
Da Nang is a major transportation hub in Central Vietnam, easily accessible by plane, train, bus, and motorbike. Here’s a complete guide on how to reach Da Nang from different locations.
✈️ By Air – Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Best for: Fastest and most convenient option
- Domestic Flights: Daily connections from Hanoi (1h20m), Ho Chi Minh City (1h30m), Nha Trang (1h10m), and Phu Quoc (1h30m).
- International Flights: Direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and more.
- Airport to City Center:
- Taxi: 150,000–200,000 VND (~6–6–8) (15–20 min).
- Grab/Bolt: Cheaper than taxis (~120,000 VND).
- Public Bus (#12, #18): 20,000 VND (~$0.80), but limited schedule.
🚆 By Train – Da Nang Railway Station
Best for: Scenic coastal route (Hanoi to Da Nang)
- From Hanoi: Reunification Express (~14–16 hours, 700,000–1,500,000 VND).
- From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): (~17–20 hours, 800,000–1,800,000 VND).
- From Hue: (~2.5–3 hours, 80,000–150,000 VND) – Most scenic route (Hai Van Pass!).
- Best Option: Book a soft sleeper (overnight trains) or SE trains (faster).
🚌 By Bus (Open-Tour & Public Buses)
Best for: Budget travelers
- From Hoi An: Local bus (#1, yellow bus) – 30,000 VND (~$1.20), 45 min.
- From Hue: ~3–4 hours, 120,000–150,000 VND (~5–5–6).
- From Nha Trang: Sleeper bus (~10–12 hours, 250,000–400,000 VND).
- From Ho Chi Minh City: Overnight sleeper bus (~18 hours, 400,000–600,000 VND).
- Popular Bus Companies: The Sinh Tourist, Phuong Trang (Futa Bus), Hanh Cafe.
🏍️ By Motorbike (Self-Drive or Easy Rider Tour)
Best for: Adventurous travelers
- Hai Van Pass (Hue → Da Nang): One of Vietnam’s most famous coastal rides (~3–4 hours).
- From Hoi An: ~1 hour via coastal road (QL609).
- Rental Cost: 120,000–200,000 VND/day (~5–5–8).
- Tip: Check bike condition, wear a helmet, and avoid driving at night.
🚢 By Boat (From Cham Islands or Hoi An)
- Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm) → Da Nang: Speedboat (~1.5 hours, ~400,000 VND).
- Hoi An → Da Nang: Tourist boat (rare, mostly for tours).
Da Nang, Vietnam’s third-largest city, has a rich history shaped by Champa kingdoms, colonial powers, and wartime conflicts. Today, it’s a thriving coastal city known for its beaches, bridges, and cultural heritage.
🏛️ Key Historical Periods of Da Nang
**1. Ancient Era: The Champa Kingdom (2nd–15th Century)
- Da Nang was part of the Champa civilization, a Hindu-Buddhist maritime kingdom.
- The nearby My Son Sanctuary (UNESCO World Heritage) was a religious center.
- Port of Hoi An (just south of Da Nang) was a major Silk Road trading hub.
**2. Colonial Period: French Rule (19th–20th Century)
- 1858: French forces invaded Da Nang (then called Tourane), starting their colonization of Vietnam.
- The city became a key naval and administrative center under French Indochina.
- French architecture (like Da Nang Cathedral) still remains today.
**3. Vietnam War Era (1955–1975)
- Da Nang was a major U.S. military base (airfield & seaport).
- 1965: First U.S. combat troops landed here, escalating the war.
- 1975: North Vietnamese forces captured Da Nang, leading to the fall of South Vietnam.
**4. Modern Development (1980s–Present)
- 1997: Officially became a centrally governed city (like Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City).
- 2017: Hosted the APEC Summit, boosting its global profile.
- Now a tech & tourism hub, home to the Golden Bridge, luxury resorts, and high-tech parks.
🏙️ Historical Landmarks in Da Nang
✔ Museum of Cham Sculpture – Ancient Champa artifacts.
✔ Da Nang Cathedral (“Pink Church”) – French Gothic-style church (1923).
✔ Marble Mountains – Buddhist caves & wartime tunnels.
✔ My Khe Beach – Used as a U.S. R&R spot during the war.
✔ Dragon Bridge – Symbol of Da Nang’s modern growth (2013).
💡 Why Da Nang Matters Today
- Economic Hub: Fastest-growing city in Vietnam (tech, manufacturing, tourism).
- UNESCO Links: Close to Hoi An Ancient Town & My Son Ruins.
- Cultural Mix: Blends Champa, French, and modern Vietnamese influences.
Da Nang, Vietnam’s coastal gem, blends stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and cultural wonders. Here are the must-visit landmarks and attractions:
🏞️ Natural & Scenic Landmarks
1. Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn)
📍 Location: 9km south of Da Nang
✔ Why Visit? Five limestone hills with caves, pagodas, and panoramic views.
🎟️ Entry: ~40,000 VND (includes some caves)
⚠ Tip: Climb Thuy Son (Water Mountain) for the best views.
2. Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain) & Linh Ung Pagoda
📍 Location: Northeast of Da Nang
✔ Why Visit? Home to the Lady Buddha (67m tall), wild monkeys, and lush jungles.
🚗 Best by: Motorbike or private car (scenic coastal drive).
3. My Khe Beach & Non Nuoc Beach
🏖️ My Khe: Soft white sand, great for surfing (voted one of the world’s best beaches).
🌊 Non Nuoc: Quieter, near Marble Mountains.
🏛️ Cultural & Historical Attractions
4. Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng)
📍 Location: Over Han River (city center)
✔ Why Visit? Iconic fire-breathing dragon bridge (show at 9 PM on weekends).
5. Da Nang Cathedral (Pink Church)
📍 Location: 156 Tran Phu St.
✔ Why Visit? Striking pink French Gothic church (great for photos).
6. Museum of Cham Sculpture
📍 Location: Near Han River
✔ Why Visit? Ancient Champa Kingdom artifacts (best collection in Vietnam).
🎟️ Entry: ~60,000 VND
🎢 Modern & Unique Attractions
7. Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
📍 Location: 35km west of Da Nang
✔ Why Visit?
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Golden Bridge (held by giant stone hands).
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French Village (alpine-style resort).
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Fantasy Park (indoor amusement park).
🎟️ Entry: ~750,000–850,000 VND (cable car included).
8. Sun World Da Nang Wonders
📍 Location: Near Dragon Bridge
✔ Why Visit? Ferris wheel, riverside entertainment complex.
9. Han River Bridges (Swing Bridge, Love Bridge)
💡 Swing Bridge: Opens at 11 PM for ships (night photography spot).
💘 Love Bridge: Locks & romantic views.
🏝️ Day Trips from Da Nang
10. Hoi An Ancient Town
📍 30km south – UNESCO-listed lantern-lit streets.
11. Hai Van Pass
📍 21km north – Epic coastal drive (Top Gear famous route).
12. My Son Sanctuary
📍 50km southwest – Ruins of Hindu temples (like Angkor Wat, but smaller).
Da Nang is Vietnam’s third-largest city, with a mix of modern and traditional transport options. Here’s how to navigate the city efficiently:
🚗 Best Transport Options in Da Nang
**1. Motorbike/Scooter Rental (Best for Flexibility) 🏍️
✔ Best for: Independent travelers, beach hopping, Marble Mountains
💰 Cost: 100,000–150,000 VND/day (~4–4–6) + fuel (~30,000 VND/liter)
⚠ Tips:
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Helmet is mandatory (police fine: 300,000–500,000 VND).
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Rent from reputable shops (check brakes, lights, and tires).
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Avoid rush hour (7–8 AM & 5–6 PM) on major roads like Vo Nguyen Giap.
**2. Grab (Ride-Hailing App – Cheaper Than Taxis) 📱
✔ Best for: Short trips, airport transfers, rainy days
💰 Cost:
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Car: 20,000–50,000 VND (~1–1–2) for short rides
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Motorbike taxi (GrabBike): Cheaper (10,000–30,000 VND)
⚠ Tips: -
Cash payment preferred (some drivers avoid card payments).
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Use GrabCar for AC comfort in hot weather.
**3. Cyclo (Traditional Pedicab – Tourist Experience) 🚲
✔ Best for: Short scenic rides (Han River, Dragon Bridge)
💰 Cost: 100,000–200,000 VND (~4–4–8) for 30 mins (negotiate!)
⚠ Tips:
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Agree on price before the ride to avoid scams.
**4. Public Bus (Cheap but Limited Routes) �
✔ Best for: Budget travelers, longer routes (Hoi An, Son Tra)
💰 Cost: 5,000–30,000 VND (~0.20–0.20–1.20) per trip
📍 Key Routes:
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Bus #1: Da Nang Airport → Hoi An (30,000 VND, ~1 hour)
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Bus #3: My Khe Beach → Marble Mountains
⚠ Tips: -
Buses stop early (~6 PM).
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Google Maps shows some routes.
**5. Taxi (Metered but More Expensive) 🚖
✔ Best for: Groups, late-night trips
💰 Cost: 12,000–15,000 VND/km (~0.50–0.50–0.60)
⚠ Tips:
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Use Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) taxis (reliable meters).
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Avoid unmarked taxis (scams possible).
📍 Key Transport Hubs
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Da Nang Airport (DAD): Grab/taxi to city center (~10 mins, 50,000–100,000 VND).
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Da Nang Train Station: Connects to Hue, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City.
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Han Market (Chợ Hàn): Central spot for buses & taxis.
Da Nang offers a mix of modern shopping malls, bustling local markets, and unique handicraft villages. Here’s where to find the best deals, souvenirs, and local products.
🛍️ Best Shopping Places in Da Nang
**1. Han Market (Chợ Hàn) – Iconic Local Market
📍 Location: 119 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau District (city center)
⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
✔ Best for: Local food, souvenirs, clothes, coffee
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Bargain hard! Vendors often inflate prices for tourists.
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Must-buy: Vietnamese coffee, dried seafood, silk scarves, conical hats (nón lá).
**2. Con Market (Chợ Cồn) – Authentic Local Experience
📍 Location: 318 Ong Ich Khiem, Hai Chau District
⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
✔ Best for: Cheap clothes, street food, fresh produce
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Less touristy than Han Market, with better prices.
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Try bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancake) and bánh mì here.
**3. Vincom Plaza Da Nang – Modern Shopping Mall
📍 Location: 910A Ngo Quyen, Son Tra District
⏰ Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
✔ Best for: Branded fashion, electronics, cinema, food court
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Includes CGV Cinema, KFC, Uniqlo, and local boutiques.
**4. Lotte Mart Da Nang – Supermarket & Shopping
📍 Location: 226 Nguyen Van Linh, Thanh Khe District
⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
✔ Best for: Groceries, imported goods, souvenirs
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Good for last-minute shopping before flying home.
**5. Helio Night Market – Food & Shopping
📍 Location: 2/9 Street, Hai Chau District
⏰ Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Weekends only)
✔ Best for: Street food, cheap clothes, accessories
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Lively atmosphere with live music and games.
**6. Marble Mountains Handicraft Village – Stone Carvings
📍 Location: Near Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son District)
✔ Best for: Handmade marble statues, jewelry, souvenirs
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Watch artisans carve Buddha statues, animals, and decor items.
🎁 Best Souvenirs to Buy in Da Nang
✔ Marble & Stone Carvings (unique to Da Nang)
✔ Vietnamese Silk & Tailored Clothes (cheaper than HCMC)
✔ Dried Seafood & Spices (great for cooking)
✔ Local Coffee & Tea (try Cà Phê Muối – salted coffee)
✔ Handmade Lanterns (from Hoi An, nearby)
