Dragon Bridge, Việt Nam - Things to Do in Dragon Bridge

Things to Do in Dragon Bridge

Dragon Bridge, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) is one of Da Nang's most iconic landmarks, spanning the Han River in this vibrant coastal city in central Vietnam. This architectural marvel, completed in 2013, stretches 666 meters and features a stunning dragon-shaped design that breathes fire and water every weekend evening, creating a spectacular show that draws thousands of visitors. The bridge connects the city center with the beach areas and has become a symbol of Da Nang's rapid modernization and growth as a major tourist destination. Da Nang itself serves as the perfect base for exploring central Vietnam's highlights, including the ancient town of Hoi An, the imperial city of Hue, and the mystical Ba Na Hills. The city combines modern urban amenities with rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and proximity to UNESCO World Heritage sites. With its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, and growing reputation as a culinary hotspot, Da Nang offers visitors an authentic Vietnamese experience while maintaining the comfort and convenience that international travelers appreciate.

Top Things to Do in Dragon Bridge

Watch Dragon Bridge Fire Show

Experience the mesmerizing spectacle of Dragon Bridge breathing fire and water every Saturday and Sunday evening at 9 PM. The 15-minute show features colorful LED lighting, dramatic flames shooting from the dragon's mouth, and a water display that creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Arrive early to secure the best viewing spots along the riverbank or nearby cafes.

Booking Tip: The show is completely free to watch. Best viewing spots are along Bach Dang Street or from riverside restaurants. Arrive 30-45 minutes early on weekends as crowds gather quickly. Some rooftop bars charge 50,000-100,000 VND for premium viewing with drinks.

Explore Ba Na Hills

Take a cable car journey to the famous Ba Na Hills theme park, home to the viral Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands. This French colonial-era resort turned theme park sits 1,400 meters above sea level and offers stunning mountain views, gardens, and attractions. The complex includes medieval-style architecture, amusement rides, and the impressive Golden Bridge that has become an Instagram sensation worldwide.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost around 750,000 VND for adults. Book online in advance during peak season (June-August, December-January). Avoid weekends if possible due to crowds. Full-day tours including transport from Da Nang cost 800,000-1,200,000 VND per person.

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore these five limestone hills named after the five elements, featuring ancient Buddhist temples, caves, and panoramic views of Da Nang. Each mountain contains natural caves that have been converted into shrines and temples, with the most famous being Huyen Khong Cave with its natural skylight. The site offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and historical importance dating back centuries.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is 40,000 VND plus 15,000 VND for elevator access to the top. Visit early morning (7-8 AM) to avoid crowds and heat. Guided tours cost 200,000-400,000 VND and provide valuable historical context. Wear comfortable shoes for climbing stairs and exploring caves.

Discover Local Food Scene

Embark on a culinary adventure through Da Nang's famous street food scene, trying specialties like Mi Quang (turmeric noodle soup), Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes), and fresh seafood. The city is renowned for having some of Vietnam's best regional cuisine, with unique dishes that differ significantly from northern and southern Vietnamese food. Local food tours take you to hidden gems and family-run establishments that tourists rarely find on their own.

Booking Tip: Street food tours cost 600,000-900,000 VND per person for 3-4 hours including multiple stops. Evening tours are most popular starting around 6 PM. Look for small group tours (6-8 people maximum) for better interaction with vendors and more personalized experience.

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend time at one of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches, stretching for miles along Da Nang's coastline with soft white sand and clear blue waters. My Khe Beach offers excellent swimming conditions, water sports activities, and beachfront dining options. The beach is well-maintained with public facilities, beach chair rentals, and is easily accessible from the city center, making it perfect for both relaxation and active beach pursuits.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free. Beach chair and umbrella rental costs 50,000-100,000 VND per day. Water sports like jet skiing cost 400,000-600,000 VND per 15 minutes. Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun hours between 11 AM-3 PM.

Getting There

Da Nang International Airport is the main gateway, with direct flights from major Asian cities and domestic connections from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The airport is just 3km from the city center, with taxi rides costing 80,000-120,000 VND or Grab rides slightly cheaper. For overland travel, the Reunification Express train connects Da Nang to Hanoi (14 hours) and Ho Chi Minh City (17 hours) with comfortable sleeper options. Buses from Hoi An take 45 minutes and cost around 25,000 VND, while buses from Hue take 2.5 hours. Many visitors also arrive via organized tours from other Vietnamese cities.

Getting Around

Da Nang is easily navigable with various transportation options suited for different budgets and preferences. Grab (ride-hailing app) is widely available and reliable for short distances within the city, typically costing 30,000-80,000 VND for most trips. Motorbike taxis (xe om) are cheaper but require negotiation skills. For independence, rent a motorbike (150,000-250,000 VND per day) or bicycle (80,000-150,000 VND per day) from numerous rental shops. Public buses connect major attractions and cost just 7,000-15,000 VND per ride. Taxis are metered and honest, though slightly more expensive than Grab. Walking is pleasant in the city center and along the beach areas.

Where to Stay

Han Market Area
My Khe Beach
Dragon Bridge District
Con Market Area
An Thuong Beach
Hai Chau District

Food & Dining

Da Nang's food scene is exceptional, offering everything from street food stalls to upscale restaurants specializing in Central Vietnamese cuisine. The Han Market area buzzes with local food vendors serving Mi Quang, Cao Lau, and Banh Mi at incredibly affordable prices (20,000-50,000 VND per dish). For seafood, head to the beachfront restaurants along My Khe Beach where you can enjoy fresh catches while watching the sunset. Con Market and the surrounding streets offer authentic local dining experiences, while An Thuong Beach area has trendy cafes and international restaurants. Don't miss trying local specialties like Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes), Nem Lui (grilled pork skewers), and the famous Da Nang-style spring rolls. Night markets and street food tours provide the most authentic and affordable dining experiences.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Danang

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Bếp Cuốn Đà Nẵng

4.9 /5
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Nhà Bếp Xưa Restaurant

4.8 /5
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Cô Ba Phở bò

4.8 /5
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Thìa Gỗ Restaurant Da Nang

4.7 /5
(6846 reviews) 1

Nhà hàng NHÀ BẾP CHỢ HÀN

4.8 /5
(5386 reviews) 2

Ăn Thôi Restaurant

4.7 /5
(4341 reviews) 2
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When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Da Nang is from February to May when temperatures are comfortable (20-28°C), rainfall is minimal, and humidity levels are manageable. This period offers perfect beach weather and clear skies for sightseeing and photography. June to August is hot and humid but still popular with domestic tourists, while September to January brings cooler temperatures but also the rainy season with potential typhoons. The Dragon Bridge fire show runs year-round regardless of weather, though clear evenings provide the best viewing experience. Avoid October and November if possible due to heavy rainfall and potential flooding, though this period offers the lowest accommodation prices and fewer crowds.

Insider Tips

Visit Dragon Bridge on weekday evenings for better photos without weekend crowds, and explore the nearby night market afterward
Combine your Da Nang visit with day trips to Hoi An (30 minutes) and Hue (2.5 hours) for a complete Central Vietnam experience
Download the Grab app before arriving for reliable transportation, and always carry cash as many local vendors don't accept cards

Explore Activities in Dragon Bridge