Top 8 Things to Do in Da Nang 2026 You Should Not Miss

I visited Da Nang and instantly felt how easy it is to fall in love with this coastal city. Da Nang brings together beaches, culture, and local flavors in a way few cities can, offering an impressive range of experiences, including wellness treatments, iconic landmarks like the Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills, family-friendly attractions, rooftop bars, nightlife, and colorful night markets. In this guide, I will share the best things to do in Da Nang, 2026 so you can plan your trip with confidence and truly enjoy every moment.

1. Ride the Cable Car to Ba Na Hills + Walk Across the Golden Hand Bridge

Taking the cable car up to Ba Na Hills and strolling across the iconic Golden Hand Bridge is one of my favorite things to do in Da Nang. If you are looking for memorable things to do in Da Nang, spending one day at Ba Na Hills is a perfect choice. Start your day early around 7 AM to avoid crowds. After a 30 minute drive from Da Nang city center, take the cable car and enjoy stunning views above the clouds. The first stop is the Golden Bridge and the flower gardens, one of the most iconic places to visit.

Ba Na Hills offers more than 100 indoor games along with many exciting outdoor activities around Fantasy Park and the European Fair area. My favorite attraction here is the Alpine Coaster at Sun World Ba Na Hills, where you can enjoy thrilling rides while admiring the magnificent natural scenery surrounding Mount Chua. I rode this coaster twice and still found it incredibly fun, with a ticket price of 70,000 VND per person per ride. In addition, visitors can enjoy high tech entertainment experiences such as the Airship Eye cinema and the Moon Junction 4D theater inside the Moon Castle.

Ba Na Hills is usually open from 8 AM to 5 30 PM with longer hours during holidays and peak seasons. Tickets cost around 900000 VND which is about 36 USD for adults and include the round trip cable car the Golden Bridge the French Village and Fantasy Park. Booking a private car or taxi to the base of the mountain is the easiest option and arriving by 7 30 AM gives you the best chance to enjoy the area before the crowds arrive.

Things to know when visiting Ba Na Hills

• The cable car system has 5 lines: Suoi Mo – Ba Na, Debay – Morin, Thac Toc Tien – L’Indochine, Hoi An – Marseille, Bordeaux – Louvre.
• Capacity: approximately 6,000 guests/hour.
• Operating hours: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM, all days of the week.

2. Watch Dragon Bridge Breathe Fire at Night + Son Tra Night Market

One of my favorite things to do in Da Nang at night is watching the Dragon Bridge show combined with a visit to Son Tra Night Market. I usually arrive around 7 pm to walk through the market first, try some local street food, and feel the lively atmosphere before the show starts. At 9 pm on weekends, the dragon comes alive, breathing fire and water, and you can feel the excitement spreading through the crowd.

You should be careful about where you stand because the dragon sprays water quite far. I learned from experience that standing behind the dragon’s head or under the bridge viewing platform is the best spot if you do not want to get soaked. The show is short, but seeing it in person still feels impressive and very memorable.

If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can choose a night cruise on the Han River. I tried this once and enjoyed watching the Dragon Bridge from the water without dealing with crowds. No matter how you experience it, this is one of the most iconic things to do in Da Nang and a perfect way to spend an evening in the city.

If you prefer a more relaxing experience, you can choose to take a night cruise on the Han River. I tried it once and really enjoyed seeing the Dragon Bridge from the river without the crowds. In addition, on the cruise you can also see other beautiful bridges in Danang such as the Han River Bridge and the Tran Thi Ly Bridge.

3. Relax on My Khe Beach

Relaxing on My Khe Beach is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Da Nang, especially if you want to unwind and immerse yourself in the sea. You can walk barefoot on the fine white sand, breathe in the fresh sea air, and let the gentle waves wash away the heat and stress of a long day. The beach is most peaceful in the early morning until around 10 am, or in the late afternoon after 4:30 pm, when the sunlight is soft and the sea is calm.

If you visit between April and August, you can participate in activities such as snorkeling, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Around July, I experienced stand-up paddleboarding at Man Thai Beach for 140,000 VND/2 people. If you go on a weekend, you should book early as it will be quite crowded.

If you visit between September and February, you can try parasailing. Simply walk along the beach and you'll find places selling tickets for these activities. Ticket prices typically range from 500,000 VND per person for a round trip to 800,000 VND per person for a round trip.

4. Explore Marble Mountains and Sacred Caves

Visiting the Marble Mountains was one of the experiences that gave me a deeper cultural perspective on Da Nang. If you are looking for meaningful things to do in Da Nang, this place is definitely worth adding to your list. You can explore sacred caves, visit peaceful pagodas, and enjoy beautiful views overlooking the city and the sea.

From my experience, the best time to visit is between March and August, when the weather is sunny and dry, making it much easier to walk and climb around the mountains. I recommend going early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the fresh air. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, visiting from September to early November is also a good option since there are fewer tourists.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because there is quite a bit of walking, especially when exploring the caves. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND for adults, 10,000 VND for students with a valid ID, and free for children under 6. The ticket covers all attractions within the Thuy Son area, which is the main mountain of the Marble Mountains complex.

Discover more:

►  Marble Mountain Da Nang: A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers

5. Relax at a Traditional Spa or Massage

After a long day exploring Da Nang, I realized that enjoying a Vietnamese massage is one of the most satisfying things to do in Da Nang. The city can be energetic and vibrant, but sometimes your body just needs a pause. That was when I decided to treat myself to a traditional Vietnamese massage, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip.

I chose to visit Herbal Spa Da Nang, a well known spa that combines traditional Vietnamese healing methods with professional international standards. From the moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere felt calm and welcoming, instantly helping me slow down and relax. Warm herbal tea, gentle smiles from the staff, and a peaceful interior made it feel like a small retreat away from the busy city.

What impressed me most was the massage itself. Vietnamese massage focuses not only on relaxation but also on recovery. The therapist carefully adjusted the pressure based on my body condition, using a combination of acupressure, herbal heat therapy, and essential oils. The warmth of the herbal compress helped release deep muscle tension, and before I knew it, I was completely relaxed.

Herbal Spa is especially famous for its signature treatments such as the Herbal Signature Massage, Four Hands Massage, and Six Hands Massage. These techniques are quite unique and not easy to find elsewhere, even in Da Nang. You can truly feel the skill and experience of the therapists in every movement.

By the end of the session, my body felt lighter and my mind much calmer. Sitting down with a cup of herbal tea after the massage, I felt fully recharged and ready for the next part of my journey. If you are visiting Da Nang and want a meaningful way to relax and take care of yourself, experiencing a Vietnamese massage at a local herbal spa is something I would highly recommend.

► See more: Danang massage price list 2026: Detailed update & reputable spa

6. Enjoy Local Food

Enjoying local cuisine is a must when visiting Da Nang, as the city boasts a diverse array of Vietnamese dishes. You can easily find specialties like Bun Quang, Bun Bo Hue, fresh seafood, banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake), nem cuon (spring rolls), and many other street foods at local markets and small family-run eateries.

Among all these options, my favorites are Bun Quang, Bun Bo Hue, seafood, and especially nem cuon. Bun Quang stands out with its rich yet light broth and fresh herbs, while Bun Bo Hue surprises me with its distinctive aroma. Da Nang seafood is always fresh and simply prepared, but nem cuon is my favorite because of the perfect balance of pork, herbs, rice paper, and dipping sauce.

Below are some of my favorite local food spots.

1. Mrs. Mua’s Quang Noodles:

• Address: 19–21 Tran Binh Trong Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
• Reference price: 20,000–50,000 VND per person. 
• Must try: Mi Quang with shrimp and pork.

2. Bun Bo Lien K7:

• Address: 356/50 Hoang Dieu Street, Binh Thuan Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
• Reference price: 20,000–50,000 VND per person
• Must try: Hue-style beef noodle soup with rare beef

3. Donal Trung

• Address: 141 Do Ba Street,  Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang
• Reference price: 65,000–100,000 VND per dish
• Must try: Rice paper rolls with roasted pork

4. Zozo Seafood: 

• Address: 56–58 Tran Bach Dang Street, An Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang
• Reference price: 100,000–500,000 VND per dish
• Must try: Mi Quang with shrimp and pork.

7. Take a Day Trip to Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An is only a short drive from Da Nang and makes a perfect day trip. I visited in the afternoon and stayed until night to see the lanterns light up the streets.

You can leave Da Nang around 3:30 or 4:00 pm to reach Hoi An in time for sunset, making it one of the most memorable things to do in Da Nang during the evening. Although the town is only about 45 minutes away, Hoi An feels like another world once night falls. The ancient streets glow with colorful lanterns hanging from old houses, floating along the river, and lighting up the entire old town.

I visited during the Hoi An Lantern Festival, when traffic is restricted and the town feels calm yet lively at the same time. The riverside is filled with people walking slowly, food stalls buzzing with energy, and boats drifting under the lantern lights. It can be crowded, but the atmosphere is truly special and worth experiencing at least once.

What I enjoyed most was taking a small boat on the river and releasing lanterns onto the water. Making a wish while watching the lights float away was a simple but unforgettable moment. For me, Hoi An was a short evening trip rather than an overnight stay, and that one experience alone made it a perfect addition to my list of things to do in Da Nang.

8. Experience Festivals and Events in Da Nang

One of my favorite things to do in Da Nang is visiting the city during festival season. Throughout the year, Da Nang hosts many exciting events such as international fireworks festivals, marathons, cultural exchange programs, and traditional celebrations, all of which bring incredible energy to the city through music, lights, and lively crowds.

I had the chance to visit during the International Fireworks Festival, and the experience was truly amazing. The atmosphere was vibrant and unforgettable, and I highly recommend this festival if you are planning a trip. I have also gathered information about several major festivals taking place in 2026, which you can save and use to choose the best time to visit Da Nang.

I hope these tips give you a good sense of the things to do in Da Nang and help you plan your trip more easily. If you have any questions or want more personalized advice, feel free to reach out to me directly. I will be happy to help.

For even more detailed tips and recommendations on the best things to do in Da Nang, including hidden gems and practical advice, you can check out my full guide to Da Nang. It is designed to make your visit smoother, more enjoyable, and full of memorable experiences.

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