Da Nang Tourist Information and Tourism
(Da Nang, Vietnam)
The Vietnamese city of Da Nang lies on the coast and is one of the country's largest conurbations, as well as an important port. Set at the mouth of the Han River on the South China Sea, Da Nang is the education, commercial and transportation hub of the Central Vietnam region.
Often overlooked by tourists and favoured more by businessmen, Da Nang lacks the bustle of
Ho Chi Minh City and the charm of
Hanoi, but is close to a number of the most famous
Vietnam historic, heritage and natural sites, and has some interesting aspects of its own.
Tourism is becoming more and more important to the city's economy, even though the focus here is that Da Nang is best treated as a base to explore further, due to its efficient transport networks in the region. Tourist information about both the city and its surroundings can be obtained at one of the various state tourism offices and travel agencies in the city, such as those based around the Han Market and close to the riverside promenade.
Da Nang Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights
Most travellers who are staying in Da Nang for a few days or more will want to check out the region's white-sandy beaches and coastline, which provide a very different kind of resort-style Vietnam. The South China Sea is highly suitable for swimming and never cold, and innumerable water sports are available at the principal beaches, such as diving, snorkelling and water-skiing. The most popular nearby stretches include Bac My An Beach, My Khe Beach, Nam O Beach and Non Nuoc Beach, each of which has an undeniable tropical flavour. It is expected that future developments around the Son Tra peninsula will further increase local tourism appeal. More information about
Da Nang Beaches.
As a result of the Vietnam War conflict, many of the most obvious aspects of Da Nang's heritage are no longer around, meaning that those still standing are now more revered. The Da Nang Cathedral is one such tourist attraction and its distinctive pink architecture dates back to the 1920s. Other historic sights to see in Da Nang include the rather gaudy Cao Dai Temple, the very traditional Phap Lam Pagoda, and the Pho Da Nang Pagoda, where three renowned images of Buddha reside. A more modern local landmark is the multi-purpose San Chi Lang Stadium, near to the Con Market at Ong Ich Khiem, where seasonal soccer matches draw huge crowds of literally thousands. More information about
Da Nang Tourist Attractions.
The backdrop provided by the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) is quite a sight and comprises no less than five mountains of differing heights, named after the elements - earth (Tho Son), fire (Hoa Son), metal (Kim Son), water (Thuy Son) and wood (Moc Son). These mountains feature elaborate pagodas, Buddhist temples and lengthy tunnels, while the foothills have seen the arrival of several small villages and settlements, specialising in marble sculpture. Although the Marble Mountains are undeniably the principal landmark around Da Nang, there are a series of man-made offerings that deserve some attention, namely the 17th-century Long Thu Pagoda Stele, the early 19th-century Dien Hai Fortress and the ancient Iphanho Cemetery. More information about
Da Nang Landmarks and Monuments.
Most will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of cultural attractions now present in Da Nang, often recounting its bygone days with artefacts and information about former communities. The Museum of Cham Sculpture is highly regarded throughout Vietnam for its wealth of important Hindu artefacts and Cham sculptures originating from the Indic kingdom of Champa. At the Da Nang History Museum you can expect exhibits relating to the French and American wars, as well as more traditional relics. The military days are also remembered at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, although many tourists will find that exploring the city's five 'Community Houses' is the best way to gain an insight into the past. More information about
Da Nang Museums.
The central location of Da Nang really does lend itself to day trips and tourists on holiday here frequently choose to take excursions to the surrounding towns. Amongst the closest of these attractions is the Ba Na Hill Station within the Truong Son mountains, where the refreshingly cool climate and spectacular coastal views provide much appeal to travellers. To the south of Da Nang, Cham Island is a great place for sunbathing and snorkelling, being part of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park and well connected by boats from the port. Also close is the Bach Ma National Park and its wealth of birdlife, Monkey Mountain (Nui Son Tra) and its neighbouring Tien Sa Beach, the Hindu temples of My Son, the huge citadel of Hue, and the charming town of Hoi An, a World Heritage Site with ancient architecture, winding old streets, numerous museums and a 16th-century bridge. More information about
Da Nang Attractions Nearby.
More Da Nang Information / Fast Facts and Orientation
- Country: Vietnam (central)
- Location: South Central Coast / Central Vietnam
- Status: port city
- Area: approximately 485 square miles / 1,256 square kilometres
- Population: approximately 900,000
- Language: Vietnamese
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Time zone: UTC+ 7
- Country dialling code: +84
- Telephone area code: 0511
- Average daily Da Nang January temperature: 25°C / 77°F
- Average daily Da Nang July temperature: 34°C / 93°F
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