Da Nang city lies in the Midlands of Viet Nam, from which Ha Noi capitol in the north and Ho Chi Minh city in the south are almost equally spaced. Da Nang is also the central point connecting three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Hue Citadel, Hoi An ancient town and My Son Sanctuary.
Area: 1,285.4 sq. km.
Population: 1,028.8 thousand habitants (2015).
Administrative divisions:
- Districts: Hai Chau, Thanh Khe, Son Tra, Ngu Hanh Son, Lien Chieu, Cam Le.
- Rural districts: Hoa Vang, Hoang Sa.
Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Co Tu, Tay...
Geography
Da Nang City is located in middle of Central Viet Nam, between Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, separated from Laos by the western Truong Son Mountains. It is surrounded by Thua Thien-Hue along the northern border and Quang Nam on the southern border. It is embraced by the East Sea with 150km of seacoast.
Topography is rather complex. The south is impressive Hai Van Pass with Mang Mountain 1,708m, Ba Na Mountain 1,487m. The east is Son Tra Peninsula, an ideal site of yellow sand beaches, historical remains, and rare bird and animal species. The south is Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains). The seashore is Hoang Sa archipelago with a large fishery.
Climate: Da Nang is located in the zone of typical tropical monsoon, temperate and equable climate. The city's weather bears the combination of the north and the south climate characters with the inclination to the former. There are two seasons: the wet from August to December and the dry season from January to July, cold waves are occasional but they are of average and short lasting. Average humidity is 83.4%.
Average temperature is about 260C, the highest is 28-300C in June, July, August, the lowest is 18-230C in December, January, February. In Ba Na Mountain, the temperature is 200C. Average rainfall is 2,505mm per year that concentrates during October and November.
Tourism
Da Nang is an ancient land, closely related with the Sa Huynh cultural traditions. Many imposing, palaces, towers, temples, citadels and ramparts, the vestiges from 1st to 13th are still to be seen in Cham Museum
Da Nang has other various interesting attractions as Ba Na Tourist Resort, Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains) as well as the Linh Ung Pagoda, Han River, and My An, Non Nuoc beaches, stretching on dozens of kilometers...
Transportation
Road: Da Nang is 108km from Hue, 130km from Quang Ngai, 763km from Ha Noi, and 947km from Ho Chi Minh City.
Air: The Da Nang International Airport is 2.5km south-west of the city center. There are domestic flights to some cities. There are direct flight from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Siem Riep, Taipei and Singapore to Da Nang City by Vietnam Airlines, PB Air, Siem Riep Air way, Far Transportasion and Sil Airway.
Train: Thong Nhat Express train, which connects Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, stop in Da Nang.
Water: There are marine routes to international and domestic ports. Tien Sa and Han River ports are located in a very wonderful position.
Da Nang attractions comprises manmade structures and natural beauty, ranging from centuries-old pagodas, French colonial buildings and gothic-style cathedrals to tranquil beaches, breath-taking mountains, and verdant national parks. If you’re looking to soak up the sun while on vacation, visit Da Nang’s My Khe Beach and Nun Noc Beach for fun-filled activities such as swimming and surfing.
Beautiful Beaches in Da Nang
The sea is good for swimming all year round but especially in summer from May to August because of the mild waves, the water temperature and the beach guard team that works from 05:00 to 20:00 every day to ensure tourist safety. Other activities here are fishing, water-skiing, diving and yachting. Most beaches are easily accessible including the famous beach used by American soldiers as a RR base, My Khe Beach.
This is a long strand with excellent views of the nearby Marble Mountains. Nam O Beach which is 17 kilometers northwest of Danang offers environmental boat rides to places like Hoa Bac and Hoa Bang. My Khe Beach is very popular among natives and tourists alike and offers many outdoor activities as well as featuring many hotels and restaurants.
Da Nang Cathedral
Da Nang Cathedral was built by French priest Louis Vallet in 1923, with a pink-painted edifice that earns its reputation as one of the most unique catholic churches in Vietnam. Standing at 70 metres, it’s also known as Con Ga Church (Rooster Church) due to the imposing bell tower that’s topped with a rooster weathercock.
Dragon Bridge in Da Nang
Dragon Bridge in Da Nang is the longest bridge in Vietnam, offering a dazzling display of lights, fire, and water that no first-time visitor to Da Nang should miss out on. Measuring at 666 metres in length, it is located in Da Nang City and constructed in the shape of a golden dragon.
Fifth Military Division Museum of Da Nang
The Fifth Military Division Museum of Da Nang was built in 1977, offering visitors a glimpse of Vietnam’s tumultuous past with extensive displays of war relics, news articles, and photographs taken by soldiers of the Fifth Military Division. The museum also commemorates Vietnam’s most beloved leader with a replica of Ho Chi Minh's residence
Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Pass or Sea Clouds Pass offers an impressive landscape of verdant mountains and clear blue skies, overlooking Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and South China Sea. Crossing over a spur of Truong Son mountain range between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City, it stands at 500m above sea level,
Da Nang Museum
Da Nang Museum, located on Tran Phu Street, displays hallmarks of the city's construction and defense over the ages, especially in the wars against the French and the Americans. Founded in 1989, the museum has more than 2,500 photographs and artifacts depicting stories and legends about Danang that were formed through years of struggle and construction. Entrance fee is priced at VND 20,000 for adults while children and seniors can visit Da Nang Museum for free.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
The museum features a replica of President Ho’s home in Hanoi with a fishpond, a house on stilts, its garden and other relics. It's all very genuine and feels as though 'Uncle Ho' is still there.
Marble Mountains in Da Nang
A cluster of five hills made from limestone and marble, Marble Mountains are a well-known pilgrimage site with peaks, caves, tunnels and temples all just waiting to be discovered. Named after the elements metal, wood, water, fire and earth, Marble Mountains exist in a coastal area that is renowned for stone-cutting and sculpture about 9km south
My Khe Beach
Considered to be Vietnam's most picturesque beach, the white sandy 20-mile stretch of My Khe Beach was named by the American troops who visited during the Vietnam War for R&R. Known locally by its proper name Non Nuoc, it offers excellent surfing from September just off the shores of Danang.
Non Nuoc Beach
Non Nuoc Beach in Da Nang takes up five kilometres of Hoa Hai Ward’s coastline, featuring soft white sands, a gentle slope, unpolluted waters and mild waves all year long. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, visitors can do plenty of sightseeing and leisure activities whilst enjoying local seafood dishes
Phap Lam Pagoda
Phap Lam Pagoda is a two-storey temple in Da Nang City Centre, featuring towering trees, manicured gardens, and intricate Buddhist sculptures. Formerly known as Tinh Hoi Pagoda (until renamed as Phap Lam Pagoda), it was built in 1934 along Ong Ich Khiem Street, where Con Market is just a five-minute stroll away.
Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain
Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain is a breath-taking national park in Da Nang that stands 693 metres above sea level. It’s a 35-minute drive from Da Nang, making it a popular retreat amongst locals and travellers looking to escape the heat and busy traffic of the city. Locally known as the Son Tra Peninsula, the verdant mountain
The Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang
With their roots dating back as far as 192 AD, Vietnam's indigenous Cham people lived an Indian way of life in both culture and language. The Cham Museum in Danang is dedicated to this period and the Champa existence which began predominantly in the coastal areas of Vietnam.
Da Nang is ideally located among three world heritage sites: Hue ancient capital, Hoi An ancient town, and My Son sanctuary. The city itself also has many famous attractions such as Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains), Ba Na Hills, Son Tra Peninsula, Hai Van Pass, Han River, and My Khe Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. But today, let’s set aside the attractions and check out 13 addictive Da Nang foods that’ll help you to explore its authentic cuisine!
Mi Quang (Quang Style Noodles)
“There are Hanoians that have never cooked pho, Saigonese that have never cooked hu tiu, but there isn’t one Quang Nam local that has never cooked mi Quang.” Mi Quang is not only a big star of its hometown – Quang Nam province but it’s also regarded as a specialty of Da Nang City. The noodles are incredibly soft, glutinous, and full of genuine rich rice flavor. Turmeric broth, tender chicken, dry pancake, roasted peanuts, and fresh vegetables combine to make this dish more delicious. Many locals like enjoying this food for breakfast, but you can see people hurriedly slurping their bowl at all times of the day.
Authentic mi Quang is eaten with nine different kinds of herbs: lettuce, Thai basil, spearmint, watercress, bean sprouts, Vietnamese mint, cilantro, scallion, and sliced banana flowers. These unique flavors help balance the dish and make it more healthy.
Banh Canh (Cake Soup)
This is exactly the food that will warm your heart and soul! Cake soup can be made from both rice flour and wheat flour, but more commonly it’s made with cassava flour. The cake is as long as a chopstick and super chewy. An interesting fact is that the cake isn’t boiled until guests come in and order the food to prevent the unwanted fast expansion of its texture. I know in some countries, it may be rude to blow on food to cool it down, but this is Vietnam, my friend! Banh canh is in its best state when it’s hot, so cool it down as fast as possible and go for it!
The broth of banh canh is made from fresh shrimp, fish, and pork bones. It goes best with boneless fish, fish balls, shrimp, and pork pie. And honestly, it tastes just as good, if not better, than it sounds!
Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (Rice Paper with Pork)
I’ve been wondering about this for a long time: with basic ingredients, how can this dish be so good? Pork shoulder and buttocks are steamed to retain the juiciness of the meat. Vegetables are easy to find (you know, it’s Vietnam!), but they must be fresh. The vital ingredient that takes this dish to the next level is the typical Vietnamese sauce called “mam nem.”
To make mam nem, the chef chooses fresh anchovies, washes and dries them thoroughly, then mixes them with salt, and powdered grilled rice. After that, the mixture is put in jars. Sugar, chili, and garlic is added when the mixture turns red. A roll of succulent pork matched with fresh raw vegetables dipped into the sweet, salty, and spicy mam nem will absolutely create an unforgettable food experience for you!
Bun Cha Ca (Fish Cake Noodles)
I believe that bun cha ca is the most “controversial” dish in Vietnam. I say this because unlike bun cha (grilled pork and noodles) which clearly originated in Hanoi, or bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodles), every coastal province in Vietnam insists that bun cha ca is its specialty! Bun cha ca in Da Nang has two kinds of fish cakes: steamed fish cake and fried fish cake. However, the fried fish cake is more popular. Which one is going to be your favorite? I can’t choose!
Banh Xeo (Fried Pancake)
Believe me, this mouth-watering pancake is not only attractive but also tasty to boot! The chef chooses a typical rice in Quang Nam province, mixes it with turmeric powder, and then blends the mixture into the water for four hours so that the pancake is crispy on the edge and soft in the middle. To make a drop-dead delicious pancake, the chef has to fry it over a massive fire and at the most opportune time, add in other ingredients like bean sprouts, pork, shrimp, and fold the pancake when it’s fully fried. Once you’ve tried this, I have a strong feeling that you will say: “Gimme more!”
Goi Ca Nam O (Nam O Fish Salad)
Nam O fish salad is made from fresh raw fish with a touch of chili, garlic, ginger, galangal, and fish sauce. The dish needs to be spicy, because only when the spices gather together can the fishy odor be killed. The salty taste of fish sauce, the fatty flavor of fresh fish along with the fresh texture of raw banana and other herbs, will make you stick to your chopsticks… forever!
Banh Trang Dap (“Breaking” Rice Paper)
I know many of you are wondering where this vague name came from. Although it sounds violent, it’s actually not that brutal at all. The name “breaking” rice paper came from the action of gently breaking the outer layer of grilled rice paper so it sticks to the inner layer of steamed thin rice pancake. This will make the food way tastier!
What makes this dish delicious is not only the crispy grilled rice paper but also the steamed thin rice pancake, peanuts and of course, the sauce! You might remember the name of this sauce from a different dish! Well, it’s a popular fish sauce that is used with almost every Vietnamese rice-paper dish: mam nem.
You don’t need to (and shouldn’t) sit at a luxury table to enjoy this food. Just settle down on small local chairs, observe the Da Nang nightlife, and the food will do the rest of its job to make your evening glorious.
Banh Kho Me (Sesame Dried Cake)
Sesame dried cake is such a magical cake that when the Vietnamese try it, they feel like they’re back in their pure childhood! Banh kho me is made from simple ingredients, such as rice flour, sticky rice, sugar, ginger, and sesame. No chemicals are used to help remind people of the old Vietnam when everything was made naturally. The cake is made into square or rectangular shapes, and on its outside surface is a beaming tide of sesame and melted sugar.
Another reason that this cake makes you feel like home is its cooking process. To make a good batch, the cook has to carefully grill this cake on the fire seven times! Doesn’t it feel like home sweet home, when your mom is always putting all her effort and time into making your food? At night, chewing sweet and aromatic sesame dried cake while sipping fresh Da Nang tea made from ginseng and pandan leaves will definitely be an eternal remembrance.
Tra Sam Dua Da Nang (Da Nang Pandan Tea)
Coffee fans, please don’t skip this! I know some of you may not feel familiar with the bitter flavor of Vietnamese tea but Da Nang tea is easier to drink! It is a popularly refreshing tea made from young green tea buds, pandan leaves, and some other flowers. It has a touch of sweet-scented smell that can knock you out at the very first moment! Unlike ordinary tea which can cause insomnia, Da Nang tea is a natural medicine that helps you sleep with ease.
Cha Bo Da Nang (Da Nang Beef Sausage)
Don’t judge this specialty by its outward appearance because its taste is extremely enjoyable! First, the chef has to select first-class beef, then remove all the beef tendons, and finally puree the meat thoroughly. After that, a portion of spices including onions, garlic, pepper, and salt are added. Once it’s cooked completely, you can smell the alluring aroma of beef and herbs. It will be even more appetizing if you pair it with pickles.
Tre (Pork Seasoned with Sesame and Galangal)
Tre main ingredients are lean pork meat, buttocks, belly, and skin. After the packaging process, (the pork is stuffed with spices such as dried fish sauce, garlic, galangal, and sesame seeds and left for two or three days) it is then kept in the refrigerator for 15 days. Tre will then have an inviting aroma of pork, galangal, and garlic. To further create an intoxicating scent, the dish is wrapped in banana and guava leaves in order to increase the flavor and maintain the best quality.
Rong Bien My Khe (My Khe Seaweed)
My Khe Beach is one of the most attractive beaches in Da Nang and obviously the pride of the local people. Not only that, this place also has a very valuable specialty, called My Khe seaweed. Although seaweed is quite familiar and often available in the sea, My Khe seaweed is something else. This kind of seaweed is collected from My Khe Beach, famous for its fresh and beautiful water, so the nutrient content is quite high, hygienic, and practical for health.
I have to admit that the appearance and the flavor of this food is like day and night! Even though it looks a bit uninviting, it tastes naturally sweet and fresh once it’s cooked! This is also favored as a summer herb.
Hai San (Seafood)
Nothing is better than a full dish of seafood to call it a day, right? Da Nang is a coastal city, so you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the fresh seafood of this land from steamed crabs, scallops grilled with onions, to seafood hot pot, oysters, and other billion kinds of tasty seafood dishes. We have a full guide to just seafood alone in Da Nang as well.
Pho (Beef Noodles)
All travelers looking to visit Vietnam probably know about the legendary dish of Vietnam – pho – a delicious noodle bowl served in a well-cooked broth of meat, bones, and herbs. Even though Da Nang is not the birthplace of pho, or famous for having a distinct cooking style like Hanoi or Saigon, there’s also a number of great pho restaurants in Da Nang for you to try. If you’ve had quite enough of all the seafood in this beach city and other local cuisines above, get a bowl of pho to refresh your taste buds.
Like other cities in Vietnam, there are a lot of long-standing pho restaurants in Da Nang, which have been open since the 1900s because of a secret recipe that has been passed down through many generations. This means that every pho restaurant has a unique taste to showcase. And the more amazing part is the prices in Da Nang are a bit lower than in Hanoi and Saigon, so feel free to choose their biggest option! It will cost you around 50,000 to 55,000 VND for a special bowl. That’s only a little over two dollars and if you’re starting your morning in the heat and ocean, then a bowl of pho is a really good idea.
Nightlife in Da Nang boasts a collection of swanky rooftop bars, sophisticated lounges, friendly expat bars, and vibrant nightclubs where fun-loving travellers can enjoy a night out with likeminded locals. Da Nang’s most popular nightlife spots often stay open as late as 03:00, featuring talented DJs spinning funk, EDM, house, and trance tunes as well as live bands covering your favourite classic rock songs.
From exquisite wines and aged whiskies to local beers and exotic cocktails, you’ll be glad to know that drinks in Da Nang’s bars and pubs are cheap according to European standards. Whether you’re looking to catch the latest sports matches or dance until the wee hours of morning, our comprehensive list of 10 best nightlife in Da Nang caters to any budget and preference.
Sky36 Club at Novotel Danang Premier Han River
Sky36 Club sits on the 36th floor of five-star Novotel Danang Premier Han River, making it the costal town’s highest rooftop bar. Offering panoramic views of Da Nang City, Bach Dang River, and verdant mountains, this swanky nightlife spot attracts a steady clientele of affluent travellers and local elites looking to party in style. The music policy varies from EDM and trance to deep house and hip-hop. Despite the lack of cover charge, do note that drinks served at Sky36 Club are more expensive than most nightclubs in Vietnam. Expect to pay approximately VND 150,000 for cocktails and VND 120,000 for imported beers.
Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar
Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar overlooks Han River in Da Nang City Centre, where sports fans can catch the latest sports events whilst enjoying authentic Vietnamese, Thai, European, Japanese and American cuisine. Set along Bach Dang Street, the establishment is fitted with a modern dining venue and terrace on the upper level and a lively sports bar downstairs. Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar’s extensive drinks list ranges from imported wines by glass and bottle, malt whiskies, ciders and beers to vodkas, rums, and cocktails. There’s also live music performances every Friday and daily happy hour promos are between 17:30 and 18:30.
Brilliant Top Bar
Set on the rooftop of Brilliant Hotel, Brilliant Top Bar offers a good selection of cold beers, bar snacks, and western delicacies as well as expansive views of Han River, My Khe Beach and Da Nang City. With a capacity of 100 people, the rooftop bar is fitted with rattan chairs, warm lighting, unobtrusive music, and glass panels that overlook the iconic Dragon River Bridge - perfect for quiet evenings with fellow tourists and expats. Brilliant Top Bar also offers a daily happy hour promo from 17:00 and 23:00, where you can enjoy free flow of Tiger draught beers for VND 110,000.
New Phuong Dong Nightclub
New Phuong Dong Nightclub is Da Nang’s definitive club, having been operating since 1994. Located within the city centre, it boasts modern audio-visual systems, a spacious dancefloor, and a centre stage where prominent local DJs, dancers, and bands perform every night. New Phuong Dong Nightclub’s music policy ranges from EDM, disco and house to rock, jazz and funk. Offering an extensive array of cognacs, tequila, beers, wines, and champagnes. The price range here may be higher than your average bar in Da Nang, but the fun-loving crowds and lively atmosphere makes it well worth the extra expense.
Seventeen Saloon Da Nang
Seventeen Saloon Da Nang is the second branch of Saigon’s iconic live music bar, featuring fun-loving waitresses in sexy cowgirl costumes, ice cold beers, and talented musicians performing until late. Attracting mostly expats and backpackers, this western-style bar overlooks the tranquil Han River in Da Nang City with a Filipino band covering a medley of classic rock tunes by U2, Aerosmith, and Bon Jovi. Drinks are priced between VND 44,000 and VND 150,000, serving a selection of imported and Vietnamese beers, wines, shots, cocktails, and liquors. Happy hour promos for Tiger draught beers are from 19:00 until 21:00 daily.
Writer's Bar at Vinpearl Da Nang Resort & Villas
Inspired by classic European reading rooms, Writer's Bar is furnished with mahogany bookshelves and leather couches, resulting in an elegant space for Vinpearl Da Nang Resort & Villas’ affluent guests. The bar is located on the first floor, overlooking the pristine Non Nuoc Beach and Marble Mountain while a professional pianist provides romantic yet unobtrusive tunes in the background which allows for easy conversation with fellow tourists. Drinks-wise, Writer’s Bar serves a selection of exquisite wines by glass and bottle, beers, aged whiskies, champagnes, and classic cocktails.
Oasis Tapas Bar
Oasis Tapas Bar stands out amongst most expat bars in Da Nang City for its tasty and authentic Spanish delicacies, friendly service, and satisfying range of cocktails, wines, and premium gins. Just a four-minute stroll from Bac My An Beach, this funky bar opens at 17:00 onwards, where you can enjoy over 40 types of tapas such as stuffed eggplants, buffalo mozzarella, Spanish omelette and duck crepe for as low as VND 20,000 per dish. Great for unwinding after a day at the beach, Oasis Tapas Bar plays a wide selection of funk, soul, chilled out beats and Spanish classics until late.
Bamboo2 Bar Da Nang
Bamboo2 Bar Da Nang is a small yet vibrant nightlife spot along the bustling Bach Dang Street, drawing mostly expats and tourists looking to catch live sports matches such as AFL, NRL, Rugby Union, and Premier League. The bar has three levels with open-air terraces that overlook the Han River and Dragon River Bridge, as well as walls decorated with graffiti by past patrons, ample bamboo bar stools, and a pool table. With a music policy of popular English tunes, Bamboo2 Bar Da Nang hosts a local DJ every Fridays at 21:00 onwards. You can also enjoy ‘buy two, free one’ drinks promos from 17:30 until 19:00.
Golden Pine Pub Da Nang
Golden Pine Pub Da Nang is favourite late night hangout spot for 30-something locals and expats due to its laidback vibe, lively parties, and chatty staff. Set along Bach Dang Street, this three-storey bar is fitted with a dancefloor, numerous pool tables, and an al fresco terrace where you can catch the illuminated Dragon River Bridge in action. Drinks-wise, Heineken or Guinness are priced at VND 45,000 while Saigon or 333 Beer is about VND 35,000, but patrons get to enjoy ‘buy two, free one’ promos for all drinks between 17:00 and 19:30 every day.
Billabong Pub & Restaurant
Billabong Pub & Restaurant is an Australian-owned nightlife spot in Da Nang City, offering an extensive selection of beers and western fare until late. Great for a relaxing night out, this classic-looking tavern features bare-bricked walls, wooden furnishing, and vintage photographs while English tunes plays unobtrusively in the background. There are also several flat-screen TVs airing Australian sports matches such as Rugby World Cup, Caufield Cup, and AFL. Patrons can also enjoy an extensive menu of Asian, Italian, Australian, and Scottish delicacies as well as imported beers, wines, ciders, and cocktails.