Tourism Guide to Da Nang
Vietnam's Coastal Pearl

Da Nang, nestled between the sea and the mountains, was once a sleepy port town but has now become one of the most interesting places to visit in Vietnam. It has become a destination for tourists looking for both cultural richness and contemporary convenience over the last two decades, all against the breathtaking scenery of central Vietnam.

Da Nang is unique due to its exceptional balance. Da Nang feels more friendly, light, and laid-back, even as Hanoi carries political and historical weight and Ho Chi Minh City buzzes with urban energy. Its extended, beautiful coastline—marked by the well-known My Khe Beach—provides among the most pristine and easily accessible urban beaches in Asia. Visitors can be driving over gloomy mountain passes in half an hour after starting their morning swimming in balmy seas.

With its wide boulevards, tree-lined streets, and less hectic reputation than Vietnam's other metropolitan hubs, the city itself is simple to explore. The Dragon Bridge is one of its most well-known features. Every evening it lights up in vivid colours, and on weekends it even breathes fire and water. Promenades and cafes line the Han River, which flows through the city, where visitors and locals alike congregate after sunset to take advantage of the cooler air.

The attractions grow only beyond Da Nang. The Ba Na Hills, a mountaintop resort first built by the French in the early 20th century, can be found to the west. It is most well-known today for the Golden Bridge, a walkway reportedly held aloft by two huge stone hands. While some write it off as excessively crafted for Instagram, few dispute the spectacular views it provides across the nearby hills. One of the longest in the world, the Ba Na cable car offers a spectacular ascent and is now a tourist destination in its own right.

Heading south, Hoi An's UNESCO World Heritage site is only a 40-minute drive away. Often regarded as Da Nang's cultural equivalent, this well-preserved trading town features a Japanese bridge, riverside marketplaces, and lantern-lit alleyways. Before embarking on day trips to Hoi An, many tourists base themselves in Da Nang, where they can appreciate the contemporary hotels and beaches. Together, they give the best of both worlds: history and rest.

The Hai Van Pass snakes steeply across the hills to the north, with amazing views of the coast. This section of road is still a favourite for motorcyclists and photographers even after the BBC's Top Gear made it famous. Beyond the pass, a trip is given even more richness by Hue, a different UNESCO-listed city and the former imperial capital.

The Marble Mountains are a must-see destination in Da Nang. For a long time, these limestone outcrops speckled with temples and caverns have been a religious spot. Visitors can ascend to the top for breathtaking city and coastline views or explore the stunning interiors, where Buddhist shrines have been intricately carved into the stone.

Naturally, cuisine is yet another feature. Renowned for its strong tastes, Central Vietnamese cuisine is best sampled in Da Nang, where regional specialities abound. Considered the signature bowl of the city, Mi Quang is a noodle dish garnished with pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs. The seafood is just as good, and open-air restaurants along the coast serve a variety of dishes, from grilled squid to steaming bowls of clam soup.

Da Nang's accessibility draws tourists in particular. Several Asian cities are directly linked to the international airport; the infrastructure is modern without being intimidating. Visitors usually praise the warmth of the people of Da Nang and its cleanliness. They are proud of how the city has become a tourist attraction, but they also want to keep its laid-back vibe.

Da Nang and the adjacent area are difficult to surpass for travellers looking for a destination where contemporary conveniences mix with authentic Vietnamese flavour. Whether it's a Hoi An evening illuminated with lanterns, sunrise over My Khe Beach, or the rush of riding the Hai Van Pass, the events here hang about a long time after the trip finishes.