Danang City

1. Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills within Hoa Hai District, about 9km south of Da Nang. Named after natural elements, the peaks are individually known as Thuy Son (water), Moc Son (wood), Hoa Son (fire), Kim Son (metal) and Tho Son (earth).

There are also a host of 17th-century Buddhist sanctuaries and pagoda temples dotted across the mountains, where locals pray and get their fortunes told. A must-do for any first-time visitor to Da Nang is climbing the steps to the top of Marble Mountains, where they can enjoy spectacular views across Non Nuoc Beach or My Khe Beach. Alternatively, there’s an elevator service (VND 40,000) available for those with physical disabilities.

Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – 17:00

Location: 9km south of Da Nang, Hoa Hai District

Price Range: VND 40,000

3. Dragon Bridge measures 666 metres in length, making it the longest bridge in Vietnam. A popular spot amongst photographers, the six-lane bridge crosses the Han River and is constructed in the shape of a golden dragon, which locals believe symbolizes power, nobility and good fortune. While it’s a magnificent sight at any time of the day, Dragon Bridge is particularly cool (and packed with sightseers) during weekends as it is illuminated with colorful LED while it breathes fire and spits out water from 21:00 onward.

4. Hai Van Pass stands at 500m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam. It’s located on the border between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City, where you can enjoy panoramic views of verdant mountains and clear blue skies as well as Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and South China Sea. The pass also hosts a dilapidated French-built fort that was later used as a bunker by South Vietnamese and US armies during the Vietnam War. Due to its sudden curves and blind corners, Hai Van is also notorious for its fair share of accidents – look out for small altars set along the roadside which are dedicated to perished victims.

5. Cham Museum Da Nang commemorates the culture, lifestyle, and practices of Vietnam’s indigenous Cham tribe, who have roots dating back as far as 192AD. Founded during the colonial French rule in 1915, it is known as the only museum of its kind in the world. Cham Museum Da Nang is divided into ten interior exhibition rooms, where 300 terracotta and stone sculptures from the 7th to the 15th centuries are showcased according to the region in which they were found. The museum also offers daily guided tours for groups of five and above from 8:00 to 10:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30.

6. Da Nang Cathedral is one of the most unique catholic churches in Vietnam, featuring a pink-painted edifice, stained-glass windows, and an imposing bell tower topped with a rooster weathercock. Built by the French in 1923, it’s also known as Con Ga Church (Rooster Church) and serves the local Catholic community to this very day. The cathedral is located along Tran Phu Street, about a 15-minute walk from the iconic Dragon Bridge. Entrance to Da Nang Cathedral is free of charge and its high tower offers a stunning view of the city, Han River, and verdant mountains.

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 05:00 – 17:30, Sunday 05:00 – 17:00

Address: 156 Tran Phu Street, Da Nang
Tel: +84 2363 873 445

7. Non Nuoc beach
A 20-minute drive from Da Nang City, Non Nuoc Beach boasts international acclaim as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Featuring soft white sands, a gentle slope, unpolluted waters and mild waves, visitors can do plenty of leisure activities such as sunbathing, jet-skiing, and surfing whilst enjoying local seafood dishes. Non Nuoc Beach takes up five kilometres of Hoa Hai Ward’s coastline, ending at the foot of Marble Mountains, which hosts ancient pagodas, sacred caves, and handicraft villages.  (Sourse from vietnam-guide)