Alô, Da Nang! 👋
If you’re traveling through central Vietnam, chances are Da Nang will land on your itinerary. This laid-back coastal city has a perfect balance of seaside charm, vibrant street life, and fascinating history. Even better, you don’t have to spend much to enjoy it. In fact, some of the best things to do in Da Nang are completely free! From relaxing on sun-kissed beaches to wandering through buzzing local markets, the city offers plenty of authentic experiences that won’t break the bank.
We take you through some of the top free activities, insider tips on how to get around, and nearby landmarks you shouldn’t miss below, so keep reading for more!
Relax on Da Nang’s Beaches
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels
Da Nang is famous for its long coastline, stretching over 18 miles, and its golden sand is one of the city’s biggest draws. If you’re looking for free activities, simply head to one of the Da Nang beaches and spend a few hours enjoying the sea breeze.
- My Khe Beach Da Nang: Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, My Khe Beach is just a short 10-minute drive from the city center. During the day, locals and travelers gather to swim, surf, or simply sunbathe. The beach is well-maintained and has free access, though you’ll find umbrellas and loungers for rent if you want a bit of comfort. If you want to level up your experience, consider taking a surfing lesson (don’t worry, it’s beginner-friendly!)
- Non Nuoc Beach: Located closer to the Marble Mountains, this quieter stretch of sand is ideal for peaceful walks or watching local fishermen at work.
Klook Tip: Sunrise is the best time to visit the beaches. Locals flock here for morning swims and exercise, and you’ll get to see daily life unfold before the city heats up.
If you’d like to see more of the coast without worrying about transport, consider booking a Da Nang Private Car Charter from Da Nang Airport for hassle-free transfers.
Wander Through Da Nang’s Night Markets
Lemongrass skewers (Nem Lui) served with fresh greens by a night market
Markets are the beating heart of any Vietnamese city, and exploring them is one of the most vibrant things to do in Da Nang. Entry is free, and even if you’re not planning to shop, they’re fantastic places to people-watch, try budget-friendly food, and get a glimpse of daily life in a new city.
- Son Tra Night Market: This is one of the most popular stops for both locals and visitors. Located near the Dragon Bridge, the market comes alive every evening with rows of stalls selling souvenirs, fashion, and street food.
- Da Nang Night Market: Another must-visit, this market is near the Han River and features plenty of local snacks like bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) and fresh seafood.
If browsing inspires you to dig deeper into local food culture, this Da Nang Food and Sightseeing Night Tour is a fun way to taste authentic dishes across hidden spots, guided by locals who know the city’s best-kept secrets.
Explore the Marble Mountains
Just south of the city, exploring the Marble Mountains is one of the most iconic things to do in Da Nang. Entry to the main caves and pagodas requires a ticket, but the surrounding area, including the base villages and craft workshops, is free to wander. You can stroll around to see marble carvings being made, browse souvenir shops, or climb a small hill for free views of the coastline.
Historically, these limestone outcrops were considered sacred by Cham and Vietnamese people, and they remain dotted with Buddhist shrines. Even if you don’t enter the caves, you’ll get a feel for the cultural significance of the site just by exploring the area.
The Marble Mountains are about 20 minutes from central Da Nang. You can take a Grab (ride-hailing app) or join a Linh Ung Pagoda, Marble Mountains & Hoi An Town Day Tour if you want to combine it with a trip to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
Visit Da Nang’s Bridges
The dragon at the Dragon Bridge puts on a show every weekend, expelling bursts of fire and water for 15 minutes
Da Nang is sometimes called the “city of bridges,” and admiring these architectural landmarks won’t cost you a thing.
- Dragon Bridge: The city’s most famous, shaped like a golden dragon stretching across the Han River. On Saturdays and Sundays at 9 PM, the dragon puts on a free fire-and-water show. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Da Nang.
- Han River Bridge: This was Vietnam’s first swing bridge, designed to rotate so ships could pass. If you have extra time (and budget), you can join a Han River Cruise by Night and enjoy a relaxing evening viewing popular attractions like the Sun Wheel and Love Bridge from a unique vantage point. Did we mention that fresh fruits are provided as a refreshing snack? 👀
- Tran Thi Ly Bridge: A striking cable-stayed bridge that lights up beautifully at night.
Walking along the riverside promenade in the evening gives you a view of all three bridges illuminated, creating a spectacular cityscape.
Take in Local Temples and Pagodas
With its proximity to Da Nang city center, Ling Ung Pagoda is often done as a day trip
Vietnamese temples are open to visitors and don’t usually charge an entrance fee, making them a peaceful (and free) cultural activity in Da Nang.
- Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra Peninsula): Known for its towering Lady Buddha statue, standing at 67 meters, this site offers panoramic views of Da Nang’s coastline. It’s about a 25-minute drive from the city, so you might want to combine it with other stops on Son Tra Peninsula.
- Phap Lam Pagoda: Located in the city center, this is a smaller but atmospheric temple with beautiful statues and gardens, perfect for a quick visit.
Klook Tip: Dress modestly when visiting temples, covering your shoulders and knees is a sign of respect.
Since Linh Ung Pagoda is a popular spot, you’ll find that not just tours cover it, but also taxis and Grabs (a ride-hailing app like Uber). If you’re DIY-ing your itinerary, you can consider taking one here. Public WiFi may not be available, so it’s best to have your own source of internet when you’re out.
A Vietnam eSIM is a handy way to stay connected as you don’t have to bring around a bulky portable device or switch out your physical SIM card. Just install it via QR code, and you’re good to go!
Stroll the Han Market
A visit to the Han Market is a great way to experience the daily life of a local
Unlike the night markets, Han Market operates during the day and is one of the city’s most famous traditional markets. It’s free to wander around, and you’ll find everything from textiles and handicrafts to coffee and local snacks. If you want to combine this market with other attractions comfortably, you can also opt for something like the Da Nang Good Morning Tour, which brings you to city center landmarks (breakfast included.)
Enjoy Street Performances and Festivals
The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival is a competition featuring countries from Asia, Europe, and North America
If you’re in Da Nang on weekends or during major Vietnamese holidays, keep an eye out for free cultural events. The riverside area often hosts music, dance, and art performances, especially near Dragon Bridge and Bach Dang Street. These events are part of the city’s effort to make public spaces lively and accessible to all.
During the annual Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (usually held in summer), you can watch world-class displays from the riverside for free, though ticketed seats are available for prime viewing.
When it comes to memorable things to do in Da Nang, many of the best experiences are completely free. Whether you’re strolling along its sandy shores, admiring its iconic bridges, or exploring its lively markets, there’s always something happening in this coastal city.
FAQs
What to do in Da Nang for the day?
If you only have one day in Da Nang, start early with sunrise at My Khe Beach, then head south to the Marble Mountains for a cultural and scenic stop. In the afternoon, visit Linh Ung Pagoda on the Son Tra Peninsula to see the Lady Buddha statue and enjoy sweeping views of the coastline. End the day strolling along the riverside, where you can explore local markets and watch the Dragon Bridge light up at night.
Is the Golden Bridge in Da Nang free?
The Golden Bridge is located within the Ba Na Hills resort complex, which means you’ll need to purchase an entry ticket to visit—it’s not free. The bridge itself doesn’t have a separate fee, but you’ll need the resort admission (which includes the cable car ride up the mountain).
Is Lady Buddha Da Nang free?
Yes, visiting the Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda is completely free. The site is one of the most important spiritual landmarks in the city and offers some of the best panoramic views of Da Nang’s coastline. You’ll just need to arrange transport to the Son Tra Peninsula, either by motorbike, taxi, or a car charter.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_160,h_104/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_410,h_264/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
