Activities

An Bang Beach is Hoi An's closest public beach (3 km from Old Town). Features relaxed seaside restaurants and bars with sun loungers. Quieter and less developed than Da Nang's My Khe. Free access. Popular for sunset drinks and swimming.

My Khe (also known as China Beach) is Da Nang's main beach — 20 km of white sand running right alongside the city, so you can be in the water 20 minutes after landing. The Forbes 'most beautiful beaches' nod is actually deserved. Free all along the shoreline; the northern end near the Danang Marriott and Furama is the liveliest, the southern stretches (near Ngu Hanh Son) are quieter. Surfing works October–February when the northeast swell arrives. Lifeguards on duty in summer season. Source: danangfantasticity.com.

Da Nang's Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) breathes fire and water every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night at 9 PM. The fire show lasts ~2 minutes followed by a short water display. Best viewed from the park along the Han River. Free attraction.

Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site preserving a well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th-19th centuries. Features: Japanese Covered Bridge, Assembly Halls, ancient merchant houses, and lantern-lit streets. Entry ticket: 120k VND (valid 5 days, covers 5 attractions).

On the 14th day of every lunar month, Hoi An turns off electric lights and celebrates the Lantern Festival (Full Moon Festival). The Old Town is lit by lanterns only, with traditional music, games, and floating flower lanterns on the river. Free to attend.

My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site of Hindu temple ruins built between the 4th-14th centuries by the Champa civilization, is ~40 km west of Hoi An. Half-day tour: $15-25 including guide and transport. Early morning visits recommended to avoid heat.

The Marble Mountains are a cluster of five marble-and-limestone hills 8 km south of Da Nang city center. Features caves, Buddhist temples, and panoramic viewpoints. Entry: 40k VND. Elevator available (15k VND). Best visited early morning to avoid heat and crowds.

Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain) rises 693 meters, offering panoramic views of Da Nang bay. Features: Linh Ung Pagoda with 67m Guanyin statue, hiking trails, and the rare red-shanked douc langur (Vooc Cha Va Chan Nâu). Accessible by scooter or taxi from city center (20-30 min).

Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Clouds) is a 20-km mountain pass connecting Da Nang to Hue, famous for its sweeping coastline views. Featured on BBC's Top Gear. Rideable by motorbike (1 hour) or car. Best done early morning to avoid fog and afternoon heat.

Ba Na Hills is a hill station and theme park 25 km west of Da Nang, accessible by cable car (world record holder). Features: Golden Bridge (giant stone hands), French village, gardens, and indoor amusement park. Entry: ~750k-1M VND including cable car. Full day recommended.