Da Nang Travel Guide: Must-Visit Places & Budget-Friendly Tips

Vietnam had always been on our travel bucket list, and in December, we finally made it happen! Our adventure started in Da Nang, Vietnam, a beautiful coastal city packed with stunning beaches, cultural gems, and epic landscapes. If you’re looking for a complete Da Nang travel guide, you’re in the right place! The weather was a bit rainy and chilly, but honestly, it only added to the experience. We booked everything in advance through Klook, which made our trip super smooth and stress-free.

Our Stay: Waking Up to a Sea View

We stayed at DLG Hotel, and let me tell you—waking up to the sound of waves and a breathtaking sea view was pure bliss! The hotel’s location was perfect, close to major attractions and easy to get around. We mostly used Grab for transport, which was cheap, convenient, and saved us from negotiating with taxi drivers.

Exploring Da Nang’s Best Spots

Despite the rainy weather, we made sure to tick off all the must-visit places. Here’s what we loved the most:

1. Marble Mountains – A Hidden World of Caves & Temples

Our first stop was Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills with caves, pagodas, and some seriously stunning viewpoints. Climbing up and discovering hidden Buddha statues inside the caves felt like stepping into a different era.

2. Museum of Cham Sculpture – A Peek Into Ancient History

If you love history, you’ll appreciate this museum. It’s filled with fascinating sculptures from the ancient Cham civilization, giving us a glimpse of Vietnam’s rich past. A quick but insightful visit!

3. Am Phu Cave – A Journey Through Heaven & Hell

Part of the Marble Mountains, this cave had a spooky yet artistic vibe. It’s designed to represent Buddhist beliefs about heaven and hell, with eerie sculptures and dimly lit tunnels that made the experience thrilling.

4. Coconut Basket Ride in Hoi An – So Much Fun!

One of the most entertaining activities we did was the basket boat ride in Hoi An’s coconut forest. The locals made it even more exciting by spinning the boats, singing folk songs, and even catching crabs right in front of us!

5. My Khe Beach – Peaceful & Scenic

Even though we didn’t go for a swim (thanks to the weather), My Khe Beach was still a fantastic spot. We enjoyed a peaceful walk along the shore, soaking in the beauty of this long, sandy coastline.

6. Ba Na Hills & The Golden Bridge – Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

Taking the Ba Na Hills cable car (one of the world’s longest) was an experience in itself! The views from the top were unreal, and the Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands, looked just as magical as in pictures. The French Village on Ba Na Hills felt like stepping into Europe for a bit!

7. Lady Buddha Statue – Stunning Views & Peaceful Vibes

This 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha Statue stands proudly at Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula. The best part? The views of Da Nang from here were absolutely breathtaking. It was a peaceful place to relax and click some amazing photos.

Food: Finding the Best Vegetarian Options

Being vegetarians, we were a little worried about food options, but Da Nang didn’t disappoint! We found delicious vegetarian versions of pho, banh mi, and spring rolls. Plus, we also tried some great Indian restaurants, which gave us a comforting taste of home.

Is Da Nang Cheaper Than Goa? Absolutely!

One of the biggest surprises? Da Nang was way more affordable than Goa! From food and transport to sightseeing, everything was budget-friendly. Even the flight tickets were reasonably priced, making it a great destination for travellers looking for an affordable international trip.

Final Thoughts

Da Nang was the perfect start to our Vietnam trip. Even with the rain, the city had so much to offer—stunning landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. From spinning in a basket boat to walking across the Golden Bridge, every moment was incredible.

If you’re thinking about visiting Da Nang, don’t hesitate. Just pack an umbrella, embrace the adventure, and get ready for an amazing trip!