Da Nang Self-Guided Tour: Where to Go, What to Eat, and What to Do?
Where Is Da Nang City ?
As one of the five centrally-governed cities in Vietnam, Da Nang is located in the South Central Coast region. Similar to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and Hai Phong, Da Nang is a comprehensive urban area in various fields, from politics, economy, finance, culture, education to tourism. Being situated in a strategic location, Da Nang is also a major transportation hub for sea, land, air, and rail routes.
After being invested in improving infrastructure and the environment, Da Nang has become a notable “tourism hot spot,” attracting millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year. This city has once been on the list of “Top 10 Best Places to Live Overseas,” published by the reputable travel magazine – Live and Invest Overseas.
When is the Best Time to Travel to Da Nang?
The spring season – from January to April – is the ideal time for a self-guided trip to Da Nang. During this time, the weather is dry and cool, making it perfect for exploring outdoor tourist spots or taking Instagram-worthy photos.
From April to August, Da Nang transitions to summer, with hot and dry weather. However, this is also the peak tourism season in Da Nang when many tourists visit to enjoy a vacation with their family, friends, or loved ones. #teamKlook recommends protecting yourself with sunscreen, hats, face masks, and sweat-absorbent clothing.
The rainy season in Da Nang lasts from August to December and may experience thunderstorms. If you want to participate in outdoor activities, it’s best to avoid traveling during this time.
What Do You Need to Prepare Before Going to Da Nang on Your Own?
To have a comfortable and convenient trip, you should plan your trip in detail to prevent unexpected situations that may affect your journey.
- Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Da Nang
Most airports in Vietnam have domestic flights to Da Nang. The flight time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The ticket price starts from 1,200,000 VND – 1,500,000 VND for a round-trip ticket if you choose low-cost airlines such as Vietjet Air or Jetstar. Book your flight ticket about 2-3 months in advance to get the best price. You should also search for promotions from airlines to save more. - Plan Your Accommodations in Da Nang
As a “tourism paradise,” Da Nang has no shortage of luxury resorts, hotels, and homestays. In this harmonious beach destination, #teamKlook can find affordable accommodation options – whether you are traveling to Da Nang on your own with your family, friends, or your significant other. The hotel prices in Da Nang are quite reasonable (compared to other HOT beach destinations in Vietnam). You can enjoy top-notch service quality without worrying about breaking the bank.
Transportation When Traveling to Da Nang on Your Own
There are many ways to get around Da Nang, such as traditional taxis, ride-hailing services, renting a bicycle, or a motorbike. Many tourists choose to rent a motorbike for easy travel between destinations and to change their itinerary at will. The cost of renting a motorbike in Da Nang is around 100,000 VND – 120,000 VND per day when renting for more than 3 days.
However, if you are traveling in a group of 3 people or more and want to have the most comfortable experience, you should book a private car rental service on Klook. With this option, you can have control over your itinerary while receiving enthusiastic advice from a local driver. Most importantly, it is much more cost-effective than taking a taxi.
What to Do in Da Nang? Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Da Nang
There are many tourist spots in Da Nang that captivate visitors. You can immerse yourself in vibrant nature, savor the delicious flavors of Da Nang, or explore historical relics with a 3-day, 2-night itinerary or a 4-day, 3-night itinerary in Da Nang. Here are some suggestions for your trip to Da Nang.
1. Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park
Located in the Ba Na Nui Chua nature reserve, Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park is referred to as a “gem of entertainment” amidst the natural mountain forest. Here, visitors can enjoy many water games such as wave pools, water slides, visit the Than Tai Temple, explore the Dragon Cave or simply take a stroll to admire the scenery. The experience of bathing in natural hot springs is also very popular among tourists, helping to soothe muscles, relieve stress, and heal the soul.
2. Linh Ung Pagoda Da Nang
Da Nang has three pagodas named Linh Ung. They are Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda, Linh Ung Non Nuoc Pagoda, and Linh Ung Ba Na Pagoda. These three pagodas, whether intentionally or unintentionally, are located in a prime location, creating a “sacred triangle” in the heart of the bustling city. If you have the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to Da Nang, you should take the time to visit all three locations to show your respect.
However, if you have limited time, you should visit Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda because it is the largest, newest, and most beautiful of the three pagodas. The most prominent feature of Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda is the 67-meter tall statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, facing Linh Ung Ngu Hanh Son. UNESCO has recognized this as the tallest Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue in Southeast Asia, reflecting the unique and beautiful spiritual architectural style of Vietnam.
3. Hoa Phu Thanh Rafting
Do you want to challenge your courage or relieve stress through physical activities? Just head to Hoa Phu Thanh Waterfall Slide Area. Here, adrenaline junkies can satisfy their passion by crossing the waterfall on a rubber boat. You will be fully equipped with safety gear, so feel free to have fun with the waves!
In addition to sliding down the waterfall, there is also a Zipline activity that is worth considering. Enjoy the harmonious natural scenery while feeling the cool wind at a speed of 20m/s. After screaming to your heart’s content, you can also relax with a unique fish massage service. Add this fun destination in Da Nang to your itinerary and get ready to explore!
4. Sun World Ba Na Hills
If you are traveling to Da Nang and miss Sun World Ba Na Hills Da Nang, you will regret it! Located about 25km southwest of central Da Nang, Sun World Ba Na Hills Da Nang is known as the “European-style luxury resort paradise”. Despite attracting millions of visitors every year, Sun World Ba Na Hills has never lost its “hotness”. Some activities that tourists love here are checking-in with the Golden Bridge, strolling around the French Village, enjoying premium wine at the Debay Wine Cellar or taking countless photos in the Le Jardin D’Amour flower garden.
5. The Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains is the name of a natural limestone mountain range, standing tall on the beach. The cluster of five mountains in the Ngu Hanh Son includes Kim Son (metal), Moc Son (wood), Thuy Son (water), Hoa Son (fire), and Tho Son (earth). The “identifying feature” of this location is the cliffs and steep rocks covered with moss, surrounded by the fresh green of nature.
In addition to the unique natural beauty, Ngu Hanh Son is also the “home” of many architectural works, caves, temples, and other cultural and historical sites. There is also a Linh Ung Pagoda located on Thuy Son. Don’t forget to visit and pay homage to the Buddha.
6. My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary located in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province, is a famous historical heritage site with unique architecture of the Cham people, featuring over 70 temples and towers spread over a 2km area. You can buy a Cultural Heritage Gate Ticket to My Son Sanctuary, which includes admission to the My Son Museum and enjoy Apsara dance and the sounds of Ginang, Paranung, and Saranai horns. Also, the “Legendary My Son Night” is an outdoor art performance program featuring more than 200 artists and actors, showcasing the cultural values of the Cham people.
7. Discovering Han River at Night
Cruising on Han River in Da Nang at night is an exciting tourist experience in this coastal city. The boat picks up guests at Da Nang Station and cruises along the Han River, visiting unique bridges such as the Han River Swing Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, and Dragon Bridge. Guests can also enjoy the Champa dance and sing karaoke on the boat.
8. Mikazuki Water Park 365
Mikazuki Water Park 365 is located in the city of Da Nang, Vietnam. With a large space and modern equipment, Mikazuki Water Park has become one of the most attractive entertainment destinations for locals and tourists when visiting Da Nang city.
Mikazuki Water Park has over 20 diverse and rich water games, suitable for different customer groups. In addition, the park also offers dining services, swimming float rentals, parking lots, security supervision, and health care for customers.
9. 3D Museum Art in Paradise Danang
3D Museum Art in Paradise Danang is a fascinating destination for those who love the art of illusion. Here, you can enjoy unique experiences when living in an imaginative space and interacting with colorful and vivid 3D artworks.
With over 130 creative and beautiful 3D paintings, 3D Museum Art in Paradise Danang will take you into a colorful and mystical world. From colorful artworks to mysterious magic works, you will experience and engage in realistic landscapes.
The Dong Giang Sky Gate tourist area is located in Dong Giang district, Quang Nam province, about 50km northwest of Da Nang. This tourist area covers an area of over 4000 hectares, with diverse terrain, ranging from 300 – 1600m above sea level. This place is like a “mountainous garden” with a cool, fresh climate, very suitable for eco-tourism activities.
Dong Giang Sky Gate tourist area has many attractive destinations such as the ancient village of Phu Loc, Thach My stream, Mo Dong cave, Don village, Moc waterfall, Ngoc Nhien grass garden, Cu Lao peak … This place also preserves many traditional cultural features, traditional craft villages, especially wood carving, silk weaving, iron forging, stone carving … helping tourists to experience and discover the unique culture of ethnic minorities in the region.
11. Asia Park
Asia Park Da Nang is a large amusement park in the city of Da Nang, Vietnam. It is built on an area of 868,694m2 with a total investment of up to 4.5 billion USD. This area contains many different types of entertainment such as parks, commercial areas, food areas, performance areas, entertainment areas, and many other entertainment activities.
With a large entertainment space, diverse entertainment activities, and high-quality entertainment services, Asia Park Da Nang is a famous tourist destination in Da Nang, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists.
What to Eat in Da Nang? Don’t Miss These Delicious Local Specialties
To experience authentic Da Nang-style cuisine, you should try some of the typical dishes that many tourists love. Did you know that “food tourism” is also a magical way to get closer to the “soul” of local culture?
1. Mi Quang
If you haven’t tried Mi Quang, then you haven’t known Da Nang yet. This sentence is not wrong at all. Mi Quang noodles are made from rice flour, quite thick and chewy but still soft enough to absorb the delicious sweetness of the broth boiled from bones. Served with pork, chicken, shrimp, pate, and fresh vegetables, it is truly “deliciously addictive”.
2. Bun Cha Ca
Bun cha ca is a specialty of the central provinces, but only in Da Nang, you will enjoy a bowl of noodles with fish cakes that are super full and dense. Da Nang fish cakes are made from fresh fish, so they still carry the taste of the sea, both chewy and soft, dipping in a little spicy fish sauce is even more delicious.
3. Banh Xeo, Nem Lui
Da Nang Banh Xeo is not as big as the Banh Xeo in the South, only the size of a small plate. However, the crust is thick and crispy, “embracing” the fresh seafood filling inside. To eat Da Nang Banh Xeo properly, you should use it with fresh vegetables and sweet and sour fish sauce. Each person eats about 4-5 pieces of Banh Xeo, and you should order a few skewers of Nem Lui, made from grilled pork, as well!
4. Bun Mam Nem
Bun Mam Nem is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, especially in the Central region. This dish is made from noodles, raw vegetables, grilled pork, fish cake, roasted peanuts, purple onion, dried shrimp, and is marinated in delicious fish sauce. When enjoying it, people usually add a little shrimp paste and chili to enhance the flavor. Bun Mam Nem has a sweet, salty, sour and spicy taste, creating a unique and attractive flavor. This dish is popular and loved for its simplicity, ease of eating, and delicious taste.
5. Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo
Da Nang’s Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo is a famous local specialty of this coastal city. The dish is made from slices of fragrant grilled pork rolled in thin and chewy rice paper, accompanied by fresh vegetables, fresh vermicelli, shrimp paste, and delicious sweet and sour fish sauce. The crispy taste of rice paper, the chewy texture of pork, the freshness of vegetables and shrimp paste combined with the characteristic sweet and sour fish sauce flavor creates a unique and attractive taste for this dish.
Suggested Da Nang Day Tour Itinerary
Do you want to visit many tourist spots in Da Nang in a short time but… too lazy to plan a detailed itinerary? Then the following Da Nang day tour suggestions will be the perfect choice for you. Refer to some notable suggestions below.
Tour to My Son & Hoi An from Da Nang
We invite you to My Son, where many secrets of a mysterious Champa kingdom are kept. During this 10-hour journey, visitors will visit the Cham Museum, the My Son temple complex – a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The journey ends in the ancient town of Hoi An, where you can stroll through a row of centuries-old houses or buy unique souvenirs at the Hoi An Silk Village.
Tour to Cu Lao Cham from Da Nang
As a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, Cu Lao Cham “enchants” distant guests with its clear sea, white sandy beaches basking in warm golden sunshine, and lush green mountains and forests. Diving to admire coral reefs, taking photos with dazzling sunset or enjoying fresh seafood are all the most popular activities in this Da Nang tour.
Tour to Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang
Explore Vietnam’s three beautiful cities (Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang) in full with a customizable tour just for you. Rent a car for 12 hours and explore at your chosen itinerary. Choose the type of car that fits your group (3 or 5 passengers) and start planning your trip. The exciting itinerary includes a visit to temples and Marble Mountains on the first day, a visit to Hoi An the next day, and finally a visit to the Royal Tomb. With the convenience of driving yourself, you will experience a journey of exploring cities full of unique beauty and feel at ease with transportation.
Walking Food Tour to Explore Da Nang Cuisine with a Master Chef
Discover the unique cuisine of Central Vietnam on a three-hour tour with a master chef! You will be picked up at your hotel within a 7km radius and then embark on a fun-filled experience. With the guidance of a local guide, you will enjoy typical dishes such as shrimp noodle soup, Hue beef noodle soup, grilled meat and rice, and more.
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The article has been referenced from: klook.com
