DA NANG

DA NANG AT A GLANCE

  Da Nang city is in the middle of Vietnam, which is 776 km from Hanoi to the north and 961 km from Ho Chi Minh City to the south. Da Nang borders Thua Thien Hue province in the north, Quang Nam province in the west and south and the East Sea in the east. Da Nang has North-South transport pivot on road, railway and sea and is at one end of the East-West Economic Corridor which connects Vietnam with three other Southeast Asia countries. Furthermore, this city is the central location connecting three famous UNESCO world heritage sites, including Hue Imperial Capital, My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient Town. Besides, Hoang Sa island district is also a part of this city.

As a result, Da Nang is a city with a prime location playing a crucial role in developing as well as maintaining tourism, economy, trading and military defense; for tourists, this city is always the top destinations in Vietnam. Let’s check out the video of Da Nang by drone!

WHEN YOU SHOULD TRAVEL TO DA NANG

Da Nang is a region with a typical tropical monsoon climate with comparably high general temperature and little variation throughout the year. It has an intersection between two types of subtropical climate in the north and tropical in the south but is more affected by the tropical climate in the south. Therefore, there are two distinct seasons: the rainy season from August to December and the dry season from January to July. Besides, its location near the East Sea allows for an average temperature between 18°C and 34°C.

The ideal time to visit Da Nang is the dry season from January to July and the most perfect is between February and May. During this period, the weather is lovely, less rain and chilly, which is also comfortable and convenient for moving and exploring around. In the rainy season lasting from August to December, the climate will be more unsettled. Additionally, at the end of the year, the city often has some cold spells of winter. You should check the climate forecasts in advance to make proper preparation for your trip to Da Nang.

TRANSPORTATION IN DA NANG

In Da Nang, there is an airport – Da Nang International (with 2 terminals: Domestic and International), is about 3 km from the city center.

The biggest bus station is Da Nang Central Bus Station, here you can take a bus to Hoi Anand other provinces.

The public transport system consists of 12 bus routes and 2 routes for tourist.

The train station address: 791 Hai Phong, Tam Thuan, Thanh Khe District.

In addition, there are some bus companies going to specific provinces as The Sinh Tourist (go to Saigon/Hanoi) and Phuong Trang (go to Saigon/Hanoi).

Renting a motorbike is also a great option for you when you come to this city. The cost of renting a bike ranges from 100.000VND-200.000VND/day. You also have to leave from 1.000.000-2.000.000 VND as a deposit for renting a motorbike. And of course, your money will be brought back to you after you returned the bike.

TOP 10 MUST - VISIT ATTRACTIONS IN DA NANG

Da Nang is the most famous coastal city in Vietnam, besides swimming, Da Nang also has countless other attractive destinations, here are the top attractions in Da Nang. 

1. MY KHE BEACH

Used to be voted as the sexiest magnificent beach in the world by Forbes magazine of America, My Khe Beach is one of the best beaches in Vietnam, which is only about 3 km from the centre of Da Nang city, looking down from above, is a spacious green strip with the brilliant beauty. You cannot miss the opportunity to see this beautiful beach when coming to Da Nang.

My Khe Beach captivates a large number of tourists every year by its pristine attraction, fine white sand, gentle waves in the very cool and fresh atmosphere. Travelling to Da Nang city, tourists should once come here to experience a bright early morning, glowing from the horizon like a halo and immerse in the freshwater.

2. BA NA HILLS

Ba Na Hills is a famous tourist destination of Da Nang city that you definitely should not miss. For a long time, people always thought of Ba Na Hills as a must-visit location because it has attracted thousands of tourists to Da Nang annually. Belonging to the Sun World entertainment brand system, which is more than 20 km from the city center, Sun World Ba Na Hills is the most luxurious resort and entertainment complex in Viet Nam.

Being a tourist destination that any visitors want to come at least once, Ba Na Hills is constructed on a top of the high mountain. It attracts visitors by the most beautiful fairy scenery along with the most extended cable in the world. Ba Na Hills is also considered one of the most prominent places in Da Nang.

Coming to Sun World Ba Na Hills, visitors will have the opportunity to visit and experience unique constructions and destinations. One of the most favourite places when visiting Ba Na Hills is the French Village, which recreates an ancient and romantic France with unique classical architecture such as squares, churches, towns, villages, and hotels.

Address: Hoa Vang District, about 20 km from the city center

Price: Adult: 800.000 VND, Child: 650.000 VND (1m – 1.4m)

Cable car operating time: 7:30 am – 9:35 pm. Don’t miss the last if you don’t plan to stay there.

3. SON TRA PENINSULA

Being the only natural forest ecosystem surrounded by the sea in Vietnam, Son Tra peninsula is about 10 km from thecentre of Da Nang city to the North – East. It has three sides runs adjacent to the sea. Interestingly, tourists can see Son Tra Mountain from any place in the city. The climate here is very clean, favourable and pleasant. According to one scientific research, every day, the forest here reproduces enough oxygen to provide for 4 million people, a giant green lung of the city. This forest is also the habitat of several species of animals with 22 rare species listed in the red book, most notably primate populations with about 300-400 individuals.

4. MARBLE MOUNTAINS

Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), also known as Non Nuoc mountain, is a landscape including five limestone mountains on the coastal sand. This place is famous for the Non Nuoc fine art village, which gives birth to a lot of renowned marble artworks both domestically and internationally. According to remaining historical records, before the Vietnamese came here, the Cham people worshipped their gods in caves and temples. A huge number of Vietnamese migrants to this area brought with them the culture and beliefs of Buddhism, constructing more temples and shrines. As a result, these have made this place very diverse and unique but remain peaceful and harmonious.

Address: 61 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Ngu Hanh Son District

Price: 40.000 VND, free for children under 6 years old

Opening hours: from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm

5. ASIA PARK

The amusement park of Asia Park first appears in Vietnam and brings several unique games. The park is suitable for both kids and adults. It opens its doors every day at 3 pm and closes at 10 pm.

Asia Park consists of three main areas: a modern outdoor amusement park, a cultural park with iconic architectural and miniature constructions of 10 Asian countries, and the Sun Wheel showing interference between modern and traditional features.

Cultural Park in Asia Park opens an impressive Eastern space by the diverse culture, historical architectural works, unique art and culinary activities of 10 Asian countries: Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Korea, India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, China and Vietnam.

Address: 1 Phan Dang Luu, Hai Chau District

Opening hours:

+ Weekday: 3 pm – 10 pm

+ Weekend: 9 am – 10 pm

Entrance ticket: 200.000 VND/ adult, 150.000/children

6. DRAGON BRIDGE

Despite not being as famous as Ba Na Hills, Ngu Hanh Son or Han River Bridge, Dragon Bridge is still said to be a unique bridge in this tourism city. Indeed, Dragon Bridge has the heaviest weight compared to other bridges in Vietnam with a solid dome structure and a specially designed body using a combination of 5 steel pipes to decorate dragon scales. The bridge was also constructed sophisticatedly when setting up with a lighting system with a total of 15,000 LED bulbs.

What attracts most tourists at the Dragon Bridge is the ability to spray both water and fire. However, the bridge only serves sprays on weekends, Saturday and Sunday nights or major holidays of the year. The time for fire spray is 9 pm. After that there will be the water spray; in which the number of fire spray is nine times, each lasts 2 minutes, while the water spray is only three times, but it lasts longer – 3 minutes per time.

7. CON MARKET

Like Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi, Con Market is an unofficial symbol of Da Nang and the must-visit attractions in this city. The reason for making the market stand out from other markets in Da Nang is the food, Con market is known as the culinary paradise of Danang with many dishes typical of the coastal city.

Address: 269 ​​Ong Ich Khiem, Hai Chau District

Opening hours: 6 am –  9 pm

8. HAI VAN PASS

Hai Van Pass (The Sea Clouds), is one of the most beautiful and most dangerous passes in Vietnam, located between Da Nang and Hue. The pass is famous for its beautiful winding roads, sudden curves, and blind corners.

If you have a motorbike while in Da Nang, the Hai Van Pass road will be a challenge for you, however, this pass is very dangerous for bikers, we recommend that you do not drive a motorbike yourself, but buy a tour to explore the whole pass.

9. LINH UNG PAGODA

There are a total of 3 pagodas named Linh Ung in Da Nang, one in Ba Na Hills, one in Marble Mountains, and one in Son Tra Peninsula, but the pagoda in Son Tra Peninsula is most famous.

Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra Peninsula) is the biggest pagoda in Da Nang. It is located on Son Tra Peninsula, the pagoda is converged between the charming nature and sacred culture of Buddha, and is one of the must - visit places in Da Nang

Address: ‎Hoang Sa, Tho Quang, Son Tra Peninsula

10. HAN BRIDGE

Han River bridge, which was built by people of Da Nang, is the first cable-stayed swing bridge in Vietnam.

In the midnight, means of transportation are not allowed from crossing the Song Han Bridge, and it swings on its axis to allow shipping traffic to pass along the river. The bridge is lit up brightly at night.

Han River Bridge is a symbol as well as a pride to the people of Da Nang. Whenever night falls, the bridge glows brightly and colourfully on the calm river. Every year, at this location, Da Nang will host an international cultural and tourist event: Fireworks Festival, which takes place on two days 29 – 30/4. This period is a significant occasion for Da Nang tourism when not only attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists to visit this charming city but also cherish the extraordinary themed fireworks. Da Nang city during this time is very bustling and flashy.

TOP 7 MUST - TRY DISHES IN DA NANG

In addition to beautiful beaches, Da Nang has long been known for its delicious dishes featuring the central region of Vietnam, saltier, spicier and more charming.

1. MI QUANG

Mi Quang (Quang noodle) is a dish you cannot miss when travelling to this coastal city. Mi Quang is made from rice flour and other ingredients including pork, chicken, shrimp, with a little broth made from stew bones, creating a natural sweetness and strong flavour for the dish. The price for a bowl is only 25,000 – 40,000 VND.

The famous Quang noodle shops must mention are:

• Thi Quang Noodle Restaurant: 251 Hoang Dieu, Hai Chau District
• Ba Mua Quang Noodle: 19 Tran Binh Trong, Hai Chau District
• Ba Vi Quang noodles: 166 Le Dinh Duong, Hai Chau District

2. COM GA

Com Ga (chicken rice) is a typical dish of Quang Nam (Hoi An) formerly Da Nang in Quang Nam so when separated to become a separate city, chicken rice is still a “soul” of this city; with elaborate processing: rice is cooked with chicken broth; chicken is shredded, mixed with lemons leaves, onions, laksa leaves, and some spices; with a small soup bowl, enough to please the most fastidious diners. Almost everywhere you go in Da Nang, you will find restaurants selling Mi Quang or Com Ga (usually both). We recommend the following restaurants that we have tried:

• Com Ga A Hai, address: 100 Thai Phien, Hai Chau District
• Com Ga Ba Buoi Hoi An, address: 253 Ho Nghinh, Son Tra District
• Ba Ky Tam Ky, address: 55 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau District

3. BANH TRANG CUON

Banh Trang Cuon (pork rice paper rolls) have a simple ingredient, but it attracts so many customers coming to Da Nang by its own unique features. Rice paper rolls with pork in Da Nang is special because of soft, thin, greasy pieces of pork with fat and skin layer along on both ends. When eating, we put a piece of rice paper on the plate, put sliced pork and vegetables in, then roll it and dip into the sauce.

There are many Banh Trang Cuon’s restaurants in Da Nang, but we recommend the following 3 locations:

• Quynh Dai Loc, address: 176 Nguyen Hoang, Hai Chau District
• Banh Trang Cuon Tran, address: 4 Le Duan, Hai Chau District
• Banh Trang Cuon Mau, address: 35 Do Phuc Tinh, Cam Le District

4. BUN MAM NEM

Bun Mam Nem is a dish including rice vermicelli, roasted pork, Nem Chua, beef rolls, vegetables and Mam Nem. Mam Nem is a typical Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish, but the taste is very strange, you may love it or not when you try it for the first time,but trust us, it is very delicious!. If you want to try it out, check out the restaurants that we recommend:

• Ngoc Da Nang, address: 20 Doan Thi Diem, Hai Chau District
• Ba Dong, address: 141 Huynh Thuc Khang, Hai Chau District
• Bun Mam Nem Ba Van, address: 23/14 Tran Ke Xuong, Hai Chau District

5. BANH XEO

One of the dishes that cannot be missed in a Da Nang trip is Banh Xeo – Nem Lui. Banh Xeo has an attractive, crispy golden crust wrapped with fillings such as bean sprouts, meat, and shrimp. When eaten, it is rolled in rice wrappers with many kinds of raw vegetables such as salads, vegetables, cucumbers, green bananas, and pineapples, then dipped into the creamy and tangy sauce.

When mentioning Da Nang Banh Xeo, it is impossible to “forget” attractive Nem Lui stick made of lean filet mignon grilled on charcoal.

You can find delicious Banh Xeo in Da Nang at Ba Duong Restaurant (K280 / 23 Hoang Dieu, Hai Chau District) or Ms Muoi (23 Chau Thi Vinh Te, Ngu Hanh Son District) with prices only from 10.000 VND/cake, 5.000 VND/roll.

6. BUN CHA CA

Firstly, we apologize for misplacing this dish, Bun Cha Ca be in the 3rd position rather than the 6th in the ranking of Danang delicacies. Bun Cha Ca is a unique dish of Da Nang, the city which is famous for many kinds of seafood, especially fish. The bowl includes fish (tuna) fried fish (mackerel), fresh bamboo shoots, pumpkin, and tomato; the broth is stewed from the pig bone and served with raw vegetables and herbs.

Don’t miss this dish when coming to Da Nang, and here are suggestions for you:

• Bun Cha Ca Ba Lu, address: 319 Hung Vuong, Thanh Khe District
• Bun Cha Ca Ba Phien,  address: 63 Le Hong Phong, Hai Chau District
• Ong Ta, address: 113A Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau District

7. BANH KEP

Talking about famous street food in Da Nang, Banh Kep is the first choice. Various materials such as eggs, dried beef, and pate are wrapped in rice paper; then it is baked on embers or fried in oil. Although it is very simple, do not forget to try it when coming to Da Nang.

Banh Kep is the popular street food in Da Nang, you can find it anywhere on the street vendors for about 10.000 VND.

ANNUAL ACTIVITIES, FESTIVALS IN DA NANG

Festival Of Avalokiteshvara - Festival In Da Nang

This festival takes place on February 19 of the lunar calendar every year. The location of the festival is Ngu Hanh Son tourist site. The festival attracts numerous tourists as well as pilgrims coming to Da Nang.

Avalokitesvara Festival is a prayer for the people, peace and harmony. It is held in 3 days, including two parts: ceremony and festival. The ceremony has the colour of Buddhist ritual with contents such as the procession of light, the birth ceremony, the ceremony of male sacrifices, etc. The festival takes place vibrantly with various activities with many traditional and modern features: singing folk songs, sculptures, dancing, opera and calligraphy exhibition activities.

FireWorks Festival - Festival In Da Nang

Occurring on April 30 – May 1 each year, the festival lasts for two days in a row in March, commemorating the liberation of Da Nang city, or on April 30 and May 1. It was first held in 2008 and quickly became one of the most expected festivals, attracting a large number of tourists to Da Nang, including international visitors.

The festival gathers the world’s biggest fireworks teams. Along with the fireworks festival are other accompanying activities: Food Festival, Big Music Night, Painting Exhibition… Each year has a unique and special performing theme. On this occasion, the whole city of Da Nang is brilliant with the colour of fireworks, full of excitement for cultural activities.

Cau Ngu Festival - Festival In Da Nang

Taking place after the Lunar New Year, this is a typical festival of fishermen to show respect for the whales – the legendary animals helping fishermen a lot.

Cau Ngu Festival or Ca Ong festival (also known as Whale sacrifice) is the biggest festival of Da Nang fishermen. Cau Ngu Festival is held in coastal areas such as Man Thai, Tho Quang, Thanh Loc Dan, … The festival takes place in two days in the middle week of the third lunar month. It aims at expressing the gratitude of the villagers for the merit of the whale, praying for a bumper harvest season, and safety of boats.

We hope that the article Da Nang travel guide in 2020 that we share above will help you prepare the best plan when coming to Da Nang so that you and your loved ones can enjoy your trip to the fullest and have a great experience in this city.

Nguồn: Internet