3 Perfect Days in Đà Nẵng

Go Vietnam4 years ago

Da Nang is one of those places that’s got it all: breezy beaches, world-class leisure, compelling heritage sites and delicious cuisine. It's easy to wile away a few days in this coastal paradise, but to see the best of Da Nang’s many assets, we recommend the itinerary below. Take in the beauty of Da Nang, from Son Tra Peninsula to the Marble Mountains, with these insider tips.

Credit: Vietnam Travel

Photo: Anh Nguyen

Nén Restaurant

For your first evening in Da Nang, treat yourself to some fresh fusion at Fat Fish or try the creative modern Vietnamese concoctions at Nen Restaurant.

Nén Restaurant

16 đường Mỹ Đa Tây 2, Khuê Mỹ, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Hàn River

After delving into ancient culture, soak up some contemporary Da Nang culture with a stroll along the riverfront on Bach Dang St. Catch some late afternoons breezes off the Han River, see the marble art pieces set up along the banks, and enjoy the local vibe as couples, joggers and friends gather to enjoy the end of the day by the water.

Hàn River

Hàn River, Da Nang, Vietnam

Đà Nẵng Museum of Cham Sculpture

From the centre of town, it’s an easy walk to the Museum of Cham Sculpture (spot Da Nang Cathedral en route, a cotton candy-pink edifice constructed by French colonialists back in 1923.) The Cham Museum is a must for history buffs and one of the best museums in Vietnam, housing Cham artefacts and sculptures discovered on digs all around the central coast as well as at My Son Sanctuary, dating from the 5th to the 15th century.

Đà Nẵng Museum of Cham Sculpture

Số 02 Đ. 2 Tháng 9, Bình Hiên, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

The Marble Mountains

Just after breakfast and as early as you can manage, hop in a taxi to the Marble Mountains, five craggy limestone outcrops topped with serene pagodas just seven kilometres out of town. Thuy Son is the most famous of the five karsts with a number of caves in which Hindu and Buddhist shrines have been preserved over the centuries. Photo: danang.gov.vn, danangfantasticity.com

The Marble Mountains

81 Huyền Trân Công Chúa, Hoà Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

43 Factory Coffee Roastery (Specialty Roastery Coffee in Da Nang)

By the time you head back to town, you’ll be ready for a coffee fix. The Vietnamese mix with the best of them when it comes to caffeine consumption, and Da Nang cafe lovers are spoiled for choice. Local coffee shops such as Ca Phe Long and Cong Caphe serve up the potent, almost chocolate-y native brew at criminally low prices. For a more upmarket option, try 43 Factory Coffee Roastery. Photo: sprudge.com, ashui.com

43 Factory Coffee Roastery (Specialty Roastery Coffee in Da Nang)

Lot 422, Ngô Thi Sỹ, Bắc Mỹ An, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Fusion Maia Da Nang

For a bout of indulgence, book a spa treatment at Fusion Maia Resort, or take advantage of happy hour and swim a few laps at a rooftop pool, accompanied by views of the city skyline, Han River, and Son Tra Peninsula.

Fusion Maia Da Nang

Võ Nguyên Giáp, Khuê Mỹ, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 557276, Vietnam

Mỹ Khê Beach

Dine at the beach for a feast of fresh seafood plucked live from giant tanks. Consider some mantis shrimp fried with garlic, grilled calamari or clams steamed with coconut milk, lime leaves and chilli.

Mỹ Khê Beach

Son Tinh District, Quang Ngai, Vietnam

Golden Bridge

On your second day in Da Nang, strike out to see some of the province’s world-class wonders. If you’re an avid Instagrammer, the cable car and the Golden Hands Bridge at Ba Na Hills Amusement Park will give you ample opportunities to fill up your memory card. Photo: threeland.com, unexploredfootsteps.com

Golden Bridge

Sun World Bà Nà Hill, Hoà Phú, Hòa Vang, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam

Hoi An Ancient Town

If you’re more interested in cultural immersion, make the 45-minute trip out to the Hoi An Ancient Town to explore its photogenic alleys, pagodas, and shophouses

Hoi An Ancient Town

Old Town, Hội An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

AVANA Concept Store

Back in Da Nang, spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying a few creature comforts. If you're up for shopping, you may be tempted by the chic boutiques sprinkled near the river and waterfront. Da Nang Souvenirs and Cafe provides a range of take-home mementos, and AVANA stocks amazing clothings and accessories inspired by the ethnic Co Tu minority Photo: danangfantasticity.com

AVANA Concept Store

260 Đường Trần Phú, Phước Ninh, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Ngon Villa Da Nang

Close out your Da Nang holiday with dinner at Ngon Villa. An elegant venue, this restaurant is a perfect spot to sample dishes from the region and share highlights from your visit. Photo: danang.ngonvilla.com

Ngon Villa Da Nang

90 Lê Quang Đạo, Street, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Sơn Trà

On your last morning in town, go deeper to explore Da Nang itself. Book a back-of-the-bike tour to visit the nearby fishing village, explore bustling markets, and be introduced to iconic cafes and street food stalls. Be sure to take a ride around the curves of Son Tra Peninsula to catch the stupendous views of My Khe Beach to the south and the Hai Van Pass to the north.

Sơn Trà

Sơn Trà, Da Nang, Vietnam

My Khe Beach

After all that adventure (and maybe a nap) it’s time to hit the beach and unwind, just like a local. Da Nang‘s shores get some excellent surf between November and March in case you want to catch a wave or two. If you prefer to lounge, grab a book and a cold coconut and watch the waves roll in on My Khe Beach.