Interesting Things To Do in Da Nang Vietnam

An Overview of Da Nang

Da Nang is a large, coastal city in Central Vietnam with sandy beaches, French colonial influences and the inland Bà Nà hills to the west. The city is famed for its views across the Da Nang Bay, as well as the numerous hidden Buddhist shrines found in the Marble Mountains. The city is an important transit hub for those traveling to other parts of the country. But with excellent food, unique marble artworks, strange bridges and beautiful natural scenery, there are many interesting things to do in Da Nang.

Interesting Things To Do in Da Nang

Fire Breathing Dragon Bridge

This unmistakable bridge is recognizable for the yellow arcs of a dragon stretching across it, rising over the Han River. The Dragon Bridge is known to breath fires and water. Every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM, the bridge closes down to traffic and the Dragon breathes fire twice, then spews water twice.

Am Phu Demonic Cave

Found within the chambers of the Marble Mountain, the lower portion contains a re-creation of the Buddhist punishment afterlife, where sinners suffer punishments while purging the evil facets of their souls. The demonically-carved cave is decorated in numerous statues and lit with creepy lights.

The Marble Mountains

Found in the southern portion of Da Nang, these are five marble-and-limestone mountains named for the five traditional elements of Vietnam lore: Kim, Thuy, Moc, Hoa and Tho. The mountains are extraordinarily interesting, with caves to climb through, enormous underground chambers, several beautiful pagodas, dozens of detailed sculptures and wonderful overlooks of the land below.

Lady Buddha Da Nang

This enormous, serene statue depicts the traditional protector of Da Nang. In city myths, the Lady Buddha has the power to curve deadly storms and typhoons away from the city, making her a revered figure. Her statue is the tallest Buddha sculpture in Vietnam, found at Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula.

The Angkor Wat Replica

This odd attrition is a replica of Cambodia’s far-more-famous Angkor Wat, the illustrious ancient temple of Southeast Asia. The model in Da Nang is a replica, designed to attract international tourists, though it’s effectiveness with strange lights and an urban background makes the attempt somewhat tacky.

Cham Islands

Popular for day trips, these peaceful islands are a haven for water sports, kayaking, swimming, diving and snorkeling amongst tropical coral reefs. This island is known for it’s quite beaches, such as Bãi Ong and Bãi Xếp and marine wildlife exhibits at the Cham Museum. Much of the island is dotted with small Buddhist temples and shrines. The island is also home to several traditional fishing villages including Bãi Hương.

Golden Bridge

Found on many travel-advertisements, this curving bridge is upheld by two giant hands supporting the pedestrian overlook. Note that the bridge is generally expensive and crowded, requiring long wait times. The bridge is located in the Bà Nà Hills outside Da Nang.

Son Tra Peninsula

Located near Da Nang, this large, mountainous peninsula has many interesting features. Aside from its amazing views, the peninsula is also home to Ghềnh Bàng, a small beach known for wild monkey populations and Cây đa Sơn Trà, a forest heritage site with ancient trees. There’s also the relaxing, laid-back Black Rock Beach on the northern portion of the peninsula and Sơn Trà Tịnh Viên, a tranquil, tiny garden space. Some of the more famous structures on the peninsula include Hải đăng Tiên Sa, a scenic yellow lighthouse immersed in foliage and Chùa Linh Ứng, a gorgeous temple with manicured trees, towering white statues and serene, traditional buildings.

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