Things To Do In And Around Danang

Last night, we took a sleeper bus from Ninh Binh city to Danang, arriving at 11:30 AM. After checking into our hotel room, despite the comfortable bus journey, I found it difficult to sleep properly. We decided to take the day slowly, resting for a couple of hours. And yay! After gathering our energy, we were ready to head out and explore Danang.

Chao (Hello) Danang 🙂

Under the sunny skies adorned with a scattering of clouds, Danang greeted us with a refreshing breeze. Unlike the bustling streets of Hanoi and other places we’ve explored in Vietnam, Danang exuded a unique vibe – modern, dynamic, and distinctly different. With the wind in my hair and the freedom to explore at our own pace, we set off on an adventure through the streets of Danang, eager to discover all that this city had to offer.

There are plenty of convenient options to get around Danang. One popular choice is the Grab app, which allows you to book a cab with just a few taps on your phone. While public buses are available, we opted for the flexibility and convenience of a two-wheeler ride, especially with limited time on our hands and a desire to navigate the city at our own pace.

  • Gujarat Indian Restaurant Da nang ( slow service but pure veg)
  • Indian Ganga Restaurant and Lounge
  • Maharaja Indian Restaurant Danang
  • Maharaja Indian Restaurant Danang – Hoi An

No need to worry, as there are numerous vegan and vegetarian restaurants available.

There are plenty of exciting things to do in and around Danang! Here are some 🙂

The Marble Mountains are a mere 20-minute drive from Danang, with another 30 minutes to reach Hoi An. Along the way, just a few kilometers prior, you’ll encounter numerous shops selling marble products. These shopkeepers exhibit their finest marble art pieces, some of which are impressively large. As my partner drove, I found myself mesmerized by the craftsmanship, emitting a constant stream of “wowwws” every few seconds. Raghav, in his humorous way, kept reminding me that we weren’t there to make purchases. I simply smiled back, insisting on savoring the artistry and the artists skills. Amidst laughter, we eventually arrived at The Marble Mountains.

Upon arrival, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow!” once more, though this time it was for the majestic mountains themselves, not the products. Raghav glanced at me with a smile, and we continued onward. While he went to purchase tickets, I found myself irresistibly drawn to a shop showcasing beautifully embroidered Vietnamese hats. Raghav returned, noticing my interest, and asked if I wanted to buy one. I chuckled and declined, expressing a desire to simply admire the craftsmanship.

The five Marble Mountains hold significance as a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and named after the five elements—Thuy Son (Water), Moc Son (Wood), Hoa Son (Fire), Kim Son (Metal), and Tho Son (Earth)—. Over the years, they have served as places of meditation for monks and strategic positions for soldiers during times of war.

The Marble Mountains Travel Tips

  • Marble Mountains Timing : 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM
  • Marble Mountains Entrance Fee: 15,000 VND
  • To beat the heat in Danang, step out early in the morning. By starting your day early, you can enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid the midday sun.
  • Go for comfortable shoes and breathable fabrics to stay comfortable.
  • Don’t forget to bring along a flashlight or use your mobile torch to see those dark caves.
  • To minimize walking and save time, consider purchasing lift tickets for one side of the Marble Mountains. While this will help reduce the amount of walking, keep in mind that there will still be plenty of uphill once you’re inside.

Hoi An is one of the top rated tourist destination in Vietnam. It is popular among locals as well as people outside Vietnam and still trending on Instagram. It is 30 mins drive from Danang city. There are many good hotels to stay in Hoi An but we wanted to restrict the pain of packing and unpacking so we made Danang the base for all the places around.

Hoi An comes to life once the sun sets. It is the time when people gather around the lake with vibrant and most artistic lanterns to release in the lake. The boat ride experience is so beautiful and cannot be missed. I know it’s so touristy but we loved doing it.

Hoi An

Taking a boat ride during this time is an unforgettable experience, offering a sense of tranquility. Despite its popularity among tourists, we found this activity to be truly magical and worth experiencing firsthand.

Hoi An Boating site – Where Magic Begins

A day trip to Bana Hills is great for everyone. We booked a package using the Klook website. It included pickup, a guided tour, and drop-off at the hotel. You can buy tickets using the same way or select from the other options shared below. You can enjoy the freedom to drive to Bana Hills yourself because the roads are in good condition.

Here are some options for purchasing tickets to Bana Hills:

  1. Online: Visit the Sunworld Bana Hills website to buy tickets conveniently from the comfort of your home.
  2. On-site: Purchase tickets directly from automatic ticket booths and kiosks located on Ba Na Hills when you arrive.
  3. Through Travel Agencies: You can also buy tickets through local travel agencies or platforms like the Klook website for added convenience.
  1. Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) – The massive stone hands not only support the bridge but also create the illusion of a golden pathway suspended in the air. This unique feature has made the Golden Bridge an iconic symbol of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
  2. French Village (Làng Pháp) – Stroll along cobblestone streets bordered by vibrant buildings, shops, and cafes, and immerse yourself in the European atmosphere. If you’ve already visited Europe, you might want to give this a pass.
  3. Linh Ung Pagoda – By the time we arrived at this location, clouds had rolled in, creating a dramatic scene that enhanced the beauty of the valley. I recommend visiting this temple situated at the summit. The pagoda houses a magnificent statue of the Goddess of Mercy, commanding a majestic presence as she overlooks the hills and valleys below.
  4. Fantasy Park – If you decide to visit, keep in mind that half the day may already be gone because there are so many activities and experiences to enjoy. From immersive VR games, 4D motion theatre to roller coster ride, there’s something for everyone to experience and enjoy

Ticket prices for Bana Hills are VND750,000 for adults and VND600,000 for children.

While strolling along My Khe beach, one can catch a glimpse of Lady Buddha perched on a hillside. She is a merciful deity known for hearing the cries of those in need and providing assistance and guidance. It is also a pilgrimage site for buddhists. The site offers panoramic view of the coastline, surrounding mountains, and the city.

Lady Buddha, Danang
A sacred place for locals
Chasing dragon – No doubt about it!

The dragon show at Dragon Bridge in Danang is truly unforgettable, the fire dancing across the night sky left me in awe, capturing the vibrant energy and spirit of the city in a single moment. You can’t miss it—go and experience it for yourself!

Dragon show time : 9:00 PM every Saturday and Sunday

Looking to buy souvenirs? Head to Son Tra Night Market, conveniently located near the Dragon Bridge, offering local crafts and treasures to take home as mementos.

My Khe beach is a golden sand beach that’s perfect setting for a tranquil early morning walk or a serene evening spent listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.

Dive into photoblog – My Khe Beach Photoblog

An evening walk along beach

Have some extra time available, I highly recommend planning a day trip to Hue. This city is renowned for its rich history and historic monuments.

Have any further queries, feel free to leave them in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to respond as quickly as possible.

Happy Travels 🙂

Published by Shilpa Mandara

Exploring heavenly earth :)

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