What to Do in Da Nang: 12 Must-See Attractions

Da Nang is a modern city that preserves its traditional essence. From white sandy beaches to ancient temples and pagodas, Da Nang offers attractions for all types of travelers. The top highlights include the Golden Bridge, the Cham Sculpture Museum, My Khe Beach, and the ancient town of Hoi An, just a short drive from Da Nang.

In this article, we’ve listed the top attractions to visit in Da Nang, helping you plan a complete itinerary in the city.

1. LADY BUDDHA / LINH UNG PAGODA

Lady Buddha is the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam. Standing 67 meters tall, it is located at Linh Ung Pagoda on the Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountains), 9 km from My Khe Beach or 14 km from downtown Da Nang. Thanks to its location facing the sea, the statue offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Lady Buddha represents the Goddess of Mercy. In her right hand, she holds a vase containing the nectar of life, and in her left, a willow branch used to sprinkle the nectar during prayers. This is one of the top attractions in Da Nang.

2. SON TRA PENINSULA / MONKEY MOUNTAIN

Son Tra Mountain, located on the Son Tra Peninsula, is also known as Monkey Mountain. Covered in lush forest, it is often called the “Green Lung of Da Nang.”

Rising 695 meters above sea level, the mountain offers breathtaking coastal views. The most famous attraction here is the Lady Buddha statue.

3. BA NA HILLS / GOLDEN BRIDGE

Ba Na Hills is home to the iconic Golden Bridge, the famous bridge held up by giant stone hands. It is part of Sun World and sits atop a mountain at approximately 1,487 meters above sea level. Visitors reach it via cable car, which alone is worth the trip.

Once a French resort, Ba Na Hills is now a theme park featuring attractions and European-style village replicas. The Golden Bridge is one of the top sights in Da Nang and Vietnam, offering spectacular mountain views.

4. DRAGON BRIDGE

Dragon Bridge is an actual bridge shaped like a dragon, spanning the Han River with a length of 666 meters. It is best visited at night when it is fully illuminated.

On Saturdays and Sundays at 9 p.m., the bridge hosts a fire and water show where the dragon breathes flames. This Fire Show is one of Da Nang’s must-see experiences. You can watch it from the street or enjoy the view from a rooftop bar like Sky36, which offers a panoramic city view.

5. MY KHE BEACH

As a coastal city, Da Nang is known for its beaches. Some of the best beaches in the area include Non-Nuoc, Bac My An, Son Tra, and Thanh Binh. However, My Khe Beach is the most famous and visited.

It is the most developed beach, featuring international hotel chains, leisure activities, and excellent restaurants. The highlight, however, is the many charming cafés along the coastline.

With white sand, crystal-clear warm waters, and a palm-lined promenade with kiosks, My Khe Beach is the best place to stay in Da Nang.

6. DA NANG CATHEDRAL

Da Nang Cathedral is the only church built in the city during the French colonial period. Constructed in 1924, it has remained intact despite the wars.

Its pink façade and beautiful architecture make it a notable landmark. Inside, visitors can admire stained glass windows and biblical statues. Entry is free, but visits are only allowed outside of mass hours.

7. DA NANG CHAM SCULPTURE MUSEUM

Built in 1919, the Da Nang Cham Sculpture Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts. The Champa Kingdom ruled southern and central Vietnam until 1697. After its decline in the late 15th century, it was eventually dissolved in 1832. Some pieces in the museum date back over 1,000 years.

8. HAI VAN PASS

Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic roads in Vietnam. Known as the “Ocean Cloud Pass,” this 21-km road connects Hue to Da Nang, offering breathtaking ocean and mountain views.

It is particularly popular among scooter riders, but those traveling by bus can also enjoy the same incredible scenery.

9. ASIA PARK / SUN WHEEL

Asia Park is another theme park in Da Nang, located on the banks of the Han River. The main attraction is the Sun Wheel, a 115-meter-tall Ferris wheel, one of the tallest in the world. The park also features replicas of famous Asian landmarks and opens from 3 p.m. onwards.

10. MARBLE MOUNTAINS

The Marble Mountains consist of five limestone hills, each named after one of the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. They are considered a spiritual site by locals.

Visitors can climb the mountains via stairs, and the panoramic view from the top is well worth it. There is also a network of caves, with Huyen Khong Cave being the largest and most famous.

11. MY SON SANCTUARY

My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located within a tropical forest. Built between the 4th and 13th centuries, these ruins date back over 1,600 years and belonged to the Champa Kingdom.

In the past, the site housed numerous statues, many dedicated to Hindu deities such as Krishna, Shiva, and Vishnu. Unfortunately, most temples were destroyed during the Vietnam War. My Son is a perfect day trip from Da Nang.

12. CHAM ISLAND TOUR

Cham Island is located off the coast of Hoi An and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its rich marine life and coral reefs. It’s an excellent snorkeling destination.

The island features white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect place to relax between hammocks in the shade or sunbathing by the sea. A visit to Cham Island is one of the best day trips from Da Nang.

How Many Days to Stay in Da Nang?

There’s plenty to do in Da Nang, but this list allows you to plan a 3 to 4-day itinerary. If you’re short on time, a day trip from Hoi An is possible, but you won’t be able to cover all the attractions.

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