Da Nang, Vietnam: Beaches & Hidden Gems

Discover Da Nang’s golden shores, Marble Mountains, and the surreal Ba Na Hills.

Explore Da Nang
Da Nang My Khe Beach and Marble Mountains

Discover Da Nang’s Charm

Carl Travels

TRAVEL GUIDE

🇻🇳 Da Nang: Coastal Bliss & Cultural Wonders

Da Nang welcomed me with its laid-back beach vibes, stunning Marble Mountains, and the quirky charm of Ba Na Hills. This coastal gem blends affordability with adventure, from golden sands to cultural treasures. My vlogs dive into the cost of living and the surreal Ba Na Hills experience. Carl Travels uses Cookiebot to manage cookie consent, ensuring GDPR compliance.

Welcome to Da Nang

Da Nang is Vietnam’s rising star, offering pristine beaches like My Khe, cultural sites like Marble Mountains, and unique attractions like Ba Na Hills. My first day soaking up the sun and exploring local markets set the tone for an unforgettable adventure.

My Da Nang Vlogs

Check out my vlogs capturing Da Nang’s charm and quirks!

Cost of Living in Da Nang

Discover how affordable Da Nang is, from food to accommodation.

Ba Na Hills: Instagram vs. Reality

A surreal, cloudy adventure at Ba Na Hills—still a strange must-visit.

3-Day Da Nang Itinerary

Day 1: Beaches & City Vibes

  • Morning: Relax at My Khe Beach; grab a coconut.
  • Afternoon: Explore Dragon Bridge and Han River.
  • Evening: Dine at local seafood stalls on An Thuong street.

Day 2: Marble Mountains & Hoi An

  • Morning: Hike Marble Mountains; visit caves and pagodas.
  • Afternoon: Day trip to Hoi An (30 min by taxi); explore ancient town.
  • Evening: Lantern-lit dinner in Hoi An; return to Da Nang.

Day 3: Ba Na Hills Adventure

  • Full Day: Visit Ba Na Hills; ride cable car, explore Golden Bridge.
  • Evening: Chill at a beachfront bar on My Khe.

Travel Tips

  • Weather: Visit Feb–May or Sep–Nov for pleasant weather; avoid rainy season (Oct–Dec).
  • Language: Basic English is spoken in tourist areas; learn “xin chào” (hello) to connect with locals.
  • Cash: Carry VND; small vendors may not accept cards.
  • Transport Apps: Use Grab for affordable rides; taxis are reliable too.
  • Respect: Dress modestly at temples; remove shoes when required.

Tip: Bargain gently at markets, but respect fair prices.

Where to Stay — and What It Costs

Da Nang offers budget-friendly options near beaches or downtown.

  • Hostels: 150,000–300,000 VND/night ($6–12)
  • Budget Hotels: 400,000–800,000 VND/night ($16–32)
  • Beachfront Resorts: 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND/night ($40–80)

Tip: Stay near My Khe Beach for easy access to dining and nightlife. Book via Agoda for deals.

Getting Around

Da Nang is compact and easy to navigate.

  • Grab/Taxi: 50,000–150,000 VND per trip ($2–6)
  • Motorbike Rental: 100,000–200,000 VND/day ($4–8)
  • Walking: My Khe Beach and downtown are walkable.

Tip: Rent a motorbike for freedom, but wear a helmet and drive cautiously.

Getting to Da Nang

Da Nang is well-connected via its international airport and train station.

  • Da Nang Airport (DAD): 10 min to downtown by taxi (100,000 VND/$4).
  • Train: Scenic routes from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City; book via Vietnam Railways.
  • Bus: Affordable from Hoi An or Hue; 50,000–100,000 VND ($2–4).

Tip: Book flights early for deals; Vietjet and Bamboo Airways offer budget options.

What to Do in Da Nang

🏖️ My Khe Beach

Laze on golden sands, swim, or try water sports. Perfect for sunrise or sunset strolls.

🪨 Marble Mountains

Explore caves, pagodas, and panoramic views. A short 15-min drive from downtown.

🌉 Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

Ride the world’s longest cable car to a fantasy-like theme park. The Golden Bridge is a must-see, despite occasional clouds.

🌆 Day Trips

Visit Hoi An (30 min) for its lantern-lit ancient town or Hue (2 hrs) for imperial history.

Da Nang Vibes & Nightlife

Da Nang’s nightlife is relaxed yet fun:

  • My Khe Beach: Beachfront bars with live music.
  • An Thuong: Trendy cafés and expat-friendly pubs.
  • Safety: Very safe, even late at night.

From sipping cocktails by the beach to exploring night markets, Da Nang’s vibe is chill and welcoming.

Reflections from a Traveller

Da Nang feels like a hidden gem—affordable, beautiful, and less crowded than other Vietnamese cities. The Marble Mountains awed me, and Ba Na Hills was a bizarre but fun adventure. This city’s beaches and warm locals left me wanting to return.

Travel Essentials

Currency Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Population ~1.2 million
Languages Vietnamese; English in tourist areas
Getting There Da Nang International Airport
Best Time to Visit February–May, September–November
Power Outlet Type A/C (220V)

Cost Breakdown

Accommodation 150,000–800,000 VND/night ($6–32)
Street Food/Phở 30,000–100,000 VND ($1.20–4)
Local Beer 20,000–50,000 VND ($0.80–2)
Coffee 20,000–50,000 VND ($0.80–2)
Water Bottle 10,000–20,000 VND ($0.40–0.80)

Final Thoughts

Da Nang is a budget traveler’s dream—stunning beaches, rich culture, and quirky attractions like Ba Na Hills. Don’t miss Marble Mountains or a day trip to Hoi An. Stay a few days, eat phở, and soak up the coastal charm.

Share your Da Nang stories in the comments on my YouTube channel or via my contact form!

Craving more budget adventures? Check out my Hanoi travel guide!

Da Nang at a Glance

  • Daily Budget: 500,000–1,000,000 VND ($20–40)
  • Must-Do: Marble Mountains
  • Highlight: Golden Bridge
  • Beer: 20,000–50,000 VND ($0.80–2)
  • Best Time: Feb–May, Sep–Nov

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