Cultural Tours in Da Nang

1. The Golden Bridge (The Hands)

Almost immediately after opening only a few years ago, the Golden Bridge in Da Nang went viral. You’ve probably seen it pop up on your social media feed many times already. This beautiful beautiful golden bridge with two hands shaped out of rock overlooking the mountains seemed to capture everyone’s imagination.

Get to it by cable car and enjoy the stunning views, then walk along the famous bridge and get some amazing photos! Tip: arrive earlier rather than later to make the most of the morning golden hour! 

2. My Son Sanctuary My Son is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is made up of a collection of ruins which would have formed the base of the fearsome Champa Kingdom. The architecture here spans eight centuries and you’ll see ornate carvings as well as impressive stone pillars and buildings.

It’s about a 1 hour drive from the center of Da Nang, but you can easily grab a taxi for a really affordable price and most local taxi drivers will be happy to wait for you at the site then take you straight back when you’re done. It’s actually best to visit this site in the afternoon, after about 2pm when most other guided tours are gone.

There’s even a free electric shuttle that will take you from the on site museum through the jungle to the actual ruins to save your precious energy! 

3. Marble MountainsThe Marble Mountains are actually five separate hills made of limestone and beautiful smooth marble (hence the name). The mountains sit around 9 kilometers outside of Da Nang and are known for their Buddhist pagodas and shrines which are dedicated to various local gods.

You can walk up the hills via a long set of steps cut into the mountainside. From the top enjoy breathtaking views of the scenery below. The marble mountains are open from 7am to 5.30pm daily all year round and entrance is 40,000VND (less than $2). 

4. Da Nang Cathedral 

The Da Nang Cathedral is one of the most famous catholic churches in Vietnam thanks to its amazing design features. The cathedral has a signature pink exterior as well as colorful stained-glass windows and a large bell tower and an iconic weathervane at the top in the shape of a rooster. 

The cathedral dates back to 1923 and is known to locals by its nickname ‘Con Ga’ which means ‘Rooster Church’.

The church is still very much in use and it serves the local Catholic community of over 4000 people. Services are held in different languages daily, with English-spoken sermons on Sundays at 9am. If you’re looking to visit for Mass, make sure to head there early due to limited seats. Entrance is free of charge.

5. Ba Na HillsThe Ba Na Hills are one of the most popular attractions in Da Nang and people flock here from all over the world. At the summit of the Ba Na Hills you will find spectacular views that stretch as far as the sea. Take a cable car to enjoy the views all the way up.

There is also the Ba Na Hill Fantasy Park which has a range of entertainment zones including theme park rides and a wax model museum. For an exciting and highly entertaining day out, this is your go-to! We would recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid queues on the day. 

6. Linh Ung PagodaThe Linh Ung Pagoda is located at Son Tra Mountain and is one of the most famous attractions in Da Nang. The pagoda is known for having the tallest statues of the Goddess of Mercy in the region which was built on top of a platform in the shape of a blooming lotus.

You will also find around 21 statues of the Buddha here which are all located inside a larger 67 meter tall Buddha figure. The pagoda is open every day from 6am to 7pm and entrance is free, although donation boxes are scattered around the complex. 

Remember to dress respectfully and take off your shoes before entering a pagoda! 

7. Son Tra Mountain Son Tra Mountain translates as ‘Monkey Mountain’ in English and many primates call this place home. The mountain is part of a spectacular national park that is located at around 700 meters above sea level. 

This area is also called the Son Tra Peninsula and you’ll find winding roads which make for a great hike. Come here to watch the sun set over Da Nang and experience the magic of this beautiful place! 

• Sunscreen - Da Nang has a tropical monsoon climate meaning it has two seasons. The dry season is April to August with temperatures reaching around 34 degrees celsius, the wet season September to March with temperatures being a bit cooler. However, whatever time of year you travel to Da Nang it’s best to pack sunscreen as even on misty, cooler days the sun can be surprisingly strong!

• Sarong - a sarong will definitely come in handy here. Some of the temples require you to dress modestly, which means legs and/or shoulders should be covered. A sarong is a lightweight and easy way to solve this issue by simply tying it over you if required.

• Lightweight rain jacket - this is especially important if you come during the rainy season!

• Mosquito repellent - along with the tropical climate come the tropical bugs, but some every day mosquito repellent should keep them at bay.

• Plug adapter - with all the photos you’ll be taking, you’ll be needing to charge your camera (and other devices), so an electrical plug adapter is a must!

• Comfy shoes - if you’re planning on doing some hiking and exploring, be sure to bring some shoes you’re happy to walk in - especially for the mountain treks!