Do
Whereas many inns within the space have personal seashores, it’s additionally price visiting My Khe, a bustling public white-sand seashore within the metropolis heart. Past swimming within the tropical waters, which keep heat year-round, you too can partake in actions like jet snowboarding, wakeboarding and even browsing, as there’s a constant uncovered seashore break, although we do advocate asking your lodge for suggestions to make sure a vendor is respected. After all of the motion, refresh at one of many dozens of cafes or juice bars, and don’t neglect in regards to the recent seafood hawkers alongside the strip dealing with the seashore.
To immerse your self in Vietnamese tradition and spirituality, go to the Linh Ung Pagoda, a contemporary Buddhist temple opened in 2010 on the Son Tra Peninsula. The primary attraction is a towering 17-story statue of a Girl Buddha atop a lotus flower—at 220 ft, it’s the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam. The encircling temple complicated attracts pilgrims wishing to wish to Shakyamuni Buddha and the varied bodhisattvas and arhats of the Buddhist canon. Monkeys just like the widespread macaque wander the world freely, however positively don’t feed them.
Marble Mountains
Those that take pleasure in a little bit of climbing with their sightseeing ought to ascend the steps of Marble Mountains, a bunch of 5 limestone peaks named after the 5 Asian parts: water, hearth, steel, wooden and earth. As you trek up, you’ll encounter varied homes of worship, some accessed by way of tunnels and caves. Essentially the most notable (and photo-worthy) amongst these is the Huyen Khong cave, boasting a big stone statue of seated Buddha in addition to a shrine to the god of matchmaking. So long as you might be sporting modest clothes and being respectful to the tradition, you might also gentle incense on the varied altars to want for success.
Take the world’s longest cable automotive experience as much as Ba Na Hills whereas having fun with views of Da Nang and the ocean past. Seated practically 5,000 ft above sea stage, the previous French colonial hill station and retreat was was a theme park-style resort in 2009. These days, one of many primary attracts right here is the Instagram-beloved Golden Bridge—a 500-foot pedestrian walkway arching out from a cliffside and seemingly held up by two large fingers.
APEC Sculpture Park
Unveiled in 2022, this free-entry sculpture park is an extension of the pre-existing APEC Park, an out of doors arts and pedestrian strolling space inbuilt 2017 on the west financial institution of the Han River to showcase installations representing the 21 economies of the Asia-Pacific Financial Cooperation (APEC) discussion board. The brand new points of interest embrace a efficiency stage, fountain set up and sprawling metal arch impressed by the form of a flying kite. Additionally inside the complicated is the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, showcasing artwork from the traditional Cham empire that when inhabited the area. A part of Da Nang’s bid to turn out to be a inexperienced metropolis by 2030, the park is lush with bushes and strolling gardens.
Hoi An
The simplest and hottest day journey from Da Nang is an roughly one-hour drive to Hoi An. The UNESCO-listed historic city is among the most well-preserved examples of a thriving Southeast Asian port metropolis utilized by the Chinese language, Japanese, Portuguese, French, Malaysian and extra. As soon as within the previous city, stroll by way of densely-packed alleys of timber-frame buildings, moving into pagodas and stopping at open-air markets alongside the way in which. Or, when you have extra time, take a bike tour (or lease your individual) by way of the rice paddies on the outskirts of city to catch a glimpse of nation life (and water buffalo). Don’t neglect to attempt a bowl of cao lau, a thick udon-like noodle dish that originated in Hoi An.
The place to Eat and Drink
16 Đường Mỹ Đa Tây 2, Khuê Mỹ, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000
At considered one of Da Nang’s most fun fashionable Vietnamese eating places, chef Summer time Le tells the story of Vietnamese elements—and other people—by way of considerate tasting menus, which take inspiration from native historical past and each day life in Vietnam. Opened in 2017, the Da Nang flagship is the unique, whereas Nen Mild, the sister location that opened in Saigon in 2022, was featured as a Michelin Choose venue within the group’s first-ever information to Vietnam. Make a reservation, as seatings are restricted.
04 Bạch Đằng, Thạch Thang, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000
Madame Lan is an enormous, group-friendly restaurant on the banks of the Han River, in a constructing impressed by Hoi An’s architectural model. Open since 2012, this eatery presents conventional flavors with high quality service in a contemporary atmosphere. The menu options a variety of homestyle dishes, from snacks like Central Vietnamese banh khot (coconut-rice muffins with shrimp) to traditional noodle soups like pho, bun bo Hue and vermicelli with beef stew.
11/1 Lưu Quang Thuận, Bắc Mỹ An, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000
Helmed by MasterChef Vietnam runner-up Carol Pham, this noodle store focuses on mi Quang, a Central Vietnamese soup usually made with pork stomach, sesame rice crackers, eggs and peanuts in a bone broth seasoned with fish sauce. Although the dish originates in neighboring Quang Nam province, Da Nang is the biggest close by metropolis, and the dish has turn out to be some extent of satisfaction throughout the area. At Nu Do, Pham, a local of Dien Ban between Hoi An and Da Nang, stays devoted to the profile of the broth, however gives varieties with beef, rooster and fish.
45 Phạm Văn Nghị, Thạc Gián, Thanh Khê, Đà Nẵng 550000
For the old-school model of mi Quang noodle soup, Da Nang’s native delicacy, look no additional than Mi Quang Phu Chiem. The restaurant is called after Phu Chiem, a village in Quang Nam from which the dish is believed to have been created. In Vietnam, noodle soup is commonly eaten for breakfast, as it’s gentle but hearty. As such, the restaurant opens vibrant and early at 5:30 am, and closes by 11:30 am. There are dozens of eating places in Da Nang with an identical identify, promoting a standout model of this dish, however we significantly love this mainstay. Search for the massive cauldron of soup simmering proper out entrance.
280/23 Hoàng Diệu, Bình Hiên, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000
This native favourite spotlights one other Central Vietnamese specialty, banh xeo, or scorching fried turmeric crepes, full of meat, shrimp or a mix of each. Inside, see native cooks manning a half-dozen frying pans to prove the crepes one after the other (every frying pan can solely match one). Additionally on provide is nem lui, a sort of floor pork sausage skewered and grilled on lemongrass stalks.
