Da Nang Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Da Nang, Vietnam)

Although Da Nang has little left of its architectural heritage, due to the centuries of minor conflict ending in the Vietnam War, it still has a few places that serve as tourist attractions and continue to captivate its visitors.

The white-sand beaches of Da Nang spread out along the shoreline are favourites for a lazy day, and there are several attractive pagodas and temples dotted around the city, especially the stunningly decorated Cao Dai Temple, home to the recently inaugurated all-embracing religion, Cao Daism. Of note, the enormous 22-acre / 9-hectare Da Nang Waterpark attraction has recently closed and been replaced with a sizeable Sports and Gymnastics complex.

Da Nang Cathedral

Address: 156 D Tran Phu, Da Nang, Vietnam, VN
This impressive Catholic pale pink painted edifice was built by the French in 1923, and is one of the most striking structures in the city. Points of interest are its colourful stained-glass windows and its tall bell tower topped with a rooster weathercock, which has earned it the nickname of the Can Ga Church (Rooster Church). Regular services take place here and the cathedral is often completely packed with its committed congregation. A visit to this striking cathedral isn't complete without a climb up the edifice's high tower, visible all over the city and offering glorious views from the top.
Open hours: masses, Monday to Saturday - 05:00 and 17:30, Sunday - 05:00, 06:15, 07:30, 15:30 and 17:00
Admission: free

Cao Dai Temple

Address: Da Nang, Vietnam, VN
This spectacular, elaborately decorated temple is home to the Cao Dai sect in Da Nang. Cao Daism is a mix of Confucianism, Buddhism and Christianity, and has gained many followers in Vietnam since its founding some 60 years ago. Building of the Cao Dai Temple began in 1933 and lasted just over 20 years, with the official inauguration taking place in 1956. The temple resembles a church in its appearance, with the brightly coloured architecture being a mixture of yellow, blue and pink. The interior is even more breathtaking, with an intricate mosaic floor and huge pink columns decorated with painted snake carvings. Visitors are able to watch the regular services (held four times each day) from the balconies.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 01:00
Admission: free

Phap Lam Pagoda

Address: 574 D Ong Ich Khiem, Da Nang, Vietnam, VN
This pretty pagoda isn't so very old, having been built in the Vietnamese style in 1936 and more recently rebuilt, but is an interesting example of its type, coming with many sculptured images. In particular, look out for the huge seated Buddha in the grounds and the golden Buddha image in the temple itself. The Phap Lam Pagoda enjoys a fairly quiet setting, away from the noise of the road. If you are passing by at night, you may be drawn to the food stalls which regularly trade outside.
Open hours: daily - 05:00 to 11:30, 13:00 to 21:30
Admission: free

Pho Da Nang Pagoda

Address: 340 D Phan Chu Trinh, Da Nang, Vietnam, VN
Founded by the venerable monk Thich Ton Thang, this is the most important place of worship for Da Nang Buddhists, as well as a Buddhist university. The Pho Da Nang Pagoda was built in 1923 in a mixture of eastern and western styles, and has been restored a number of times over the subsequent decades. The grounds contain three famous bronze Buddha images, an oval lake and a 3-metre / 10-foot statue of Kwan Yin (the Goddess of the Compassion and Mercy), while the temple itself is quite memorable.
Open hours: daily - 06:30 to 18:30
Admission: free

San Chi Lang Stadium

Address: D Ngo Gia Tu, Da Nang, Vietnam, VN
The San Chi Lang Stadium operates as a multi-purpose sporting venue and lies on the western side of the city centre, where it is located close to the Con Market, the Cao Dai Temple and the Hospital C. As the home ground of the city's very own football team, the SHB Da Nang (a top division V-league team), the stadium regularly plays host to important soccer matches and can accommodate around 28,000 spectators.
Open hours: hours vary according to event
Admission: charge