Travel to Da Nang – With its prime location in central Vietnam, Da Nang is an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. However, to explore this city to the fullest, you need to have the best travel experiences and guides. In this article, we will help you discover the famous tourist attractions, unique cuisine, and suitable travel itineraries, helping you have a wonderful experience when visiting the most livable city in Vietnam.
I. Introduction to Da Nang
Da Nang is the largest center of economy, culture, education, science, and technology in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, with a unique location along the coastal area of Central Vietnam. It is also the fourth largest city in Vietnam and one of the three first-tier cities directly under the Central Government.
With the Han River flowing through, Da Nang is bordered by the East Sea with beautiful long beaches and the pristine Son Tra Peninsula to the east, and the high mountain passes to the north and west, including the perilous Hai Van Pass, which forms a natural boundary between Da Nang and Thua Thien-Hue province.
In addition to its unique natural features, Da Nang is proud to be the location of three world cultural heritages: Hue, Hoi An, and My Son, along with the world natural heritage of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Therefore, Da Nang is considered an important hub for heritage tourism in the Central region.
II. What is the best season to visit Da Nang?
The peak season for tourism in Da Nang is during the summer, starting from early April and lasting until the end of August. This is the time when the weather is dry, sunny, and less affected by storms, making it suitable for beach activities, exploring mountains and forests, and participating in outdoor activities. However, with a large number of visitors during this peak period, airfare to Da Nang and hotel prices will also increase slightly, so you need to plan ahead for ticket purchases and room reservations!
III. Transportation options for traveling in Da Nang
1. Transportation to Da Nang
Traveling by plane: Currently, traveling to Da Nang by plane is the most popular and time-saving option. If you travel to Da Nang from Hanoi, it usually takes about 1-1.5 hours. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Jetstar are increasingly operating more flights. You can choose according to your preferences. You should book air tickets early, hunt for vouchers, and promotions to save costs for your trip to explore Da Nang.
Traveling by motorbike, car: This is a means of transportation that many people choose if the distance is not too far. This is a very suitable vehicle for couples to experience Da Nang. Where is Da Nang located? The city is located between three famous world cultural heritages: Hue, Hoi An, and My Son Sanctuary. Based on experience, if you are not too far away, such as traveling to Da Nang Hue, Ly Son, Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, you can drive here. Especially if you travel on a tour of Hue Da Nang Hoi An, you can freely change your itinerary as you like.
Traveling by train: Da Nang has a train station located in the city center, making it easy to travel. Moreover, on the way, you will be able to admire the beautiful natural scenery. Especially, train tickets are quite cheap compared to other means of transportation. According to the experience of visiting Da Nang, if you want to buy tickets, try to book as early as possible, especially during the peak tourist season in Da Nang.
Traveling by coach: Among all popular means of traveling to Da Nang and Hoi An, the coach is the most widely used option for self-sufficient travel. Currently, the connecting roads between provinces and cities have been invested and expanded a lot.
2. Means of transportation in Da Nang
Renting a motorbike service is undoubtedly the first choice for many people when traveling to Da Nang on their own due to its convenience. It comes from two reasons: affordability and flexibility. You can freely move to any destination without worrying about anything. In Da Nang, on-site rental services are popular, with prices ranging from 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND depending on the type of vehicle.
Renting a Da Nang tour car is reasonable if you travel with your family or friends. Renting a car in Da Nang helps you save costs and be flexible during your Da Nang family trip. Usually, prices are calculated per day or per hour depending on the package you choose. Additionally, you can rent an electric car for an evening tour in Da Nang.
Traveling by bus, taxi, or grab to suburban destinations like Hoi An or Tam Ky can be selected by bus. With six bus routes operating continuously, the price is only from 20,000 VND to 35,000 VND. This is certainly the most cost-effective transportation method.
Sailing on the Han River in Da Nang is a prominent form of tourism in the city. Besides sitting on the colorful cruise to enjoy the night view, there are many exciting things waiting for you. In just an hour and a half on the cruise, you will experience many amazing things, from surprise to surprise, from the most luxurious service on the Han River. If you do not know what to do in Da Nang, you can try this activity.
Renting a baby stroller in Da Nang is for families with small children when traveling outside, allowing the baby to observe their surroundings comfortably, and decide what to do in the car instead of being held by tired parents. Therefore, I would also like to introduce the Son Tra Travel store, which not only rents motorbikes but also has a large store for renting baby strollers in Da Nang. Strollers at the store are brand new, with 99-100% assurance for mothers when choosing to rent here.
IV. Beautiful hotels in Da Nang
1. Da Nang hotels
The hotel system in Da Nang is extremely convenient, with most hotels located near famous tourist destinations, allowing you to explore the city without having to travel far. Whether you are looking for a luxurious place to “treat yourself” or an affordable hotel for your solo trip to Da Nang, this city will satisfy you right away.
2. Da Nang resorts
For a true resort vacation, consider the 5-star hotels or resorts in Da Nang. Names such as InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, A La Carte Da Nang Beach, Furama Resort Da Nang, and Naman Retreat will give you minutes of relaxation by the blue sea and the most professional services.
3. Da Nang hostels and homestays
Especially for young travelers and solo travelers to Da Nang, hostels and homestays are always an ideal choice. Da Nang hostels are affordable and offer the most interesting local experiences. Some of the hottest names being sought after are Barney’s Danang Backpackers Hostel, Hostel Carpe Diem Inn, Bookaholic Hostel, Memory Hostel, Packo Hostel…
V. Discovering local specialties in Da Nang – what to eat and where?
1. Banh trang cuon thit heo
It’s like a rolled dish, similar to Hanoi’s pho cuon, but with different ingredients and flavors. Especially the dipping sauce (mam nem), which is extremely delicious, looks like soy sauce but not really. One serving of banh trang cuon thit heo is enough for 2-3 people. If you don’t know how to eat it, just ask the vendor for instructions.
2. My Quang
Da Nang’s My Quang has many types: shrimp and meat, beef, frog, but the fish one is still my favorite. I like the flavor of the fish, the broth is just enough, and the noodles are not too big or too soft.
3. Banh Xeo
Da Nang’s banh xeo is crispy on the outside, and the filling consists of shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and spring onions. Served with a plate of raw vegetables, sliced mango, and cucumber. All rolled up in a layer of chewy rice paper, dipped in sauce, it’s absolutely delicious.
4. Goi Ca Nam O
No matter what season you visit Da Nang, you must try Goi Ca Nam O – a local specialty dish that can only be found in Nam O and Hoa Khanh. However, this dish may not be suitable for everyone as it is made from raw fish.
5. Be Thui Cau Mong
Be Thui Cau Mong is a specialty dish that you cannot miss when visiting Da Nang. Unlike banh trang cuon thit heo, Be Thui Cau Mong has a unique taste that can only be fully experienced when you visit Da Nang.
6. Bun Cha Ca
One of the top irresistible dishes, Da Nang’s bun cha ca brings a taste that is unforgettable. Therefore, when you visit Da Nang, you can find bun cha ca restaurants on any street corner. The dish is made from simple ingredients such as bones, fish cakes, herbs, tomatoes, noodles…creating a high-quality local specialty dish in Da Nang.
7. Oc Hut
Another snack that I want to introduce is Oc Hut. Those who have tasted spicy snails in Hanoi will know that Da Nang’s Oc Hut is similar. The snails are cooked with lemongrass, ginger, chili, and spices.
VI. Top Attractions in Da Nang You Can’t Miss
1. Cruising on the Han River
If Hue has a boat tour on the Huong River listening to ca tru, then Da Nang has a boat tour on the Han River. With this activity, tourists will be satisfied with the poetic and sparkling scenery of the livable city at night. Along with that is the sight of famous bridges spanning the Han River, witnessing the bustling and lively scenes on both sides of the river. Especially, sitting on the boat, tourists also have the opportunity to enjoy attractive Cham dances, romantic meals and to indulge in the cool breeze.
This is currently a very hot service at night that tourists are most interested in when traveling to Da Nang. If during the day tourists go to famous attractions, at night, people do not know where to go, so booking a boat tour to admire the scenery on both sides of the Han River or watching the dragon spitting fire on Saturdays and Sundays is really great.
On weekdays, to have a ticket to board the boat is very simple, you only need to register 1-2 days in advance. But you should note the last two weekends, and I emphasize that you should note the time to watch the fire dragon at 20:20 on Saturdays and Sundays, you need to book the boat ticket early to experience Da Nang boat tour.
2. Beach swimming and participating in beach games
With the advantage of 60 km of coastline and many beautiful beaches, beach tourism has also become a strength of this city. When you travel to Da Nang on your own, take some time to swim, immerse yourself in the cool water or simply walk on the white sand beach to admire the sunrise or sunset on the beach, which is very interesting. The most attractive thing is perhaps the beach games that tourists, especially young people, really love. If you like strong feelings, don’t miss the experience of skydiving over My Khe beach, canoeing, or banana boat pulling…
3. Sliding on the waterfall at Hoa Phu Thanh
Hoa Phu Thanh waterfall tourism area will surely bring tourists impressive and unforgettable experiences. Besides immersing yourself and enjoying nature, most tourists, especially young people, love the game of waterfall sliding. When participating, you will be equipped with life jackets, helmets and guided to sit on a raft, pass through the rugged waterfall area with a length of more than 3 km. You will go through many different levels of emotions from nervousness, excitement to thrill when conquering the rapids. This is definitely an adventurous activity for those who love nature and love to experience new things.
VII. Some notes when traveling to Da Nang
1. Personal papers
This includes your national ID card (or passport), driver’s license, and plane tickets (if traveling by plane). You can keep all of these necessary papers in a wallet or a passport holder to avoid losing them. Before leaving for the airport, don’t forget to double-check all of your necessary papers!
2. Cosmetics and personal hygiene items
Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and some basic cosmetics such as facial cleansers, sunscreens, etc. are essential for a trip. Although hotels usually have basic hygiene items, it’s still better to be proactive. In addition, using your own personal items is always safer and better than using those provided by the hotel.
3. Clothes and beachwear
You can’t go to Da Nang without going to the beach. Therefore, in addition to preparing comfortable clothes and dresses to wear while going out, beachwear is something you cannot forget. Women can bring about 2 sets of bikinis, while men can bring swim trunks or quick-dry beach pants to wear when swimming. Other accessories such as hats, sunglasses are also essential.
Other items
As someone who frequently travels, I understand the feeling of discomfort when sitting on a plane, train, or bus for a long time. Therefore, I usually bring a pillow to take a nap and rest before the fun begins. Don’t take your health for granted, as once you get tired, your spirits for enjoying the trip will decrease a lot.
In addition, you can also prepare some other personal items such as cameras, GoPros, or selfie sticks to help you capture beautiful moments throughout your Da Nang trip.
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