Da Nang Sights and POI

Da Nang is unlike most other Vietnamese cities; narrow alleyways, vicious motorbikes, and French charm haven’t made themselves quite as known here. Instead, you’ll find beautiful beaches, loads of domestic tourists, and a growing resort-hotel presence. If you’re looking to relax sand-side on some of the best beaches the country has to offer before heading out to explore the surrounding areas, Da Nang is the city for you.

Go to the beach in Da Nang

Our favourite beach is My Khe, which was a popular stopping point for U.S. soldiers during the American-Vietnam war. Come here to try your hand at surfing; for the “lay back and relax” type traveler, check out one of the many spas inside the beach lining resorts.

Another sand-filled option is Non Nuoc Beach, which stretches out for about 5 kilometres and offers clean waters and white sand. The waves don’t get too rough here, so stand up paddleboarders can call this beach their temporary home. Come early to grab a prime beach chair and umbrella. (Year round; free)

Marble Mountains

When it’s time for a break from the sun and sand, Da Nang has a list of other interesting and unique sights to check out. One hugely popular spot is the Marble Mountains. Close to China Beach, this group of five stunning mountains is quick and easy to get to.

While the mountains themselves are interesting to explore, their uniqueness comes from the pagodas that dot the top of each one. We enjoyed exploring nearby villages after taking a peek inside one of the many caves that call these mountains home. If you love spending time outdoors, you’ll enjoy an afternoon here. (7am–5.30pm daily; VND40,000)

Museum of Cham

If museums are more your thing, the modest sized Museum of Cham will be right up your alley. While the building itself doesn’t provide a huge wow-factor, it does house the largest collection of Cham artefacts in the entire world. This collection of work will give you a look into the past at Vietnam’s indigenous Cham people and culture. Over 300 pieces belong to the museum, each dating back to sometime between the 7th–15th centuries. Take your time wandering through the exhibits to soak in the full history. We suggest grabbing an audio headset before you start, as the descriptions aren’t too in depth. (7am–5pm daily, VND40,000)

Son Tra Peninsula

Even more so than the beaches and mountains, our absolute favourite spot to take a break from the city is the Son Tra Peninsula. This rainforested area near Da Nang is an absolute mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The untouched nature and jungle, amazing array of animals (like the rare Red Shanked Douc), and stunningly gorgeous surrounding sea are all hard not to appreciate. Come to tour the rainforest, visit the local villages, or spend some time on one of the pristine beaches; this area truly offers some of the best natural and cultural experiences Vietnam has to offer. (Free to explore on your own; organized tour prices vary)

My Son Sanctuary

A trip to Da Nang wouldn’t be complete without a visit to My Son Sanctuary. This UNESCO World Heritage site will be your Da Nang highlight if you enjoy exploring areas like Angkor Wat. While an unfortunate amount of the ruins here met their end via airstrikes during the American-Vietnam war, the old temples and structures that remain are an absolute wonder to see. Overgrown with plant life and crumbling from age, My Son Sanctuary emits a truly magical feeling. Hire a taxi or take an organized tour; plan to spend a decent amount of your day wandering around the site. (6.30am–5pm daily; VND150,000)