My Vietnam sightseeing top 10 from Da Nang region. Vietnam is one of the destinations that more and more people want to experience and discover. Besides many sightseeing, fantastic beaches and above all very friendly and helpful people, Vietnam offers a dreamlike nature. With easy flight connections to Vietnam, e.g. via Doha with Qatar Airways, you can reach Vietnam in a few hours. For German citizens, a visa is no longer required in advance for entry into Vietnam, you will receive a visa valid for 15 days for single entry (without guarantee).
Experience Vietnam and Da Nang – Information
My first visit to Vietnam was to the region of Da Nang, which recently also has direct flights from Qatar Airways several times a week, making it a very good starting point for trips to the Ba Na Hills. Often I was already asked before my trip to Vietnam, what should I see in Vietnam, which Vietnam sightseeing must have visited in Da Nang and can you also move alone through Vietnam and the Da Nang region?
The travel times for Vietnam sightseeing are, as for many Asian countries, ideal in the European winter months from October to March, where the climate is very pleasant in the Da Nang region with temperatures between 20° and 25° Celsius. In contrast, in the region further south around Ho Chi Minh City, it is very warm or even very humid throughout the year.
The north of the country has the heaviest rainfall in the summer months and also the highest temperature differences between summer months and winter months. Throughout Vietnam, due to the particular geographical location, there is a high humidity, but in the winter months in the region of Da Nang was very pleasant and low.
As a tourist who, for example, has spent a few days in Doha, Qatar in advance like I did, you only need a light jacket or sweater for the evening hours and can otherwise enjoy the warm temperatures all year round.
Excursions in the Da Nang region – Vietnam sightseeing
As a starting point for my 5-day stay in Vietnam between flights with Qatar Airways to Doha served the Four Seasons Hotel “The Nam Hai”, which I will introduce separately in the blog post. The big advantage of staying at a hotel in the area is that it is a good distance to all the attractions of no more than 45 minutes by car/shuttle.
Below are my best Vietnam sightseeing and places-to-visit in Da Nang with my impressions for you.
The Marble Mountains – Non Nuoc
The Marble Mountains or “Non Nuoc” are one of the most famous attractions in all of Vietnam and are regularly viewed per year by many locals, as well as many tourists.
In total, the Marble Mountains include five mountains named after the elements “fire, water, wood, earth and metal”, which the locals believe have spiritual meanings.
Of all the mountains that appear like small bonsais in the landscape, the Mountain of Water is considered the most beautiful mountain of the Marble Mountains and a must-see of Vietnam sightseeing.
In addition, in the surroundings of the Marble Mountains there are many historical caves and special temples that want to be discovered – just like the white sandy beaches in the immediate vicinity. Therefore, the Marble Mountains are one of the top sightseeing spots in Vietnam and the Da Nang region.
Ba Na Hills – Vietnam sightseeing
The Ba Nang Hills allow a unique view of the whole Da Nang region, the beaches on the horizon and the countless rice fields and have a perfect climate.
At the top of the Ba Na Hills is a relaxation and entertainment area, which is especially popular with many visitors from Japan and Korea and is chosen as a photo backdrop.
Within the resort there is a large amusement park called Fantasy Park and attached to the resort is a beautiful fairy garden.
When you arrive at the top of the mountain on the longest and highest cable car in the world, as a European you feel like you are transported to a completely different world. The town looks like a historic town in France with corresponding houses and dates back to the French colonial period until 1919.
The Golden Bridge – Bridge on hands
Many travel magazines around the world have already reported about the “Golden Bridge” and when you first stand on the edge of “The Golden Bridge” in the Ba Na Hills, it seems unreal at first, but beautiful.
Two hands carved out of the rocks seemingly playfully hold the golden bridge. From the design, the bridge looks as if it has been on the mountain for many hundreds of years overlooking the region.
The “Golden Bridge” in Da Nang is located at an altitude of exactly 1,000 meters above sea level and has a length of about 150 meters.
Often referred to as the “Hands of God”, the bridge is not only considered a tourist magnet in Vietnam, but also a backdrop for many wedding photos. The bridge was designed by “TA Landscape Architecture”, a Ho Chi Minh-based company that wanted to design a distinctive bridge. For me personally, an absolute highlight in Vietnam sightseeing.
The bridges of Da Nang – Dragon Bridge
Da Nang is considered by many people in Asia as the city of special bridges and each bridge looks like a small architectural masterpiece.
The most famous bridge in Da Nang among tourists is usually the “Dragon Bridge”, which crosses the Han River.
The bridge looks like an Asian dragon snaking through it and spraying fire accordingly. One can recognize this bridge from a distance and is always impressed. The bridge is considered a connection between Da Nang Airport, where I also landed with Qatar Airways and the Marble Mountains in the hinterland.
Just as much attraction has with many visitors the “Han River Bridge”, which turns daily at 00.30 o’clock by 90° and thus gives ships the possibility to enter or leave Da Nang. The entire bridge then moves and is beautifully designed with the elongated cables even in daylight.
The “Thuan Phuoc Bridge” reminds from a distance a little of the world famous “Golden Gate Bridge” and is considered the most beautiful bridge in Vietnam sightseeing. Especially in the evening hours, when the bridge is illuminated, it is once again a special eye-catcher.
The “Tran Thi Ly Bridge” is with the thousands of lamps especially with couples a romantic meeting place and reminds of a large sail, which wants to reach the ocean.
Over whichever bridge you cross the “Han River” every day during your visits to Da Nang and Vietnam, every single bridge is a special work of art, just like the Japanese bridge in the downtown area. For architecture lovers, Da Nang and the region in Vietnam is an absolute must visit and therefore also a clear top recommendation of Vietnam sightseeing.
Lady Buddha Statue – Vietnam Sightseeing
Even though the statue of “Lady Buddha” already looks as if it has been standing in the mountains of Da Nang for many hundreds of years and radiates a calmness to many people, this particular sightseeing in Vietnam was created only twenty years ago.
Already from the distance of 30 kilometers the 67 meters high statue can be seen. The statue is the largest statue in all of Vietnam and is located in Linh Ung Pagoda. From downtown Da Nang to the statue is about 9 kilometers.
The platform of the statue has a diameter of 35 meters and it looks like the statue is leaning against the mountains and looking out to the sea. Maybe she is looking for the other Vietnam sightseeing.
Inside the statue is a 17-story climb that includes a small altar on each floor with 21 other Buddha statues that have different dimensions, expressions and gestures.
As a reward for the climb, you get a gorgeous view of the region and the white sandy beaches on the horizon. Those who visit the statue after sunset will find the lights of the city on the horizon in a very special mood.
The Pagoda of Lady Buddha combines the modernity and history of Vietnam in one special structure, combining the different influences of many Vietnam sightseeing.
The beaches of Da Nang in Vietnam
Upon my arrival in Da Nang and Hoi An, you could already see the beautiful white beaches and crystal clear water. After my arrival at the Four Seasons Resort “The Nam Hai” I was thrilled by the wide and the wonderful sandy beaches. The sand seems quite fine and was just a taste of the beaches you should have seen in Vietnam. Here you can have a wonderful rest from the trips to the Vietnam sightseeing.
The most beautiful beaches in the Da Nang region include:
- My Khe Beach – according to Forbes the most beautiful beach on the planet and ideal for couples.
- Non Nuoc Beach – a light pink sandy beach that is very popular with young couples and very popular for taking pictures.
- Bac My An Beach – the paradise beach with a length of over four kilometers, blue sea and luxury hotels.
- Pham Van Dong Beach – the most popular beach among locals and tourists who like to go snorkeling and swimming or have a picnic on the beach
Da Nang Museum of Charm Sculpture
The Museum of Charm Sculpture is the largest museum in Vietnam sightseeing with a total size of over 6500 square meters (including 2000 square meters of exhibition space) and was already built by the French. It contains over 500 specimens and sculptures of the former Cham Kingdom in Vietnam.
In the exhibitions, one can see various statues, shrines and large plaques and shields created and made of sandstone and terracotta. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to see the statues of the gods “Ganesa and Apsara”.
Da Nang Cathedral – the pink church
After visiting various temples, pagodas and Lady Buddha, one will be completely surprised by the “Da Nang Cathedral”. Colloquially, the church is often called “Chicken Church” and is one of the most famous churches in the region and in Vietnam sightseeing. As soon as you enter the place, you feel like you are back in the French colonial era and you can compare the church with many buildings in Europe.
The church has a height of 70 meters and is already recognizable from afar even by its pink color. The church has a Gothic architecture with a single large church spire.
Inside the church there are various paintings and illustrations that well represent the connection with Europe at that time. However, during my visit, the church was closed as preparations for Christmas were taking place there. For me a reason to return once again to Da Nang with Qatar Airways and then also look at the opened church.
Han Market & Con Market – the markets in Vietnam
In the center of Da Nang are many famous markets, such as the Han Market or Con Market, which attract thousands of tourists (but also locals) as one of the Vietnam sightseeing. In addition to many souvenirs, there is also the opportunity to visit the good tailors and shoemakers who offer tailored suits or shoes at very reasonable prices within a few days.
In addition, the market is also considered a market for middlemen and is much cheaper than many other markets in the region.
In addition, according to many locals and also tourists, Con Market offers one of the best food areas where you can try various local specialties. If you ever had a craving for Quang Noodles, Beef Noodles or even Vietnamese Pancakes, you should visit the markets and especially Han Market or Con Market once.
Conclusion – Vietnam sightseeing Top 10 – Da Nang region
I arrived after my flight with Qatar Airways and stopover for a few days in Doha very relaxed already in Da Nang and have been able to get to know in a short time a region that welcomes guests with incredibly friendly, helpful and open people and tries to read every wish from the lips directly. The many different Vietnam sightseeing fascinated me for a long time.
One felt perfectly taken care of already during the flight on board with Qatar Airways again and this impression has continued directly in Da Nang and Vietnam. The region is fantastically beautiful and regardless of whether you just want to relax on the white sandy beaches and crystal clear water and a great hotel (such as Four Seasons “The Nam Hai”) or discover the region – Da Nang and Vietnam sightseeing is a small paradise on earth.
Often I was asked how many days to spend in Da Nang and for starters five days is enough. For example, you can fly on Tuesdays with QR996 from Qatar Airways via Doha to Da Nang and choose the return flight on Sunday with QR995. So you can still plan a stopover in Doha and relax there on the beautiful beaches as well.
The big advantage of this combination is that Doha airport is very well connected to the city and you are already in 15 minutes in the hotel. The entry at the Hamad-International Airport works especially for flights with Qatar Airways particularly smooth and fast. If you, like me, have chosen a flight in business class, the entry and the luggage for arriving guests is handled directly in the lounge. Therefore, a tip from me – combine a stay in Da Nang, Vietnam directly with a stopover in Doha and experience two great cities and regions with a relaxed flight.