Discovering the Hidden Gems of Da Nang: A Guide to Exploring Vietnam's Coastal City

Sun World Ba Na Hills

We spent a day at The Ba Na Hills. The Ba Na Hills are a picturesque mountain range located in the central region of Vietnam, near the city of Da Nang. The hills are known for their stunning natural beauty, with lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. One of the main attractions of the Ba Na Hills is the Ba Na Cable Car, which is considered to be one of the longest and most modern cable cars in the world. The cable car ride offers panoramic views of the hills and the surrounding countryside, and provides access to the many attractions located at the top of the hills.

At the top of the Ba Na Hills, you can explore the Fantasy Park, an amusement park featuring a variety of rides and attractions, the Debay Wine Cellar, where you can sample some of the local wines and learn about the wine-making process, and the Le Jardin D’Amour Garden, a garden with many beautiful and colorful flowers and a peaceful environment.

The Sun World Ba Na Hills also features a number of other activities such as the Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge, a 150-meter-long bridge that offers an unforgettable experience with beautiful views and a chance to take incredible photographs. You can also enjoy the French Village, a replica of a traditional French village with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, and the Wax Museum, a museum that displays wax figures of famous people from different eras and countries.

When visiting the Ba Na Hills, it is important to be prepared for the weather, as the temperature can change quickly and the area can be quite misty. It is also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and bring along a rain jacket, as well as sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. It was extremely foggy and wet when we went. We could hardly see the hand, the village, and most of the other attractions. 

Linh Ung Pagoda

For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the Linh Ung Pagoda is highly recommended. The pagoda is located on Son Tra Peninsula, just outside of Da Nang, and is home to a 67-meter-tall statue of the Buddha, making it one of the tallest statues in Vietnam. It also offers great views of the city and the coast.

Linh Ung Pagoda is a Buddhist temple located on Son Tra Peninsula, just outside of Da Nang, Vietnam. It is known for its 67-meter-tall statue of the Buddha, which is one of the tallest statues in Vietnam. The statue is made of bronze and is located on top of a hill, offering visitors a panoramic view of Da Nang city and the coast.

The pagoda complex also includes several smaller statues and sculptures, as well as a large prayer hall. The pagoda is a popular destination for both tourists and locals and is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in the area. It is also a great place to learn about Buddhism and the local culture.

In addition to the statue and pagoda, visitors can also enjoy the beautiful gardens and landscaping that surround the complex. There are several walking paths and bridges that provide visitors with a chance to explore the area and take in the natural beauty.

The Linh Ung Pagoda is open to visitors all year round, but the best time to visit is during the day when the sun is shining and the views are at their best. It is also a good idea to dress modestly when visiting the pagoda, as it is a place of worship.

Dragon Bridge

Dragon Bridge is located in Da Nang, Vietnam. It spans the Han River and connects the city's downtown area with the beach. The bridge is known for its unique design, which features a dragon-shaped structure that runs the length of the bridge. The dragon's head spits fire and water, adding to the bridge's attraction.

The bridge was officially opened in 2013 and has quickly become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. It offers great views of the river and the city, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The bridge is also a popular spot for taking photographs, particularly at night when the dragon's head is illuminated.

The Dragon Bridge is also a great place to learn about the local culture and history. The dragon is a symbol of power and good luck in Vietnamese culture, and the bridge is a symbol of the city's rapid development and modernization.

The bridge is also a popular spot for events, such as the weekend night show, where the dragon's head spits fire and water to the rhythm of music.

Da Nang Cathedral

Da Nang Cathedral, also known as the Stone Church or Con Ga Church, is a Catholic church located in the city of Da Nang, Vietnam. The church is considered to be one of the oldest and most iconic religious buildings in the city, and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

The cathedral was built in 1923 by French colonists and is known for its unique architectural style, which combines elements of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. The church is made of brick and stone and features tall, pointed spires and arched windows. The interior of the church is also quite impressive, with high ceilings, intricate carvings, and beautiful stained glass windows.

Da Nang Cathedral has been an important religious site for the local Catholic community for many years. It serves as the main church for the city's Catholics and is the site of many religious ceremonies and events throughout the year.

The cathedral is open to visitors all year round and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the city. Visitors can take a tour of the church and learn about its architecture and history, or simply admire the beautiful stained glass windows and intricate carvings.

Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains is a group of five limestone and marble hills located just outside of Da Nang, Vietnam. They are known for their natural beauty and cultural significance and are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Each of the five hills is named after one of the five elements, namely Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. The hills are home to several temples, pagodas, and grottoes, as well as many caves and tunnels. They offer great views of the coast and the city, and are a great place to explore and learn about the local culture and history.

One of the most popular attractions at the Marble Mountains is the Tam Thai Pagoda, which is located on the Tam Thai Mountain (Earth Mountain). It's a complex of Buddhist temples and shrines and features a large statue of the Buddha. 

The Marble Mountains are also a great place to learn about the traditional stone-carving and sculpture. There are many workshops and artisans who offer classes and demonstrations on how to sculpt statues and other objects from marble.

When visiting the Marble Mountains, it is important to be prepared for the heat and humidity, and to wear comfortable shoes, as there are many steps and steep paths to climb. It is also a good idea to bring along sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water, as the area can be quite hot during the day.

The Museum of Cham Sculpture

The Museum of Cham Sculpture, also known as the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, is a museum located in Da Nang, Vietnam that is dedicated to preserving and displaying the art and culture of the ancient Cham civilization. The Cham civilization was an advanced culture that existed in what is now central and southern Vietnam from the 2nd century AD to the 15th century AD.

The museum has a large collection of artifacts from the Cham civilization, including sculptures, carvings, pottery, and jewelry. The most notable collection is the Cham sculpture, which is considered to be some of the finest examples of Cham art in the world. These sculptures are made of stone and bronze and depict various Hindu and Buddhist deities, as well as scenes from daily life.

The museum also has a collection of pottery, including decorated vases and bowls, and a collection of jewelry, including intricate gold and silver pieces.

The museum also features exhibits that provide an overview of the history, culture, and religion of the Cham civilization. Visitors can learn about the daily life of the Cham people, their art and architecture, and their religious beliefs.

The museum is open all year round and guided tours are available in English and Vietnamese. It is a great place to learn about the ancient Cham civilization and appreciate the art and culture of this advanced ancient culture.

Beaches

Da Nang is known for its beautiful beaches, which offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include

• My Khe Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in Da Nang and is known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. My Khe Beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun, as well as to participate in water sports such as swimming, surfing, and paddle boarding.

• Non Nuoc Beach: This beach is known for its clear blue waters and fine white sand. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, as well as to participate in water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, and parasailing.

• Bac My An Beach: This beach is known for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. It is a popular destination for families and is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun. It also offers a variety of water sports such as jet skiing and banana boat rides.

• Nam O Beach: This beach is located just outside of Da Nang and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea, as well as to participate in water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

• China Beach: This beach is located just a short drive from Da Nang and is known for its beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

All of the beaches in Da Nang offer a variety of amenities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and beachside restaurants and bars. Beachgoers should be aware that the beaches can be crowded during peak season and it is important to be aware of safety precautions such as swimming only in designated areas and avoiding swimming during low tide.

Han River Bridge

The Han River Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge located in Da Nang, Vietnam. It spans the Han River and connects the city's downtown area with the eastern side of the river. The bridge is considered to be one of the most iconic landmarks in Da Nang and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

The Han River Bridge was opened in 2010 and is the first cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam, it was built to alleviate traffic congestion in the city. The bridge is designed with a unique and modern shape, which is meant to resemble the letter "S" and it's the longest bridge in Central Vietnam.

The bridge offers great views of the river and the city, and is a popular spot for taking photographs, particularly at night when it is illuminated. It also serves as a great spot for running, jogging, and cycling, and it's a great way to appreciate the beauty of the Han River.

The Han River Bridge is also a popular spot for events and festivals, as it serves as a backdrop for many of the city's cultural and sporting events. There are also several bars and restaurants located on the bridge, offering visitors a chance to enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the views.

Da Nang has a rich and varied history, dating back to the ancient Cham civilization. During the Vietnam War, the city was heavily bombed and many residents were forced to flee, but it has since been rebuilt and has become a thriving economic and cultural center.

Transportation

Transportation in Da Nang is easy and convenient, with taxis and motorbikes readily available and a well-developed public transportation system. We used Grab to get around. It is easy, familiar, convenient, and inexpensive. 

Grab is a popular ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. It can be used as a convenient and reliable way to get around the city of Da Nang.

Using the app is simple and straightforward. You can download the Grab app from the App Store or Google Play, create an account, and then request a ride by entering your pickup location and destination. Once you have requested a ride, you will be matched with a driver who will pick you up and take you to your destination. You can also schedule a ride in advance, which is helpful if you're planning your trip and want to make sure that you have a ride when you need it.

Grab offers a variety of ride options, including GrabCar (private cars), GrabBike (motorcycles), and GrabTaxi (taxis) to suit your needs and budget. The cars and motorcycles are all driven by professional drivers who have undergone background checks and safety training. The fare for each ride is calculated based on the distance traveled and time taken, and you can see the fare before you confirm the booking.

One of the benefits of using Grab in Da Nang is that it's easy to get around the city, even if you don't speak Vietnamese. The app is available in English and Vietnamese, and the drivers are able to communicate in English, so you don't have to worry about language barriers.

Safety

The city is generally considered to be safe, but it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and when it comes to pickpockets and scams. It's also important to be aware of the local laws and customs.

We enjoyed our time in Da Nang. Of course, there is so much more to do and see. Just step outside and enjoy the amazing city. The weather was not the best, we had rain daily making it more difficult t enjoy the activities but it was a great stop as we explored Vietnam.