5 Highlights to Explore in and Around Da Nang

A stay in Da Nang can take you from the riverfront to the mountains, with historic towns within reach in either direction. The city has its own lively evenings and coastal scenery, while journeys beyond it reveal a different pace of life in Hoi An and Hue. For a first visit, choosing a few well-spaced excursions leaves time to enjoy both. These five highlights introduce the variety of experiences in and around Central Vietnam’s port city, from forested headlands to royal landmarks.

Today, with high-altitude mountain resorts stationed to the west, miles of white sand stretching eastward, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites within easy reach, Da Nang ranks among the country’s most enchanting travel destinations. Here are its top five delights.

The Han River

Flowing from the South into the bay, the Han River is the main lifeblood of Da Nang’s residents. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 21:00, the river comes alive as crowds gather on the 666-meter Dragon Bridge to watch it spit fire and water, lighting up the night sky.

Son Tra Peninsula

Situated at the northeast of Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula features winding roads that lead through dense jungle over rocky mountains. Visitors can trek through the trails to spot the rare red-shanked douc langur, take in striking coastal views, or pay respects at the 67-meter Lady Buddha statue.

Ba Na Hills

Standing at 1,500 meters above sea level, Ba Na Hills offers a cool mountain climate far from the lowlands below. A cable car network, a French village-themed resort, and the Golden Bridge – which appears to float in the hands of a giant – are its defining highlights.

Hoi An

Approximately 30 kilometers south of Da Nang lies Hoi An, an ancient World Heritage town filled with historic buildings, shrines, and distinctive bridges left behind by Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants. At sunset, hanging lanterns lend the streets of Hoi An a romantic atmosphere that is impossible to resist.

Hue and the Hai Van Pass

North of Da Nang, the Hai Van Pass is a mountain road that offers sweeping ocean views during the journey to Hue, the capital during the Nguyen Dynasty – Vietnam’s last ruling monarchy. Its formidable citadels and intricate palaces reflect deep royal power and Confucian influence. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, Hue remains a city of quiet charm.

Discover Central Vietnam’s coast, mountain scenery and historic towns. Fly to Da Nang with Thai Airways from 1 December 2026 onwards.