Are you planning a trip to Vietnam, but can’t decide which cities to explore? One city you simply cannot afford to miss is Da Nang – Vietnam’s fourth largest city by urbanization and one of the country’s most popular tourism destinations.
A former French colonial port and the commercial and educational center of Central Vietnam, Da Nang still retains much of its charm and natural features despite the change brought about by Vietnam’s rapidly rising prosperity
In the short video above produced by Vietnam Sao Media, the natural and manufactured beauty, attractions, and charm of Da Nang are highlighted against a backdrop of upbeat music. Using a combination of ground and aerial camera angles the producers serve up a seemingly endless array of things to do in and around Da Nang in a little more than two minutes.
In addition to highlighting water activities such as swimming, jet skiing, fishing, water-skiing, scuba diving, and yachting, the video provides amazing views of Son Tra Peninsula, a 4,000 hectares (9,884 acres) reserve northeast of Da Nang with breathtaking rain forest, and pristine stretches of beach. South of Da Nang the marble and limestone hills of the Marble Mountains with its caves, tunnels and Buddhist shrines provide a unique and memorable visitor experience.
For those looking for cultural activities Da Nang won’t dissapoint. One of the city’s major annual events is the annual National Classic Drama (Tuong ) and Traditional Folk Opera Contest featuring traditional art troupes from across the country.
For dining, the city of Da Nang offers a full range catering to almost any taste and budget. From deluxe dining experiences at luxury resorts to rooftop dining or local street vendor fare, Da Nang offers it all.
Things to see and do in Da Nang
While visitors flying into the Da Nang International Airport will cross the Dragon Bridge on the way into the city, it is worthwhile making a return trip to check out how the bridge got its name. At night the view from either side of the Han River is even more spectacular as the ‘dragon’s’ arches and head change colour, while on Saturdays and Sundays at 9pm it breathes fire for two minutes, followed by three minutes of water.
For a birds-eye view of the city and surrounding area the giant Sun Wheel Ferris wheel on the Han River at the Le Dinh Duong/Bach Dang traffic circle is well worth visiting.
For a taste of history and adventure don’t omit the Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park from your itinerary. Established in 1919 by the French in the Trường Sơn Mountains west of Da Nang, the park features loads of fun things to do, with the 5.8km (3.6 mile) single track cable car (the wold’s longest) used to ride to and from the mountain top just the beginning.
For the culturally inclined the Museum of Cham Sculpture is worth a visit. Established in 1919, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of Cham art and sculptures, with more than 400 original pieces of sculpture and text documents spanning from the fifth to the 15th centuries on display.
How to get to Da Nang
Located on the eastern coast of Vietnam some 770km (478 miles) from Hanoi and some 857km (532 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang is best accessed by air via the Da Nang International Airport located some 3km (1.86 miles) west of the city centre. Upon arrival make sure to hail an official metered taxi. Alternately, chauffeur-driven car services are also available.
For those looking for a cheaper – and considerably less comfortable – means of getting to Da Nang there are bus services available – 14 hours to HCMC in the south and 18 hours to Hanoi in the north – with the service offered by Vietnam Railways’ antiquated trains no better – taking about 16 hours in either direction.
So sit back, and enjoy the fantastic Vietnamese city of Da Nang in just two minutes.
Feature video Minh Nguyễn
Related:
- 13 Things to do in Da Nang (The Blond Travels)
- Things to see and do (Travelfish.org)
- Da Nang Attractions What to See in Da Nang (Hotels.com)

Stella-maris Ewudolu
Between November 2010 and February 2012 she was a staff writer at Daylight Online, Nigeria writing on health, fashion, and relationships. From 2010 – 2017 she worked as a freelance screen writer for ‘Nollywood’, Nigeria.
She joined AEC News Today in December 2016.

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