Things to do in 

Da Nang

In Da Nang, it's not just about the sun-kissed beaches or vibrant nightlife. It's those quiet moments that make exploring this city truly special. The breath of morning as you wander through neighbourhood markets, the scent of incense wafting from ancient temples, and the warm interactions with everyday locals. From thrill-seekers adventuring in the lush green mountains to culture lovers absorbing historical heritage, there are countless things to do in Da Nang. Whether soaking in seasonal spectacles or unravelling off-beaten paths, every experience here, is another layer peeled back in the rich tapestry that is Da Nang.

Explore Da Nang off the beaten path

Skip the crowds and slide into Da Nang’s quieter side with simple, local moments your guide can shape around your day.

Cultural experiences:. Catch the dawn rush at Tho Quang Fishing Port on Son Tra, where boats unload squid and a dockside cart hands you hot coffee as the auctions buzz. By late morning, wander Tuy Loan Village to see the 500-year-old communal house and sit down for a bowl of mì Quảng at a family shop.

Small museums and galleries:. Tuck into the Dong Dinh Museum on Hoang Sa, a leafy home-museum with Cham pieces, tribal textiles, and old jars. The Da Nang Fine Arts Museum on Le Duan is small, calm, and heavy on local painters and wartime sketchbooks. For context, the Zone 5 Military Museum on Duy Tan has a yard of rusted aircraft and intimate rooms of letters and photos.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints:. Aim for Tien Sa Lighthouse in late afternoon for a wide sea view and fishing boats tracing home, far quieter than the main pagoda lookouts. For a rural feel, Hòa Trung Lake near Hòa Liên is lovely at sunrise or dusk, with mirror-still water and bamboo rafts drifting by.

Shop for local products & souvenirs:. Mid-morning, browse Con Market’s specialty stalls for bánh khô mè (sesame crisp cakes) from Da Nang makers and packets of dried squid. Swing by Nam Ô Fish Sauce Village to pick up bottles of nước mắm or pungent mắm nêm at the cooperative shop locals use. Late afternoon, visit Non Nước Stone-Carving Village on Huyền Trân Công Chúa Street to choose a palm-size mortar or simple amulet right from a carver’s bench.

Popular neighbourhoods

Experience the dynamic spirit of Da Nang rippling through its diverse neighbourhoods. Each area, with its personality, colours the city's coastal canvas with vivid brush strokes of culture, landscape, and lifestyle.

My Khe Beach: Bathe in the warm sunshine by turquoise waters as surfers catch waves on one side and local fishers pull their catch on the other. Bordered by a bustling seafront promenade, the beach stays lively with seafood restaurants and beachgoers, both day and night.

An Thuong: Amble through Da Nang's expat corner, a crossroad of cultures punctuated by international restaurants, chic coffee shops, and trendy boutiques. Unwind in tranquillity amidst verdant greenery as you explore local parks and the peaceful Phap Lam Pagoda.

Han River Waterfront: Feel the city's rhythm as you peruse the vibrant riverfront. At night, it transforms into a colour kaleidoscope with lit-up buildings and the mesmerising Dragon Bridge, launching fire and water spectacles on weekend nights.

Son Tra Peninsula: Journey to a natural paradise of dense jungles and secluded beaches. Here, rare Red-Shanked Douc langurs add a thrilling element of wildlife observing while awe-inspiring views from the Linh Ung Pagoda showcase the city, sea, and sky panorama.

Marble Mountains: Admire the sacred cluster of limestone and marble hills, each representing a natural element. Traverse through a network of old caves, observe ancient Buddhist sanctuaries and soak up overviews from top vantage points.

Things to do in Da Nang by season

Spring: Slide into warm beach days and green hills on the Son Tra Peninsula, with calm seas for easy swims and boat trips. Late spring often marks the start of the city’s fireworks season, lighting up weekend evenings along the Han River.

Summer: Settle under sunlit skies for long swims at My Khe, snorkelling trips to the Cham Islands, and cool escapes to Ba Na Hills. Families spread out on wide sands while food stalls fire up seafood grills after dark.

Fall: Expect moody skies and passing showers that thin the crowds, with surf picking up along the coast. Mid-Autumn lanterns glow in nearby Hoi An and along riverside promenades as mooncakes and star-shaped lights appear.

Winter: Plan for cooler, drizzly days that suit market browsing and noodle stops, with clear breaks for riverside walks. Christmas brings lights along Bach Dang and the Dragon Bridge, and Tet flower markets flood the streets with colour in January or February.

The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival draws crowds across late spring and early summer, while weekend fire and water shows at the Dragon Bridge create a lively, recurring spectacle. Lunar New Year transforms parks and promenades with flowers and lion dances, and New Year’s Eve countdowns fill the riverfront with music and lights.