Daily Trips

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 our 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.

Just seven kilometers from Da Nang you’ll find the most popular sight in the area: the famous Marble Mountains, or Ngu Hanh Son in Vietnamese. This cluster of five limestone and marble hills can be seen from afar and should be the top priority on your itinerary.

What makes these hills so special is their unique conical shape and the fact that they’re home to a labyrinth of tunnels and caves. In the past centuries, locals would use them for a wide variety of purposes, including worship, hiding troops during times of war, and even mining. This is forbidden now though as it’s been causing damage to some of the delicate structures.

Once you arrive at the Marble Mountains explore intricate carvings and religious artwork depicting heaven and a very spooky idea of hell, descend into the damp caves that serve as shrines and temples or climb to the top of one of the hills to enjoy a breathtaking view of Da Nang and the surrounding countryside.
A wonderful day trip you absolutely should take from Da Nang is to Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain. You’d best plan a whole day for this because there is so much to see. Right when you get there, you drive through Man Thai, a small traditional fishing village that supplies most of the seafood for local restaurants. Get there around 6 AM to witness the fishermen’s daily rituals before they go to work.

Keep going up the hill and you’ll reach your next stop, the Linh Ung Pagoda. This is where a stunning, white, 67-meter tall Lady Buddha stands and looks out of Da Nang Bay. She is said to protect the fishermen and local residents from storms and give them safe passage.

Further up the steep winding roads and you’ll see a sign pointing to a lighthouse. Follow it to get to one of the oldest trees you’ve ever seen. In a small clearing, a majestic Banyan tree towers over visitors and spreads an aura of peace. Take in the special ambiance of this place before continuing your journey.