Uncovering the most popular places in Vietnam travel in 2025
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Da Nang, a shining pearl in central Vietnam, attracts countless tourists with its unique location, rich history and culture, and modern urban features. Whether you are seeking a beach vacation, cultural exploration or a culinary tour, Da Nang has it all. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive travel guide covering city introduction, trip departure preparation, attraction features, travel transportation options, accommodation recommendations, local weather, travel safety, travel tips, local cultural features, and Vietnamese New Year activities to help you plan a smooth trip to Da Nang in 2025.
I. Introduction to the city
1. Location and climate
Located in the center of Vietnam and bordered by the South China Sea to the east, Da Nang is the third largest city in Vietnam. Its excellent geographical location makes Da Nang a transportation hub connecting northern and southern Vietnam.
- Marine Climate: Da Nang has a typical tropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature between 25°C and 30°C, making it suitable for year-round tourism.
- Wet and dry seasons: the dry season lasts from November to April, while the wet rainy season lasts from May to October, tourists should arrange their travel according to the seasons.
- Ample sunshine: Da Nang has plenty of sunshine for beach activities, especially in the dry season when tourists can enjoy the sunshine to the fullest.
2. Tourism development
In recent years, Da Nang's tourism industry has been developing rapidly with improved infrastructure, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.
- Infrastructure: Da Nang International Airport is the third largest airport in Vietnam, offering a number of domestic and international routes with convenient transportation.
- Modern facilities: The city is full of modern hotels, shopping centers and dining venues to meet the needs of all types of tourists.
- Cultural activities: Da Nang regularly organizes various cultural activities and festivals to attract tourists' participation and enhance the tourism experience.
3. Culture and history
Da Nang is not only a modern city but also a meeting point of culture and history.
- Historical sites: The ruins of the ancient city of Hoi An and My Son around Da Nang showcase the rich history and culture of Vietnam.
- Multiculturalism: The city is a blend of Vietnamese, French and Chinese cultural elements, creating a unique cityscape.
- Religious beliefs: Da Nang has many temples and religious sites reflecting local religious beliefs and cultural traditions.
II. Preparation for Travel Departure
1. Visa requirements
- E-visa: Visitors from most countries can apply for an e-visa through the Vietnam government's website, making the whole process easy and convenient.
- Visa validity: e-visa is valid for 30 days, suitable for short-term travel.
- Passport validity: Make sure your passport is still valid for at least six months at the time of entry.
2. Currency and payment
- Vietnamese Dong (VND): the official currency of Vietnam, it is recommended to exchange some cash at the airport or bank in advance.
- Credit card use: Most businesses in Da Nang accept credit card payments, but stalls and markets usually accept cash only.
- ATM withdrawals: There are many ATM machines in the city, which are convenient for tourists to withdraw money at any time.
3. Baggage preparation
- Suitable clothing: Prepare suitable clothing according to the climate, including lightweight summer clothes and swimsuits.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are a must in case of strong sunlight.
- Rain gear preparation: If traveling during the rainy season, it is recommended to prepare rain gear in case of emergency.
4. Cell Phone Communication
- Internet connection: The most neglected aspect of traveling is cell phone communication. It is recommended to use PhoneSIMGo's Vietnam Travel eSIM package, which is specially designed for tourists to provide high-speed internet service. This guarantees you a smooth internet connection while traveling, enjoying high-speed internet and saying goodbye to roaming charges. Whether you need to navigate, swipe videos or make video calls to your family, eSIM can meet your needs.
5. Health and Safety
- Common medicines: Keep some common medicines, such as cold medicine and painkillers, in case you feel unwell.
- Vaccination: Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations before traveling.
- Travel insurance: It is recommended to purchase travel insurance to cover medical and accidental risks while overseas.
III. Characteristics of Attractions
Da Nang has many attractions worth visiting and each place has its own unique charm, the following are some of the attractions not to be missed.
1. My Khe Beach
- Beach Characteristics: My Khe Beach is known as one of the “most beautiful beaches in the world”, with fine sand and clear water, making it an ideal place for swimming and sunbathing.
- Water Activities: The beach offers a wide range of water activities such as surfing, water skiing, and diving for all levels of travelers.
- Nightlife: There are many bars and restaurants near the beach, which come alive at night, making it a great place to enjoy good food and drinks.
- Sunrise Viewing: Take an early morning walk on the beach to enjoy the sunrise view and the tranquil coastline.
- Beach Sports: You can participate in sports such as beach volleyball and beach soccer for added fun.
2. Marble Mountains
- Natural Wonders: The Marble Mountains consists of five peaks, which are mainly made of marble. Visitors can hike up and enjoy the spectacular natural scenery.
- Cultural relics: The mountain has many ancient caves and temples, showcasing Vietnam's deep religious culture.
- Photography Resort: the scenery is highly photogenic, especially at sunrise and sunset.
- Adventure experience: Explore the mysterious caves and natural grottoes in the mountain and feel the charm of nature.
- Local Guides: It is recommended to hire a local guide to learn about the history and cultural background of the Wuxing Mountain.
3. Han River Bridge (Han River Bridge)
- Iconic Building: Han River Bridge is one of the iconic buildings in Da Nang, which is illuminated at night, making it a perfect place to take photos.
- Walking path: The bridge is equipped with a walking path where visitors can take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the river.
- Vibrant Night Market: There is a lively night market near the bridge where visitors can enjoy authentic snacks and handicrafts.
- Neighborhood Activities: There are parks and fitness facilities next to the bridge for morning runs and walks.
- Cultural activities: Performances and events are often held near the bridge during festivals, adding to the lively atmosphere.
4. Hoi An Ancient Town (Hoi An Ancient Town)
- World Heritage Site: Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its ancient architecture and traditional culture.
- Lanterns at Night: Every night, the ancient town is lit up with colorful lanterns, creating a romantic atmosphere.
- Food experience: the ancient town has numerous restaurants serving authentic Vietnamese food such as rice noodles and spring rolls.
- Handicraft Market: Visitors can buy handicrafts as souvenirs at the market in the ancient town.
- Bicycle tour: It is recommended to rent bicycles and ride along the alleys of the ancient town to feel the local life.
5. Dragon Bridge
- Unique design: Famous for its unique dragon design, Dragon Bridge is another major landmark in Da Nang.
- Fire Spraying Show: Every weekend night, the Dragon Bridge puts on a fire-spraying show which attracts a large number of tourists.
- Surrounding Excursions: There are many parks and recreational facilities around the bridge, suitable for families.
- Photography Opportunities: The bridge's shapes and lights are especially mesmerizing at night, making it a great spot for photos.
- Cultural events: Celebrations are often held near the bridge, allowing visitors to experience a strong local cultural atmosphere.
IV. Traveling and Transportation Methods
In Da Nang, transportation is very convenient and visitors can choose from a variety of travel options.
1. Motorcycle rental
- Rental Options: Motorcycles are the best way to explore Da Nang, with rental prices usually ranging from 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND.
- Rental conditions: When renting, a valid international driver's license is required and the condition of the vehicle should be carefully checked.
- Freedom to drive: Motorcycles allow travelers the freedom to explore the city and surrounding attractions and enjoy the ride to the fullest.
- Driving skills: Before renting a motorcycle, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and driving habits.
- Safe Driving: Wear a safety helmet to ensure safe driving.
2. Taxis
- Quality of service: If you are not used to riding a motorcycle, you can choose a local cab with high quality of service.
- Reliable Companies: Recommend using reputable cab companies such as Mai Linh and Vinasun to ensure safety.
- Metered billing: Ensure that cabs are metered to avoid unnecessary disputes.
- Book in advance: During peak hours, it is recommended to book a cab in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
- Shared trips: Using shared trip apps (e.g. Grab) is also very convenient with transparent prices.
3. Local buses
- Economic: Da Nang has a good public transportation system and low bus fares, making it a good choice for economical travel.
- Various routes: buses cover major attractions and downtown areas, making it convenient for tourists to travel.
- Timetable inquiry: Bus timetables can be inquired through mobile apps for easy scheduling.
- Ticket Purchase: Purchasing tickets at the station or on the bus is simple and straightforward.
- Pay attention to order: When traveling on the bus, pay attention to keep quiet and respect other passengers.
4. Traveling by car
- Freedom to Explore: If you want to explore Da Nang more freely, you can consider self-driving, the cost of renting a car varies depending on the model.
- Navigation apps: Use your cell phone for navigation to make sure you don't get lost, especially when renting a motorcycle.
- Parking facilities: There are many parking lots in the city to ensure safe parking.
- Driver's License Requirements: Make sure you carry a valid international driver's license to avoid legal issues.
- Safe Driving: Follow local traffic rules to ensure safe driving.
5. Shared mobility
- Convenient choice: In Da Nang, it is very convenient to use shared mobility apps (e.g. Grab) with transparent pricing and ease of use.
- Flexible choice: The app allows you to hail a car as well as choose a motorcycle, suitable for tourists with different needs.
- User rating: Check the driver's rating and choose a reputable driver.
- Real-time positioning: The real-time positioning function allows you to know exactly where the vehicle is located, making it easy to schedule your trip.
- Multiple Payment Methods: Support multiple payment methods, convenient for tourists.
V. Recommended Accommodation
Da Nang offers diverse accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget hotels, to meet the needs of different tourists.
1. Luxury resorts
- InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort: This is a globally renowned luxury resort offering high-end facilities and private beaches for tourists looking for a luxurious experience.
- The Nam Hai: Located right by the beach, this resort combines modern design with traditional Vietnamese style for a tranquil vacation experience.
- Shangri-La's Danang Resort: offers top-notch services and facilities for family and couple vacations.
- Fusion Maia Da Nang: specializes in all-inclusive services and offers spa and yoga classes, ideal for relaxation.
- Amanoi Resort: Picturesque, offering private villas and professional leisure facilities for a luxury vacation.
2. Mid-range hotels
- Vinpearl Da Nang: Offers comfortable accommodation and abundant leisure facilities with good value for money, suitable for family travel.
- Golden Sea Hotel: close to Maixi Beach, offering modern rooms and convenient services.
- Belle Maison Parosand Da Nang: offers elegant accommodations close to major attractions for travelers.
- Haka Boutique Hotel: unique design style, offering friendly service and comfortable environment.
- Furama Resort Danang: combining modernity and tradition, it is well-equipped for all types of travelers.
3. Budget hotels
- Little Flower Homestay: good value for money, offers basic facilities and friendly service, suitable for travelers with limited budget.
- Danang Backpackers Hostel: suitable for backpackers with affordable price and friendly atmosphere.
- Sunflower Hotel: offers basic accommodation facilities, close to the city center and easy to travel.
- Hanh Cafe Hostel: Suitable for travelers with limited budget, offering clean and comfortable environment.
- Green House Homestay: a family-run B&B offering a cozy living experience.
4. B&Bs and Homestays
- Local family-run B&B: provides a more intimate living experience where visitors can gain insight into the local culture.
- Booking through Airbnb is recommended for many unique accommodation options.
- Specialty accommodations: choose a B&B with local characteristics to experience authentic Vietnamese life.
- Interaction with hosts: interact with local residents and learn about their lifestyle to enhance your travel experience.
- Packed meal service: some B&Bs offer family-style breakfast, allowing visitors to taste authentic Vietnamese food.
5. Camping experience
- Beach camping: For adventurous travelers, Da Nang's beach areas sometimes offer the opportunity to camp and enjoy the tranquility under the starry sky.
- Equipment rental: Camping equipment can be rented locally to facilitate camping activities for tourists.
- Safe Area: Choose a safe camping area to ensure a safe trip.
- Nature Experience: Enjoy tranquility in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Group Activities: Camping with friends or family to enhance each other's relationship.
VI. Local Weather
Da Nang's climate is ideal for traveling, especially during the dry season (November to April), with moderate daytime temperatures and low humidity.
1. Daytime temperature
- Suitable for beach activities: Daytime temperatures usually range from 25°C to 30°C, making it suitable for water activities such as swimming and surfing.
- Warm and cozy: Even in winter, the temperature is not too low for outdoor activities.
- Great for traveling: Dry weather allows visitors to enjoy all kinds of activities.
2. Evening temperatures
- Cool and comfortable: Temperatures are cooler at night, usually between 20°C and 25°C, making it suitable for outdoor walks.
- Suitable for nighttime excursions: Ideal for exploring the city and beaches at night and enjoying a peaceful evening.
3. Rainfall
- Low rainfall: Almost no rainfall in the dry season, suitable for outdoor fun.
- Note on rainy season: If traveling during the rainy season, be aware of possible rainstorms and prepare rain gear.
4. UV intensity
- Attention to sun protection: UV intensity is strong during the daytime, so sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
- Sun protection: Try to avoid going out during the strongest sunlight hours to protect your skin.
5. Suitable Activities
- Multiple outdoor activities: This time of year is suitable for a variety of outdoor activities such as kitesurfing, sandboarding and cycling.
- Festivals: Festivals are often held during the dry season and visitors can participate in them to experience the local culture.
VII. Travel safety
Although Da Nang is a relatively safe destination, travelers still need to remain vigilant to ensure their safety.
1. Keeping personal belongings
- Store valuables: Try to store your passport, cash and valuables in the hotel safe and carry only necessary items when you go out.
- Use anti-theft bags: Choose a backpack or crossbody bag with anti-theft features to reduce the risk of theft.
- Stay alert: Always be aware of your surroundings in crowded places, especially markets and public transportation.
2. Follow traffic rules
- Ride Safely: If you choose to ride a motorcycle, make sure to wear a safety helmet and stay alert by following local traffic rules.
- Watch out for pedestrians and vehicles: When traveling on busy streets, be especially careful of pedestrians and other vehicles to ensure safety.
- Choose safe routes: Try to choose routes with fewer passers-by and avoid driving in isolated areas at night.
3. Choose reputable merchants
- Avoid being ripped off: When choosing restaurants and stores, try to choose those with good reputation and reviews to avoid being ripped off.
- Check reviews: Use travel apps to check reviews of restaurants and businesses and choose reputable places.
- Ask locals: Ask local residents for recommended restaurants and stores to get honest feedback.
4. Be alert to scams
- Stay alert: Be cautious of people who offer their services claiming to be tour guides or cab drivers, and make sure the prices are transparent.
- Be aware of common scams: Learn about common travel scams, such as fake tour guides and fake tickets, to avoid being duped.
- Don't trust strangers: Stay alert when being accosted on the street and avoid giving out personal information.
5. Travel Insurance
- Purchase insurance: It is recommended to purchase suitable travel insurance before traveling to protect against medical and accidental risks while overseas.
- Understand the policy: Before traveling, understand the terms and conditions of the insurance policy in detail so that you can get help quickly when needed.
VIII. Travel Tips
When traveling in Da Nang, the following tips can help you enjoy your trip better.
1. Learn basic Vietnamese
- Simple greetings: Learning some basic Vietnamese greetings will help you communicate better with locals.
- Common phrases: Simple phrases such as “Thank you” (Cảm ơn) and “Hello” (Xin chào) will make the locals feel friendly.
2. Adapt to local food
- Try local food: Don't be afraid to try local street food, like rice noodles, spring rolls, and seafood are not to be missed.
- Choose clean stalls: Try to choose stalls that look clean and hygienic to ensure safe eating.
3. Take care of your personal health
- Stay hydrated: In hot weather, make sure you drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid raw water: Avoid drinking raw water as much as possible and choose bottled water to ensure safety.
4. Dress appropriately
- Comfortable Clothing: Choose lightweight and comfortable clothing for hot climates and outdoor activities.
- Respect the culture: When visiting religious sites, take care to dress appropriately and avoid overly revealing clothing.
5. Stay flexible
- Itinerary: While it's good to plan ahead, stay flexible and allow yourself to improvise and explore the unexpected.
- Accept changes: Unexpected situations are inevitable when traveling, so keep a positive mindset and enjoy every moment.
IX. Local Cultural Characteristics
Da Nang not only has beautiful natural scenery, but also colorful cultural features.
1. Food culture
- Vietnamese Rice Noodles (Pho): This is the most representative cuisine of Vietnam, and Danang's rice noodles are famous for their delicious soup base and rich ingredients.
- Spring Rolls (Gio Lua): Fresh raw spring rolls are a popular local snack and can be easily found at street stalls.
- Seafood Culture: Da Nang's proximity to the ocean makes seafood fresh and visitors can enjoy the delicacies at restaurants near the beach.
- Coffee culture: Vietnamese coffee is famous for its unique way of preparation and visitors can try the local drip coffee (Cà phê sữa đá).
2. Festivals
- Traditional Festivals: Da Nang is rich in festivals, especially the Lunar New Year (Tết) and Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu).
- Festivals with local specialties: Various cultural festivals and concerts are often held in the city to showcase local arts and traditions.
3. Handicrafts
- Traditional crafts: Da Nang and its surrounding areas are famous for traditional handicrafts such as silk, ceramics and wood carvings, which tourists can buy at the market.
- Handicrafts experience: Many workshops offer handicrafts making experience for tourists to participate personally.
4. Religious Culture
- Buddhist influence: Da Nang has many temples and cultural sites where Buddhism plays an important role in the local culture.
- Religious festivals: Religious festivals such as the Bon Festival attract a large number of believers and showcase the rich religious culture.
5. Traditional Music and Dance
- Traditional performances: There are many local traditional music and dance performances that visitors can enjoy at cultural centers or festivals.
- Folk art: such as water puppetry (Múa rối nước) are unique forms of Vietnamese folk art that are worth seeing.
10. Local Vietnamese New Year Events
Tết Nguyên Đán (New Year) is one of the most important festivals in Vietnam and is celebrated in Da Nang with a variety of activities.
1. Pre-holiday preparations
- Family Reunion: During the New Year, family members will reunite and prepare a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner together, reflecting family cohesion.
- Cleaning the house: Before the arrival of the New Year, Vietnamese people clean their homes thoroughly to welcome the New Year and dispel the misfortune of the old year.
2. New Year's Eve dinner
- Traditional dishes: Lunar New Year's Eve dinner usually includes pork, pickles and sticky rice, symbolizing reunion and abundance.
- Special desserts: such as “Bánh Chương” (square rice dumplings) and “Bánh Tét” (round rice dumplings) are essential for the festival.
3. New Year's celebrations
- New Year Parade: During the New Year, a grand parade is held in Da Nang, showcasing traditional culture and folk art.
- Fireworks display: Fireworks displays are held in many places to welcome the New Year and add to the festive atmosphere.
4. Ancestral Ceremonies
- Ancestral rituals: Vietnamese people will make ancestor offerings during the New Year to express their respect for their ancestors and hope to be blessed in the new year.
- Food Offering: During the ritual, families will prepare sumptuous food offerings to their ancestors to pray for peace and prosperity.
5. Post-holiday activities
- Visiting friends and relatives: After the New Year, friends and relatives will visit each other to send their blessings and enhance their relationship.
- Traditional games and activities: During the New Year, many places will organize traditional games and activities such as kite flying and playing gyros to add fun to the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling in Da Nang
1. What is the best time to visit Da Nang?
The best time to visit Da Nang is from November to April each year, when the climate is dry and comfortable, perfect for beach activities and city exploration.
2. How do I get to the city center from Da Nang International Airport?
To get to the city center from Da Nang International Airport, you can choose cabs, motorcycle rentals or use shared mobility apps (such as Grab), and the ride takes about 20 minutes.
3. What is the most convenient cell phone network to use in Da Nang?
It is recommended to use the Vietnam eSIM service provided by PhoneSIMGo, which tourists can purchase online before arriving and enjoy fast and stable internet connection without having to change SIM cards.
4. What is eSIM? What are the advantages?
eSIM is an embedded SIM card that allows users to download multiple cellular networks into their devices without the need for a physical SIM card. Its advantages include easy activation, no need to replace the card, and suitability for short-term travelers.
5. What are the must-see attractions in Da Nang?
Must-see attractions in Da Nang include My Khe Beach, Ngoc Hoang Mountain, Long Bridge and Hoi An Ancient Town, which showcase Da Nang's natural beauty and rich culture.
6. How to exchange money in Da Nang?
Visitors can exchange money at banks, airports or currency exchange offices in Da Nang. It is recommended to do it at regular exchange points to get a better exchange rate.
7. What is the recommended food in Da Nang?
Da Nang is famous for fresh seafood, rice noodles (Pho), spring rolls and local specialties. It is recommended to try the food from street stalls for an authentic Vietnamese experience.
8. What are the transportation options in Da Nang?
Transportation options in Da Nang include motorcycle rentals, cabs, public buses and shared mobility services. Visitors can choose the appropriate transportation according to their needs.
9. How safe is Da Nang?
Overall, Da Nang is a safe city for tourists. However, tourists still need to be vigilant, take care of their personal belongings and follow traffic rules to ensure safety.
10. How can I keep in touch with my family and friends in Da Nang?
Using the eSIM service of PhoneSIMGo ensures that your internet connection is smooth during your stay in Da Nang, allowing you to keep in touch with your family and friends at all times to share the exciting moments of your trip.