A traveller’s guide to visiting Da Nang
Travelling to Vietnam for an R&R or honeymooning? Then make Da Nang your destination en route to Hoi An. It is the port-city of Vietnam, with the most modern feel, and relatively unspoilt by the tourists flocking to Vietnam of recent.
However, make sure to check out your visa requirements. Although Vietnam has opened up many countries to the visa-on-arrival, it makes for good travel sense to apply for your e-visa through a reliable visa service provider, and insulate yourself from the hassles of visa.
Although Da Nang weather is quite mild, there are months of very hot and dry weather as well as extremely wet months. So the best time to visit Da Nang is February to May, when you can avoid the heat as well as the rains.
Da Nang – a city of festivals
There is more to Da Nang than luxurious holiday resorts and golf courses. It hosts festivals almost throughout the year. Some are traditional and some, new and hip.
The Cau Ngu Festival, also referred to as the Whale festival is held in the month of January, to worship the whales and honour the fishing community. The Hoa Village Festival is another community event, filled with fun and frolic. This is followed by the Quan Yin Festival in February where Buddhist rituals are accompanied by carnivals. The An Hai Village Festival held in August has its roots in local traditions.
The best way to know Vietnam is through its festivals, that honour spirituality, culture, traditions, local dance and music.
Da Nang’s efforts at modernisation have moved beyond the infrastructure and tourist amenities to festivals. In February, Da Nang hosts an International Fireworks Competition, while in August it holds the Beach Festival with water sports, fetes and music drawing the crowds. Now it has even begun the tradition of a Street Festival showcasing Vietnamese music talent on the last Saturday on every month, held on the Tran Hung Dao Street.
What to see
Linh Ung Pagoda – This is the largest Buddhist Pagoda, known equally for the beautiful temple complex as much as for the 67 m high statue of Lady Buddha. It is believed that the tall white statue of the Goddess of Mercy towering over the sea looks after the well being of the fishermen community venturing out in the seas every day.
Dragon Bridge – Considered world’s largest dragon bridge, it is a 166-meter-long steel bridge connecting Da Nang with its beaches. What’s remarkable is the shape of the arch resembling the dragon that is part of Vietnamese legends. Lit by more than 2,500 energy lights, the dragon releases bursts of fire and spits water during festivals or at weekends, and is an amazing must-see spectacle.
Phap Lam Pagoda – ThisBuddhist temple has three huge Buddha statues and is another of Da Nang’s attractions.
Danang Cathedral – Also known as the Con Ga Church /Rooster Church for the iconic weathercock on top, this is an amazing candy-pink architecture built during the French occupation.
Museums in Da Nang
Da Nang is known for its many museums. Visitors, who want to understand Vietnamese history and folk traditions, must make time to visit some of these museums
The Da Nang Fine Arts Museum showcases Da Nang’s history as well as the culture of local ethnicities. Ho Chi Minh & Zone 5 is another Military Museum that Vietnam is proud of, as it resonates with stories of Vietnam’s freedom struggle. The Buddhist Culture Museum is one-of-its-kind, housing Buddha statues of precious stones and other Buddhist relics from the past. The Dong Dinh Museum is a beautiful cultural address with an amazing art and antique collection located in a unique and beautiful setting.
Where to go
The My Son Sanctuary is an ancient UNESCO World Heritage site that is today an important archaeological site of a Hindu culture during the Champa dynasty. It contains remains of Hindu temples constructed by the Kings of Champa.
The Cham Museum, also known as the Museum Of Champa Culture, showcases fine examples of Hindu styled terracotta and stone sculptures from the period of the indigenous Cham people.
Marble Mountains is a must-go for every spiritual adventure traveller who likes to hike. It is a cluster of five mountains of marble and limestone, with an ancient folk-tale behind it. The site is steeped in spirituality with Buddhist sanctuaries and places of worship dotted among the many caves and temples. What is unique about this place is its symbolism with all the elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Climb up the mountains; and enjoy magnificent views of the beach. Some highlights are the Mountain of Water, the Tam Quan Gate, the Metal Mountain, the Riverview Tower, Nguyet Grotto and the Lantern Cave.
Cham Island - Looking for a getaway to a private spot with pristine beaches, swimming, diving, snorkelling, seafood and romantic scenic drives? Then head out to the Cham group of islands a mere couple of hours away by speed boat.
What to do
Besides spa treatments, motor biking, night strolling along the riverfront promenade, and discos; Da Nang is a great place for seafood and local cuisine.
Grilled cuttlefish, oysters, clams and crabs are as common as Vietnamese hot fish soup or the hotpot called lau. If you are not keen on seafood, try the Mi Quang /Quang noodles, and beef-based Banh trang cuon thit heo or Be thui Cau Mong; indigenous to Da Nang region. You may like to try the specialty restaurants of Da Nang offering goat meat, or farmed crocodile and turtles. From Indian restaurants, vegetarian places to French dining, Da Nang is fast emerging as a gourmet paradise.