One thing you should always keep in mind when travelling is to always see a city through the eyes of the locals!
Table of Contents
Beach tours
Most beaches in Da Nang are free to access, ensuring a budget-friendly trip for all. Let’s pack your sunscreen and beach towel, and get ready for tropical paradises right here in Da Nang!
My Khe Beach
Top 1 is My Khe Beach, a harmonious combination of coastal elegance and tropical charm, which is around 3.7 miles from the heart of Da Nang. Renowned for its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, stretching over 12 miles along the coast, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like surfing and jet skiing.
Non Nuoc Beach
Located 5 miles from the inner city to the southeast, although having been into tourism operations for many years, Non Nuoc beach still retains its inherent wild and peaceful beauty. You can participate in several entertainment activities, such as fishing, windsurfing, beach volleyball, paragliding, parasailing, jet skiing, etc.
Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Beach is named “priceless emerald” of Da Nang. What really makes Son Tra stand out is its incredibly rich and diversified ecosystem, which is home to numerous rare and valuable species.
Xuan Thieu Beach – Red Beach 2
Xuan Thieu is always among the top of Da Nang’s best beaches due to its red makeover during sunrise and sunset. This is a historic landmark as it was the landing point for the US Marine Corps in 1965, reserved as the military zone until 1975.
Nam O Reef
From the city center, going north more than 10 miles, it takes about 25 minutes to drive from Da Nang city centre. Nam O reef is a scenic spot inside the fishing village. So, you can combine visiting the famous Nam O fish sauce craft village in your trip.
Tandem Paragliding
No need to be a professional pilot, you can still experience the excitement and thrill of flying in the sky, admiring the panoramic view of Da Nang at an height of 700m. This is an incredibly impressive experience that you’ll find hard to come by anywhere else. From the Son Tra Peninsula, you’ll see a whole different side of Da Nang. Standing out is the Linh Ung Pagoda, below is My Khe Beach, the majestic Hai Van Pass, and Cu Lao Cham in the distance.
With dominant strengths in takeoff and landing locations, ideal weather and wind conditions, Da Nang is one of the famous paragliding centers in Viet Nam, organizing paragliding competitions that attract a large number of domestic and international athletes every year. You can experience tandem paragliding almost all year round, at the price of around 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 VND (50 – 80 USD/pax). Each flight takes around 15 – 20 minutes.
Due to the large number of tourists registering for paragliding in Da Nang, you should book about 2 or 3 weeks in advance.
Notably, the service providers are licensed by the Ministry of National Defense and always check flight equipment and ensure safety before and during takeoff.
Read more about paragliding in Son Tra, Da Nang at link.
Snorkeling & Diving
While the snorkelling and diving opportunities directly off the coast of Đà Nẵng may be limited, there are nearby destinations where you can enjoy this activity. One popular option is the Cham Islands, located about 9 miles off the coast of Hoi An. The Cham Islands are known for their clear waters, diverse marine life, colorful coral reefs, and tropical fish making them an excellent spot for snorkelling and diving.
Surfing
Surfing is a secret activity beside famous tourist attractions in Da Nang where the waves beckon. With its pristine beaches, consistent waves, sandy bottom, and warm tropical waters, it’s no wonder that surf enthusiasts from around the globe are flocking to this vibrant city to catch some waves. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, Da Nang offers an unforgettable surfing experience for every level of expertise.
The surfing season in Da Nang typically runs from September to March, with the best waves often seen during the months of October to February. During this time, the swell height and consistency are at their peak, providing ideal conditions for surfing. The water temperature remains warm throughout the year, ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), making it comfortable for surfing.
Some go-to exposed spots with ideal surf conditions are My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, etc. For those new to surfing, there are several surf schools and rental shops along beaches.
Food Tour by Motorbike
Beside seafood, street food culture is also a must-try experience when coming to Da Nang. Following is the top 5 must-try foods in Da Nang.
Bánh Mì
Banh Mi is one of the cheapest dishes (around $1-2) but recognized as a cuisine symbol in Viet Nam. Each region has its special Banh Mi recipe. In Da Nang, there are many different types such as: beef patties, roasted pork sandwiches, breadsticks, chicken, etc., bringing you a new, unforgettable feeling when you try each bite.
Quảng Noodles (Mì Quảng)
Hailing from the Quang Nam Province, mì Quảng is a hearty noodle dish that’s popular throughout Central Vietnam, including Da Nang. It features thick rice noodles topped with a flavorful broth made from turmeric, pork, shrimp, and local herbs, creating a rich and aromatic dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Cao Lầu
Cao lầu is a unique noodle dish that’s only found in the town of Hội An, just a short distance from Da Nang. It features thick rice noodles topped with slices of pork, crispy pork rinds, and fresh herbs, all served in a flavorful broth made from pork bones and spices. The dish is then garnished with lime, chili, and fried shallots for an extra burst of flavor.
Chả Cá Noodles
A seafood lover’s dream, bún chả cá is a delicious noodle dish that’s made with grilled fish cakes, fresh herbs, and rice noodles, all served in a savory broth made from fish bones and turmeric. With its light and refreshing flavors, bún chả cá is the perfect dish to enjoy on a hot day in Da Nang.
Night Markets
Exploring the night markets in Đà Nẵng is a must-do experience for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant culture, sample delicious street food, and shop for unique souvenirs.
Helio Market (5pm. – 10:30 pm.) – the biggest food paradise in Da Nang
Located on 2/9 Street, with four distinct zones, Helio Night Market draws thousands of people each night with a wide selection of culinary specialties. In addition, the market has a movie theatre and various funfair games if you just want to relax and have some fun!
Han Market (7am. – 10pm.)
One of the most iconic and bustling night markets in Da Nang is Han Market, located at No.119 Tran Phu Street. Han Market is adjacent to 4 main streets: Bach Dang, Tran Phu, Nguyen Van Linh and Hung Vuong. Because Han market is in the central area, roads and transportation here are very convenient.
Con Market (7am. – 7pm.)
Located at 290 Hung Vuong Street, this sprawling market comes alive in the evenings, with rows of stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including clothing, electronics, household items, and more. Visitors can also indulge in delicious street food offerings, including banh mi, grilled meats, Vietnamese banh xeo, and refreshing drinks like sugarcane juice and coconut water.
