To many travelers, Da Nang is known mainly as a beachside destination to visit only if you have an extra day to burn and want to enjoy it while lying on a white-sand beach. And while Da Nang is great for this, there is so much more to see and do in the city but also in the surrounding area. From visiting the famed Marble Mountains or cruising over the scenic Hai Van Pass to trying various water sports and hiking in the surrounding hills there are tons to do for those with an adventurous spirit. If you love spending time outdoors, then check out the list of top outdoor activities in Da Nang below and you’ll find yourself wanting to add an extra couple of days to your stay in the city.
1. Visit Marble Mountains
The first idea when it comes to Da Nang activities is visiting Marble Mountains. Marble Mountains are one of the most popular attractions in Vietnam, in general, and in Da Nang, in particular. Situated at South of Da Nang, the Marble Mountains are right on the street along Da Nang Beaches to Hoi An. In Vietnamese, the name Marble Mountains means five element mountains – a cluster of lime stone and marble hills which are 7km away from the centre of Da Nang city. There are tunnels, Buddhist shrines and caves in this destination. Here, you could explore 3 major grottoes that have been transformed into carved Buddhist sanctuaries. Also, there are places of worship dotted across the mountains which are a frequently visited site.
Today, one of the most popular Da Nang activities of tourists is climbing up (check out the service – Marble Mountain Rock Climbing) the Marble Mountains and seeing the spectacular views across Non Nuoc Beach. Da Nang experiences dry and hot weather from May to late August. The stage of greatest rainfall is from September to January, with the wettest month being October and November. Thus, the best time for tourists to Marble Mountains is from February to May. Also, keep in mind that Da Nang does not get as cold or hot as other Vietnam’s parts.
Besides, there are drinks and trinket sellers around here who could get a little annoying yet the climb up to the peaks is still worth it. In order to explore all of the Marble Mountains, you should spend about 4 hours and start your trip early when it is not so hot, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a torch if you could.
2. Ride around Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula is visible from just everywhere in Da Nang and is a wonderful sight, particularly when low lying clouds embrace the top of the mountain. You can enjoy a good morning or afternoon motorbike on clear days in Son Tra with amazing views from every vantage point around the mountain.
Though it looks not too long, the ride might be longer than your imagination if you go the way around and is also steep in places. Just make sure that your motorbike has adequate power.
Read more: 12 Things to Do in Son Tra Peninsula
3. Stop at Hai Van Pass
In regard to Da Nang activities, it is worth mentioning stopping at Hai Van Pass. This might be supposed to be the most scenic route in Vietnam. Hai Van Pass, located along the Hai Van mountain side, on the natural border of Da Nang and Thua Thien Hue Province, has the most spectacular section spanning more than 21km and comprise a series of hairpin turns, breathtaking vistas and steep inclines. This deserves a perfect harmony between the fruit of human attempt and natural wonder, also named as the title “a marvelous wonder” given by the Emperor Tran Nhan Tong in 1470.
Read more: Breakfast at the Peak of Hai Van Pass
4. Visit Bana Hills
Located among forested hills about 30km west of Da Nang, Bana Hills becomes a well-known holiday destination for tourists. This area has a variety of flora and fauna, including a lot of rare animals like Crested Argus and Asian Black Bear. It is estimated that there are more than 540 plant species in this region.
Bana Hills itself has the longest and highest cable car (more than 5km long and 1487m high) in the world, thereby offering really fantastic views of surrounding area. Of course, you shouldn’t miss Golden Bridge. Moreover, the unspoiled forest, temperate climate and spectacular views overlooking Da Nang’s bay and Lao mountain range, make Bana Hills a popular yet amazing retreat for the French in the past, and for tourist, both domestic and international, in recent days.
At the top of the Bana Hills is a park that features with a replica European castle, and a spectacular underground amusement park carved in the mountain. Linh Ung pagoda is nearby and features with 27 meters tall, white Buddha statue that overlooks the clouds and mist of Bana Hills, is visible for miles around.
Visiting Bana Hills, you could enjoy 4 seasons in only one day right at the top of the hills – spring in the morning, summer, fall and winter accordingly following in the morning, noon, evening and at night. Usually, the sky is clear at such high altitudes, supplying travelers with a spectacular and clear view of Da Nang City as well as Son Tra peninsula all year long.
5. Enjoy beaches fun
Da Nang is well-known through history as the French colonial port which has an extensive sandy white shoe and translucent waters as well as cultural marvels. There are many beautiful beaches available in Da Nang, accommodating to all kinds of outdoor adventures. With aqua-centric activities, beautiful sights, you could not go wrong spending your whole day in the sun. If you are a person who loves sports, particularly aqua-sports, then the beaches can serve as an extensive playground to surf the waves, swim or lie back and relax under tropical sun of Vietnam. To put in simple words, there are several Da Nang activities at beaches, like surfing, diving, water-skiing, and yachting. It is totally a good idea for families to bring along your children for fun in the sun in these white sandy shores.
Some of surfing services at My Khe beach
6. Play Golf
Think of joining in one of the high top end Da Nang activities like golfing if you are a sports lover. Vietnam is on the fast-track to being one of the top golfing holiday destinations of Asia. Avid golfers could play world-class golf course, enjoy luxury accommodation, fine dining and Vietnamese hospitability for just a small fraction of the cost in the West. The central area of Vietnam is no exception to this increasing trend. Regarding to Da Nang activities, golfing is an interesting choice for those who love sports.
Some of the best golf courses in Da Nang
You have discovered the top outdoor interesting activities in Da Nang which are highly recommended by tourists who used to visit the coastal city of Da Nang. It is clear that there are multiple Da Nang activities people take part in and have fun, some for couples, some for families and some especially for adventure enthusiasts.
If you are planning to visit Da Nang in the near future, consider this list and opt for yourself some of the most attractive Da Nang activities. That way, you will create an impressive memory for your own life.
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