Da Nang is a beach city in central Vietnam and a favourite for family trips, pool villas and honeymoons. My Khe Beach (6 km of sand), Ba Na Hills' Golden Bridge, the Marble Mountains and the Dragon Bridge are all close to the city, with the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town 30 minutes away by road and the Nguyen-dynasty capital Hue 2 hours away, making it a perfect base for a week.
Accommodation ranges from five-star pool villas (InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula, Premier Village Danang) to four-star city hotels, and tourist infrastructure is well developed, so even first-time family travellers will find it easy.
The best season is the dry season from February to August. September to December is typhoon and rainy season with frequent heavy rain, so take care. April to June is dry with fewer visitors, the best value.
Visa and entry requirements for Vietnam
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
- Vietnam e-visa and immigration portal (Vietnam Immigration Department)
- Apply for an e-visa (fees) (Vietnam Immigration Department)
Da Nang at a glance
- Airport: Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
- Suggested itineraries: 4 days (essentials) / 6 days (Da Nang + Hoi An) / 1 week (Da Nang + Hoi An + Hue)
- Best season: February to August, dry (typhoons and rain September to December)
- Getting around: Grab (ride-hailing app), taxis, car with driver, tour packages
- Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND); exchange counters in the city
My Khe Beach: 6 km of sand and five-star resorts
My Khe Beach (Mỹ Khê), 10 minutes by road from central Da Nang, is 6 km of white sand. It was named one of the world's six best beaches by CNN, and five-star pool villas and resorts such as the InterContinental, Premier Village, Pullman and Hyatt Regency line the shore.
In the February–August dry season the waves are calm and family swimming is safe. Sunbeds and parasols cost 50,000–100,000 dong. Non Nuoc Beach, at the southern end, is quieter and packed with upscale resorts.
Ba Na Hills: the Golden Bridge and a 1,400 m mountaintop park
Ba Na Hills (Bà Nà), 40 minutes to an hour from Da Nang by road, is a theme-park complex on a 1,400 m summit. The world-famous Golden Bridge, a 150 m walkway held up by two giant hands, is the top photo spot.
With one of the world's longest cable cars (8 km, from the French Village to the summit, return), an amusement park, a wax museum and an alpine coaster, it fills a whole day. Adult admission is about 900,000 dong (varies by season). Highly recommended for families and couples alike.
Hoi An: the UNESCO Ancient Town and its lanterns
Hoi An (Hội An), 30 minutes from Da Nang by road, is a UNESCO World Heritage old town that was a hub of East–West trade from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Yellow-walled old houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge and wishing lanterns floated on the Thu Bon River make its night scene the most romantic in Vietnam.
A combined ticket for five heritage sites costs 120,000 dong. By day there are tailor shops (made-to-measure clothes in 24 hours, USD 20–60 per item) and cooking classes; at night the riverside lantern atmosphere peaks. We strongly recommend a night in Hoi An.
Hue and the Marble Mountains: history and nature
The Marble Mountains, 20 minutes south of Da Nang by road, are five marble and limestone hills hiding caves, temples and pagodas. The viewpoint over the city and My Khe is superb. Admission is 40,000 dong.
Hue (Huế), 2 hours from Da Nang by road via the Hai Van Pass, was the capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802–1945). The Imperial City (modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City, UNESCO-listed), Thien Mu Pagoda and the royal tombs make a half-day to full-day route. A day trip from Da Nang is possible, but a night is recommended. Don't miss the local bun bo Hue (spicy noodle soup).
Eating in Da Nang: the essence of central Vietnam
| Dish | About | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Quang (Mì Quảng) | Da Nang's local noodles: yellow noodles, little broth, peanuts and crispy rice crackers | 40,000–70,000 dong |
| Bun cha ca (Bún Chả Cá) | Da Nang-style fishcake noodle soup, a central flavour different from northern pho | 30,000–60,000 dong |
| Seafood BBQ | Seafood restaurants near My Khe: prawns, lobster, clams and oysters | 150,000–400,000 dong per person |
| Banh xeo (Bánh Xèo) | Vietnamese coconut crêpe filled with prawns, pork and bean sprouts, wrapped in lettuce | 60,000–120,000 dong |
Where to stay: pool villas, resorts and city hotels
| Type | Examples | Per night |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury pool villa | InterContinental Sun Peninsula, Premier Village, Hyatt Regency | USD 300–800 |
| Five-star beach resort | Pullman Danang, Novotel Danang, Meliá Danang | USD 120–300 |
| Three- to four-star city hotel | Boutique hotels and Mandarin hotels in the city | USD 40–100 |
| Hoi An boutique | La Siesta, Cyclo-type boutiques, Another Eden (river views) | USD 50–150 |
FAQ
How should I plan a Da Nang itinerary?
For 6 days: day 1 My Khe and settling in, day 2 a full day at Ba Na Hills, day 3 the Marble Mountains and on to Hoi An for the night, day 4 Hoi An Ancient Town and the lanterns, day 5 a Hue day trip or back to Da Nang, day 6 a pool-villa rest and departure. This covers all of Da Nang’s essentials.
Should I choose a pool villa or a five-star resort?
Honeymooners and couples: a private pool villa (InterContinental, Premier Village). Families of four or more: a five-star resort with good breakfasts, kids’ pools and activities (Pullman, Novotel, Meliá). If budget allows, add a night in a Hoi An boutique hotel.
How much is Ba Na Hills and how do I book?
Adult admission is about 900,000 dong, a combined ticket including the cable car and theme park. Booking in advance on the official website or Klook can be cheaper. In peak season, arrive early in the morning to cut cable-car queues.
How do I get around Da Nang?
Grab is the most convenient and safest. For Ba Na Hills and Hoi An, a car with driver for the day (about 400,000–700,000 dong) or a tour package is convenient.
What should I watch out for?
From September to December, typhoons and rain often cause flooding, which can lead to cancellations or changes. Be cautious with street food for the first day or two and buy bottled water. On My Khe from September to December the waves are high, so always check for no-swimming flags.
How do I get to Hoi An and what does it cost?
About 30 minutes by road. Grab costs about 100,000–180,000 dong and a taxi about 150,000–200,000 dong. A car-with-driver package from your hotel can cover the Marble Mountains and a day in Hoi An.
Sources
- Vietnam e-visa and immigration portal · Vietnam Immigration Department · accessed 2026-10-30
- Apply for an e-visa (fees) · Vietnam Immigration Department · accessed 2026-10-30
- Da Nang official tourism site · Danang Tourism · accessed 2026-05-04
- Vietnam National Authority of Tourism · Vietnam Tourism · accessed 2026-05-04
- Hoi An World Heritage · Hoi An Centre for Cultural Heritage Management · accessed 2026-05-04
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.