Da Nang (Đà Nẵng) is Vietnam's fifth largest city. It's in Central Vietnam on the South China Sea coast, midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The city has neither the ambiance of Hanoi nor the hustle-bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, but has its share of sights and is close to the charms of Hoi An and the imperial capital of Hue, making it a popular vacation spot for those looking to explore the attractions of central Vietnam or soak up some sun while hanging out on the city's beaches. The regions surrounding Da Nang (My Son, Quang Nam) were founded by the Cham Hindus perhaps 3,000 years ago, serving as the capital city and centre of the Hindu Champa Dynasty. Vietnamese invasions into the region in the 17th century significantly halted Cham development. Given that Da Nang was the first point of colonial invasion, many vestiges of French architecture are present in the historic buildings. Da Nang used to be somewhat hostile to foreigners, a consequence of the attitudes of those who controlled the provincial government. In the early 1990s, however, this changed, and since then the provincial (actually autonomous city) government has been enthusiastically pursuing foreign investment and infrastructure development. Da Nang has some of the best roads in the country. The coast road is at least four lanes from northern provincial boundary to southern provincial boundary. Compared to either Hanoi or HCMC, traffic in Da Nang is always relatively light, although huge trucks blast through every now and again and there are brief rush hours. The city is often overlooked by tourists but it is one of the friendliest to backpackers in all of Vietnam. My Khe Beach, known to American GIs as China Beach, is now home to a small community of guesthouse owners, marble statue shops, and other various trades. Some of the most beautiful and isolated beaches in Vietnam are found here, among some of the friendliest people. This is a must-stop for the budget traveler. There are many remnants of the "American War" left over in Da Nang. During the war, many monuments and buildings were destroyed. On the way to My Khe Beach, the ruins of a military base remain in the form of helicopter hangars; however, these are now more easily spotted at the airport, which serves both civil and military flights. The city has grown rapidly, and had a population of over 1 million in 2015. This growth had been outward and infill, but now there are high-rises going up. Development is visible and rapid; the city has expanded tremendously, and several multi-storey buildings and more beach resorts are under construction. This involves redevelopment of areas near the city beaches across the river, with whole blocks of old housing being razed, new roads paved, and luxurious villas constructed. The downside to the very laid-back, less serious and frenetic aspect of Da Nang is that even locals frequently complain that there is nothing to do except drink, which they do a lot. This is not really true: there is a zoo, a soccer stadium, many tennis courts, pool halls, several large modern discos/night clubs, the beaches, and Son Tra Peninsula. However, it is also true that coffee- and beer-drinking are the most common leisure activities of most local residents. The hottest months of the year are Jun-Aug, when the temperature can go as high as 40°C, and it is very humid. There are usually tropical storms from Oct-Nov. 16.043889108.1994441 Da Nang International Airport (DAD IATA) (3 km southwest of the centre of Da Nang, a 10-minute trip at most). It's the smallest of Vietnam's three international airports. There are frequent flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar Pacific, SilkAir and domestic service between Buon Ma Thuot, Da Lat, Haiphong, Nha Trang and Pleiku and internationally Guangzhou, Seoul-Incheon, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai-Pudong, Siem Reap, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo-Narita. Aside from a money changer, airport amenities are rather minimal, although the airport is one of the country's most modern. Compared to larger Vietnamese airports, Da Nang is a little bit laid back. Locals often arrive less than 30 minutes before their flights. There are also a couple of restaurants and coffee shops opposite the terminal, which offer more choice, if not lower prices, than inside the departure area. Many visitors now choose to stay in Da Nang as it is considered as a gateway to Central Vietnam World Heritage Sites: Hoi An (25–30 min, USD15) or Hue (2 hr, USD40–45 depending on car size), My Son (1-11⁄2 hr). The hotels and resorts in Da Nang have their own travel desks which offer some half day or a day trips to those destinations. The fixed-price taxi coupon system has regrettably disappeared and now you have to haggle with the drivers outside, who ask silly prices but can be negotiated down to the amounts above. Perhaps find a few others to share the cost. If going to a destination within or close to the city, ignore offers to set a price in advance and insist on use of the meter (drivers may only be willing to accept pre-set fares during holiday times, such as Tet). If you arrive on a late night flight, you may encounter an unscrupulous taxi driver who has a fast meter, but usually there are lots of taxis and companies such as Mai Linh, Taxi Xanh and Song Han that are reliable. Avoid Airport Taxi, especially at night. Average metered fares to the city centre should be around 70,000 dong. A safer but more expensive option, especially for late flight arrivals (some lowsomet airlines such as VietJet can delay a morning or evening flight to a midnight arriving flight), would be to hire a driver. Several travel agencies can be used for this. To Hoi An, a typical price is around 350,000 dong. The Reunification Express makes a stop in Da Nang and takes around two to two and a half hours to Hue. Many taxis are available outside of the station. Scheduled arrival and departure times are loosely followed. If you just want to get to Hue, you can also take the local train which is slow (about four to four and a half hours from Da Nang to Hue, with several stops along the way; a car or taxi does it in two), but cheap (25,000 dong including a meal) and passes through some spectacular coastal scenery. Best to avoid the motorbike taxis outside the station as many times they are the same price or more than regular taxi. Motorbike taxis (xe ôm, literally hug-vehicle) are plentiful (get used to hearing "you want moto?" everywhere), cheap, and are generally quite safe. All riders are now required to wear helmets, a rule that is strongly enforced. Make sure the driver supplies you with a helmet. If he doesn't, find another one, as you'll be the one stung for the fine. Agree on a price before you set off. Short hops around town shouldn't be more than 20,000 dong, if you go between districts this increases and all the way to the airport around 70,000 dong. Drivers are generally quite friendly and will go slower upon request. They're also not adverse to a bear hug if you're really struggling to hold on to the motorbike. Many of the moto drivers, especially in District 1, speak some English and like many Vietnamese will repay you in a flood of smiles, and probably point out all the sights, if you make a little effort to get to know them. You can rent your own motorbike in many places, especially around the backpacker area (Tran Cao Van) in District Thanh Khe. 110,000 dong should get you a decent 100-110cc bike. Two main categories of motorbike are available for rent: scooters (automatic transmission); and four-speed motorbikes, the gears of which you change with your left foot. The ubiquitous Honda Super Cub is a common 4-speed bike that has a semi-automatic gearbox, i.e., no clutch, so relatively easy to drive. Other models may be fully manual and therefore you must also operate the clutch using your left hand. This takes a lot of skill and it's all too easy to over-rev and pull a wheelie or stall the engine. If you end up with such a bike then practice releasing the clutch gently before hitting the roads. Rental agents tend to steer foreigners toward scooters if available, on the (plausible) assumption that they don't know how to ride motorbikes that have manual gears. Motorcycles of 175 cc and above are only legal to ride if you make a connection with a Vietnamese motorcycle club. See also: Vietnam#By car Da Nang is in the middle of the country, roughly speaking equidistant from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. It's possible to rent a car and drive yourself, but as Vietnamese traffic in general is chaotic and dangerous, foreign visitors and locals usually rent a car with a driver. Several bus-pass services (incl. "Sinh Cafe" and "Cuc Tung") make stops in Da Nang, and can be taken from either Hue or Hoi An or further in either direction. From Hue the trip takes about three hours with one refreshment stop on the way (50,000 dong). The bus uses the tunnel so does not go over the spectacular pass between Da Nang and Hue. From Hoi An, you can take the local bus to Da Nang, it is a yellow bus route number 01 that has "Hoi An - Da Nang" sign along the front window. Fare is 18,000 dong, see information in Hoi An#By bus for stop locations and to avoid getting scammed on the fare. Buses run roughly every 20 min during the day and take about 45-55 min to get from Hoi An to Da Nang. Sleeper buses depart from Da Nang to: The North of Vietnam (at 08:30 and 14:30): Hue, Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Phong Nha, Ninh Binh , Ha Long Bay, Hanoi (buses leave Hanoi's Giap Bat station in the afternoon, charge 380,000 dong (2012) and take around 14 to 16 hours.). The South of Vietnam (at 16:30 and 19:00): Quy Nhon (200,000 dong), Da Lat (300,000 dong), Nha Trang (250,000 dong), Phan Thiet, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City (around 400,000 dong, depending on the bus company). Laos (daily at 06:00): Pakse, Vientiane, Champasak, Savannakhet (around 800,000 dong) (2015). There are several buses to Pleiku, from where you can go on to Laos and Cambodia. Sleeper buses leave Da Nang around 20:00 to 20:45 and charge 220,000 dong to 230,000 dong (2012). You may book tickets at the Da Nang Intercity Bus Station, travel agencies and at some hotels. It is wise to reserve your seat at least one day in advance for travel on weekends and during festivals. Da Nang bus station. It's a few kilometers out of the city but is served by local buses such as #2 which goes to the town centre and #1 to Hoi An. 16.066667108.2333332 Da Nang port. The third-largest port in Vietnam, primarily used for cargo ships - but also serves human transport in a lesser degree. Karma Waters, 47 Cua Dai St, Hoi An, ☏ +84 510 3927632. Sustainable tour operator and vegetarian restaurant operates Da Nang-Hoi boat tours and shuttle service. You may find the Grab Taxi app useful. Taxi rates are very reasonable in Da Nang, and scams are less common than in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but you're better off going with a reputable company to avoid any hassle. Mai Linh (mostly green with white lettering, though sometimes green or silver), ☏ +84 511 356 5656. Vinasun (white with green and red lettering), ☏ +84 511 368 6868. have large fleets in the city and are generally honest and reliable, with meters that start automatically after the taxis have moved about 5 m. At the airport, Mai Linh taxi wardens wear green shirts with green ties, and Vinasun wardens dark green shirts with maroon ties. These wardens can radio taxis for you. Some travellers have reported that Song Han's yellow taxis are also fairly reliable. The ride sharing app "Grab" is common and can be used to arrange for a taxi or other ride. According to reports, USD10 is the standard rate for going to Hoi An. You can try to negotiate with a taxi driver at the train station, and agree on a fare of USD10 (220,000 dong). There are 19 local bus lines. Buses are new and all of them are air-conditioned. Ticket price is 5,000 dong per ride (March 2020). In the app DanaBus (Android, iOS) you can put your starting point and destination. Then the app shows you the right bus line for your ride. At the bus stops the shown route map and the shown bus lines are outdated (March 2020). Stick to the app. Every bus stop has a sign at the street. The displayed bus stop in the app is around where the actual bus stop is. The local bus service operates until 18:00. Taxi drivers may park in front of the bus stop and tell you that the bus is not running. This is not true; they're just trying to get your business. Epitomized in an episode of “Top Gear” riding a motorbike in Vietnam has become a goal for many people visiting the country. While riding in Vietnam is dangerous it can also be a life changing experience. You see things from the seat of a motorbike that you don't see while travelling in different type of vehicle. Some choose to traverse the entire country this way while most are satisfied with a few local day trips. If you are not an experienced motorcycle rider you should reconsider starting to ride here. While many visitors operate a motorbike without a proper licence this is not recommended. Most places will want a deposit, which can be USD100-500, depending on the value of the motorbike, or in lieu of a cash deposit they will hold your passport. Some travelers have found it helpful to carry two passports for situations like this allowing them to retain identification and a current visa stamp. If you choose to ride the entirety of the country consider traveling from Hanoi to Saigon instead of the other way around. Since most people travel south to north there is usually a surplus of low cost bikes in Hanoi. This means many times a bike purchased in Hanoi can be sold for the same price Saigon while buying in Saigon and selling in Hanoi will almost always lead to a loss. If you have traveler's insurance check with your insurance company to see if you are covered to ride. While most insurance policies will cover you if you have a valid motorcycle drivers licence from your home country and an International Driving permit, most will not cover you without them. Consider bringing some motorcycle gear with you like a low cost, full-face helmet, riding gloves, jacket and trousers if you plan on spending a lot of time riding. While helmets are easy to find in Vietnam and make a great souvenir their quality can be questionable whereas an inexpensive helmet from the West that carries a safety certification should be better. Unlike low cost or generic helmets new, expensive helmets are more likely to be stolen. Also bring a cable lock with you to secure your helmet as opposed to securing with the strap which can be easily cut and replaced. When you're finished with your ride you can sell your gear. Besides riding through the Hai Van Pass the iconic motorcycle ride in Da Nang is to Monkey Mountain. Many will ride up the road by the beach following it to the Intercontinental Resort, then ride along the north side heading west and finally down the mountain to be let out near the Port of Da Nang. It's a ride similar to the 11 mile "Tail of the Dragon" in Tennessee and North Carolina except with a steeper grade, more and sharper turns, amazing views of East [Vietnamese] Sea, wild monkeys and no one is checking to see if you're going over the speed limit. Other than the weekends it's common not to see another person for the entire ride leaving the mountain to yourself. If you go just before sunrise, head to the north side and are quiet you might see a red-shanked or gray-shanked douc. There are a few well posted areas that are military facilities and the signs, which are in Vietnamese and English, warning you not to enter or take pictures need to be respected. The road is well maintained but it's not uncommon to encounter a large boulder mostly blocking one's passage. There were a number of possible construction projects scheduled to begin in 2019 which will forever replace some of the views of nature for ones of hotels, condominiums and tour buses. It's recommended not to ride at night. Renting a motorbike to travel to Hoi An from Da Nang costs about 80,000-150,000 dong per day from most hotel and rental companies in Da Nang. Locals pay about 50,000-100,000 dong. With a little bargaining and renting for a week or month at a time, you could possibly bring down the price. Haggle and ask if they include roadside service. The distance to Hoi An is approximately 28 km and takes about 45–60 min. The route is fairly simple and straightforward, and takes you along the coastline of Da Nang, allowing you an extraordinary experience and views along the beaches to Hoi An. The traffic is light. once you get outside the city. Make sure you bring along a windbreaker or sweater, during autumn and spring, as the temperature along the coastline can be a little cold. Be cautious riding in winter or rainy season from late September to January, as the wind is strong and rain is frequent. Avoid major roadways at night. Considering the low cost of standard taxis in the city of Da Nang and throughout Vietnam one would be cautioned to avoid motorcycle taxis. While not as common in Da Nang as Saigon or Hanoi they are completely unregulated and are most commonly found outside the train station hustling tourists. If confronted simply say “ya không cảm ơn” or no thank you and keep walking. "Easy riders" offer an alternative for someone wishing to travel by motorcycle but lacks the prerequisite skills to operate one. They can take you on a day trip from Da Nang to Hoi An or a week-long excursion throughout Central Vietnam. Most easy riders take a lot of pride in motorcycle and try to offer a pleasant trip. Ask at your hotel or hostel and other travelers who they recommend. Electric bikes are now common in Da Nang and offer an excellent alternative to gasoline powered motorbikes. They have more than enough power to drive most of the day throughout the city, can be driven without a driver's license and are easier to drive than their gas-powered cousins. While they won't make it back and forth to Hoi An or around Monkey Mountain they're well suited for city travel. Check with the company that issued you your traveler's insurance to see if you're still covered while driving an e-bike. Most local "Công An" (pine green uniform) and traffic "CSGT" (tan uniform) police in Da Nang will recognize an International Drivers Permit (IDP) which most likely means a quick traffic stop and being sent on your way after a simple paperwork check. This is less certain out in the country. To reduce your chances of being detained try not to stand out which means dressing like the locals including wearing a dust mask. Only tourists ride a Honda Win with a gold or yellow star on the tank. Drive with the crowd and obey the driving laws even when others around you are not. If signaled to pull over, some people recommend smiling and nodding but not stopping as it's unlikely the police will chase you. If you are pulled over be calm, smile, be respectful and apologetic. Take your motorbike's keys and put them in your pocket and don't hand the police anything of value to you such as your passport. Some people recommend to talk to them in any non-English non-Vietnamese language, while continuing to smile and be respectful so they'll tire from you and ask for bribes from someone else. The police in Vietnam are not confrontational like many police can be in the West and most likely they will not speak English well. Present IDP or local driver's licence and the motorbike registration card a.k.a "blue card." If you rented your motorbike it's quite likely the rental shop will have the registration card and they will need to be called. Most rentals have the shop's phone number on the key chain. When the officer is ready to make a decision on what to do with you it could be anything from letting you go or asking for a bribe a.k.a. "coffee money" and less likely seizing your bike or arresting you. Some have found it helpful to ride with no more 200,000 dong visible in their wallet as to limit the size of the bribe. Don't offer a bribe but be responsive to the request of one. If you do not have an IDP and/or driver's licence with a motorcycle endorsement from your home country you might be asked for a bribe which should be no more than 200,000 dong. Some clueless foreigners pay bribes up to a few millions which happens only due to unsubstantiated fear. If you get into an accident you're most likely to be blamed for it, even if you were not at fault. If the other person is not trying to rip you off asking for too much money, it might be best to settle the amount on the spot and not involve the police. If the police gets involved, they should try to help all sides settle the issue. Be prepared means having access to the funds to resolve a problem like this. Having representation from a well connected attorney that speaks English is almost a requirement and good advice. For years, tourists have bypassed Da Nang on their travel itineraries, preferring to spend their time viewing the ancient imperial court at Hue or walking the streets of the old town in Hoi An. And yet, as those who call it home are aware, Da Nang has plenty of interesting and beautiful sights of its own. Nestled between the Annamite Range and the South China Sea on the banks of the Han River, Da Nang's natural beauty is hard to miss; a trip up into the mountains and down to the beach should be on your to-do list. Culturally, Da Nang once lay at the northernmost reaches of the Kingdom of Champa; the Museum of Cham Sculpture, located in the city centre, should be mandatory if you're planning on visiting the ruins at nearby My Son. 16.02577108.03141 Ba Na Hill Station (Bà Nà) (About 40 km west), ☏ +84 236 3791 999. Ba Na is 1,487 m above sea level in the Truong Son Mountains. It was formerly a 1920s French resort and once boasted 200 villas, restaurants, and clubs. It is known as the second Dalat or Sa Pa in central Vietnam. Its temperate climate, unspoiled forest, and spectacular views over the South China Sea and the Lao mountains made Ba Na a popular retreat for both the French and the wealthy Vietnamese. Today the area still attracts locals and tourists alike thanks to a cable car system that was opened in 2009 and set two Guinness World Records for its height and length. Great view from the top but it's really useless to stay overnight since the accommodation options are shabby and overpriced (USD80-150 per night). You need to get a taxi to Suoi Mo Station (USD25 one-way from Da Nang) then pay 550,000 dong per adult (250,000 dong for children between 1-1.3 m tall, free admission for children under 1 m tall) for the ticket to the cable car and the Fantasy Park. 16.061111108.2266672 Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng). A 2013 bridge built in the shape of a dragon, breathing fire and water each Saturday and Sunday night at 21:00. 16.06491108.224643 Han River Promenade, along Bach Dang Rd (Between Dragon Bridge and Da Nang Port). The beauty of the Han River has inspired poets and composers throughout Da Nang's history, and any local will probably be able to sing you a few lines of Sông Hàn Tình Yêu Của Tôi (Han River, My Love) as they stroll the edge of the water. The promenade on the western bank of the river is well built up, stretching from the Dragon Bridge in the south to the city port in the north. The promenade passes underneath the famous Han River Bridge, a swing bridge built in the late-1990s, one of four bridges across the Han you can glimpse from here (the others are the Thuan Phuoc, Dragon, and Tran Thi Ly bridges). All of the bridges light up with colourful patterns at night, making a walk by the river a delightful (and certainly romantic) escapade. Locals often gather here in the evenings to watch the water, play hacky-sack, or bring their children for a run. During the Tet season, the promenade is festooned with sculptures and art. The annual Fireworks Festival is also based here, but you're better off seeing the show from afar, as it tends to get quite crowded. 16.10032108.277994 Linh Ung Temple, Hoang Sa Rd (Bai But, Son Tra Peninsula). Stunning views of the sea, the sky, and a 67-m tall statue of "Quan The Am" facing the ocean. The pagoda was built in 2010. 16.00333108.26375 Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) (9 km S of downtown and across the street from many of the larger beach side resorts), ☏ +84 511 961114. The group includes Kim Son (Mountain of Metal), Moc Son (Mountain of Wood), Thuy Son (Mountain of Water), Hoa Son (Mountain of Fire), and Tho Son (Mountain of Earth). Several Buddhist temples have been built into the caves and grottoes, and it's a popular pilgrimage site. The real fun, though, is at the Am Phu cave, where you can make the steep climb up toward the light and a view from the top of the mountain, surrounded by approving sacred images; or head in the opposite direction, physically and spiritually, down to the crude Hieronymous Bosch-esque statues of sinners getting their due in the caverns below, with appropriately eerie lighting. Either way, wear walking or climbing shoes. Open-tour buses will stop here, but you'll be rushed along; any motorbike taxi in Da Nang or Hoi An will be happy to take you and let you set the schedule. Guides are available. Watch out for the rapacious statue-sellers outside. 40,000 dong but may enter for free if arriving before 08:00. 16.06006108.223076 Museum of Cham Sculpture (Bảo Tàng Chăm), #2, September 2nd Rd (Near the roundabout at the corner of Trung Nu Vuong and Bach Dang St). Founded in 1915 by the École Française d'Extrême Orient, it houses a collection of stone sculptures from the Hindu-practicing Cham civilization, which occupied much of central Vietnam in the first millennium CE to about the 14th century. The museum can be toured in about an hour. The sculptures are nearly all made of sandstone, and some have weathered badly over the centuries, but you can still appreciate the delightful artistic quality of the figures, which include shiva, garudas, nagas, lions, monkeys, and elephants. The collection also includes striking examples of the ancient Hindu icons of fertility: lingam altars decorated around the sides with rows of breasts. The sculptures were mostly removed from the facades or interiors of Cham ruins (which would have been looted otherwise.) The ruins themselves, such as nearby My Son, now tend to be crumbling piles of bricks and somewhat disappointing, giving little sense of the spectacular artwork produced by the Cham civilization. Any visit to My Son should be paired with a visit to the Cham Museum. The collection is also interesting to compare with Balinese sculpture and the early, Hindu phase of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. However, the souvenir shops and cafe are closed as of Dec 2019. 40,000 dong. (updated May 2015) Linh Ung Pagoda, Ling Ung includes 3 pagodas that were places at Thuy Son mountain (Water mountain). Linh Ung pagoda has 20 hectares square that will impress the tourists with a large statue of Quan The Am Bo Tat. Linh Ung Pagoda Da Nang Bai But is located about 10 km from the center of Da Nang city to the northeast from Bien Dong Park to wash along Truong Sa street to Linh Ung Pagoda. Cham Island Tour, ☏ +84 510 8505605. Pick up at hotel at 07:00, transfer to Cua Dai beach harbour by an air-con bus. Cruises to the Cham Islands board at 08:00, travelling by wooden boat for 11⁄4 hours or by speed boat for 30 minutes. On arrival, there are visits to Hai Tang Pagoda, the boat shelter, a local market at Bai Lang, then cruise to Bai Chong for swimming and snorkelling to see the coral reef before having lunch at a local restaurant on the island. Relax for a while after lunch and get ready for cruising back to Cua Dai Beach harbour. Departure is at 15:00 and transfer back to your hotels. Wooden boat USD27, speedboat USD89. 16.1014108.265291 Motorbike ride up Monkey Mountain (Son Tra Mountain) (follow Hoang Sa Rd. towards the mountain). If you feel like a ride with an amazing view, rent a motorbike and make your way up the side of Monkey Mountain (aka Son Tra Mountain), where an American army base used to be. Although access to the base is closed off, you can still follow Hoang Sa Rd. for a good distance and enjoy getting lost in the beautiful scenery on this road that hugs the mountainside while offering an expansive view of the Pacific Ocean. You can also stop off at Linh Ung Temple along the way, both to pay your respects to Quan The Am and to enjoy the wonderful view. 16.07035108.246232 My Khe Beach, Hoang Sa Rd. Across the Han River from the city centre, My Khe Beach is a wide, sandy beach long known for its beauty. Locals will often gather here as early in the morning as 05:00 to enjoy the surf while the sun rises over the ocean. Tourists often arrive later on, when the locals have already started their day; you'll probably find that by 09:00 or 10:00 the beach is mostly deserted. The beach isn't steep, meaning that you can swim far out and still feel your feet touch the bottom. During busy times, lifeguards float around in coracle boats, whistling at those who venture too far out. In the distance on Monkey Mountain, you can make out the giant statue of "Quan The Am" at Linh Ung Temple. There are change rooms and public showers you can use as you enter and leave the water, as well as motorbike parking for a small fee. (updated Dec 2017) 16.18729108.13073 Ride a motorbike up the Hai Van Pass (Hai Van Pass) (follow the coast road N until you reach Rd 1A). The Hai Van Pass is a great day trip from Da Nang (or Hoi An). The road was called "a deserted ribbon of perfection—one of the best coast roads in the world" in the BBC show Top Gear. Since the tunnel opened, most heavy traffic has diverted from the pass, making the ride much safer, and you'll only meet a few trucks ferrying live animals or dangerous goods, plus quite a few motorbikers coming to enjoy the views. Make sure you ride down the north side of the pass all the way to Lang Co and enjoy the view of the lagoon set against a background of mountains. Make sure you fill up your tank before hitting the pass (there's a petrol station a few kilometres before the road starts climbing) as you won't find petrol there. 16.0503108.22034 Salem Spa Garden (Salem Spa branch 2), 528, 2/9 Str, Hai Chau Dist, ☏ +84 511 363 8888. 09:00 - 22:30. The construction area of Salem Spa Garden is 1000 m2, with 45 beds which are designed according to a spa standard and ecological space with different types of room. USD 15-30. (updated Aug 2016) 16.02388108.2249885 Cham Spa & Massage, 05 Lê Quang Hòa Hòa Xuân, Cẩm Lệ, Đà Nẵng, ☏ +84 236 650 6677, chamspamassage@gmail.com. (updated Mar 2021) It is difficult to learn Vietnamese in Da Nang as the expat community is small and the demand for language learning is not great. You will be able to find many people who are willing to do language exchange with you and there are a number of qualified Vietnamese teachers. The rate is about USD5/hour. The Da Nang dialect of Vietnamese is distinct from both Hanoi and HCMC versions, although closer to HCMC than to Hanoi. If you learned your Vietnamese in Hanoi, many ordinary people in Da Nang will have some difficulty understanding you until they realize you are trying to talk like the presenters they see on TV. Even trained teachers will tend to teach you to speak like a Da Nang person unless you emphasize that you want to learn Hanoi dialect, which is understood {eventually} throughout the country as it is the official version and that used on TV. If you spend a fair amount of time in Da Nang, either employed or as a volunteer, it is fairly easy to find recent English graduates, or students studying English at the College of Foreign Languages of the University of Da Nang who will happily work through a Vietnamese textbook with you for a lot less than USD5/hour, and this is probably as good a way as any to acquire some Vietnamese. There are Vietnamese course books for foreigners: Teach Yourself Vietnamese (Huong Dan Tu Hoc Tieng Viet, a Complete Course for Beginners) by Dana Healy is one of the best; Jake Catlett and Huong Nguyen's Vietnamese for Beginners is easier and less comprehensive; Nguyen Anh Que's Vietnamese for Foreigners is good and has a lot of material and vocabulary. There are a number of schools (ILA, Apollo, Academy English Center, and the University of Da Nang) where qualified teachers can teach English. The salaries are many times above the average national wage. Shops often operate from the ground floor of their homes, selling any number of things: coffee, bánh mì sandwiches, dry goods, clothing, SIM cards and more. Walk a little farther and you'll eventually come across a neighbourhood market where people sell fresh foods like fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, and fish. You can do a lot of shopping but be aware that, as a foreigner, you're likely to be overcharged unless you haggle. There are an increasing number of supermarkets appearing where prices are fixed. 16.0668108.213571 Big C supermarket, 255 Hùng Vương (corner of Hung Vuong and Ong Ich Khiem). Large supermarket complex with a mall beneath it and food court above. There is also a CGV cinema on the top level. The Western-style supermarket is on the third floor. The parking entrance is on Ông Ích Khiêm. 16.06823108.224322 Han Market, 119 Tran Phu St (corner of Tran Phu & Hung Vuong). 06:00-21:00. A typical Vietnamese market, with vendors selling everything from shoes to silk and souvenirs, candles to coffee, and candied plums. The upper part of the building is mainly dedicated to clothing, accessories and silk, while the lower part is mainly dedicated to foodstuffs. There's an extensive fruit and vegetable market on the side that's closest to the river, from which you can access the Han River promenade. Be prepared to haggle for prices, like at any neighbourhood market. 16.03506108.228893 Lotte Mart shopping centre. Large shopping complex with a cinema on the top level. (updated May 2015) 16.02493108.220084 Metro Cash & Carry, Cach Mang Thang Tam St (Near Hoa Xuan bridge), ☏ +84 511 3644933. 06:00-21:00. An international chain of cash & carry supermarkets, Metro carries most of the things you'd expect to find in Western supermarkets: a variety of groceries (including fresh, fully refrigerated meat, if you're squeamish about buying meat at the open market), clothes, home and office supplies, electronics, and more. It's a little far from the city centre, but it's easily accessible by taxi, so you can stock up and carry all your bags home easily. You can also arrange for delivery at a nominal cost. Metro requires a membership similar to other membership-only retail warehouse clubs. Also similar is that many times they will extend a one day membership upon request. 16.074213108.2234235 Oceans Western Goods (Blue Ocean [Market]), 30/7 Trần Phú, Hải Châu (Between Lê Duẩn and Quang Trung), ☏ +84 90 5 60 50 50 (mobile). A small shop that specializes in Western goods, featuring things that are hard to find elsewhere, whether at Big C or Metro: spices, oatmeal, Nutella and baking supplies. If they don't have it, there's a good chance they can order it. Fixed (though expensive) prices for everything. Indispensable if you're spending any length of time in Da Nang. (updated Jan 2018) 16.0778108.22396 Danang Souvenirs & Cafe, 34 Bach Dang St (Next to Novotel), ☏ +84 511 3827 999. 07:00 - 20:30. Specialises in tourism souvenirs and gifts about Vietnam and Da Nang. They design their own products, and there is a wide range to choose from, including such typical souvenir products such as t-shirts, teddy bears, key rings and magnets. (updated Jun 2015) Although not a culinary capital like the ancient imperial capital Hue, Da Nang still has more than enough variety to keep you well fed throughout your stay. Seafood (hải sản) is popular, so you shouldn't be surprised to see plenty of fish (cá), shrimp (tôm), squid (mực), clams (nghêu), snails (ốc), the list goes on. There are many vegetarian restaurants which are listed as "Quán chay" ("vegetarian") or less frequently "Quán ăn chay" ("vegetarian restaurant"), and most are vegan. The vegetarian restaurants have a wide selection of dishes and are generally cleaner than places that are not vegetarian. Then there are regional specialities like mì Quảng, or Quang Nam-style noodles, featuring chicken, shrimp, quail eggs, peanuts and rice crackers in a turmeric-spiced broth; bún chả cá, or rice vermicelli with fish sausage; and bún mắm, or rice vermicelli served with a strong fish sauce that's not for the weak of palate. Central Vietnamese love their food to be spicy, so be warned that the chili peppers (ớt) can be strong even if small. 16.05961108.221951 Bánh Mì̀ Bà Lan, 62 Trưng Nữ Vương, Bình Hiên, Hải Châu, ☏ +84 93 564 62 86. 16:00-19:00. One of the most famous sandwich carts in the city. Try their bánh mì que which is a string baguette filled with a pork pâté. USD1. (updated Jan 2018) 16.072065108.2403552 Quán Thảo, 135, Dương Trí Trạch, An Hải Bắc, Sơn Trà (take Phạm Văn Đồng (heading towards the beach), left on Lê Minh Trung, right on Morrison and a quick left on to Trí Trạch; Quán Thảo is on the right). 06:00-10:00. Traditional street food establishment frequented mostly by locals for breakfast, on a quiet side road. While Ms Thảo serves Mì Quảng or [Province of] Quảng style noodles, she's known for her bún bò or beef noodle soup. Some like to add a baguette for an additional 5,000 dong. 20.000d. (updated Jan 2018) 16.081572108.2314843NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Quán Dung Mỳ Quảng, 99 Nguyễn Thị Định, An Hải Bắc, Q. Sơn, ☏ +84 122 727 4421 (mobile). 06:00-21:00. Well known for their mì quảng cá lóc, the best known noodle dish of Đà Nẵng, served with broad rice noodles, fresh greens, a broth seasoned with turmeric, shallots and garlic topped and with peanuts. It is served in a shallow and pungent pool of broth unlike its better known cousin phở, which is milder and fills the bowl. Cá lóc is snakehead fish; when prepared correctly, which this place is known for, has a mild flavour and very light texture. Take some of the fresh greens and stir them into the broth to give them a bit of warmth and flavour making this dish half salad and half soup. Menu with prices are on the wall. As the restaurant faces west, if you go around sunset, you'll have a pleasant view. Plenty of parking. The cleanliness of Quán Dung Mỳ Quảng is to Western restaurant standards. 20,000 dong. (updated Jan 2018) 16.06683108.2169554 Bún Mắm Vân, 23/14 Trần Kế Xương, Hải Châu 2, Hải Châu, ☏ +84 236 3818 009. 13:00-20:00. Bún mắm is an extremely pungent noodle dish made with a fermented fish sauce called mắm nêm. Mắm nêm can best be described as "smells like hell, tastes like heaven." Bún Mắm Vân is located in what is called "Bún Mắm Alley" where a few bún mắm shops have congregated. You can smell this alley from a block away. Try the bún mắm thịt quay or bún mắm with roasted pork. If you are put off by the smell of strong fish sauce this is not the place for you. If you like bún mắm this place is heaven. USD1. (updated Jan 2018) 16.072454108.2190515 Mi Quang 1A, 1 Hải Phòng, Hải Châu 1, Q. Hải Châu (take Lê Duẩn heading east, turn left onto Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, first right onto Hải Phòng; it's on the right), ☏ +84 236 3827 936. 06:30-21:00. Mi Quang 1A is one of the best known mì quảng restaurants in the area. While still good it has lost a bit of its luster over the years. Prices are higher than most places at 30,000 to 45,000 dong. Make sure you are in Mi Quang 1A as there is a "copycat" place next door. Before going in grab a fresh sugarcane juice from the cart in the front. (updated Jan 2018) 16.047297108.2259396 Kem Ý Sasa Gelano (Coffee SaSa Gelato), Lô 9 A2 Khu Biệt Thự Đảo Xanh, Quận Hải Châu (head east on Cầu Trần Thị Lý towards the "sail bridge", take the first right after the roundabout nearest the bridge and then an immediate left; follow the road for about 350 m turning right at the fork), ☏ +84 0946 059 339. 0800-2200. A good place to satisfy your sweet tooth. Each scoop of gelato is about 15,000 dong; choose from many local fruit flavours and the regulars, like chocolate. Sa Sa also serves sundaes and other treats to enjoy. Good for families. Take away available. The staff speak basic English. Very close to the Grand Mercure Hotel. (updated Jan 2018) 16.07901108.219937 Bao Nam Tran, 27 Nguyen Chi Thanh St (between Nguyen Du and Ly Thuong Kiet). Private, popular place for coffee, business dealings, meals and light Vietnamese pastries, drinks and desserts. The restaurant/coffee house's ancient Vietnamese architecture incorporates heavy, dark, ornate wooden panels and furniture mixed with modern amenities (escalator) and is a must-see. Wireless Internet connection and a selection of reading material is available. The restaurant has a lovely ambience at night. 16.05951108.205388 Com Nieu Nha Do, 176 Nguyễn Tri Phương (across from March 29 (29/3) Park), ☏ +84 511 3990086. 10:00-22:00. Cơm niêu is a type of rice that's baked in a clay pot and served with any number of sides — beef, chicken, fish, hot pot — but it's the way it's served that catches your attention. Waiters come out of the kitchen bearing hot clay pots straight out of the oven, pull out hammers, smash them at your table, and fling the crusty, baked rice inside back and forth across the room. Otherwise, the food is what you'd get at a normal restaurant, but it's fun to see the show. Located near the airport, just across from March 29 Park. There are many of these restaurants on Nguyen Tri Phuong St, but this one is a favourite. USD5-12. 16.07655108.220299 Karma Waters, 113/10 Nguyen Chi Thanh (gind the intersection of Le Duan St and Nguyen Chi Thanh St. Take a right onto Nguyen Chi Thanh (it's one-way); stay on right hand side of the street and you will come to an alley with a hat shop on the corner (#113), turn right into the ally and the restaurant will be on your right), ☏ +84 511 3849790. 10:00-21:00. This is the only vegan Western friendly restaurant in Da Nang. It's owned by a Viet/Kiwi couple, and is a family place. If you are looking for a restaurant that avoids white sugar, MSG and gluten this is your best option. The cafe is clean and in the city centre. Menus are in English, and the staff are very friendly and good with English. You don't have to be a vegetarian or vegan to have a good meal here. Has a sister restaurant in Hoi An. USD5-10. (updated Mar 2018) Koi Sushi, Bento and Sake Bar, 53 An Thuong 2, ☏ +84 090 1991165, koisushidanang@gmail.com. Daily 11:00-14:00 & 17:00-0:00. Japanese sushi bar with big bento boxes and the largest sake list in town. It's one of the few places in town that serves late, 7 days a week. Clean bathrooms and air-con. USD1-15. (updated Aug 2016) 16.06287108.223210 Red Sky Bar and Restaurant, 248 Tran Phu St, ☏ +84 511 3894895, redskydanang@live.com. An expat-run Western restaurant. The food is excellent, always delicious with generous portions. The staff are good and know how to look after customers and make them feel at home. Prices are above average by Vietnamese standards, but not too expensive for the quality of food and service received. 16.08262108.2219811 Bread of Life Western Bakery and Eatery, 4 Dong Da (located upstairs one level), ☏ +84 511 3565185. Take out delivery for orders over 100,000 dong. Bread of Life is run by an American couple who use the business as means of providing training for young Vietnamese deaf. All baking, cooking and serving is done by the deaf and profits go into school for teaching deaf Vietnamese the Vietnamese sign language and English. They serve breakfasts, lunch, and dinner from a menu that includes pizza, pasta, hamburgers and other Western dishes. Good coffee and fresh baked pastries and cakes every day. The quality is high and you will enjoy interacting with the staff. Orders are accepted in person or by phone for a variety of breads. Order a day ahead, then pick them up in the restaurant. 16.07648108.2197512 Merkat, 79 Lê Lợi, Thạch Thang, Q. Hải Châu, ☏ +84 236 3646 388. 11:30-22:00. Merkat serves the food of Northern Spain run by a husband and wife from Spain. The paella is outstanding. A great place to go when looking for a Western-style meal. Top notch food, an outstanding chef, good wait staff and very clean. Very easy to find. Dishes start at 100,000 dong. Afterwards travel down the street about 200 m to the iconic Long Coffee. 100,000 dong. (updated Jan 2018) 16.06337108.2231713 Apsara, 222 Tran Phu St, ☏ +84 511 3561 409. A reasonably good, somewhat expensive place with a huge, mostly seafood menu and performances of traditional music on some evenings. Food style is Vietnamese with some Chinese influences, and some Western dishes thrown in. Caters to overseas tour groups; tour buses are often seen parked outside. One of their specialties is mantis shrimp, a delicious creature halfway between a shrimp and lobster. 16.07433108.21714 Bambino, 122 Quang Trung. Quiet location, good food wine selection. Australian steak grilled to order. International, French and local foods, run by a French couple. A good place for a quiet meal with friends. 16.06665108.2458715 Blue Whale, Hoang Sa Rd. (Just N of Vo Van Kiet roundabout; next to "4U"), ☏ +84 511 3942 777, +84 511 3942 728, info@bluewhale.com.vn. One of a number of seafood restaurants looking out onto My Khe Beach, the Blue Whale is a great place to get acquainted with what the beach really has to offer. Their menu features a wide variety of seafood cooked in many different ways — steamed, grilled or baked or in hot pot or sashimi — along with a number of local specialities. The prices are a little high, but the food and the ambience should more than make up. USD10-25. (updated Mar 2018) 16.064713108.22350616 Limoncello, 187 Tran Phu St, info@limoncelloVN.com. 12:00-23:00. Great Italian food with homemade limoncello. 16.07262108.2251717 Memory Lounge, 7 Bach Dang St (On the riverfront, just north of Han River Bridge), ☏ +84 8 511 3575899. 07:00-23:30. Quite possibly the most expensive place to go for coffee in Da Nang. Just north of the Han River Bridge, the high-end Memory Lounge overlooks the river — in fact, it was built directly on top, jutting out onto the river and accessible from the promenade. Built by the wife of a former president of South Vietnam, it's quite a fancy affair — with foreign chefs blending Asian and
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