Things to do in Da Nang in 2026: the full guide
Da Nang has 10+ kinds of entertainment beyond the beach lounger: the Ba Na Hills mountain park with the Golden Bridge (ticket 750,000 VND, ~$30), a free dragon fire show on weekends, surfing at My Khe Beach from about $20 a lesson, and a Japanese-style water park with an onsen. Below: a guide with VND prices and USD conversions, map pins and practical tips for foreign travellers.
Who this guide is for:
- Families with kids — Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park, Mikazuki water park, the Ferris wheel
- Surfers and active travellers — My Khe Beach, kayaking on the Han River, snorkelling on the Cham Islands
- Nightlife fans — the Sky36 rooftop, the An Thượng bar street, the Phương Đông club
- Culture lovers — the Marble Mountains, Linh Ung Pagoda, Hoi An 30 km away
Prices are current as of mid-2026. Conversion used here: ~25,000 VND ≈ $1.
- Ba Na Hills (Bà Nà Hills): Golden Bridge, mountain park — 750,000 VND (~$30)
- Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng): Fire show Fri–Sun 21:00 — Free
- Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn): Caves, pagodas — 40,000 VND (~$1.60)
- Mikazuki Water Park (Mikazuki Water Park 365): Water park + onsen — from 350,000 VND (~$14)
- Núi Thần Tài (Suối khoáng nóng Núi Thần Tài): Hot springs — 450,000 VND (~$18)
- My Khe Beach (Bãi biển Mỹ Khê): Surfing, kayaking, SUP
- Da Nang Downtown (Công viên Châu Á): Ferris wheel, rides — 250,000 VND (~$10)
- Linh Ung Pagoda (Chùa Linh Ứng): Lady Buddha, 67 m — Free
- Sky36 Bar (Sky36): Rooftop, 36th floor — Cocktails from 200,000 VND
- An Thượng (Phố đi bộ An Thượng): Bar street, street food — Night market
Ba Na Hills — the Golden Bridge and mountain park
Bà Nà Hills sits at 1,487 m, 25 km from central Da Nang. A 5,801 m cable car with a 1,291 m vertical rise gets you up in about 20 minutes. At the top: Cầu Vàng (the Golden Bridge), a French village, the indoor Fantasy Park amusement zone, and flower gardens.
The Golden Bridge and French village
A 150 m bridge at 1,414 m, seemingly held up by two giant stone hands. That single shot is what brings thousands of visitors a day. In the morning the bridge is often wrapped in fog — it looks mystical, but photos come out flatter. By midday the fog clears and the queues appear.
The best time for crowd-free photos is the first hour after opening. The second calm window is after 16:00, once some visitors have left.
The French village is a mock European town with cobbled streets, restaurants and cafés. It is pretty, but food inside is pricey (from 150,000 VND a dish). Bring a snack. You can refill water for free at the coolers by the toilets.
The flower gardens change with the season. Spring (February–April) is the most colourful; autumn is more modest. There is a photo spot with traditional Vietnamese dress (áo dài rental from 100,000 VND).
The cable car
The Ba Na Hills cable car is one of the longest in the world: 5,801 m, a 1,291 m rise. Cabins hold eight. At peak hours (10:00–14:00) the queue can be 20–40 minutes. A Wow Pass Silver solves that with priority boarding, no queue.
Fantasy Park
A multi-storey indoor amusement park: an indoor roller coaster, a 4D cinema, a climbing wall, arcade games. It works in any weather — and at 1,500 m the rain is frequent. Ideal for kids aged 5–12.
Ba Na Hills prices in 2026
| Category | Price (VND) | ~USD |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (from 100 cm) | 750,000 | ~$30 |
| Child (100–140 cm) | 600,000 | ~$24 |
| Child under 100 cm | Free | — |
| Lunch combo | 1,300,000 | ~$52 |
| Wow Pass Silver (priority) | 300,000 | ~$12 |
| Wow Pass Gold | 1,000,000 | ~$40 |
Tickets on the official Sun World site are cheaper than through resellers. Pay by card or e-wallet online; bring some cash for the village stalls.
💬 "Give the park a full day at minimum. Come at opening — after lunch the cable-car queues run 30 minutes or more." — Tripadvisor, 2025
How to get to Ba Na Hills
From central Da Nang it is 25 km, about 40 minutes by taxi. Grab: from 200,000 VND (~$8) one way. Some hotels arrange a free or paid transfer. Organised tours with transfer and guide start from $25.
You can ride a scooter, but it is a steep mountain road with sharp bends. Not recommended for beginners.
More on Da Nang's sights — including Ba Na Hills, museums and temples — in the Da Nang attractions guide.
Dragon Bridge — the free fire show
The Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) runs 666 m across the Han River. It is not just a road but an attraction. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 21:00 the dragon "breathes" fire and sprays water. The show lasts about 15 minutes.
Schedule and where to watch
- When: Fri, Sat, Sun — 21:00
- During Tet (Lunar New Year): every evening for 7–10 days in a row
- Cost: free
Best viewing spots:
- The Bạch Đằng riverside walk (east bank) — the closest view
- The plaza by APEC Park — a bit further out, but less crowded
- Any riverside restaurant — grab a table an hour before the show
Arrive 30–40 minutes early. Saturdays are the busiest. After the show, street-food stalls open along the riverside — grilled squid from 30,000 VND (~$1.20), coconut ice cream from 20,000 VND (~$0.80).
The bridge is striking by day too. Its dragon shape looks dramatic over the river, especially at sunset. Nearby is the carp-dragon statue (Cá Chép Hóa Rồng) — another photo point. The Bạch Đằng promenade between the Dragon Bridge and the Han River Bridge is a walking zone with cafés, fountains and views of both banks.
💬 "Come 30–40 minutes early — it gets very crowded, especially on Saturdays. But the spectacle is worth it, above all the water at the finale." — Tripadvisor, 2026
The Marble Mountains — caves and pagodas
Five limestone hills (Ngũ Hành Sơn) 8 km from the city centre. Inside: caves with Buddhist altars where sunbeams filter through openings in the roof. Outside: pagodas and lookouts with views over the coast.
What to see
- Am Phu Cave (Heaven and Hell) — sculptures of hell and heaven from Buddhist mythology. Separate entry: 20,000 VND (~$0.80). Narrow passages, a few spots where you have to duck
- Huyen Khong Cave — the largest, with a natural skylight. Best time for photos: 10:00–12:00, when the beams break through the roof
- The lookout — views over My Khe Beach and the surroundings. Reach it by 156 steps or by lift
Prices and practicalities
| Service | Price (VND) | ~USD |
|---|---|---|
| Entry ticket | 40,000 | ~$1.60 |
| Lift (one way) | 15,000 | ~$0.60 |
| Lift (round trip) | 30,000 | ~$1.20 |
| Am Phu Cave | 20,000 | ~$0.80 |
| Children under 6 | Free | — |
Opening hours: 7:00–17:30 daily.
At the foot of the hills is a "stone carvers' village" — workshops where marble sculptures are carved by hand. You can watch the process and buy a souvenir. Prices run from 50,000 VND for a small figurine to several million for a full statue. Haggling is expected.
Easy to pair with My Khe Beach — 10 minutes by scooter. Swim, head to the hills, come back to the beach. See the Da Nang beaches guide for the full coastline.
Mikazuki water park and hot springs
Mikazuki Water Park 365
A Japanese-style water park: slides, a wave pool, a Ninja Kids zone for children. After the slides, a Japanese onsen with mineral baths, saunas and steam rooms. Indoor and outdoor areas, so it works in any weather.
| Ticket type | Weekday (VND) | ~USD | Weekend (VND) | ~USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 350,000–430,000 | ~$14–17 | 420,000–530,000 | ~$17–21 |
| Child (100–140 cm) | 170,000–250,000 | ~$7–10 | 210,000–300,000 | ~$8–12 |
| Child under 100 cm | Free | — | Free | — |
Lunch combo: from 590,000 VND (~$24) on weekdays.
The downside: it is not central but out on the coast north of the city. You will need a taxi (from 100,000 VND one way). The upside is that everything is included: slides, pools, onsen, sauna. You can spend half a day there with no extra charges.
Núi Thần Tài Hot Springs
Hot springs in the mountains, 30 km from Da Nang. An open-air onsen, a Himalayan salt sauna, a "Jurassic Park" with dinosaurs for kids, water slides.
| Package | Price (VND) | ~USD |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (pools + onsen + sauna + water park) | 450,000 | ~$18 |
| Child | 280,000 | ~$11 |
| Detox with massage | 805,000–1,010,000 | ~$32–40 |
Hours: 8:30–17:30. It is about 40 minutes from the centre along a mountain road. Bring: a swimsuit, a towel (rentable on site for 30,000 VND), a change of clothes.
Mikazuki vs Núi Thần Tài: which to pick?
Mikazuki is closer to the city, has more water slides and a Japanese onsen. Better for families with kids and anyone who does not want to travel far. Núi Thần Tài has a mountain setting, open-air hot springs and more space. It suits couples and anyone combining it with a trip toward Hoi An.
Skip the airport queue in 5–10 min
In winter, immigration lines run 60–90 min. With Fast Track you’re met at the aircraft and taken through the priority lane. Arrange it before you fly.
Telegram managerSurfing and water sports
Surfing at My Khe Beach
Bãi biển Mỹ Khê is one of Vietnam's best beaches for surfing. Season runs September to March: waves of 1–2 m, sometimes higher. The rest of the year the sea is calm — good for SUP and swimming.
Surf schools: Da Nang Surf School (at Temple Resort, founded by Portuguese surfer Gonçalo Cabrito, 20+ years of experience), Surf Shack, and Da Nang Outdoor Adventures (surfing plus a summer camp in July–August). Lessons and gear rental are usually paid in cash or by card on the spot; book ahead in high season.
| Service | Price | ~USD |
|---|---|---|
| Group lesson, 90 min | $20–30 | ~$20–30 |
| Private lesson | $60–70 | ~$60–70 |
| Board rental (hour) | from 100,000 VND | ~$4 |
💬 "My Khe Beach is a great spot for beginners from September to March — lessons from $20, and the instructors are patient." — Reddit r/VietnamTravel, 2025
Kayaking and SUP
On the Han River with a view of the lit-up Dragon Bridge — from 150,000 VND (~$6) for 1–2 hours. Best time: dawn (5:30–7:00), when the river is calm and the light is soft. SUP board rental: from 100,000 VND an hour. A two-person kayak: from 200,000 VND an hour.
Cham Islands — snorkelling and diving
Cù Lao Chàm is an archipelago of 8 islands, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, about 18 km from Hoi An. Coral reefs, clear water, tropical fish. A full-day tour from Da Nang starts around $40 and includes transfer to Cửa Đại port, a speedboat, snorkelling and a seafood lunch.
Season: April–September. Outside that, the sea gets rough and tours are cancelled. Plastic bags are banned on the islands — it is an ecological zone.
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SIM, visas, transfers, tours — our manager sorts it out for you, in English.
Message the managerDa Nang Downtown — the Ferris wheel and rides
An amusement park in the city centre on the bank of the Han River (the former Asia Park / Sun World Da Nang Wonders, renamed in 2024). The headline attraction is the 115 m Sun Wheel Ferris wheel. From the top you see the whole of Da Nang, the coast and the mountains.
Themed zones recreate landmarks from Japan, Cambodia, India and China. There are rides for both kids and adults.
| Ticket type | Price (VND) | ~USD |
|---|---|---|
| All-in-one (wheel + rides) | 250,000 | ~$10 |
| Sun Wheel only | 150,000 | ~$6 |
| Child All-in-one | 125,000 | ~$5 |
| Combo with Symphony of River show | 200,000 | ~$8 |
| Children under 1 m | Free | — |
The park runs in the evening — come at sunset to catch the illumination. Easy to pair with the Dragon Bridge show (a 10-minute walk).
Honestly, it is smaller in scale than VinWonders or Ba Na Hills. But it costs three times less, sits in the centre, and is plenty for an evening. Kids aged 3–10 will love it.
Linh Ung Pagoda and the Son Tra Peninsula
The 67 m statue of Quan Thế Âm (Lady Buddha) stands on the Son Tra Peninsula. Inside the statue are 17 floors, each with 21 Buddha figures. Chùa Linh Ứng pagoda sits on the mountainside with a panoramic view of the coast.
Entry: free. Hours: 6:00–18:00.
The Sơn Trà Peninsula is a nature reserve. It is home to red-shanked douc langurs (voọc chà vá chân nâu), rare monkeys you can spot in the morning along the mountain road. Along the way are lookouts over the city, My Khe Beach and the islands.
Getting there: 10 km from the centre, about 15 minutes by scooter or taxi. A scooter is handier — you can stop at the lookouts. The road is winding, so take care.
There are several beaches on the peninsula. Bãi Bụt is a quiet cove with clear water, all but empty on weekdays. Bãi Rạng is a wild beach reached through the jungle. Both are free.
Before the trip, check the Da Nang weather by month — in the rainy season (October–December) the Son Tra road can be slippery and visibility poor.
Nightlife — bars and clubs
Da Nang is not Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang when it comes to going out. It is quieter here. But it has its spots: a rooftop on the 36th floor, craft bars by the beach, a club that runs till dawn.
Sky36 — the panoramic rooftop
On the 36th floor of the Novotel, with a 360-degree view. On one side, the Dragon Bridge and the Han River; on the other, the coast and the mountains. DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays. Cocktails from 200,000 VND (~$8), beer from 100,000 VND (~$4). Dress code: smart casual (no flip-flops or beachwear).
The An Thượng area
Da Nang's "Western quarter," a 5-minute walk from My Khe Beach. A few streets pack in nearly 50 bars, pubs and restaurants — European, Mexican, Japanese, Korean food. Beer from 30,000 VND (~$1.20) at local bars, craft cocktails from 80,000 VND (~$3.20).
The An Thượng night market (18:00–23:00): street food, grilled seafood, fresh fruit, sugarcane juice for 15,000 VND.
Phương Đông — the biggest club
For anyone after a proper night out. Beer from 120,000 VND (~$4.80), cocktails from 320,000 VND (~$13), plus a 15% service charge. Open till 2:00–3:00.
One thing to know: Da Nang goes to bed early. By midnight most bars are closing. If a wild night out till dawn matters to you, Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang will suit better. Da Nang is for people who value balance: dinner, a cocktail with a view, and home at a reasonable hour.
Plenty of the five-star Da Nang hotels have their own bars and rooftops, often with a pool.
Day trips from Da Nang
Da Nang makes an easy base for excursions. Three directions within 100 km, each worth a day of its own.
Hoi An — the UNESCO old town
30 km, about 40 minutes by Grab (~150,000 VND one way). The old town of Hội An — yellow houses, the Japanese bridge, lanterns on the river. Entry: 120,000 VND (~$4.80), covering access to 5 heritage sites. Tailors who "sew in a day" are Hoi An's signature: a made-to-measure dress or suit from $30, ready in 24 hours. More on the lantern festival, VinWonders and basket boats in the guide to things to do in Hoi An.
Hue — the imperial citadel
100 km, 2–3 hours by car or train. Vietnam's former capital, with palaces, imperial tombs and the Perfume River. Citadel entry: 200,000 VND (~$8). The Da Nang–Hue train starts from 75,000 VND (~$3) and takes about 2.5 hours. The coastal route is rated one of the most scenic rail journeys in Southeast Asia.
The Hai Van Pass
"The most spectacular road in Vietnam" — that is how Jeremy Clarkson described it on Top Gear. By scooter it is 30–40 minutes one way. Scooter rental in Da Nang: from 100,000 VND (~$4) a day. Free.
What day trips cost
| Destination | Format | Price | ~USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoi An (half-day) | Grab, on your own | from 300,000 VND | ~$12 |
| Hoi An (guided tour) | Group tour | from $15 | ~$15 |
| Hue (full day) | Guided tour + pass | from $50 | ~$50 |
| Cham Islands | Group tour | from $40 | ~$40 |
| Hai Van Pass | Scooter, on your own | from 100,000 VND | ~$4 |
For what to budget on food, see the Da Nang food guide.
For families with kids
Da Nang has less dedicated kids' infrastructure than Nha Trang with its VinWonders. But four options are well worth it.
Mikazuki Water Park has a Ninja Kids zone with shallow pools, mini-slides and play areas. A child ticket starts at 170,000 VND (~$7) on weekdays. Da Nang Downtown (Asia Park) suits kids aged 3–10: a Ferris wheel, carousels and themed zones for 125,000 VND (~$5).
Fantasy Park inside Ba Na Hills — indoor rides, a 4D cinema, arcade games. Included in the main ticket. Works in the rain.
The Marble Mountains turn into a quest for kids aged 6–7 and up: caves, staircases, flashlights. Younger ones will find the 156 steps to the top hard going — but there is a lift (15,000 VND).
What Da Nang does not have for kids
No large zoo, aquarium or VinWonders (the nearest is in Nha Trang). For toddlers aged 1–3 the choice is limited: the beach, the hotel pool, Mikazuki.
For the fuller picture on travelling with kids — including which districts are best for families — see the Da Nang guide.
What to choose: summary table
| Activity | Price (~USD) | Time | Who for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ba Na Hills | ~$30 | 5–6 hours | Everyone |
| Dragon Bridge (show) | Free | 15 min | Everyone |
| Marble Mountains | ~$1.60 | 1.5–2 hours | Adults, kids 6+ |
| Mikazuki Water Park | ~$14–17 | 3–5 hours | Families |
| Núi Thần Tài | ~$18 | 4–5 hours | Couples, families |
| Surfing (lesson) | ~$20–30 | 1.5 hours | Active travellers |
| Cham Islands | ~$40 | Full day | Active travellers |
| Da Nang Downtown | ~$10 | 2–3 hours | Families |
| Linh Ung Pagoda | Free | 1–2 hours | Everyone |
| An Thuong nightlife | from ~$1.20 (beer) | Evening | Adults |
If time is short, three must-dos: Ba Na Hills (a full day), the Dragon Bridge in the evening (free) and the Marble Mountains in the morning (~$1.60).
Entertainment budget: three scenarios
Budget (1 day, ~$3): Marble Mountains in the morning (~$1.60) + My Khe Beach (free) + Dragon Bridge in the evening (free) + street food on the riverside (~$1.50).
Mid-range (2 days, ~$50): Ba Na Hills (~$30) + Mikazuki (~$14) + dinner in An Thuong (~$8) + Linh Ung Pagoda (free) + Dragon Bridge (free).
Full (3–4 days, ~$120): everything from mid-range + Hoi An (~$12 with transport) + Cham Islands (~$40) + Núi Thần Tài (~$18) + surfing (~$20) + Sky36 in the evening (~$12).
For the full overview of the city, see the Da Nang guide.
FAQ
Is there a VinWonders in Da Nang?
No, Da Nang has no standalone VinWonders theme park — the nearest are in Nha Trang and on Phu Quoc. The equivalent here is Ba Na Hills (Sun World) and Da Nang Downtown (the former Asia Park). There is a Melia Vinpearl Danang Riverfront, but that is a hotel, not a theme park.
How much is a Ba Na Hills ticket in 2026?
Adult: 750,000 VND (~$30), child (100–140 cm): 600,000 VND (~$24). It covers the cable car, all park zones and Fantasy Park. Lunch is not included; a lunch combo is 1,300,000 VND (~$52). Book on the official Sun World site — it is cheaper.
When is the Dragon Bridge fire show?
Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 21:00. During Tet, every evening. It is free. Grab a spot 30 minutes early, especially on Saturdays. The front rows get sprayed with water — keep that in mind if you are carrying a camera.
What is there for kids in Da Nang?
Four main options: Mikazuki (pools and slides from 170,000 VND), Da Nang Downtown (rides from 125,000 VND), Fantasy Park in Ba Na Hills (included in the ticket) and the Marble Mountains (age 6–7 and up). In the heat, stick to indoor spots. There is little for children under 3 — the beach and the hotel pool.
What can you see in Da Nang in one day?
Morning: the Marble Mountains (1.5–2 hours) or Linh Ung Pagoda. Daytime: Ba Na Hills (needs a full day) or My Khe Beach plus lunch. Evening: the riverside by the Dragon Bridge and dinner in An Thuong. If it is Friday to Sunday, do not miss the fire show at 21:00.
When is the best time to surf in Da Nang?
Surf season runs September to March, with 1–2 m waves at My Khe. October and November are the best months. A group lesson with an instructor starts around $20. From April to August the sea is calm — better for SUP and kayaking. More in the Da Nang weather by month guide.
Prices current as of mid-2026. Prices and conditions can change — check official sources before you travel.