Da Nang gets treated like a layover between Hoi An and everything else. It shouldn't be. There's a bridge that breathes fire, a beach locals actually swim at, mountains you can do before lunch.
I made this guide in two parts: a fun quest list, and a typical attractions itinerary for those of you who are short on time. Plus a food list.
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Walk it barefoot before six. Locals swim and exercise here like it's their living room. No tourists yet.
Climb the stairs, or take the elevator if the heat has already won. Caves with sunlight pouring through the top.
40,000 VND entrance, 15,000 VND per elevator ride, one way. Open 7:30am to 5pm.The cable car up to the Golden Bridge and the giant stone hands. Crowded, touristy, still worth doing once.
About 30 to 40 minutes from central Da Nang. Ticket runs close to a million VND for foreign visitors.Drive the loop, count the monkeys, climb the lighthouse and just sit there until the light changes.
Get a spot on the Han River promenade early. The dragon breathes fire, then water, on repeat for half an hour.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 9pm. Free.Mostly single-dish spots. Google the name, pick whichever has good reviews, go.
Da Nang is a flight from Saigon, but plenty of trips route through here anyway. If you are coming through, come walk with me for a morning first.
Hoi An is a short ride away, see the Hoi An guide. Or start at the Vietnam guide hub.