Attractions Nearby Da Nang, Day Trips and Excursions

(Da Nang, Vietnam)

One of the main reasons why so many visitors come to Da Nang is its central location, which means that it is easy to enjoy day trips to some of the great Vietnamese historic and heritage towns and attractions.

From a cool and comfortable hill station beloved by French colonials (the Ba Na Hill Station) to an ancient city equally beloved by a great royal dynasty (My Son), the rich cultural history of Vietnam is spread out for all to see. Further attractions close to De Nang include the Old Quarter of Hoi An, the appealing town of Hue, the Nui Son Tra (Monkey Mountain) and the Bach Ma National Park. Most major destinations throughout Vietnam are connected by public transport from the intercity bus station.

Ba Na Hill Station

Address: Ba Na, Da Nang, Vietnam, VN
Around 40 km / 25 miles from Da Nang is Ba Na, set in the Truong Son mountains (Annamite range) at 1,487 metres / 4,879 feet above sea level. Its cool climate was a refreshing change for French colonialists during the hot, humid lowland summers. Now a much smaller town, Ba Na has unrivalled views over the sea and Laos, and makes for a great place for a getaway from the city.

Cham Island

Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham), some 23 km / 15 miles to the south, has everything for a watery day trip, including swimming, snorkelling and nosing around its beautiful coastline in a wooden boat. There are also countless opportunities to lunch on fresh seafood at an island eatery. Cham Island remains very undeveloped, which is a huge part of its appeal, and belongs to the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park. Tours are easily arranged from Da Nang port, arriving at the village of Bay Lang.

My Son

Address: Da Nang, Vietnam, VN
The ancient Hindu temples at My Son, remnants of the Champa civilisation, are one of the foremost historic attractions in Vietnam. Located 70 km / 43 miles from Da Nang, this complex was a religious site for the royal Cham dynasty, as well as their burial ground, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ancient Hindu ruins are to be found within a verdant jungle valley and once numbered approximately 70 in total, although only around 20 temples still remain today, the oldest of which have their feet firmly in the 4th century. Archaeologists have organised these temples into ten separate groups.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Hai Van Pass

Address: Da Nang, Vietnam, VN
Looming over the Son Tra Peninsula is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, the Hia Van Pass, or Pass of the Ocean Cloud as it is also known. Set 1,500 metres / 4,921 feet above the coast, the views across to Da Nang and beyond are breathtaking, but a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to navigate this road.
Open hours: daily - 06:30 to 16:00
Admission: free

Hoi An

To the south of Da Nang is the picturesque town of Hoi An, which is just 28 km / 18 miles away and comes with a charming Old Quarter and more than 800 well-preserved historical buildings. Here you will find a host of museums, narrow streets, impressive structures and ancient bridges, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, which has origins in the late 16th century. The Hoi An Museum of History and Culture is a good place to begin any visit, while other attractions include the various Chinese Assembly Halls (Cantonese, Chaozhou, Fujian and Hainan), the numerous old houses (Diep Dong Nguyen, Phung Hung, Quan Thang, Tan Ky, Tran Duong and Tran Family) and the characterful temples and pagodas (Cam Pho, Chuc Thanh, Phac Hat, Phuoc Lam and Quan Cong).

Hue

Another fascinating town not far from Da Nang is Hue, which until 1945 was actually the Nguyen Dynasty's capital city. Hue lies some 98 km / 61 miles to the north and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, being most famous for its old architecture and many monuments, and is somewhat surprisingly home to more monasteries than any other Vietnamese town. The forbidden citadel (Kinh Thanh) - the home of the emperors, dates back to 1804 and holds many magnificent sights, including the Ngo Mon Gate, the Imperial Enclosure, the Thai Hoa Palace and the Halls of the Mandarins.

Nui Son Tra (Monkey Mountain)

Standing around 850 metres / 2,790 feet high and located next to the sea, the Nui Son Tra mountain crowns the Son Tra peninsula, gaining its 'Monkey Mountain' nickname as when viewed from above, its structure appears rather like the iconic ears of Mickey Mouse. The main reason to visit this mountain is to check out its summit, when on a fine day you can be assured to be greeted with some wonderful views. Close by is the secluded beach of Tien Sa and its increasing number of beachfront resorts.

Bach Ma National Park

Address: Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam, VN
The Bach Ma National Park is especially close to Da Nang, being a mere 25 km / 15 miles to the north-west and on the route to Hue. This important protected area covers roughly 220 square kilometres / 85 square miles and is divided into three main zones. Set within the granite Annamite mountain range, the Bach Ma National Park is a particularly damp part of Vietnam and is rich in indigenous Vietnamese wildlife. A huge quantity of bird species reside here (over 300), along with some 40+ different mammal species, including the extremely rare Saola antelope.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge