Da Nang is a coastal city bursting with numerous stunning beaches, rolling mountains, and cultural landmarks. Previously regarded as a stopover destination for many of Vietnam’s smaller cities along the coast, Danang is now attracting its own tourists who appreciate its natural beauty and historical remnants. Below are ten must-see attractions in this laid-back city.
1. The Golden Bridge Hands
The Golden Bridge in Vietnam has been making waves across the globe, becoming a popular attraction for tourists looking for stunning views and unique architecture. The bridge, featuring two imposing stone hands holding a delicate strand of gold, is now packed with a multitude of eager visitors, all keen to capture the breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below and the rolling Truong Son mountains. Suspended nearly 4,600 feet above sea level, this architectural wonder was specifically designed to draw more tourists to Danang’s Ba Na Hills, and it has certainly succeeded in its mission.
2. Son Tra Mountain
This majestic mountain, located at the northern end of My Khe beach, is fondly referred to as “Monkey Mountain” due to the presence of rare monkey species within its dense forests. Son Tra Mountain was previously a U.S. Army base for radar and communications, and some of the radar domes can still be seen today. Adventurous tourists usually rent a scooter or hire a local guide to drive up the steep, winding road to the peak, where they can take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and coastline. Several local tour companies can arrange hikes up and around the mountain, where lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of some playful monkeys.
3. Ba Na Hills Sun World
This hill station, with its fairytale-like charm, is designed after an old European city, complete with castles, cobblestone streets, and picturesque courtyards. The complex also features Buddhist statues and temples built purely for entertainment, resulting in a charming blend of East and West. Visitors are treated to the spectacular scenery of the valley below when they ride the world’s longest cable car lift to get to the top. Refreshingly cool temperatures await at the mountain’s peak, and there are endless photo opportunities at this unique complex. Although tickets to Ba Na Hills may come at a premium, they are worth the splurge for the stunning vistas and long list of facilities that will keep the whole family entertained throughout the day.
4. The Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are a cluster of five peaks, each named after one of the five elements on Earth: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), and Tho (earth). Among the five, the most accessible mountain for tourists is Thuy, which offers a labyrinth of caves and passageways awaiting exploration. This mountain features several stunning pagodas and temples nestled in different areas, so it is recommended to purchase a small map before embarking on a hike. The largest cave, which is described as “hell” by the locals, has its entrance at the base of the mountain. Multiple creepy statues and engravings hidden inside this deep cave depict an afterlife of suffering and torture.
5. Museum of Cham Sculpture
The Museum of Cham Sculpture houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of ancient Cham relics from the Champa kingdom, which thrived in southern Vietnam as early as the 4th century. If you are eager to expand your knowledge about these ancient peoples, visiting this museum is a must-do. Spend a day immersing yourself in fascinating knowledge about this archaic civilization and leave feeling more enlightened than ever before.
6. My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach is not only the most popular beach in Danang but also the cleanest and most beautiful one. The clear waters gently lap the shore of a white-sand beach framed by picturesque mountains and dotted with umbrellas and chairs. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and cold beer at the surrounding restaurants. My Khe is also the perfect place to try several adventurous water sports, such as parasailing and jet-skiing, or capture stunning shots of one of Vietnam’s finest beaches.
7. My Son Sanctuary
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, My Son Holy Site houses the abandoned ruins of Vietnam’s ancient Champa civilization, which once occupied southern Vietnam. To fully appreciate the area, it is a good idea to take a tour with a knowledgeable guide. Although many buildings were destroyed during a carpet-bombing campaign by Americans during the war, a few remaining structures still stand. They are surrounded by mountains and large bomb craters that are still visible around the site, serving as a testament to the incredible artistry of the ancient civilization. Seize the opportunity to explore the overgrown ruins nestled amidst the mountains and learn about this fascinating ancient kingdom.
8. Dragon Bridge
One of Da Nang’s most iconic symbols is its intricately designed bridge, which depicts a fire-breathing dragon heading toward the East Sea. Awarded the prestigious 2014 Diamond Award for Engineering Excellence, this bridge weighs an impressive 8,164 tons and stretches an ominous 666 meters in length. To fully appreciate the bridge, it is best to go for a stroll alongside the riverbank after sunset. The bridge gracefully changes colors every few minutes, making for an excellent backdrop to create unforgettable memories.
9. Linh Ung Pagoda
While frolicking in the crystal-clear waters of My Khe beach, you will undoubtedly marvel at the awe-inspiring white statue nestled in the mountain at the far end of the beach. Behold the stunning 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda, majestically looking out over Da Nang Bay. Legend has it that the Lady Buddha provides protection to fishermen who venture out into the rough seas and grants them safe passage. Not only is this sculpture gorgeous, but the Linh Ung Pagoda itself is also one of the largest in the city, featuring a curved roof and pillars surrounded by dragon statues.
10. Art in Paradise
Art in Paradise is an incredible 3D art museum. It’s perfect for anyone looking to escape the midday heat or seeking shelter during a rainy day in Da Nang. The museum is divided into nine distinct zones, each with its theme, all created by 20 Korean artists over four months. Their exceptional skills have resulted in some truly astounding works of intricate trick art, making for an enjoyable afternoon for the whole family and providing fabulous photo opportunities.
Above is a list of the most amazing destinations that visitors should not miss in Da Nang. We hope these suggestions will be helpful to you and that you’ll have a great time in this beautiful coastal city.
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