Da Nang, an emerging, modern surprise, was my first stop in Vietnam. I had arrived with one goal in mind — to explore the famous Ba Na Hills. My planning had been so precise that I joined a Ba Na Hills tour even before checking into my hotel. In fact, I didn’t check in until 7:30 that evening, after an entire day of sightseeing.
Before arriving, I hadn’t read much about Da Nang beyond the basics — that it’s a beach city and a popular gateway to Ba Na Hills. But over the next two days, the city completely surprised me with its energy, warmth, and youthful vibe.
Da Nang is best described as an emerging city — a thriving urban hub in Central Vietnam. Home to over a million people and divided by the Han River into a city side and a beach side, it’s fast evolving into a dynamic metropolis, standing shoulder to shoulder with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. With its modern infrastructure, organized traffic, and clean, breezy avenues, Da Nang is effortlessly easy to explore.
While many first-time visitors flock to its beaches — especially the long, golden stretch of My Khe Beach — the city side has its own charm. Wandering through Hai Chau district, discovering new coffee shops, or sampling local street food turned out to be some of my favorite experiences in Da Nang. The city has a way of drawing you in, one leisurely stroll and one cup of Vietnamese coffee at a time.
Savor the Vietnamese coffee
Since Da Nang was my first stop in Vietnam, I decided to dive straight into the city’s ever-evolving coffee culture — an almost obligatory ritual to get a true taste of Vietnam. The cafés here are effortlessly chic, blending modern aesthetics with that laid-back coastal vibe. And the coffee? Absolutely divine. There are a lot of great local specialty coffees to try, including egg coffee, peanut coffee, salted coffee, and coconut coffee. You can try the line of cafes by the My Khe Beach – where I was hanging about in the evening, or the Hai Chau (the city side). There are some coffee chains also, but I’d pick these local cute cafes like Cafe Cua Ngo, and Moon Café over these chains.
Started the day with the Lady Buddha and Linh Ung Pagoda
I had reserved my second day for exploring Da Nang itself. I spent the previous night at the hostel chatting with fellow travelers, swapping stories, and making a list of must-visit local attractions. But I had already set my heart on one destination — the Lady Buddha on the Son Tra Peninsula, a towering figure visible from almost anywhere along My Khe Beach.
The Lady Buddha is just about a 20-minute Grab ride from the beach, making it an easy and rewarding outing. Da Nang has three Linh Ứng Pagodas — one on the Son Tra Peninsula, another at the Marble Mountains, and the third up in Ba Na Hills — but the Son Tra one is arguably the most spectacular.
My Grab driver dropped me right at the top, sparing me the climb up the long staircase. From there, a short walk to the left reveals the stunning Lady Buddha statue, standing gracefully against the backdrop of the blue sea. The complex itself is peaceful and beautifully designed, with ornate prayer halls, intricately carved wooden sculptures, and rows of serene statues outside the main hall. You, sure will be tempted into a photo spree, here. There’s also a relic stupa within the grounds, surrounded by carefully done bonsai trees, adding to the calm and meditative charm of the place.
You can easily spend an hour in the complex, before heading on to the Marble Mountains.
The charm and mystic of the Marble Mountains
From the tranquil heights of Son Tra, I made my way to the Marble Mountains, another iconic attraction of Da Nang. The Marble Mountain, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills — each named after one of the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, offers a striking contrast to the city’s modern skyline.
First for starters it’s a decent climb before you reach the entrance of the caves. The stairs are somewhat steep but offers unforgettable views of the city and the ocean. Entering the cave is like stepping into a hidden spiritual world. Winding staircases lead you through mystical caves, ancient pagodas, and peaceful shrines, each adorned with intricate statues and carvings. And the views from the peaks are breathtaking — sweeping panoramas of the city, the Han River, and the glistening coastline.
The Huyen Khong Cave is a must-see, with its ethereal natural light filtering through rock openings. The other caves like the Am Phu Cave, are a home to a number of statues representing Buddhist deities, each telling a story of devotion and artistry.
The Marble Mountains are also a haven for art lovers. Local artisans have workshops nearby, crafting beautiful marble sculptures that make impeccable souvenirs. Pencil in enough time in your itinerary to spend here. This place offers a wonderful opportunity to peel back layers of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Admire the Dragon Bridge
The promenade along the Han River is perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially in the evenings when the city lights begin to shimmer on the water. Spanning the river is Da Nang’s iconic Dragon Bridge, that links the beachside with the bustling city centre. The dragon’s head faces the sea—while its tail points toward the heart of the city.
At night, the bridge comes alive in a dazzling display of lights, shifting hues from gold to blue to green. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at 9 PM, the spectacle reaches its peak when the dragon breathes real fire and water, drawing crowds of locals and tourists alike. The show lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, and it’s a must-see experience.
Cross over to Hai Chu
To get a real feel for Da Nang, cross one of the bridges to the Hai Chau side — the city’s lively heart. Along Tran Phu Street, you’ll find the bustling Han Market, reminiscent of Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market or Saigon Square. Although in my view, the market is less about high-quality shopping and more about soaking in the energy — the chatter of vendors, the aroma of street food, and the everyday rhythm of local life.
Tran Phu Street itself is lined with cozy cafés, boutique shops, and stylish hotels, making it perfect for an afternoon wander. And if you’re in the mood for something special, stop by An Thoi, Da Nang’s Michelin-starred restaurant, for an unforgettable dining experience.
Quick getaways: Da Nang is also a good base for some exciting getaways. Just 30 minutes away lies Hoi An, a dreamy UNESCO town of lanterns, riverside cafés, and heritage charm. Head west to Ba Na Hills for the famous Golden Bridge and misty mountain views. For a dose of history, visit My Son Sanctuary, the ruined temples of the ancient Champa Kingdom, about an hour and a half away.
