Are you looking for things to do in Da Nang? Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city in Vietnam that once received the prestigious Asian Townscape Award.
It not only holds what’s said to be one of the world’s most beautiful beaches (My Khe Beach), but also offers a modern city with a rich history. And on top of that, Da Nang is surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and forests.
Coming from Vietnam myself, I would say spending two days in Da Nang is a great idea for an unforgettable trip to Central Vietnam.
So, to help you create the perfect 2-day itinerary for Da Nang, I’ll start by sharing the best things to do here, followed by where to eat and where to stay.
Planning the Perfect 2 Days in Da Nang
Things to Do in Da Nang
1. Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills is the reason for many people to visit Da Nang.
It is located about 30km from the center of Da Nang and is an eco-resort that combines entertaining and relaxing areas with modern equipment.
When coming to Ba Na Hills, you will have the opportunity to discover a fantastic scene of mountains and experience one of the highest and longest cable cars in the world.
The entertainment area includes an indoor amusement park, Fantasy Park, and several gardens, including a fairy garden, a vineyard, and love gardens. Along with that, there is a charming village that was constructed in French architecture.
Furthermore, locals often say you can experience “four seasons in a day” because the weather changes quickly due to the mountain elevation.
Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and clouds.
If you’re spending a few days in Da Nang, you really can’t miss Ba Na Hills!
2. The Dragon Bridge
One of the most famous symbols of Da Nang is the Dragon Bridge.
Do visit this bridge because it’s quite a show! The dragon constructed on the bridge breathes fire, and water.
But, you will have to time it right. This Fire & Water Performance normally takes place at 9 PM every weekend & on holidays. You can take a seat at a local drink shop on the riverside to watch the show or stand on the bridge itself, on the side of the dragon’s head.
And even if you’re not visiting Da Nang at the right time to watch the show, the bridge is still very unique and well worth checking out.
3. Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula is a beautiful peninsula with long, white sandy beaches and lush forests.
It is a must-visit when you are traveling to Da Nang. Picture a fantastic coastline with white sand and a transparent sea, combined with a lush jungle with lots of plants and animals.
The peninsula offers several famous beaches including Buddha Beach (Bai But), North Beach, and South Beach.
Thanks to the beautiful natural landscapes with rich fauna and flora and a great climate, Son Tra Peninsula has all of the elements to make for a perfect tourist destination. Bring a picnic, enjoy stunning views towards the city, and explore the pristine jungle.
When driving up the peninsula one of the first things you’ll notice is a giant, white statue. It’s called the Lady Buddha statue and is part of the Linh Ung Pagoda which you can visit.
And, lastly, keep an eye out for monkeys while you explore the peninsula.
As a day trip from Da Nang City, the best time to visit Son Tra Peninsula is from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Editor’s note: You can take a taxi or book a tour to Son Tra Peninsula, but we rented a scooter and drove there ourselves, which I highly recommend. However, note that automatic scooters are not allowed to drive up the steeper parts. If you want to explore the peninsula on a scooter, rent a manual or semi-automatic one.
4. My Khe Beach
Located on the east side of Da Nang, My Khe Beach was voted one of the most attractive beaches in the world by Forbes magazine.
My Khe Beach is a beautiful, long sandy beach. It’s definitely one of Da Nang’s must-visits, with its white sand, blue and clear waters, and high-end hotels.
There is also a great collection of water sports activities, making your trip to the beach even more memorable and fun.
5. Han Market
The Han Market is centrally located, at the intersection of Bach Dang Street, Tran Phu Street, Tran Hung Dao Street, and Hung Vuong Street.
The market holds a very vital position in the history of Da Nang City and is popular among tourists and locals alike.
The market is a great place to visit in Da Nang for anyone wanting to buy a few unique souvenirs before going home.
And, there is an area with food stalls as well, which is a perfect place to stop for some local food or to sit down with a fresh fruit juice and people-watch.
You can easily reach the Han Market by motorbike or taxi.
6. Marble Mountains
Marble Mountains is a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located just southeast of downtown Da Nang.
You can take a glass elevator up into these hills which will give you a nice panoramic view of the area.
Once at the top, you’ll find caves to explore, many stone sculptures, and shrines and pagodas built by Buddhist monks and local communities, some dating to the Nguyen dynasty. Plus, you’ll be able to walk up to several good viewpoints with views towards the sea, the city, and the surrounding countryside.
Tip: Try to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Map of Things to Do in Da Nang
What to Eat in Da Nang
You don’t really experience a culture if you don’t try the local food. During your 2 days in Da Nang, these are my recommendations for food to try:
1. Rice Paper Rolls With Sliced Pork (Bánh Tráng Cuốn Thịt Heo)
This is one of the most delicious specialties in Da Nang.
It is a mixture of ingredients that includes fresh vegetables, pork belly, and green bananas.
This dish is famous because of its carefully selected ingredients and perfect taste.
Where to Eat This?
Quan Dai Loc
Location: 148 Trung Nu Vuong, Binh Hien
Open from 8 AM to 9:30 PM
This is one of the most popular places serving these fresh spring rolls.
2. Quang Noodles (Mì Quảng)
When visiting Da Nang, you have to try Mì Quảng!
This dish originated in Quang Nam province. It is made with rice noodles, a variety of herbs, shredded banana blossom, and lettuce.
Mi Quang is served with green chilies, rice cracker, and lime, which enhance the taste.
Where to Eat This?
My Quang Ba Mua
Location: 21 Tran Binh Trong Street, Hai Chau District
Open from 6 AM to 10 PM
In my opinion, this is the best place in town for Da Nang’s famous specialty Mì Quảng.
Quang Noodle Style – Mi Quang 1A
Location: 1A Hai Phong Street, Hai Chau District
Open from 6 AM to 9 PM
This restaurant is the most famous place for Quang Noodle in the city with more than 20 years of experience.
3. Pudding (Chè)
“Chè” is a traditional Vietnamese sweet dessert soup.
There are varieties of “Chè” that are made with coconut cream, fruit (mango, durian, longan, lychee, or jackfruit), jelly (clear or grass), black-eyed peas, mung beans, kidney beans, or tapioca.
Where to Eat This?
Quán Chè Xuân Trang
Location: 31 Le Duan, Hai Chau District
Opens from 8 AM to 10 PM.
This is a favorite among Da Nang locals!
4. Vietnamese Pancake (Bánh Xèo)
Bánh Xèo, literally means “sizzling pancake”. It was named after the loud sizzling sound it makes when the rice batter is poured into the hot skillet and it’s a dish you will see a lot in Da Nang.
The pancakes are made from rice flour, water, and turmeric powder and generally stuffed with pork or shrimp, diced green onions, and bean sprouts. But, there are vegetarian options as well.
Where to Eat This?
Madam Duong’s Pancake (Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng)
Location: K280/23, Hoang Dieu Street, Binh Hieu Ward, Hai Chau District
Open from 9.30 AM to 9.30 PM
In addition to Bánh Xèo, this restaurant also serves delicious fried spring rolls and BBQ pork.
5. Rice Spaghetti with Snakehead (Bánh Canh Cá Lóc)
Don’t worry, I’m not trying to make you eat spaghetti with a snake’s head!
Snakehead is a type of fish, and this rich noodle soup is delicious!
The spaghetti is made from a mixture of tapioca flour and rice. The soup base can be cooked from crab, fish, and pork. The toppings can include mushrooms, fish cake, shrimp balls, Vietnamese ham, snakehead, and various other options.
Where to Eat This?
Bánh Canh Cá Lóc Thanh Hương
Location: 349 Le Hong Phong Street, Phuoc Ninh Ward, Hai Chau District
Open from 7 AM to 9.30 PM
6. Seafood
As a coastal town, Da Nang has a lot of fresh seafood.
When visiting Da Nang do enjoy some of the mouth-watering seafood on offer, such as steamed clams, grilled mussels with peanuts and a special, very tasty sauce, grilled spicy prawns, crab in a tangy brown sauce, fried battered fish, and baby squid fried in fish sauce.
Where to Eat This?
Madam Thoi’s Seafood (Hải Sản Bà Thôi)
Location: 100 Le Dinh Duong Street, Hai Chau District
Open from 10 AM to 10 PM
This restaurant is well-known for its great seafood and good prices.
7. Grilled Fish Cake Noodles (Bún Chả Cá)
This noodle dish is one of Da Nang’s signature dishes.
It can be made with different types of fresh fish such as barracuda, mackerel, or lizardfish.
The broth is cooked with different types of vegetables, including pumpkin, cabbage, dried bamboo shoots, tomato, and pineapple, which make it a very healthy and tasty dish.
Where to Eat This?
Grilled Fish Cake Noodle 109 (Bún chả cá 109)
Location: 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hai Chau District
Open from 6 AM to 10 PM
This restaurant has been serving Bún Chả Cá for over 40 years and is the best place in Da Nang to enjoy this dish.
8. Vietnamese Gumbo (Bún Mắm)
Bún Mắm is a dish the locals love.
It’s a fermented, thick Vietnamese vermicelli soup made with pork, vermicelli, vegetables, unripe papaya, anchovy fish sauce, and peanuts. It’s sometimes called “Vietnamese gumbo”.
Where to Eat This in Da Nang?
Madam Thuyen’s Vietnamese Gumbo (Bún Mắm Bà Thuyên)
Location: K424/03 Le Duan Street, Chinh Gian ward, Thanh Khe District
Open from 6.30 AM to 6 PM
This restaurant is known among the locals in Da Nang as the place to go for the best Bún Mắm.
Editor’s Tip: I highly recommend going on a food tour in Da Nang to learn more about Vietnamese food and discover some hidden gems. Vietnam also has some unique coffees, and I really enjoyed this coffee-making workshop.
Where to Stay in Da Nang
Da Nang is a popular destination in Vietnam and therefore offers a wide range of accommodation.
Most of the hotels in Da Nang city are located near My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, Tran Hung Dao Street, Han River, or Bac My An Beach. All of those areas are good places to stay if you are visiting Da Nang for a few days.
A great thing about staying in Da Nang is that its 1 to 3-star hotels tend to have lower prices than other coastal cities in Vietnam.
You can find guest houses near the beach for just 15 to 30 USD per night.
And apart from (budget) hotels, guest houses and hostels, Da Nang also offers several high-end resorts such as Fusion Maia resort, Intercontinental resort, and Premier Village resort, to name a few.
Booking.com offers a great overview of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in Da Nang.
Editor’s Tip: I stayed at the Golden Lotus Grand Da Nang and really enjoyed it.
Also Read:
Enjoy Visiting Da Nang!
Da Nang is a beautiful coastal town that’s well worth adding to any Vietnam itinerary.
And although 2 days in Da Nang will be enough to see the highlights, you might like it here so much that you’ll want to stay much longer!
I hope that all my tips will help you plan an awesome Da Nang itinerary, and I hope you will enjoy my country!
Also Read:
- Going on a Mekong River Cruise: Tips & Things to Know
- Interview With an Expat About Life in Vietnam
- 15 of the Best Beaches in the World
- Why Travel? 10 Reasons Why Traveling is So Rewarding
Like this article about what to do in Da Nang? Pin it!
This post about things to do in Da Nang contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.
It is no doubt that Danang is named the most worth-living city in Vietnam. It has both amazing landscape (hills and beaches) and developed infrastructure.
I did enjoy the city and tasty local cuisine. I can’t wait to visit this lovely city again!