Things to Do in Da Nang: A Local Expat's Complete Guide

Da Nang offers over 30 kilometers of pristine beaches, UNESCO-listed attractions within 30 minutes, and a cost of living 60-70% lower than Western cities, making it Vietnam's best value destination for expats and travelers. From My Khe Beach to the Marble Mountains, this coastal city combines natural beauty with modern infrastructure.

After living in Da Nang for several years now, I have explored every corner of this city that has become home in a way I never expected when I first arrived from Minneapolis. Trading brutal winters for beach sunrises seemed like a retirement fantasy until I actually did it. Here is my comprehensive guide to experiencing Da Nang like a local rather than a tourist passing through.

Beach Life

My Khe Beach

Often called one of the world's most beautiful beaches - Forbes included it in various "best beach" lists - My Khe stretches for kilometers with soft sand, gentle waves, and surprisingly clean water for an urban beach. Early morning is my favorite time, when locals gather for exercise groups, solo runners trace the waterline, and the light creates perfect photography conditions.

The beach has excellent infrastructure: lifeguards, changing facilities, beach chairs for rent, and vendors selling everything from coconuts to seafood. Yet it never feels overcrowded on weekdays. Weekend mornings bring more local families, which adds to rather than detracts from the atmosphere.

Non Nuoc Beach

South of My Khe near the Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc offers a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer facilities and more natural beauty. The surf here can be surprisingly good during certain seasons, attracting local and visiting surfers. Several resorts line this stretch, but public beach access remains easy to find.

The Marble Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop that My Khe lacks. Combine a morning at Non Nuoc with afternoon exploration of the caves and pagodas rising behind.

Cultural Attractions

Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son)

These five limestone and marble hills contain caves, tunnels, Buddhist sanctuaries, and Hindu shrines carved over centuries. The main mountain, Thuy Son, has an elevator now for those who struggle with stairs, but climbing the original stone steps rewards you with better temple access and genuine exercise.

The views from the summit span the coastline, the city, and on clear days the mountains of the interior. Go early - ideally arriving when the site opens at 7am - to beat both the heat and the tour bus crowds. The caves and pagodas feel genuinely spiritual before the masses arrive.

Dragon Bridge

Da Nang's iconic Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water on weekend nights at 9pm, drawing crowds of locals and tourists to both banks of the Han River. The 666-meter bridge has become a symbol of the city's modern ambitions, its LED-lit dragon impossible to miss.

Even on nights without the fire show, the bridge and surrounding riverside promenade make for pleasant evening walks. The cafe and restaurant scene along Bach Dang Street provides excellent vantage points.

Museum of Cham Sculpture

Housing the world's largest collection of Cham artifacts, this French-era museum provides fascinating insight into the ancient kingdom that once ruled central Vietnam from the 4th to 13th centuries. The sandstone sculptures, altar pieces, and architectural fragments represent artistic achievements that rival anything in Southeast Asia.

Allow at least an hour, more if ancient history interests you. The museum is well-curated with English explanations that contextualize what you are seeing.

Day Trips

Ba Na Hills

The Golden Bridge - giant stone hands appearing to hold a golden walkway - has become Instagram-famous, drawing crowds from across Asia. Beyond the bridge, the French colonial-style village, one of the world's longest cable car rides, and various attractions offer a full day of entertainment.

Expect crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. The experience feels like a theme park rather than authentic Vietnam, but it is undeniably impressive engineering. Book tickets online in advance for better pricing and shorter queues.

Hoi An

Just 30 minutes south, the UNESCO-listed ancient town is an easy day trip, though I strongly recommend staying overnight to experience it after the day-trippers leave. The evening transformation when lanterns illuminate the streets and restaurants spill onto the riverfront is Hoi An's real magic.

Rent a bicycle in Da Nang and ride the scenic coastal route if you are feeling adventurous. Otherwise, Grab cars run constantly between the cities for minimal cost.

Hai Van Pass

The coastal mountain pass separating Da Nang from Hue offers spectacular views that made Top Gear's "best coast road in the world" episode famous. Rent a motorbike if you are confident riding (the road is winding and traffic can be heavy) or hire a driver for this scenic journey.

The old military bunkers at the summit provide history alongside views. Combine with Lang Co beach on the northern side for a full day excursion.

Food Scene

Da Nang's food scene keeps improving as the city develops, with new restaurants opening constantly while traditional spots maintain their quality. Mi Quang - turmeric-tinted noodles with pork, shrimp, and herbs - is the signature local dish, different from anything elsewhere in Vietnam. Banh Xeo - crispy turmeric pancakes stuffed with pork and shrimp - are another specialty.

The Han Market area has excellent street food concentrated in walkable blocks. For more upscale dining, the beach road and riverside have seen restaurant development catering to both locals and expats. International food quality has improved dramatically, with decent Italian, Korean, Japanese, and Western options now available.

Practical Tips for 2026

The dry season from February through August offers the best beach weather. September through January brings rain and occasional typhoons, though storms pass quickly. The city is very walkable downtown, but grab a Grab for longer distances - motorbike taxis are cheap and efficient. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and increasingly in local businesses as the city grows more international.

For more insights on living in Vietnam and other expat destinations, check out our comprehensive guides at Expatslist.org, including resources on Panama City and Mexico City.