The Most Popular Attractions and Places in Da Nang on the Map
Da Nang is one of the most popular resort cities in Vietnam, where you can see mountains, islands, beaches, ancient temples, and parks in one trip.
Da Nang attractions cover completely different types of travel: from mystical Marble Mountains to snorkeling on tropical islands, so it is worth planning your route in advance. To make it easier, use our route planner: simply tell it where you are going, for how long, and which places you want to visit, and it will create a ready-made detailed itinerary.
This article will help you understand what exactly you want to visit, because it is a selection of the most popular places that almost all tourists visit, with specific tips on logistics, prices, and important details.
Ba Na Hills: the park with the Golden Bridge
Ba Na Hills is one of the most popular attractions in Da Nang. It is a huge mountain complex at an altitude of almost 1,500 meters above sea level, with cable cars, gardens, observation decks, attractions, and the famous Golden Bridge supported by giant stone hands.
For most tourists, the Golden Bridge is the main reason for visiting, but in reality the complex is much larger than it looks in photos. You can easily spend a whole day here.
What to know before visiting
- At the top, it is usually about 5 degrees cooler than in Da Nang. Even if it is hot in the city, we did not need a light jacket or windbreaker at the top — it was very comfortable.
- The weather in Ba Na Hills often differs from the weather in the city. It may be sunny in Da Nang, while the top is covered with clouds or fog.
- If your main goal is beautiful photos of the Golden Bridge, choose clear days and arrive at opening time.
- On weekends and holidays, there are many more people, and queues for the cable cars can take extra time.
- You should plan at least 4–5 hours for the complex, but a full day is better, because the trip takes a lot of energy.
How to get there
The most convenient option is a taxi. The road from central Da Nang takes about an hour and costs around 1,200 rubles.
If you are traveling with a group, a taxi is usually cheaper and more comfortable than group tours, because you can arrive at opening time and not depend on a schedule.
Tickets
It is best to buy tickets on Trip.com, where they are cheaper than at tourist points in the city. Book in advance to make sure you get the date you need. By the way, if you book through Trip.com, you can get an additional discount — just use my referral code VXLNR6 or register using this link.
You can take a tour, but honestly, it does not seem necessary — you can easily walk around and see everything on your own.
Best route around the park
- Arrive at opening time — there are much fewer people and no crowds.
- First, go up to the Golden Bridge: take photos and look around while it is still not crowded.
- After the Golden Bridge, do not stay too long on this level and go higher, to the attraction zone.
- Then go up to the highest level: statues, gardens, panoramic views.
- The ticket includes free beer or French fries at the brewery near the fountain next to the carousels — do not miss it.
- Explore the locations, have a snack, take photos of the statues and views.
- Go down and return by taxi — around 1,200 rubles back.
Is it worth visiting?
If this is your first time in Da Nang, Ba Na Hills is one of those places that is usually included in the must-visit list. Even if you are not interested in attractions, the trip is worth it for the cable car, mountain landscapes, and the Golden Bridge — one of the most famous attractions in Vietnam.
The main thing is not to plan the trip on a rainy day. In bad weather, the famous bridge and panoramic views can be completely hidden in clouds, and the experience will be very different.
Lady Buddha and scenic locations on Son Tra Peninsula
Lady Buddha is one of the most famous attractions in Da Nang. The snow-white 67-meter statue of the Goddess of Mercy is located on the grounds of Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula. Thanks to its elevated position, it can be seen from many parts of the city and even from the sea.
Besides the statue itself, it is worth coming here for the beautiful temple grounds, panoramic views of the Da Nang coastline, and a calm atmosphere away from the city noise.
What to know before visiting
- Entrance to the pagoda grounds is free.
- For entering temple buildings, modest clothing is recommended: no open shoulders and no very short shorts. But if you are just walking around the grounds, you can still calmly see everything without this.
- It is better to come in the morning, before the strong heat and tourist groups.
- Usually, 1 hour is enough to see the complex.
Best first-half-of-the-day route with Lady Buddha
Start your morning with Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha statue. Walk around the complex, see the temple buildings and viewpoints. From here, you get beautiful views of the city, the sea, and My Khe Beach.
After visiting the complex, head to the small beach Cá Chuồn Space. This is a cozy place that is less known among tourists, with clean water and beautiful coastal views. Here you can relax, drink a coconut or coffee, and take impressive photos.
Then continue your route to Sơn Trà Marina — a popular seaside café designed in a Mediterranean style. It is a good place for a late breakfast or lunch with a view of the bay. The white-and-blue architecture and moored yachts make this one of the most popular photo spots in Da Nang.
How much time to plan
The whole route usually takes about 3–4 hours. That is why it is easy to combine it with other attractions on Son Tra Peninsula or with beach time in the afternoon.
Cham Islands
The Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm) are a small archipelago in the South China Sea, about 18 kilometers from the coast. The islands are part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and are considered one of the best sea excursion destinations from Da Nang and Hoi An.
People come here for clear water, snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and a calmer atmosphere compared to the city coastline.
Who will enjoy this trip
- Those who love the sea and beach holidays.
- Those who want to go snorkeling and see the underwater world.
- Travelers who have already seen the main attractions of Da Nang and want to get out into nature.
- Families with children and groups of friends.
If your goal is to spend a day by the sea and see a more “island-style” Vietnam, the trip usually meets expectations.
Price and tickets
A tour to the Cham Islands costs about 1,800 rubles per person — and again, the best price is usually on Trip.com. In tourist agencies around the city, prices can be 2–3 times higher. Plus, Trip.com has guaranteed available spots for the next day.
What is included in the tour
Most tours include:
- transfer to the port and back
- speedboat to the islands
- snorkeling with a mask and snorkel, but they do not provide disposable mouthpieces here, so it is better to bring your own mask and snorkel, or dive like we did, holding your breath
- lunch
- free time for relaxing and swimming on the island
Before booking, check the exact program of the tour, as it may differ slightly.
What to know
- The best time to visit is from March to August, when the sea is the calmest.
- In windy or rainy weather, tours may be canceled because of rough sea conditions.
- The speedboat can shake noticeably, so people with seasickness should prepare in advance, but the ride itself is quick — around 15 minutes.
- For a comfortable trip, bring sunscreen and a hat. Water is usually provided.
Is it worth going?
If you plan to spend several days in Da Nang and want to add a sea adventure to your city walks, the Cham Islands are one of the best options for a day trip. The excursion usually takes almost the whole day, so it is better not to combine it with other activities.
The main advantage of the islands is clean water, beautiful views, and a chance to see nature that is very different from the city beaches of Da Nang.
Hoi An: the most atmospheric city near Da Nang
Just 30–40 minutes from Da Nang, you will find Hoi An — one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in Vietnam, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Old Town has preserved the architecture of a trading port from the 16th–18th centuries: narrow streets, old houses with yellow facades, hundreds of colorful lanterns, and cozy cafés create a completely different atmosphere compared to modern Da Nang.
Many travelers consider Hoi An one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country.
What to see in Hoi An
The main attraction is the historic city center, where it is pleasant to simply walk without a strict route.
During your walk, pay attention to:
- The Japanese Covered Bridge — one of the symbols of Hoi An.
- Numerous souvenir shops and craft workshops.
- Stores with leather goods, handmade bags, and shoes.
- The Thu Bon River embankment with boats and lanterns.
- Atmospheric cafés and restaurants in old buildings.
Best time to visit
Although walking around Hoi An is interesting at any time of day, the best time to visit is in the afternoon.
Arrive closer to 4:00 PM, so you can calmly explore the Old Town first, and then see hundreds of lanterns light up after dark. Evening Hoi An is exactly what you most often see on postcards and photos.
After sunset, you can take a traditional boat ride along the river and release a paper lantern with a candle onto the water — one of the most popular activities among tourists.
Basket boats
Near Hoi An, there is the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, where tourists ride the famous round basket boats. Usually, people stop here on the way to the city or combine the visit with a walk around Hoi An. Tickets can also be bought cheaply on Trip.com.
The Dar Show
If you plan to stay until the evening, pay attention to The Dar Show. This is a modern theatrical performance that combines acrobatics, live music, national culture, and complex bamboo structures.
The show is considered one of the best cultural performances in Central Vietnam, so it is better to book tickets in advance. They are not available on Trip.com. If you have an international card, you can buy them on the official website or check the website klook.com.
How much time to plan
Half a day is enough to get acquainted with Hoi An, but if you want to walk calmly, have dinner, and see the evening city in the glow of lanterns, it is better to set aside a full day or come in the afternoon and stay until late evening.
Marble Mountains
Marble Mountains are one of the most popular attractions in Da Nang, located just 15–20 minutes by car from the city center. The complex consists of five hills named after the five natural elements: water, fire, wood, metal, and earth.
The main place of interest for tourists is Thuy Son Mountain (Water Mountain), where you will find ancient pagodas, Buddhist shrines, viewpoints, and impressive caves hidden inside the rocks.
What to see
During your walk around the complex, it is worth visiting:
- Huyền Không Cave — one of the most beautiful and atmospheric caves in Da Nang.
- Buddhist pagodas and temples located right among the rocks.
- Viewpoints overlooking the coast, the city, and the surroundings.
- Stone stairways and tunnels connecting different parts of the complex.
The main feature of the Marble Mountains is the combination of nature, history, and religious architecture in one place.
What to know
- You will need comfortable shoes for the climb — there are quite a lot of stairs here.
- A visit to the complex usually takes from 1.5 to 3 hours.
- It is better to come in the morning or closer to evening, when it is not too hot.
Is it worth visiting?
If you want to see not only Da Nang’s beaches, but also its cultural attractions, the Marble Mountains are definitely worth your attention. This place will especially appeal to those who love beautiful views, temples, and unusual natural locations.
The easiest option is to combine a visit to the Marble Mountains with a trip to Hoi An, because they are located on the way between the two cities.
Summary table: popular attractions in Da Nang
If you have limited time, this table will help you quickly understand which places should be added to your itinerary first.
| Place | How much time | Approximate cost | Best for | Main feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ba Na Hills | 1 day | from 2,700 rubles/person | First-time visitors to Da Nang, families, and lovers of beautiful views | Golden Bridge, cable car, attractions, and mountain panoramas |
| Son Tra Peninsula and Lady Buddha | 3–4 hours | Free | Those who do not want to go far from the city | Lady Buddha, viewpoints, beautiful bays, and seaside cafés |
| Cham Islands | 1 day | from 1,800 rubles/person | Sea, snorkeling, and nature lovers | Clear water, island atmosphere, and a boat trip |
| Hoi An | 3–4 hours | Free | Almost all tourists | Old town, lanterns, boats, and the atmosphere of old Vietnam |
| Marble Mountains | 2–3 hours | from 1,400 rubles/person | Lovers of temples, caves, and beautiful views | Caves, pagodas, and viewpoints inside the rocks |
FAQ
How to get to Ba Na Hills from Da Nang?
The most convenient way is by taxi — the road takes about 1 hour and costs around 1,200 rubles one way. You can order a transfer through an app or negotiate with a driver on the spot.
Where is it cheaper to buy tickets to the Cham Islands and Ba Na Hills?
It is best to buy them on Trip.com — prices there are noticeably lower than in tourist agencies in the city, where the price can be 2–3 times higher. Trip.com also usually has guaranteed spots for the nearest dates.
What is included in a Cham Islands tour?
A standard tour for about 1,800 rubles per person includes transfer to the port and back, snorkeling, and lunch on the islands. There is also free time to walk around the island village.
When is the best time to visit Ba Na Hills to avoid crowds?
Come right at park opening. At this time there are far fewer people, and you can calmly take photos on the Golden Bridge without queues.
What to see in Da Nang in a few days?
A good plan is: day one — Ba Na Hills, day two — Lady Buddha and the beach, day three — Cham Islands. It is also worth setting aside a separate day for Hoi An and stopping at Marble Mountains on the way. In the evening, you can go to The Dar Show.
Is it worth buying souvenirs on the Cham Islands?
Yes, there are many small shops on the island with souvenirs and good-quality leather goods at reasonable prices. Round basket boat rides and evening lantern releases are also popular.