Itineraries for Your Trip to Da Nang
3 Days in Da Nang for First Timers
After spending a month moving around Vietnam, I was looking for a base to recharge both myself and my laptop. Da Nang offered everything I was looking for: an escape from the crowded streets of Hoi An; a stunning street food scene; and a prime position on the coast that would allow me to start every day with a swim in the South China Sea.
If you’ve set aside three days to explore Da Nang, then you’ve made a wise choice; 72 hours not only gives you the opportunity to experience the city’s culture and history but also offers apple time to visit some of the spectacular attractions within day-tripping distance. Here’s your sightseeing schedule.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a trip to the Ba Na Hills for views of the impressive bridge.
Many of the city’s attractions are outside, so it’s best to avoid Da Nang during the rainy season, from November through February.
This morning is all about getting to grips with Da Nang’s layout, and the best way to do this is to book a sightseeing tour with a local. Stop by Ling Ung Pagoda, home to the enormous Lady Buddha statue (as tall as a 30-story building); sample fresh fruit at Chợ Bắc Mỹ An market; and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese snack.
After perking up with a Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, travel outside of the city to Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone peaks home to sacred shrines and a cave depicting the Buddhist version of hell. For an extra dose of adrenaline, you can go rock climbing in the mountains.
On your second day, head to one of Central Vietnam’s most recognizable sights—the giant pair of hands that support the Golden Bridge in the Ba Na Hills. While you’re outside the city, you can also ride one of the country’s longest cable cars over the lush countryside; visit temples and shrines; and even ride nearby roller coasters and thrill rides.
After an exciting day, spend the evening sampling Da Nang’s best bites on a street food tour. Opt for one of the city’s many barbecue restaurants, where you can grill your meat on table-top barbecues, or sample other staples such as bánh xèo (pancakes stuffed with shrimp and herbs). End your meal with coconut ice cream.
Rise early on your last morning to visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s renowned for its Cham-era towers and temples, which date from between the 4th and 15th centuries. Take an early-morning tour to beat the crowds that usually descend on the archeological wonder around midday.
Finish your time in Da Nang with a bang on a night tour that takes you to view the Dragon Bridge (Cau Rong) in its illuminated glory. Travel across the length of the structure, which lights up after dark, and if you’re lucky enough to be visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, stop to watch the “dragon” breath fire and squirt water.
