Da Nang Day Trip from Hoi An

Five dramatic marble and limestone hills rising from the coastal plain, each named after one of the five elements — water, wood, fire, metal, and earth. The largest and most visited, Thuy Son (Water Mountain), is a complex of caves, Buddhist pagodas, Hindu shrines, and viewpoints reached by climbing stone steps (or taking the elevator for 15,000₫). The main cave, Huyen Khong, is a cavernous natural cathedral with shafts of light streaming through holes in the ceiling, illuminating Buddhist statues and altars. During the Vietnam War, this cave served as a Viet Cong hospital. The summit offers panoramic views over Da Nang, the coastline, and the surrounding countryside. The village at the base is famous for its marble carving workshops, where artisans produce sculptures and handicrafts from local stone.

A massive mountaintop entertainment complex 1,400 meters above sea level, reached by one of the longest cable car systems in the world (5.8 km). The headline attraction is the Golden Bridge — a 150-meter walkway held aloft by two giant stone hands emerging from the mountainside, creating one of Vietnam's most iconic and photographed structures. Beyond the bridge, Ba Na Hills is a French-colonial-themed village with gardens, restaurants, an amusement park (Fantasy Park), wax museum, and alpine coaster. The temperature at the summit is 5-8°C cooler than the coast, making it a refreshing escape from the lowland heat. The cable car ride itself is spectacular, with views over forested mountains and deep valleys. Ba Na Hills is unabashedly a theme park, but the Golden Bridge is genuinely impressive and the mountain setting is beautiful.

Da Nang's most famous modern landmark — a 666-meter bridge designed in the shape of a dragon, crossing the Han River in the city center. The bridge is impressive by day, but the real spectacle happens on Saturday and Sunday evenings at 9 PM, when the dragon's head breathes actual fire and sprays water for 15 minutes to crowds of cheering spectators. The fire-breathing show draws thousands of locals and visitors to the riverfront, creating a lively festival atmosphere with food vendors, performers, and families enjoying the spectacle. Even on non-performance evenings, the bridge is beautifully illuminated in changing colors and worth seeing as part of an evening walk along the Da Nang riverfront.

One of the most beautiful urban beaches in Southeast Asia and famously named by Forbes as one of the most luxurious beaches in the world. My Khe stretches for nearly 30 km along Da Nang's coastline — wide, clean, golden sand with gentle waves that are perfect for swimming (lifeguards are stationed at regular intervals). The beach is backed by a well-maintained promenade, and an increasing number of upscale beachfront restaurants and bars serve excellent food and drinks. Surfing is possible during the winter months when the swell picks up. In the early morning, the beach is used by locals for exercise — jogging, swimming, volleyball, and the synchronized group exercises that are a Vietnamese tradition. A couple of hours at My Khe between sightseeing stops is a refreshing break.

Known locally as the "Rooster Church" for the rooster weathervane on its spire, Da Nang Cathedral is a candy-pink Gothic church built by the French in 1923. The only church built during the French colonial period in Da Nang, its distinctive pink color and elegant proportions make it a popular photography spot. The interior is simple but atmospheric, with stained-glass windows filtering colored light. The church is located in the city center near the Han River, making it a convenient stop during a day trip. The surrounding streets have good local restaurants and coffee shops.

Da Nang's central market is a large, lively trading hub selling everything from fresh seafood and produce to clothing, souvenirs, and dried goods. The ground floor food section is excellent for local snacks — mi quang, banh trang cuon (rolled rice paper with pork), and seafood dishes. The upper floors sell clothing, fabrics, and household goods at local prices. Han Market is far less touristy than Hoi An's markets, giving a more authentic sense of Vietnamese daily commerce. The surrounding streets, particularly Bach Dang along the Han River, have excellent restaurants and the atmosphere of a mid-sized Vietnamese city going about its business.