Da Nang
The fourth largest city in Vietnam. The city used to be a port of call for traders from Europe and was also used as a base for US soldiers during the Vietnam War. The city has a peaceful atmosphere and is characterised by its modernity.
Destination Da Nang
Da Nang: A pearl on the coast of Vietnam
Da Nang is the largest city in central Vietnam and one of the country's most important harbours. The city is surrounded by mountains to the west and the South China Sea to the east. Da Nang borders the province of Thừa Thiên-Huế via the Hải Vân Pass in the north and the province of Quảng Nam in the south and west.
Da Nang has a rich history and culture that is characterised by various influences. The city was once within the sphere of influence of the ancient Cham Empire, which was known for its art and architecture. Da Nang was later colonised by the French, who gave the city the name Tourane. During the Vietnam War, Da Nang served as an important naval base for the US forces and was the scene of some fierce battles.
Today, Da Nang is a modern and dynamic city with a lot to offer. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, such as China Beach, which is a favourite spot for surfers and sun worshippers. The city also has many attractions, such as the Marble Mountains, which are home to a number of caves and temples, or the Dragon Bridge, which is spectacularly illuminated at night. Da Nang is also a good starting point for excursions to the surrounding area, such as the ancient city of Hoi An or the imperial city of Hue.
Da Nang is a pearl on the coast of Vietnam that is well worth discovering. The city offers a mix of tradition and modernity, nature and culture, relaxation and adventure. Da Nang is a city that has something for everyone.
Topics
- Culture
- Beaches
Highlights
- Ba Na Hills
- Son Tra peninsula
- Lively city life
- Golden Bridge
Places of interest in Da Nang
The Dragon Bridge
The Dragon Bridge is one of the most spectacular sights in Da Nang, the third largest city in Vietnam. The bridge crosses the Han River and connects the international airport with the hotels on My Khe Beach. The bridge is named after the dragon, which is a symbol of power, luck and prosperity in Vietnamese culture. The dragon's head can breathe fire and water, which attracts many visitors, especially at weekends. The bridge is also impressively illuminated at night and changes colour depending on the occasion. The Dragon Bridge was opened in 2013 and is the sixth and newest bridge over the Han River. It is 666 metres long and 37.5 metres wide and has six lanes and two walkways. The bridge was designed by the US company Louis Berger Group and has won several international awards. The Dragon Bridge is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a symbol of Da Nang's development and growth as a modern and dynamic city.
Cham Museum in Da Nang
The Cham Museum in Da Nang is the largest museum of Cham art and sculpture in the world. It is located in a quiet neighbourhood of Da Nang city, near the Han River. The museum was built in 1915 in the style of ancient Cham architecture and was originally known as the Musée Henri Parmentier. It showcases the rich culture and history of the Champa Kingdom, which ruled large parts of what is now southern and central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 17th century.
The museum houses more than 300 artefacts from different periods and styles of Cham art, which come from various archaeological sites such as My Son, Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, Thap Mam and Quang Tri. Most of the works are made of sandstone and depict Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and Ganesha, as well as mythological animals such as dragons, Garuda and Naga. The sculptures bear witness to the artistic mastery and religious influence of the Cham people.
The museum is not only a place to admire Cham art, but also to learn about Cham culture and traditions. The museum offers guided tours, workshops, lectures and publications to promote awareness of Cham cultural heritage. The museum is also a popular destination for tourists who want to learn more about the history and diversity of Vietnam.
The Cham Museum Da Nang is open daily from 7.30 am to 5 pm and costs 60,000 VND (approx. 2.3 euros) per person.
The Hahnenkirche
If you are travelling to Da Nang, you should not miss a visit to the Church of the Rooster. This is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the city, built by the French in the early 20th century. The Church of the Rooster is also known as Da Nang Catheral because it has a metal rooster on top of its bell tower. The rooster symbolises the apostle Peter and the Christian resurrection.
The Church of the Rooster is an impressive Gothic-style building with a pink façade and colourful stained glass windows. Inside, you can admire the altars, statues and paintings that tell the story of Christianity in Vietnam. The church is also a place of worship and prayer for the local Catholic community, which has around 4,000 members.
The Church of the Cock is open daily from 5am to 5pm, except from 11.30am to 2pm when it is closed for lunch. Entry is free, but you should dress appropriately and behave respectfully towards the worshippers.
Temples and pagodas
As usual, there are also numerous temples and pagodas in Danang. You will also find the most beautiful cathedrals around the city centre.
A little further west you will find the Cao Dai Temple, which was built in 1956 and is the second largest after Tay Ninh. Prayer services are held here four times a day. Around 50,000 believers adhere to Cao Dai. The Eye of God hangs above the temple and offers a marvellous view.
Ba Na Hills
The Ba Na Hills are a popular destination near the coastal town of Da Nang, about a 45-minute drive away. You can start with a fantastic cable car ride that offers you a marvellous sunset if you arrive here in the late afternoon. After reaching the height, you will cross the Golden Bridge, which is held by a giant pair of hands.
The Ba Na Hills are part of the Sun World Amusement Park Group and are considered the most important resort and leisure complex in Vietnam. At an altitude of 1,487 metres above sea level, the Ba Na Hills are known as "heaven on earth" due to their spectacular climate and surreal natural landscape. Here you can enjoy the typical rotation of four seasons in a single day and numerous festivals, recreational and relaxation opportunities and culinary delights.
The entrance ticket for Sun World Ba Na Hills (including cable car, visit to the Golden Bridge, Fantasy Park, Moon Castle,... excluding the wax museum ticket and some games with prizes) will cost VND 800,000 (approx. 30 euros) for adults (over 1.4 metres tall) and VND 600,000 (approx. 22 euros) for children (under 1 metre tall) from 1 April 2023. The opening hours are from 8:00 to 20:00.
Before you book your tickets, check the weather forecast because even though conditions in Da Nang are relatively mild, it can be wet, windy and foggy upstairs in the colder months.
If you want to spend an unforgettable day in the Ba Na Hills, we recommend booking a guided tour or hiring a private car to get there and back in comfort.
Linh Ung Pagoda
The Linh Ung Pagoda is one of the most famous and beautiful Buddhist temples in the Vietnamese city of Da Nang. It is located on the Son Tra peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain, and offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the city.
The pagoda was inaugurated in 2010 after six years of construction and is a symbol of peace and harmony between man and nature. The most impressive feature of the pagoda is the 67 metre high statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, which stands on a lotus platform and is considered the patron saint of sailors. The statue is the tallest of its kind in Southeast Asia and can be seen from several kilometres away.
The Linh Ung Pagoda is not only a place of religious worship, but also an attractive destination for visitors who want to admire the architecture, art and landscape. The pagoda has several buildings, gardens, fountains and statues, all designed in traditional Vietnamese style.
The pagoda is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm and admission is free.
If you visit Da Nang, you should not miss the Linh Ung Pagoda. You will be amazed by the beauty and tranquillity of this spiritual place.
The Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are a group of five hills made of limestone and marble in the south of Da Nang in Vietnam. They are a popular destination for visitors who want to discover the fascinating history and nature of this region. The five hills are named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth).
The Marble Mountains are not only known for their impressive landscape, but also for their numerous caves and tunnels, which are adorned with Buddhist and Hindu shrines. Some of the caves have been used as secret bases or field hospitals over the centuries. The largest and most famous cave is Huyen Khong, which is flooded with sunlight through a hole in the ceiling. Here you will find a huge stone Buddha statue and two altars, one of which is dedicated to the god and goddess of marriage.
To explore the marble mountains, you can either take a lift or a marble staircase that leads to the various peaks. From there you have a breathtaking view of the city and the sea. It is advisable to visit the Marble Mountains in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. The entrance fee is VND 40,000 and the lift costs VND 15,000.
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The weather in Da Nang
The weather in Da Nang is hot and dry from mid-January to the end of August, with maximum temperatures exceeding 30°C. Rainfall increases in the winter months, especially in October and November. Typhoons can also occur in the region during this time.
How to get to Da Nang ?
Da Nang has its own international airport and is therefore easy to reach by bus and train as well as by plane. Of course, we can organise your transfer individually according to your wishes or as part of a Vietnam round trip. Just send us an e-mail. We will be happy to advise you personally.
The right time to visit
We recommend the months of February, March, April and May as the best time to visit. The weather is ideal at this time. Daytime temperatures between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius offer the best conditions for a great holiday. You don't have to worry about much rainfall during these months. Overall, the months from January to August are a very acceptable time to travel, as it is the dry season. The rainy season lasts roughly from October to December.
Travel all year long!
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