Introduction
Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most dynamic and modern cities. With white-sand beaches as far as the eye can see, imposing mountains and fantastic street food, it works as a perfect base to explore the centre of the country. If you have three days for this coastal city, this itinerary was put together to give you a taste of the best Da Nang has to offer, no rushing and with time to enjoy it.
Day 1: Mountains, Beach and the Dragon
Start the day exploring the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills that represent the five elements. It’s a place full of caves, tunnels and Buddhist temples to discover. Best to go in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat. You can climb up by stairs or take a lift.
After lunch, the afternoon is for relaxing on the famous My Khe Beach. With its long stretch of sand and clear waters, it’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Take the chance to swim, sunbathe or simply watch the world go by.
At the end of the day, get ready for one of the city’s postcard moments: the Dragon Bridge. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a weekend, around 9 pm, you can watch the dragon spit fire and water. It’s a curious spectacle and a great spot for an evening stroll along the Han River.
Day 2: The Golden Bridge in the Clouds
The second day is dedicated to one of the region’s most famous attractions: the Ba Na Hills and their iconic Golden Bridge. This bridge, suspended by two giant stone hands, offers breathtaking views over the mountains. To get there, you’ll take one of the world’s longest cable cars, which on its own is already an experience.
The Ba Na Hills complex is a kind of theme park up in the hills, with architecture that recreates a French village, gardens and several other attractions. It’s a trip that pretty much fills the whole day, so go with time and comfortable shoes.
Day 3: Buddha, Market and Goodbye
On the last day, explore the Son Tra Peninsula, a nature reserve that is Da Nang’s green lung. The highlight is the visit to the Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the Lady Buddha statue, an imposing 67-metre white figure watching over the city and its fishermen. The views over the bay are spectacular.
In the afternoon, dive into local life with a visit to the Han Market. It’s the ideal place to buy some souvenirs, try exotic fruits or simply feel the pulse of a Vietnamese market. Even if you don’t buy anything, the experience is worth it.
What to know before you go
- Best time to visit: The dry season, between February and August, is generally the most recommended for enjoying the beaches and good weather.
- Getting around: Using apps like Grab (similar to Uber) is a very economical and efficient way to move around the city and surroundings.
- Base for exploring: Da Nang is an excellent starting point to visit the historic city of Hoi An, around 45 minutes away by car.
Where Multipark fits in
Travelling to the other side of the world is an adventure, but the departure doesn’t need to be a hassle. To make sure your car is safe and waiting for you on your return, book your spot at a Multipark car park near the airport. That way, your only worry is deciding which Vietnamese delicacy to try next.
Conclusion
Three days in Da Nang let you feel the energy of a city that perfectly balances modernity with tradition and nature. It’s a destination that surprises and will surely leave you wanting to explore more of Vietnam.
