Đà Nẵng: 15 Amusing Experiences You Must Not Miss

Đà Nẵng is Vietnam’s third largest city, but often overshadowed by the heavily visited Hội An. The city itself has neither the atmosphere of Hanoi nor the hustle-bustle of Saigon, yet it has a lot to offer all types of visitors. Đà Nẵng is one of those incredible backpacking destinations with great prices on hotels, food and attractions, a truly perfect city for a unique and memorable trip.

#1 Hangout on a rooftop pool

Live the lush life on top of one of Đà Nẵng’s many rooftop pools. A city full of hotels, with more being built every single day, means there’s a whole lot of rooftop pools to be visited. Some of these pools can be accessed with a small fee without having stayed in the hotel.

#2 People-watching while having dessert

Đà Nẵng is a perfect hub to experience modern Vietnam. It’s more authentic than bustling Saigon, and less rough than the capital of Hanoi. You can easily find gorgeous-themed cafes in city centre or traditional low chairs stalls along the riverside.

#3 Enjoy deliciously sweet coconut coffee

It’s a must to try the sweet coconut ice blend with shot of rich Vietnamese coffee, and lastly topped with toasted coconut.

#4 Watch the waves at My Khe Beach

During the Vietnam War, this beach used to be a chill and relax location for the American Army. Today, it is an ideal place for surfing, relax on the beach, enjoy the sun and clean sand. 

#5 Enjoy Cool Climate at Bà Nà Hills

Enjoy four seasons within a single day: Spring in the morning, Summer by noon, Autumn by evening and Winter at night! With refreshingly cool weather and gorgeous countryside views, Bà Nà Hills is a real treasure of Đà Nẵng.

Don’t miss: A Guide To Spend One Day In Bà Nà Hills

#6 Summit the Marble Mountains 

Located 20-minutes South of Đà Nẵng, the Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) is a cluster of five limestone and marble mountains representing 5 elements: Kim (metal), Moc (wood), Thuy (water), Hoa (fire), and Tho (land). Situated along between Da Nang and Hội An, you can catch a local Bus #1 to get here.

Entrance fee: 40,000 VND (<US$2)

Read on: Marble Mountains – Everything You Need To Know Before Going

#7 Go on a day-trip to Hội An

This ancient trading town is unlike anywhere else in Vietnam, retaining its ancient architecture and feel. You can easily take a local Bus #1 from Đà Nẵng for a fare of 20,000 VND. Note that Bus #1 only runs from 05:30 a.m to 17:30 p.m.

Read more: 5 Unnecessary Expenses To Avoid In Hội An

#8 Eat like a local at Cồn Market

There’s a wide range of authentic Vietnamese dishes available, including Bánh Mì (Vietnamese-style baguette), Gỏi Cuốn (spring rolls), Bánh Xèo (crispy pancake), and Mì Quảng (Vietnamese noodles). Take a short stool and squeeze with the locals for a cheap filling meal.

#9 Snap at selfie at Đà Nẵng Cathedral

Đà Nẵng 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-meters, it’s also known as Con Gà Church (Rooster Church) due to the imposing bell tower that’s topped with a rooster weather vane.

#10 Sleep in Unique Hostels

PACKO Hostel is a container inn with 16 colorful rooms, 5-minutes walk to My Khe Beach. There are 4 types of rooms, with room rates from 180,000 VND/person (US$8). Bedrooms have wooden floors and bunk beds. The toilets are very clean and fully equipped.

The Memory Hostel is located in the heart of the city, 800-meters from the Han River. The entire building is paved with refined bricks with attractive earthy colors and unique vintage touch.

#11 Pamper yourself with a Mud Bath

Claiming to have all sorts of healthy, therapeutic properties, locals believe that going for a mud bathing can make your skin soft. Other than mud bath, the facilities usually include Jacuzzi, mineral water swimming pools and other novelties for a full day hydrotherapy extravaganza.

#12 Catch a Light, Fire, & Water Show at Dragon Bridge

Measuring at 666-metres in length, Dragon Bridge in Đà Nẵng is the longest bridge in Vietnam. Every weekends evening at 9 p.m, there will be a dazzling display of lights, fire, and water that no first-time visitor to Đà Nẵng should miss out on.

#13 Indulge on a meal at Pizza 4P’s

If you’ve been travelling across Vietnam for awhile and got bored of Phở, Đà Nẵng has a wide variety of international cuisine to offers! I would highly recommend Pizza 4P’s while you’re here. It is Vietnam-based Japanese-Italian pizza restaurant, and probably has the best pizza in Southeast Asia!

#14 Stroll along Hàn River

Did you know there are as many as 10 bridges crossing over the Hàn River? Instead of getting on a touristy Hàn River cruise, why not stroll along and catch a glimpse of local lifestyle?

#15 Take the scenic train ride to Huế

Whether you are travelling from Đà Nẵng to Huế or vice versa, you can’t miss this scenic route: Hải Vân Pass. The more preferred way is to ride along this road by motorbike only if you’re an experienced rider. Alternatively, take a train and enjoy the view. I wouldn’t recommend this as a day-trip as it’s a 3-hours journey just for one way.

Lastly, if you want to keep a track of all my photos and travels, remember to follow @wanderrsaurus on Instagram!

Enjoy this post? Pin it to read later!

Aloha! I'm Bunzy, a curious dreamer who is passionate about roaming around the world getting lost, experiencing new cultures and meeting the locals. My superpower is to be able to sleep anywhere, anyhow!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back To Top