Da Nang, the 3^rd largest Vietnamese city is surprisingly still a hidden gem. It is not the first place that comes to people’s minds when planning a trip to Vietnam. However, the city is unique as it is a stone’s throw away from both the coast and countryside in addition to being a spectacular city in its own right. The riverside walkways, historic museums and cleverly developed skyline will keep visitors coming back for more. Additionally, the wide variety of outdoor activities like surfing, swimming, hiking and cycling also add to the city’s charm. All in all, there are activities on offer to suit every visitor’s interests in Danang.

A visit to the Ba Na Hills is one of the best things to do in Danang owing to it high altitude, stunning views and cool climate. Visitors tend to catch the sunrise or sunset here and on reaching the peak of the hills, the panoramic views are mesmerizing. Alternatively, visitors not looking to trek up can use the cable cars available instead. The area is also home to a theme park which has its very own wax museum full of luminaries. All in all this is a great way to spend the day, especially for young families.

Vietnam is famed for its coffee plantations that serve up some of the most refreshing caffeinated drinks in the world. The Cong Caphe is the star coffee shop of the city, frequented by thousands of tourists throughout the year. Situated by the riverside, it is the perfect place to sit back, enjoy a strong cup of coffee, watch people get on with their daily chores and take in the sights and sounds of Danang.

One of the most scenic beaches in the country, My Khe is stretched out over 20 miles of the Eastern coast of Vietnam. It is a paradise for beach lovers, offering a variety of water sports like jet skiing, swimming, surfing and paddle boarding. Additionally, there are a wide number of beachside restaurants and shacks serving delicious seafood and local delicacies.

The Marble Mountains is the name given to these 5 neighbouring mountains made of limestone that combine with flat marble. The mountains are situated nearly 9 km outside of the main city of Danang, revered for their pagodas and monuments built in devotion to the local deities. The trek up the mountains is challenging but rewarding, with visitors getting some charming views of the surrounding Vietnamese countryside.

The star attraction of Danang is definitely the 666 meter long dragon bridge which holds the honour of being the longest of its kind in the country. The dragon is representative of good luck in Vietnamese culture and draws thousands of local and international tourists looking to grab a glimpse of this architectural marvel. On weekends, a 9:00 PM show is held by the waterfront where the bridge is lit up and the dragon projects fire! This is one of the best things to do in Danang.

A little known fact is that Danang is home to some fascinating museums and historic structures. The Cham Museum holds the distinction of being the only one of its kind in the world, first constructed during the French colonial times. The museum also has the largest collection of Cham sculptures in the world, primarily made up of terracotta and rocks. It is a fascinating place to visit for historians and architecture enthusiasts.

Another natural landmark in Vietnam, located 500 meters above sea-level is the Hai Van Pass. It is the highest of its kind in the country. There is no better place to visit for scenic views and landscape photography. The journey to the park is filled with scattered historical monuments, most notably a fort created during the French colonial era.

One of the most intriguing things to do in Danang is to make a trip to the Son Tra or Monkey Mountain, 700 meters high, which forms a part of a spectacular national park. The park is home to a rare species of red-faced monkeys, which draws curious visitors from across the globe. The surrounding area is known locally as the Son Tra Peninsula, with winding bike paths and hiking trails. This is a great way to spend the day in the lap of Mother Nature.