Things to Do in Danang

About Danang

Mountains meet ocean in Danang, where Cham towers watch over the beaches and the Dragon Bridge shoots fire into the night sky. Fishermen work at dawn. Their nets arc against the early light while the city wakes up around them. The smell is lemongrass and salt air. Marble carvers work near the base of the Marble Mountains—those limestone peaks that jut up from flat ground with no warning. My Khe Beach runs for miles. Motorbikes pack the boulevards, weaving between street vendors and office workers heading home. The Han River cuts through downtown. At sunset the water turns orange and pink, though you'll share the view with a few hundred other people. Vietnamese hosts are generous. They'll wave you into family restaurants and correct your terrible Vietnamese with patience you probably didn't earn. Old Cham sites sit next to new hotels. It works—mostly.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Download Grab app for reliable motorbike taxis (xe om) and cars. Rent a motorbike for $5-8/day but always wear helmets. Danang airport is 20 minutes from city center via taxi ($3-5). Local buses cost $0.30 but routes are limited.

Money: Carry Vietnamese dong in small denominations (10,000-50,000 VND notes). ATMs are widespread but charge $2-3 fees. Many restaurants accept USD but give poor exchange rates. Budget $25-40/day for mid-range travel including meals and activities.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering temples and homes. Dress modestly at religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. Don't point feet toward Buddha statues. Learn basic greetings: 'Xin chao' (hello) and 'Cam on' (thank you). Bow slightly when greeting elders.

Food Safety: Eat at busy local stalls with high turnover—crowds indicate freshness. Drink bottled water or properly filtered water. Must-try: Mi Quang noodles, fresh spring rolls, and Cao Lau. Avoid ice in street drinks but restaurant ice is generally safe.

When to Visit

Danang's tropical climate offers distinct seasons with varying advantages. February to May delivers perfect weather: temperatures of 24-28°C, minimal rainfall (50-100mm monthly), and gentle sea breezes. This peak season sees hotel prices increase 40-60%, but crystal-clear skies and calm seas justify the premium. June to August brings intense heat (30-35°C) and occasional typhoons, though morning beach visits remain delightful. Accommodation costs drop 25-30% during this shoulder season. September to November has a sweet spot: warm temperatures (26-30°C), decreasing rainfall, and 20-35% lower prices than peak season. December and January can be cool and misty (18-24°C) with higher rainfall (100-200mm monthly), but rates plummet 40-50%. Key festivals include Tet (January/February), when the city buzzes with celebrations but many businesses close, and the International Fireworks Festival (April-June), drawing massive crowds. Beach lovers should visit February-May or September-October, while budget travelers benefit from June-August or December-January. Photographers will find the dramatic monsoon skies of September-November particularly captivating, despite occasional showers.