Hey there, fellow traveler! 🌏 If Da Nang is on your travel radar (and trust me, it should be), you’ve made a fantastic choice. I moved to this vibrant coastal city from the U.S. back in 2018, and I haven’t looked back. After countless motorbike rides, beach days, café discoveries, and day trips, I’ve created this all-in-one, friendly travel guide to help you fall in love with Da Nang just like I did.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for more, this guide is packed with insider tips, real experiences, and all the practical info you’ll need to make your trip epic.
Why Da Nang Should Be on Your Bucket List
Da Nang hits the sweet spot between chill beach vibes and city convenience. It’s one of Vietnam’s three tourism heavyweights (alongside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) but feels way less hectic. Here’s a little teaser of what you can expect:
- 🏖️ Gorgeous coastline topped with powdery-soft beaches like My Khe
- 🐒 Jungle-covered hills on Son Tra Peninsula (yes, monkeys included!)
- 🥢 Mouthwatering food, from super-affordable street eats to global flavors
- ✌️ Easy access to Hoi An & Hue — both UNESCO Gold
- 💸 Great value! Luxury for less, basically.
Let’s dive into the details!
📍 Da Nang at a Glance
- Population: ~1.1 million
- Vibe: Clean, manageable traffic, and super friendly locals
- Weather: Warm year-round, but watch out for the rainy months (more on that below)
- Best Time to Visit: February to May (dry, sunny, and not too hot)
🧳 First-Timer Travel Tips (Trust Me, You’ll Thank Yourself Later)
1. Where to Stay
Stick to areas near My Khe Beach (beachside) or near Bach Dang Street (city side). Both are walkable and have everything you’ll need within reach.
A few solid hotel picks:
- Luxury Beach: Sala Danang Beach Hotel
- Budget with Views: Fivitel Danang
- Hip & Chic: TMS Hotel Da Nang Beach
2. Money Matters
Skip the airport exchange rates, seriously. Instead, look for jewelry shops or visit a local bank.
Pro tip: Use your bank app to lock your ATM card when not in use. Quick, easy, and peace of mind.
3. Tipping Culture
Vietnam isn’t big on tipping, but no one will say no to a bit of extra kindness. If you do tip, ensure it gets to the person you intend (not their manager).
4. Weather Warnings
October = monsoon misery. Avoid if possible. Here’s the best time to visit.
📶 SIM Cards & eSIMs — Stay Connected from the Start!
Landing at Da Nang airport? You’ll be bombarded with SIM options at arrivals. Skip the hassle by prepping ahead:
- Best eSIM: Airalo – Instant setup, works before you land
- SIM Card Pickup: Order via Klook and grab at the airport
If you’re old school and want to buy one locally — bring your passport and check out stores like Viettel, Vinaphone, or The Gioi Di Dong.
✈️ Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel: No Stress Required
Option 1: Grab App (🚗🏍️ Like Uber, but for Vietnam)
- Clean interface, no awkward negotiations
- Pay by cash or card with fare upfront
- Pro tip: Always confirm driver license plate & photo to avoid scams
Option 2: Pre-Booked Transfer
Super convenient if you’re wiped out post-flight. Driver meets you with a sign, takes care of everything.
Avoid: Random taxis hanging outside the airport. Stick with Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) if absolutely needed.
🛵 Getting Around Like a Local
- For most visitors, the Grab app is a lifesaver — from food delivery to ride-hailing
- For adventurers: rent a scooter! It’s cheap and gives you true freedom to explore. Start with Quang Nga Motorbikes.
Bonus: Traffic in Da Nang is waaaay more manageable than in Hanoi or Saigon. A great place to learn!
🌴 Best Things to Do in Da Nang
Here’s the highlight reel, folks!
1. My Khe Beach
Golden sand, swimmable waves, and sunrise vibes. It’s every bit as beautiful as they say.
2. Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng)
Walk across it for night-time views, and don’t miss the dragon breathing actual fire at 9PM on weekends.
3. Lady Buddha & Son Tra Peninsula
Enormous white statue + insane coastal views = must-see. Plus, cheeky monkeys live in the jungle nearby.
4. Marble Mountains & Am Phu Cave
Stunning marble peaks filled with caves, pagodas, and panoramic lookouts. A bit steep and slippery, but worth every step.
5. Day Trip to Hoi An
The adorable lantern-strewn streets of Hoi An are just 40 minutes away. Add it to your itinerary — no excuses.
6. My Son Sanctuary
Think “Vietnam’s mini-Angkor Wat.” Chill half-day trip for temple and history lovers.
🍽 Where to Eat: Local Gems + Global Cravings
Whether you’re after street food or international flair, Da Nang’s got something tasty for you.
My Favorites:
- 🥢 Bun Bo Hue at My An Market – Only 25K VND! Spicy beef noodle heaven
- 🍛 Lazeez Indian Restaurant – Room upstairs, tandoori chicken downstairs
- 🥬 KURUMI – Vegan food that’s lip-smacking delicious (even for meat lovers)
- 🥙 IRINI – Satisfying Greek plates plus yogurt bowls worth waking up for
- 🍔 Bikini Bottom Express – Western comfort food done oh-so-right
You can also use GrabFood to order delivery to your hotel or Airbnb in minutes. Easy peasy.
☕ Favorite Coffee Spots (Because Vietnam = Coffee Heaven)
The Vietnamese coffee culture is something special — slow sips, small stools, and strong brews.
- ☕️ Chill Vibes: NAM House Cafe or Reply 1988 in Hai Chau
- 🧑💻 For working: Login Coffee, Lighthouse, or chains like Highlands & Phúc Long
- 🏝 Beachside Brew: Plenty of sidewalk cafes in My An and Son Tra. Just wander and sip.
Warning: Vietnamese coffee is strong. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 😉
🛍 Where to Shop
Malls & Markets
- 🛍️ Vincom Plaza – If you need familiar retail therapy
- 🧥 Han Market – Clothes, souvenirs, and the need to haggle
- 💻 Phi Long Technology – Geek central for laptops & accessories
Groceries & Convenience
- 🛒 Mega Market – Bulk groceries and a quiet shopping experience
- 🏪 Lotte Mart – Centrally located with a modern vibe
- 🧻 Need essentials? Convenience stores like VinMart and FamilyMart are everywhere.
💪 Gyms with Day Passes
Yes, even while traveling, you can keep that gym streak going:
- 🏋️♂️ Hoc Vien Fitness 199 – Great for beach-goers
- 💦 Tam Body Fitness Center – Budget-friendly
- 💡 Full list of Da Nang gyms here
Just remember to bring water. It gets hot in there.
🗺 Suggested Itineraries
1 Day in Da Nang:
- Marble Mountains in the AM
- Lunch at My An Market
- My Khe Beach in the afternoon
- Dragon Bridge light show after dinner
2–3 Days:
- Add Lady Buddha + Son Tra Peninsula
- Hit Hoi An for a day (or night)
- Visit Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge (yes, those “giant hands”)
More Time?
Loop in Hue to the north and My Son Sanctuary to the south. Even consider heading to the Hai Van Pass for a jaw-dropping coastal ride.
Final Thoughts
I love Da Nang — like, truly love it. It’s that rare balance of chill and vibrant, touristy yet local. Whether you’re coming for the beach, the food, the coffee, or just a change of scenery, Da Nang delivers.
So bookmark this little guide, pack your suitcase, and come find out why travelers (and accidental expats like yours truly) can’t stop coming back. 🙌
Need help planning? Got questions? Join my travel planning group right here — I’m happy to help!
Catch you in Da Nang! 🛵✨
Want more Vietnam inspiration?
- Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
- Hoi An 3-Day Itinerary
- Da Nang vs. Hoi An: Which Should You Visit?