Da Nang

Eco-friendly travel guide to Da Nang advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Hanging fishing nets in the Cu Đê river, just before it merges with Da Nang Bay

Air quality: 3.5 / 5

Exploring by foot: 4 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 5 / 5

Public transportation: 4.9 / 5

Parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.5 / 5

Locals' English level: 3 / 5

Safety: 3.9 / 5

Accommodation: US$25 - $72

Budget per day: US$50 - $100

Responsible Travel

Da Nang is the fifth largest city in Vietnam and the 3rd most populous. It is a highly famous tourist attraction in Vietnam for its beautiful white sandy coastal lines, mountains that touch the cloud, pagodas that heal your soul, and food that’ll cherish your tour. But with all the enjoyment, comes the responsibility of being a responsible traveler. Here are some suggestions on how you can reduce your travel footprints and contribute to a better environment.

While shopping from the local markets in Da Nang, make sure to carry a cloth/jute bag with you, since many shops and stalls use plastics that result in degradation of the environment.

Instead of buying plastic bottles for drinking water, boil the water and store it in your own water bottle to drink when traveling.

Many cities of Vietnam have been known to be sprawling in road traffic that leads to bad air quality. Take the advantage of the comparatively peaceful streets of Da Nang, and hire a bicycle to explore the city.

Instead of buying souvenirs or other fashion/clothing items, make sure to buy it from local markets that sell local produce.

Support the local artisans by buying their handmade souvenirs, art paintings, and sculptures.

Opt for staying in green hotels that have lesser adverse effects on the environment compared to luxury hotels.

Air Quality and Pollution

Air quality in Vietnam is known to be between moderate to bad for health. The increasing traffic and population with industrial smokes result in the rise of PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants that are dangerous for human health at higher levels. PM stands for Particulate Matters, and particulate matters of category 2.5 are a result of emission of greenhouse gases, its molecules mixed with water droplets and dust. This creates smog, ozone layer depletion, acid rain, as well as diseases such as skin cancer, lung cancer, dust allergy, arthritis, etc. The larger and more populated cities in Vietnam have such detoriationg air quality. In Da Nang, air pollutants of PM2.5 are the most responsible for creating health problems among the locals. It is advisable to wear face masks and reduce the use of fuel-energized vehicles, and instead use e-cars. It is advisable for sensitive people to reduce their outdoor activities if they face any sort of difficulty in breathing while working outdoors.

Respect the Culture

The people of Vietnam are humble, friendly, and open to welcome new thoughts from the world. Da Nang is a popular tourist destination and is quite common with western traditions. However, when visiting a place, there are certain unwritten rules that we should follow, to not hurt the sentiments of the locals. Some of these include wearing proper clothes (cover the limbs) when visiting a pagoda, open your shoes outside when entering a religious place or someone’s house, not taking photos in a military display area, not making fun of or showing facial expressions of the grossness of the local’s food culture, and much more. A thing to be kept in mind is that no matter how open-minded Vietnamese people are, anything more than holding hands in public will be not looked upon so well by society.

Top 10 Places to Visit

My Khe Beach – One of the most instagrammable places in Da Nang, My Khe beach is located 14 km north of the main city of Da Nang. Apart from all the beautiful resorts and water sports, it has a historical significance dating back to the Vietnam War when 1500 US troops first landed on the sands of Vietnam.

The Marble Mountains – Listed among the top famous places of Vietnam, The Marble Mountains in Da Nang derives its name from a range of 5 hills of marble and limestone. The Marble Mountains hold sacred caves that display the touch of Buddhism and Hinduism in the city.

Dragon Bridge – The fire breathing Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam is a 666-meter long steel bridge around which a golden dragon spirals. It was inaugurated in 2013 to celebrate the 38th year of liberation. It broadcasts a spectacular display of lights, fire, and water that attracts every tourist and locals.

Lady Buddha – The 220 feet tall marble statue of Lady Buddha depicts a female sage. It has 17 floors inside and although it is tough to climb to the top, it is worth the struggle. Each floor showcases different Buddha styles and has a great collection of sculptures and relics. The view of the bustling city of Da Nang from the top is breathtaking.

Golden Bridge – Having won several architectural competitions around the world, the Golden Bridge was recently built by the Ba Na Hills resort, from 2017 to 2018. It is a 150m long pedestrian bridge with two gigantic hands that seem to evolve from the ground of the hills and hold the bridge. It offers a scenic view of the Ba Na Hills and the city of Da Nang below.

The Museum of Cham Sculpture – The Museum of Cham Sculpture showcases over 1000 sculptures, objects, and relics of 5 different UNESCO World Heritage Sites and indicates how all of them are interconnected. Opened in 1919, many new art galleries have been added since then. It has spectacular sculptures showing the Champa heritage.

Mỹ Sơn – Situated in the province of Quang Nam, Hoi An, Mỹ Sơn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ruins of Hindu temples that were built by the kings of the Great Champa Kingdom. The temple has sculptures and statues made of red sandstone that was dedicated to many Hindu gods and goddesses but the most noticeable is the deity of Lord Shiva’s Bhadresvara form. Most of the temple was destroyed in the Vietnamese War when the American soldiers bombed the temple.

Imperial City – The city of Vietnam had a former capital called Hue. It was in this citadel of Hue, that an enclosure was built with perimeters of 2x2 walls. This enclosed the Imperial City. Inside this Imperial city, tourists will get to see artifacts dating back to the Purple Forbidden City of Vietnam.

3D Museum Art in paradise Da Nang – Situated in Sơn Trà of Da Nang, the museum is filled with 3-dimensional art galleries. Visitors playfully pose in front of these scenes to make it look more alive and real. The pictures taken can often deceive you into thinking it to be as real as life!

Da Nang Cathedral – An old Christian cathedral located in Da Nang, it steals the eye for its light pink colored façade. Built-in the 20th century, around 1923, the Gothic-style with a high weathercock-steeple top, it is a popular destination among tourists to relax, rest, looking at the beautiful stained glass ceiling on to, and its beautiful wooden decorations.

The My Khe Beach in Da Nang

Explore

The beautiful sprawling city of Da Nang is home to different scenic views and is a storehouse of cultures and traditions. Having the facility of both South China Sea in the south with the Han River flowing right through the heart of the city and originating its mouth near the south; and also the Annamite Mountains stretching from the north to the north-west, Da Nang has everything from white sandy sea-beaches to mountainous pagodas and monasteries. Da Nang showcases significant architectures dating back to the Buddhist touch in Vietnam, the Indian kingdom Champa, the Lý Dynasty, the Western influence from French colonization, and the Vietnamese wars. As you get to see all of these, don’t forget to be a responsible traveler by reducing travel footprints and helping the locals as much as possible.

City Parks

Công viên Điêu khắc Sông Hàn (or APEC Park): This city park in Da Nang is located on the banks of River Hàn and is very close to the Dragon Bridge. It was inaugurated at the APEC summit 2017 and hosts different artistic sculptures, some with abstract designs and some showing the cultural heritage of important partner nations.

Asia Park, Sun World Da Nang Wonders – A popular recreational park in Vietnam, the Asia Park in Da Nang hosts several fun rides for visitors of all age groups. It is a theme park and has showcased replicas of cultural importance from 10 famous south-east Asian countries. It opens in the late afternoon as the spectacular lighting of the Ferris wheel, Vietnam’s largest hang-glider names Queen Cobra and the tallest free-falling tower of Vietnam called the Golden Eye Tower looks spectacular in the night! There aren’t many rides for adolescents but a family is bound to enjoy there!

Riverside Park – A normal open park by the River Han, the locals visit this park for their regular stretches/exercises, jogging/walking, or for taking their pets on a walk. There are a few exercise equipment for both kids and grown-ups surrounded by a lot of trees that makes Riverside Park a place for you to just sit and enjoy your coffee with the breeze.

Lucky Mountain Hot Spring Park – If you’re feeling physical exhaustion after hiking and climbing the great mountains of Da Nang, you should definitely visit the Lucky Mountains Hot Spring Park. The park staff will pick you up from your hotel and transfer to an area names “Dragon Ball” via a cable car that has water amusement attractions for all ages. You can also book luxury hot spring rituals like Tea Bath and Wine Bath

National Parks

Bach Ma National Park – Bach Ma National Park is a biosphere reserve that stretches over an area of 220 sq. km, lying between North and South Vietnam. Due to its amazing biogeographically location, Bach Ma is estimated to have a rich flora and fauna comprising the geographical influence of both the coastal plains and the Annamite Hills. All biosphere reserves are distinguished into 3 areas, and the Bach Ma National Park has a moist climate throughout the year. When you visit this place, make sure to check out its interesting history about the French and US Troops.

The Marble Mountains – The Marble Mountains in Da Nang is a range of 5 hills. Each hill is designated to an element from the Five Elements of Nature. Among the 5 steep hills – Tho(Earth), Thuy(water), Hoa(fire), Kim(metal), and Moc(wood); only the Thuy Mountain is accessible to the tourists. All of the hills have many grottoes that hold significant Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, temples, and monasteries. The Marble Mountains also has an intriguing local belief and significant historical importance that the local guides will love to tell you about. From the top of the Thuy Mountain, you can get a wonderful panoramic view of Da Nang and My Khe beach.

The Marble Mountains

Beaches

My Khe Beach – One of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam, My Khe beach stretches 10 km from Son Tra to The Marble Mountains. Famous for its clear blue skies, shimmering white sand, and gentle waves, anyone can get a perfect shot posing on this beach! The beautiful My Khe beach also has stretches of fancy restaurants and hotels waiting to pamper you. Apart from all its scenic beauty, My Khe will also offer you an intriguing history that most youngsters forget to tell you about. About 50 years ago, My Khe Beach was the starting point for the Vietnamese War and the horrific My Lai massacre.

Non Nuoc Beach – If you want to go to a beach that is not crowded at all and you just want to lie and rest, then Non Nuoc beach is the perfect place for you. It is not crowded at all, and the weather is lovely with clear skies and soft ripples in the clear water. The only con is that there are a few entrances to the beach as hotels are blocking its way and sometimes you can find rubbish lying around. Therefore, be a responsible eco-friendly traveler and promote clean beaches.

Bac My An Beach – Considered as one of the top 5 beaches to visit in Da Nang, the Bac My An Beach has services to offer tourists adventurous water sports such as windsurfing, canoeing, and water jet skiing. A market is known as the Bac My An market also opens in front of the beach selling anything fresh.

Pham Van dong Beach – The Pham van dong beach has been famous for a 10 km long time due to several, movies being shot there. The beach is lined with traditional small boats and gentle white sand and mountains falling steeply on the shores. The place is also surrounded by many traditional eateries and comfortable hotels.

Non Nuoc Beach

Landmarks

Monkey Mountains – The Son Tra Mountains was a prominent base for US troops during the American-Vietnam War and also houses a helipad apart from the two huge radars. Also known as the Monkey Mountain, this national park stands just up to its name with a huge population of monkeys. You have to hire a bike with an experienced driver to go up the whirring roads. Midway along the mountain, you’ll come across the Linh Ung Pagoda which is a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy who stands tall on a lotus. The marble statue is 67 meters tall and was built in the 18th century.

Dragon Bridge – The Dragon Bridge is a signature style of Da Nang. Made out of pure steel and other required ingredients, the Dragon Bridge shines in different lights in the night and spits out water, and breathes fire through its nose every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm. Tourists sometimes usually stay a day back in Da Nang so that they don’t miss out on this extraordinary show. It was inaugurated in 2009 by the former Prime Minister, Nguyen Tan Dung. The dragon is believed to be a sign of prosperity, wealth, and good luck in Vietnam, and thus the people of Vietnam look upon the Dragon Bridge with utmost pride and confidence.

Cham Islands – Some 30 minutes far from Hoi An, the Cham Islands is a cluster of eight islands and each one is special for its own reason. One of the Cham Islands has been declared by UNESCO as an important Biosphere Reserve, the rest are accessible to the public. These hidden caves are home to ancient Buddhist sculptures and artifacts from the Champa kingdom. You can also enjoy its coral shores scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and many other water sports.

Da Nang Fresco Village – The warm entrance of this artistic display lies just at the tail of the Dragon Bridge. Opened recently in 2018, the Fresco Village has attracted a huge number of tourists around the world in a small time with these realistic paintings depicting the rice fields, traditional way of how Vietnamese farmers cultivated rice, drawings of local monkeys found specifically in Vietnam, the extinct tribe and the ancient traditional Vietnamese lifestyle.

My Son Sanctuary – Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, My Son is a place of historical significance that holds Hindu temples especially Lord Shiva or Bhadresvara, that are now mostly ruined. The incomplete fragments that still stand today don’t fail to impress people by their master structure and designs that were handcrafted by local Indian artisans of the Champa period, between the 4th to 13th centuries. Built under the first Champa king- Bhadravarman I, the religious hub of the Champa Kingdom was bombarded 2 centuries later by the US troops in the Vietnamese War during which the Vietnamese soldiers believed the temple to be a safe hiding spot.

Son Tra Peninsula – The Son Tra Peninsula which is located on the northeastern side of Son Tra is a picturesque landscape that stretches over 50 km of gentle green slopes beautifully colliding with the peaceful waters and creating a breathtaking coastline during the sunrise and sunset. It was also home to the Americans during the Vietnam war.

Dragon Beach at Night

Museums

Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture – One of the oldest histories of Da Nang is one of the Indian Champa Kingdom. Most of the valuable artifacts from the Champa Kingdom were destroyed in wars; the ones that were saved are now carefully displayed in the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculptures. It is one of the best places to visit Cham architecture in Vietnam. Apart from sculptural pieces, it also shows the traditional way of lifestyle and the culture of the local Cham people. The second floor of the museum showcases photo exhibitions.

Upside Down World Da Nang – A great place for fun, in this little museum, you’ll find all the typical rooms in a house, everything placed in an upside-down fashion! The accuracy of the artistic architecture can sometimes trick your mind into thinking about the boundary between the reel and the real. The illusions are always a perfect place for kids to enjoy.

Dong Dinh Art Museum – Analogous to the Son Tra National Park, the Dong Dinh Art Museum opened in 2011 is an eco-friendly museum that has been built especially keeping in mind how to maintain the ambiance of the Son Tra sustainably. The museum has 3 man-made lakes that greatly enhance the peaceful environment. It displays articles from the traditional lifestyles in all the eras that ruled Da Nang. A perfect place for everyone, especially art lovers to enjoy and embrace their interests!

Da Nang Fine Arts Museum – Da Nang Fine Arts Museum is the 3rd art museum opened in Vietnam and the largest among them all. It respects and showcases the art of local painters and artisans in Vietnam that have won several prizes nationally and internationally. The first floor has a display of paintings that are made locally, and some beautiful sculptures, while the second floor showcases modern arts, some created by Vietnamese locals, and some from international painters.

Ho Chi Minh and the Fifth Military Zone Museum – Undoubtedly, Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnam military zones were an important part of the Vietnamese war alongside other politicians. This museum was built to honor and respect the lives of thousands of soldiers who died as a patriot. In the glass protected showcases are displays of the Vietnamese point of view of the war. Everything is explained nicely in English. There are also captured American weapons, maps, and other belongings of enemy soldiers and officials. You should definitely visit this place if you have a genuine interest in the military and history.

Inside the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Eat

Mi Quang

South-Asian cuisine has been famous worldwide for its rich blend of spice and oils along with sea-food and typical Asian staple crops, the most important of which is rice! Vietnam has been ruled by Cham of Indian origins, the French, The Chinese, and the Western. Hence, you can easily find international, continental, intercontinental, and especially French cuisines easily. However, the people of Vietnam are proud of their own heritage and culture and their traditional dishes can be found everywhere. Some of their well known traditional dishes are –

Mi Quang - A very famous and common dish in Da Nang (also anywhere in Vietnam), that is made of rice noodles with pork/beef, shrimps, vegetables, rice crackers, and herbs. It is very filling and is served on all sorts of occasions.

Bánh Xèo - Also known as Vietnamese pancakes, they have a characteristic yellow color for the usage of turmeric mixed in the water while making the pancake. These savory tasting pancakes are eaten with a filling of pork, and lettuce (also some vegetable if the eater likes), wrapped in rice paper and dipped in sauce.

Phở - Quite similar to Mi Quang, this filling bowl of rice noodles with beef stock is often served for lunch/brunch and has herbs, and meat as toppings.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Pho HAN – The traditional taste : Pho Han is a specialist in Pho Ba which is a traditional Vietnamese food, a complete package of taste and health! It consists of boiled noodles along with steamed spicy meat, herbs, and vegetable slices served in a nutritious and delicious broth which is made by boiling herbs and bones together. Try ordering spring rolls with the big bowl to spice up your taste buds. They have great service and are a cheap spot for groups. Alongside Pho Ba, they also have traditional Vietnamese cuisine on their menu.

Non la restaurant Da Nang – Not completely a local restaurant since it has its branches in other continents as well, but Non la restaurant Da Nang is famous for its 100% authentic traditional Vietnamese cuisines. Most of the dishes are cooked in their traditional way. It is a lively place and can be a perfect destination for the best family dinners (along with kids).

Rom Kitchen – Rom Kitchen is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Da Nang. It serves traditional Vietnamese food on a cute bamboo wooden plate, the inside of which is covered by bamboo leaves. Steamed red tilapia, Mau Quan Pork Roll, Muc nuong, and My Xao Hai San are popular traditional dishes you can try here. It also serves vegan-friendly and vegetarian dishes.

Merkat Tapas Restaurant Da Nang – Merkat Tapas provides authentic traditional food in Da Nang. Often considered by many as the best local restaurant in Da Nang, it serves Da Nang cuisine (dishes that have exclusively originated here). It’s a soothing wooden interior and comfortable 2-seater tables make it a perfect place for romantic dinners.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Rom Vegetarian Restaurant Da Nang – If you’re looking forward to enjoying traditional Vietnamese food but you’re a vegan, your wait is over! The best vegan restaurant in Da Nang, ROM Vegetarian Restaurant serves traditional and authentic Vietnamese cuisine that is 100% vegan and has been made organically. ROM stands for the Revolution of Mushroom. Their signature dish – Coconut Steamed Rice is a must-try for everyone!

Lien Hoa – One of the best ways to be a responsible traveler is by supporting locally run restaurants. Lien Hoa is a vegan family-run restaurant that has unbelievably 120+ vegan dishes to offer you. More-or-less everything is handled by the family members themselves. They also have tables accessible to wheelchairs. They are sure to win your heart with their warm gestures and mouth-watering plant-based dishes.

The Vegan Ramen – Specialists in Japanese and Asian cuisine but they serve only vegan food. There’s no use of meat-flavorings and everything is made from organic products to sustainable processing. They offer options for both takeaway and delivery along with dining.

Indian Curry Authentic Indian Restaurant – The Best Indian Restaurant in Da Nang, the place has a wide range of options to choose from. They offer everything from South-Indian dishes to the North-Indian specialties. The vegan part in their menu is very trustworthy since they make their vegan dishes separately and organically- an old-dated ritual/habit for ancient India. It has group-friendly dining and reasonable prices.

Street Food

Vietnamese pancakes – Vietnamese pancakes are a specialty of Vietnam and often eaten for breakfast or a healthy brunch. Its characteristic yellow color is due to the mixing of turmeric powder in rice and water. The fillings include diced onion springs, shrimps, herbs and vegetables, and mung bean paste. It is wrapped in rice paper and dipped in peanut sauce after topping with beef or pork.

Banh Beo – A chewy rice dish served in tiny shallow bowls. It is topped with dried shrimps and fish sauce. It is a local dish of Hue and is served in a tray that has 4 or 6 such bowls. Although it looks little, it is quite filling.

Mi Quang – Mi Quang is a local dish of Da Nang that has originated from The Quang province. It is made of flat rice noodles, fresh herbs, lettuce leaves, and banana leaves. It is served in 3 different broth types- one made of pork, the other of snakehead fishes and herbs, and the last is chicken broth.

Banh Mi – Banh Mi or Baguette Sandwiches is a favorite snack for people in Vietnam, and Da Nang is the best in making it after Hoi An. It is made by slitting medium-sized long buns and filling its middle with pork, pickled veggies, herbs, soy sauce, and chili sauce. These are the basic ingredients. Vendors usually create their own style of Banh Mi by mixing and matching several other ingredients for toppings or for making it vegan in style. Sometimes it is placed on hot coal for a few minutes before serving.

Mixed Rice Paper Salad - This delicious street food in Da Nang will make your taste buds jump in excitement! Mixed Rice Paper Salad is made by mixing finely cut rice papers with beef/pork jerky, mashed boiled eggs, chopped mango, dried shrimps, paprika, chopped papaya, and cucumber. Hence, all tasty things in one tray! How exciting!

Bun Cha Ca – Another noodle broth but a Da Nang original, Bun Cha Ca is made of flat rice noodles in a fish broth. Surprisingly, it doesn’t taste completely fishy! In fact, it has a unique taste of the used fish with tinges of fresh herbs, mint, and fresh lime!

Drink

Fresh Coconut water – When you are in any part of Vietnam or any other South-east Asian country, you just can’t miss out on the extremely popular coconut water! It’s refreshing, tasty, and very nutritious. The smaller coconuts are sweeter in taste while the larger ones have a salty flavor. Try picking a young coconut and eat the inside soft part after finishing its water.

Sugarcane juice / Nuoc mia – Another popular street drink in all of the south-east Asian countries is a glass full of sweet sugarcane juice. The locals in Da Nang love to have a glass of this nutritious juice and feel energized instantly.

Sinh To – Sinh To is basically fruit smoothie. You can find a shop selling Sinh To on any street in Da Nang. The common smoothies are those of dragonfruit, strawberry, custard apple, and jackfruit.

Rice Wine – Containing about 29% alcohol, rice wine is often considered as the “hard stuff” and for males to drink. Rice wines are made by yeast fermentation of white raw rice mixed with raisins, brown sugar, and other important ingredients, kept in ceramic jars, for eighteen days. Rice wine is red in color and is sticky, it is different from sake.

Soda Chanh Muoi – A common local drink in Da Nang as well as other parts of Vietnam too, this soda is made by mixing salted fermented/pickled lime with 2 spoonfuls of sugar, sparkling water, and is topped off with ice. It is very refreshing and a loved non-alcoholic drink by the people of Vietnam.

Tap-water

It is quite arguable if the drinking tap water in Da Nang is safe or not. According to the data provided by WHO the water pollution level and inaccessibility are 52 %( moderate); this is considered harmful. Yet the rural areas and cheap food stalls use tap water. To be on the safe side and make your trip worth it, it is advisable not to drink tap water directly in Vietnam. Boil the water first or add iodine to your water container. Vietnam is a developing country and in some parts of Vietnam, there is still a probability that the water has not been treated properly. Moreover, during the hot and humid months of the summer season, Vietnam is home to many water-borne diseases such as traveler’s diarrhea. To be safe on your trip, it is advisable to carry activated charcoal and medicines with you. Also, if you’re visiting rural areas of Vietnam apart from Da Nang, then do not drink tap water, buy bottled water which costs around 47 cents or boil the water. Instead of using the local ice from the streets, refrigerate your drink and cool it.

Organic Cafés

Roots Plant-based Café – A purely vegan café, the Roots café has been opened recently in 2019. It offers gluten-free western as well as local vegan dishes. You can also find smoothies, and kombucha alongside organic coffee, and tea varieties.

Danang 1975 coffee – Danang 1975 Coffee realizes the joy of peace, and how people only realize it during times of war, and unrest. Danang 1975 has set up outdoor seating with nostalgic backgrounds, and old-style tables, and decorations that will take you back in time to 1975 Vietnam. Coffee, fruit juices, and milk-teas, all are made from fresh organic ingredients.

Annen beach café – Situated close to the My Khe beach, the Annen Beach Café is a family-run small restaurant and café that offers coffee that is made from 100% organic and pure, locally produced robust coffee beans, Vietnam being the leading producer in it. It serves vegetarian versions of regional specialties such as Mi Quang noodles and mushroom Bahn Mi.

Long Coffee – Long coffee is an original coffee shop of Da Nang and it also has its own product. The robust coffee is 100% organic and they make it on their own farms. The long Coffee shop is a specialty in serving the best coffee shops in Da Nang. They also sell their product of 200g, 500g, and 500g paper boxes in countries such as China, Korea, America, and Japan.

Breweries

7Bridges – 7Bridges brewing company is Da Nang’s first and original local crafts beer manufacturer. Crafts beer has not been in the trend in Vietnam but Da Nang 7Bridges has revolutionized the mindset of local people for crafts beer. It originally started as a microbrewery but now is the leading crafts beer company of Da Nang. Their signature styles are – Sunset Tangerine Wheat, Vietnam Red Ale, and IPA Imperial.

Fatfish Restaurant – Fatfish restaurant is the first restaurant to offer crafts beer (on tap) in Da Nang. Their beverage list will make you anxious; they have their own 4 styles of crafts beer, world-famous cocktails as well as their very own exclusive cocktails made by themselves, and also wine- from normal house wine to premium luxury wines. Their wine cellar is quite catchy. They also have their restaurant and their food is as good as their drinks!

Activities

Da Nang is a pretty coastal city in Vietnam with many beautiful beaches and mountains. Here, you can learn a lot about the Vietnamese culture, the seafood, the history of the Vietnamese war, and the imperial city. Da Nang is often held as a quick get-away for locals living in Hoi An. With its tropical beaches and soothing mountain tops that houses pagodas, here are few activities you must try in Da Nang, Vietnam:

Touch the clouds while walking on the Golden Bridge

Experience the mighty of the dragon’s fiery breath at the Dragon Bridge

Sip the rich taste of roasted robusta coffee that has been cultivated locally

Relax and have a tan at the My Khe Beach

Learn to surf at My Khe beach and the nearby equally beautiful sea beaches.

Enjoy the sprawling city of Da Nang from the top of the Ba Na Hills

Feel the spiritual touch of Vietnam by visiting the Buddhist and Hindu grottos in The Marble Mountains

Join or book a motorbike ride across the Hai Van Pass and enjoy its marvelous scenic views

Learn the Vietnamese style of cooking by joining a Vietnam-cooking class made for tourists

Travel back in time with the Cham sculptures in Cham Museum

Visit the Sun World Asia Park and enjoy its thrilling rides

Be close to the locals and make friends all while enjoying a beer in a local beer shop, people in Da Nang love having bottles of beer!

Yoga and Retreats

Thiên Ân Yoga – Considered by locals as the best yoga studio in town, Thiên Ân has very friendly yet professional teachers and staff. They literally guide their students in every step and also explain how it is related to the body physiology. The studio is beautifully decorated with lush green plants and flowers, along with incense sticks that bring out the calm atmosphere of the place.

Nadi Yoga – A classy yoga center in Da Nang with comfortable interiors, the Nadi Yoga center will help to bring out your spiritual self and flush out all the toxins from your body. They have experienced teachers that will guide beginners in learning yoga and make it easy for them.

Bao Khanh Yoga – Aerobic Danang – Bao Khanh yoga is a professional yoga center in Da Nang with experienced teachers. They teach aerobic yoga that is good for relief from work pressure and stress of daily life. Their studio is accommodated with training shoes, a shower room to clean you after a sweaty training session, and other required types of equipment. You have to book a class a day or two before going.

Accommodation

Da Nang is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam attracting visitors from around the world. From luxury hotels to hostels and green-houses, it won’t be difficult at all to find your perfect accommodation in Da Nang. In order to be a responsible tourist and reduce your travel; footprints, we urge you to opt for green eco-friendly hotels that causes less harm to the environment and has certain measures to help the locals and those in need. Most of the hotels are concentrated near sightseeing locations such as My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, Cham Islands, Son Tra Mountains and more.

Green Hotels

Eco-Green Boutique Hotel – The Eco-Green Boutique Hotel in Da Nang has been opened recently in 2016, and it holds it's well known among eco-friendly environmentalist groups due to its initiative of building a complete hotel all with eco-friendly and sustainable materials! It has a minimum possible effect on the environment. The location of the hotel and the rooms are specifically built in such a manner so that there is a maximum flow of air and tourists don’t need to use air-conditioners. There is a roof-top swimming pool, solar panels to drive the hotel’s electricity, and an eco-friendly green café and bistro.

Room in boutique hotel hosted by Trang – A member of Airbnb, Trang is a local from Da Nang who offers her studio for tourists. The room has a double bed, a balcony, an LED TV, a sofa and couches, a workspace, and a private bathroom. It is an environment-friendly hotel and the view from the balcony during sunset is just amazing.

Bamboo Green Central Hotel – One of the finest hotels in Da Nang at an affordable price, Bamboo Green is often confused by locals if they are a luxury hotel or an eco-friendly hotel. Bamboo Green is a 4-star rated hotel meaning you get access to the spa and massage center in the hotel itself, with its own souvenir shop and festivals/events. It has eco-friendly built and structure and uses mostly sustainable materials for its furniture and decorations.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Kon- Tiki Da Nang Hostel – Kon- Tiki Da Nang hostel is one of the best accommodation places you can stay at. It provides 24 hours room service with super clean rooms and bathrooms, and in-hostel currency exchange for guests so that there is no hassle in traveling. The lounge is open to all (shared-lounge) and has free access to Wi-Fi for every guest. It is also located close to the

Bo and Miu Homestay – Referred by travelers as an “oasis” is the bustling city of Da Nang, Bo and Miu Homestay is bent to make you fall in love with it’s eco-friendly and green touch that offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. There’s a small pool in the middle that is home to koi fish and beautiful sphagnum moss. In every room, there’s a deluxe double-bed, a coffee maker, a work table, a dressing table, and a clean western bathroom. There’s also free access to Wi-Fi and an airport shuttle available for tourists. Keeping in mind the betterment of the environment, this homestay also gives bicycle for rents.

Ngoi House – Built with a 90’s industrial design, Ngoi House is located within s maximum of 7 minutes of walking distance from the airport. Along with comfortable double-sized beds, you also get working space, cable connected television, a fully equipped kitchen, one bathroom, and balcony. The terrace is beautifully decorated and well furnished for seating purposes, there’s free Wi-Fi and private parking options available too. The owner is also very friendly.

The Vietnam Hostel – Located just on the banks of the Han River, The Vietnam Hostel provides family rooms, single rooms, and couple rooms, all of which has air-conditioning facility, free Wi-Fi, and a kitchen with kettle and microwave. There is 24 hour service at the front desk and for rooms. The breakfast type is Asian. The terrace is decorated with a fusion of traditional and modern style and has been named the Peacock Terrace. There is also a movie hall for guests to enjoy. With all of these, there comes a pool, ticket service center, and airport shuttle facility.

Apartments

Lem’s coffee and Apartment – Lem’s coffee and apartment provide guests a very peaceful stay with its minimalist modern interior décor, a full glass window view of the lush green garden, deluxe double beds, and also a bar and free-Wi-Fi facility. Daily house-keeping and 24-hour help are always ready for tourists.

Oriental Da Nang – A beautiful Apartment near Cham Museum in Da Nang, its provides its customers with hotel-like facilities such as private car parking, breakfast, 24-hours front desk service, daily room service, a bar, car rental service, and a garden. The bathroom is luxuriously decorated but with eco-friendly and sustainable products.

Cani Beach House – Standing with its name, it is just a minute away from My Khe Beach. It has a fully equipped kitchen with a stovetop, a bathroom with necessary toiletries and also hairdryer, parquet floors for each unit/room, an airport shuttle facility; free Wi-Fi, a breakfast facility, a garden, and a shared lounge.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is an online community that provides ease of accommodation with local hosts. Its safety is checked by the website itself. Vietnamese people are very friendly, and helpful. They love to welcome the Western culture and take pride in showing their own traditions and culture.

Camping

Gieng Troi – A name that’s spreading like wildfire amidst young people who love trekking in da nang, Gieng Troi is known for its high soaring mountains covered by lush green forests. The most instagrammable and picturesque place is the Gieng Troi waterfall which looks no less than a fairyland. Be sure to travel in groups and carry ample water, food, and mosquito/insect repellent creams.

Ghenh Bagh – Located 20 km from the center of Da Nang city, on the Son Tra Peninsula, it has a rocky coastline of 2 km. It is quite underrated since not many tourists visit here, but with its wild sea wilderness at a very cheap cost, you can have one of the best diving experiences in your life (only if you know how to dive and swim properly because rocky coastlines can become dangerous at worst cases). The locals of Da Nang love visiting this place, and camping overnight is the best way to enjoy the starry nights over a clear sea.

Hai Van Pass – His Van Pass is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Vietnam because of its high steeps and deadly turns. Yet, it offers one of the best mountain top views of Da Nang city. With careful and experienced driving skills, you can enjoy the scenic view and changing climate. Make sure to carry coats and jackets for higher altitudes. When you have reached the Hai Van Gate at the top of the pass, you can see many tourists camping over there. The temperature at the top is chilling at night times. Try shouting your name when passing through the Hai Van tunnel, you’ll love to hear the echoes!

Van Village – Quite guessable from the name, right? Correct! This small village is located at the foothills of Hai Van Pass. It is a wild, rusty village that is going to make you remember the old times before industrialization arrived. There are only a small number of people living here, who earn their living by fishing. The village is almost untouched by modernization and still has its beautiful old straw huts. Try camping here overnight and grill fish in a primitive way.

How to Get There

Getting to Da Nang, the first-class municipality of Vietnam is as easy as sipping a cup of tea. It is an important transport hub and you can reach by train, bus, flight, car or cruise ships. Here are some ways you can check out :

Air

There are a number of flights that go to Da Nang. The Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is located just 3 km from the city center. Apart from domestic flights, almost every city of every country in South-East Asia has direct flights to Da Nang; for those farther, there are options for inter-continental flights. All flights are very affordable starting from $30 to $80.

Inside the International Terminal of Da Nang Airport

Bus

Da Nang is one of the busiest bus stop centers in Vietnam. Busses travel from almost every city of Vietnam to Da Nang. Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue, and Da Lat are the most popular nearby cities from where there’s a bus coming to Da Nang every couple hour. The only international bus that is available in Da Nang is the bus route from Laos to Da Nang.

A bus in Da Nang

Train

Trains to Da Nang come from broth North and South Vietnam. Some important names to be mentioned are the city of Hue, Hanoi, Saigon, and Nha Trang, where the train stops. Da Nang railway station is located 5km from the city center, and the trains are served by Reunification Railway Express.

Train in Da Nang

Hitchhiking

Vietnamese people are known for their generosity and humbleness. In Vietnam, the “thumbs up” sign for a ride doesn’t work so well, but an open palm (waving) can work; a sign board will surely work wonders. On your sign board, make sure to write in Vietnamese language that you need a ride to your ‘destination name’. Generally, you’ll be charged. But if you’re sure you want nothing but a free ride, and then mention it on your sign board. Hitchhiking is usually common in Vietnam by tourists.

Others

Since Da Nang is a coastal city with beautiful mountains, you can choose to arrive at Da Nang with the luxury of a cruise ship. All cruise ships dock at Tien Sa Port that has introduced eco-friendly electric cars for tourists, supporting the change for a sustainable environment. Some common cruise ships that visit Da Nang are Voyager, Germini, Coasta Victoria, and Volendam. You can also choose to travel to Da Nang by hiring or hitchhiking a motorbike, if that suits the situation.

Moving Around

Exploring the beautiful city of Da nang is quite hassle-free and less stressful than exploring other cities of Vietnam like Ho CHi Minh City, Saigon, and others. Thanks to the well developed public transportation facilities, availability of e-vehicles, and less traffic on road. To maintain the responsibility of travelling sustainably, the best ways to explore a city is by foot and bicycle, whenever possible. Also, Da Nang's roads are well-understanable and there aren't many twisted alleys, so there's no doubt of getting lost.

Walk

Walking in Da Nang is comparatively safer than Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The less traffic and good pathways make it easy for tourists to stroll by in the city. Usually hotels and guesthouses are located in a walking distance area of any specific sightseeing location.

Bicycle

Exploring Da Nang by bicycle is becoming a trend among tourists. This eco-friendly way of travelling is suitable in Da Nang due to its less traffic on road. Almost every accommodation center gives the option of renting a bike. Normal bicycles have a lower rent than mountain bicycles.

Electronic Vehicles

The government of Da Nang has shown a very keep interest in making Da-Nanb an eco-friendly tourist attraction. The Japanese government sent its first 4 e-mobile in the city of Hoi An and

Public Bus

The bus transportation system in Da Nang is very smooth. There are ample of buses with good comfortable seats. Depending on the route, the frequency of buses to arrive is anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes. Buses travel to nearby cities of Ha Noi, Hoi An, and others. The most important tourist route for buses in Da Nang is Route No. 1, whose bus stop is in the city center of Da Nang.

Tram, Train and Subway

Da Nang city has an extensive network of train lines. Travelling small distance by trail usually costs lesser than travelling to the same distance by bus or car. Metros are also available.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is an important step to contribute to a better and stable environment. This category of shopping includes buying materials that have been made in a way that least affects the environment. Also, some products are franchised to sell in a way that a part of its income goes for the welfare purposes of the less privileged.

Food Markets

Con Market – The oldest market in Da Nang since 1940, The Con Market is a 3-storeyed building that has over 2000 stalls, selling everything from fresh produce of eateries to traditional courses, and clothing items. Food stalls open inside the market from 7 am till 3 pm, and from 3pm stalls selling street foods are available outside the building. Popular dishes inside the building include vermicelli with grilled beef/pork, traditional Mi Quang, Vietnamese Pancakes, and more.

Helio Night Market – The best night market in Da Nang, Helio Night Market is considered as the HEAVEN for street food lovers. The market is beautifully decorated with bulb strings and fairy lights all over and is divided into 3 zones. The 1st zone offers you lip-smacking snacks as well as filling full-courses. The 2nd zone will offer you a never-ending list of different types of drinks to quench the spicy tingling after tasting the 1st zone. The 3rd zone serves beers and freshly grilled barbeques.

Bac My An Market – Bac My An Market is a place that will definitely shock you! All the stalls in this place prepare every type of Vietnamese street foods, but with the lowest rate. A plate of grilled snails in the spicy ginger sauce is just 8000VND. Isn’t that just fabulous! A special store to be mentioned in this place is that of Ms. Van’s. She has been selling homemade avocado ice-creams that have a unique taste which you’ll surely fall in love with.

Flea Markets

Non Nuoc Fine Arts Village – Located just at the foothills of The Marble Mountains is the Non Nuoc Village, housing the Non Nuoc Beach. Here in the village, you can find many local artisans from all across Da Nang and even nearby cities trying to sell their artwork, handmade items and small mini sculptures at a lucrative price. It really does feel good to help the locals live their life all while enjoying the tour, a way for eco-friendly tourism.

Con Market – Con Market is not only famous for its sell of fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood, and all other stuff, Con

Market also has a small area for locally produced clothing items, accessories such as jewelry and handbags for women, home décor items, and sometimes even pieces of art produced by local artists. You can buy souvenirs and showpieces here that are exclusively handcrafted by the locals.

Son Tra Market – Son Tra Market attracts thousands of visitors every night with its affordable and cheap prices. Here, you will get everything from casual clothes, shoes, bags, and belts, to soft cute jewelry, soft toys, items of decoration, all made locally by the people of Da Nang, or from any other city in Vietnam. It is a growing hub attracting more and more tourists every time.

Le Duan Night Market – Although this old market is located among the luxury shops on the streets of Le Duan, it has not failed to attract and gain customers for years. The prices are very reasonable. Apart from buying clothing and accessories, you can also check out the handmade souvenirs made by the locals. If you are good in the Vietnamese language and you know to bargain, the first try you should give is never more than 50% to at least 70 lower than the retail price.

Second Hand Stores

Con Market – Con Market has been flooding with all sorts of necessary items. Those who don’t come looking for food, come to check out second-hand clothing. There are ample numbers of stalls selling second-hand clothes in the Con Market, just know how to speak basic Vietnamese, or you can even hire a guide. The second-hand clothes that are being sold are extremely well-kept, neat, and tidily. Some have fixed prices, while in other stalls you can try to win a bargain.

Han Market – Running since the French establishments in Da Nang, The Hand Market sells everything from clothing lines, accessories, shoes, and bags to second-hand items too. Located on the banks of the river Han, you can not only find stalls selling second-hand well-kept clothes, but also bags, jackets, and shoes. If you’re lucky, you might even come across a luxury brand being sold at an unbelievable 60% off.

Eco-Fashion

Eco-fashion is a sustainable way of clothing that saves the environment from the fast-changing fashion industry that has been infamous for its toxic effects on animals and nature. Vietnam is a fast developing nation and the Vietnamese dressmakers and fabric suppliers are trying their best to introduce to the people eco-friendly fashion lines as soon as possible. It is slowly gaining popularity among locals.

In Da Nang, you may not find a complete eco-friendly fashion store, but at a few stores in high-end markets, you can ask the shop-owner if they have any sustainable clothing line. Vietnam-based ethical clothing brands are – METISEKO and GINKGO.

It shall be dishonorable to not mention the local tailors. There are local tailors on every corner of Vietnam (especially Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi) that produce clothes made from eco-friendly fabrics but without a brand. Ask the shopkeeper for such lines.

Recycling

Da Nang is considered as ‘The most livable city’ in Vietnam, but its waste management problem keeps getting in the way. The vice chairman had inaugurated the first most efficient recycling center at Khanh Son dump in 2013, which was estimated to convert 700 tonnes of solid rubbish every day into oil, bio-coal, and humus. However, with the fast-growing population and increase in tourism, the daily waste produced now in Da Nang has crossed 1100 tonnes. New eco-friendly measures and plans are being tried to brought up and put in use constantly.

Waste

Waste management in Da Nang is moderately efficient. It is common and necessary for every house to segregate their waste, but the garbage trucks collect all wastes together in one big truck. Hence, there is no point of segregation. Instead, women labors who make their daily income by collection scrap items such a glass bottles, tin, aluminum stuff, send these scraps to the recycling centers. This is a serious systematic issue reported in 2019, that needs to be addressed immediately.

Work and Study Abroad

Jobs in Da Nang for expats most commonly include teaching English. You may find another profession as an Art Director, but it requires certain abilities and criteria. For students studying in universities, there are many student exchange programs available, including internship options too. To be safe from scammers, be sure to call the mentioned university or research before investing money.

Exchange Student

Exchange students often stay with the host student’s family, but if not; they can rent an apartment or opt to stay in the University’s own hostel. Students may try to find their source of little income by giving coaching classes or working part-time jobs.

Au Pair

Au Pair is an online community that lets a visitor (generally a young woman) stay with a host family in the destined city. She does the required household work (like looking after the house, children or cooking) at the cost of cultural exchange, shelter, and food. The host family may also give a small allowance to the AuPair. Check out the online community for finding the host family in Da Nang.

Volunteering

Volunteering for a public service with a tourist visa is illegal in Vietnam. However, there are many cafes and hostels that are constantly looking for improvement in their facility and might be obliged to hear from a foreign tourist. Some organizations also search for volunteers who can teach English language to the poor people.