Experience the spiritual and cultural essence of Da Nang with a visit to the Marble Mountains. The five marble and limestone hills representing five elements - metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, houses ancient Buddhist cave temples, pagodas, and statues. Embark on a 45-minute trek up to the peak of Thuy Son, the highest mountain, for panoramic views of the city and coast. Don't miss exploring the Cham Museum on your way back to the city, showcasing the history, architecture, and artistry of the ancient Champa Kingdom.
After the excursion to the Marble Mountains, take some time to unwind and relax on the pristine, 7-km-long stretch of the My Khe Beach. Also known as China Beach, it was a popular spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam War and gained fame as it features in the TV series Miss Saigon. The crystal-clear waters, soft sandy shores, and swaying palm trees make it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, or indulging in water sports like surfing, kayaking, or jet skiing.
Take a day trip to the mountainous resort of Ba Na Hills, offering a perfect mix of nature, amusement, and adventure. The French-styled village perched at an altitude of 1,480 meters nestled amid lush green vegetation offers a fantastic view of the city from afar. Take the world's longest single-wire cable car ride to reach the top and visit the Golden Bridge, a 150-meter-long pedestrian bridge that looks like held up by two giant stone hands. Other attractions include the Fantasy Park, wax museum, Linh Ung Pagoda, and the Debay wine cellar.
End your trip with an immersive shopping experience at the Han Market, popular among locals and tourists alike for its variety of souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts, jewelry, and fresh produce. Bargain hard and stroll through the maze of stalls selling everything from dried seafood, pickled fruits, and Vietnamese coffee to traditional ao dai (tunics), silk scarves, and lacquerware. Don't forget to try some local specialties like banh trang cuon thit heo (rice paper rolls with pork), bun cha ca (fishcake noodle soup), and mi quang (noodle salad)
If you have one more day, head to Hoi An, a nearby ancient town famous for its iconic yellow buildings, lanterns, tailor shops, and authentic Vietnamese cuisines. You can also visit Dong Dinh Museum, Quan Kong Temple, and Japanese Covered Bridge. If you have less time, skip the Cham Museum, Ba Na Hills, or Han Market based on your interests. Make sure to carry sunscreen, hats, and bottled water during the day trips, and spend the evening exploring some of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars in Da Nang, like 4U Rooftop Cafe, Sky36, or Monster BBQ.