Discover the most exciting activities in Da Nang and Hoi An with Travel+Leisure.

According to Travel+Leisure, Da Nang, once a city with pristine beaches, is becoming increasingly popular, like a magnet attracting international tourists. With luxurious resorts stretching along the beach, vibrant restaurants and bars, exciting entertainment areas, mysterious mountains and caves, and especially the iconic Golden Bridge, this city is an unmissable destination for any traveler.

If Da Nang is a bustling city blending modernity with traditional charm, then Hoi An, right next door, is a captivating ancient town. Below are 10 of the best activities for travel enthusiasts to explore in Da Nang and Hoi An:

1. Watch the fire-breathing dragon on the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang.

The Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, located in Son Tra District, spans the Han River at a length of 666 meters. Its unique design mimics a dragon winding its way across the Han River towards the East Sea, with its head held high and its body curving gracefully. This creates a special inspiration for a city undergoing rapid transformation, becoming a new symbol of Da Nang in its era of integration and development. Especially noteworthy is the dragon's fiery and rain-spraying display, created using modern technology, adding vibrancy and allure to the bridge and the Han River, offering visitors a novel and captivating experience.

2. Discover a world of wonder and adventure at Sun World Ba Na Hills (Da Nang)

As a massive resort and entertainment complex located on the summit of Mount Chua, Sun World Ba Na Hills is the perfect destination for families and children. Every landscape here is meticulously designed, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty from any vantage point and capture stunning photos. Be sure to visit and admire the unique giant Golden Bridge and the panoramic city views from there. In addition, the complex features indoor and outdoor amusement parks with exciting rides such as roller coasters, freefall towers, arcade games, a 3D cinema, and a mirror maze.

3. Admire the Marble Mountains (Da Nang)

Nestled amidst fine white sands are six colossal limestone mountains known as the Five Elements Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn), named after the five natural elements: Metal (Kim Sơn), Wood (Mộc Sơn), Water (Thủy Sơn), Fire (Hỏa Sơn, comprising Yang Fire and Yin Fire), and Earth (Thổ Sơn). This area harmoniously blends the magnificent natural ecological beauty with the rich cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. The Ngũ Hành Sơn scenic complex also boasts many mysterious caves, particularly attractive to adventure seekers, such as the Am Phu Cave, which recreates the nine levels of hell, or the Huyen Khong Cave, with its shimmering, ethereal light illuminating the wondrous Buddha statues. Additionally, visitors can explore Linh Ung Pagoda, Tam Thai Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, and Huong Son Pagoda, all ancient and sacred temples located here.

4. Relax on My Khe Beach (Da Nang)

Da Nang is blessed with pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters that are as beautiful as paintings. Most notably, My Khe Beach, stretching from Son Tra Peninsula to Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains), is a paradise for surfing, jet skiing, kayaking, and other water sports.

5. Visit Son Tra Peninsula (Da Nang)

Immerse yourself in the pristine forests of the Son Tra Peninsula and admire the breathtaking scenery of mountains, water, and sky, exploring its diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. Pass through the Man Thai fishing village, stop at Linh Ung Pagoda, home to a 67-meter-tall statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Drive slowly along the winding roads, taking in the spectacular views of the vast ocean. Visit the Son Tra Nature Reserve, home to over 100 animal species, including many rare ones.

6. Stroll around Hoi An Ancient Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The moment you step into the "Golden Town," you're transported to a fairytale world with its ancient houses and colorful lanterns. Hoi An also boasts well-preserved temples, Chinese assembly halls, and a bustling market with a wide variety of goods… Don't miss the Japanese Bridge, a symbol of the ancient town, the Quan Cong Temple, or the sacred Quan Am Pagoda.

7. Take a cooking class in Hoi An.

Experiencing local cuisine by participating in one of the cooking classes is a very enjoyable activity in Hoi An. Immerse yourself in local flavors, experience the daily life of the locals with market tours, boat trips, visits to organic farms and herb gardens, and even pick your own vegetables to use as ingredients for your dishes... In addition, some establishments also offer cooking classes for diet and vegetarian dishes to suit the needs of students.

8. Enjoy a morning coffee in Hoi An.

During the rainy season, the best way to enjoy the monsoon breezes in Hoi An is to wake up and savor the aroma of morning coffee. Vietnamese coffee is prepared in many varieties, such as filter coffee, milk coffee, egg coffee, coconut coffee, and many others.

9. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hoi An night market.

As night falls, Hoi An is illuminated by dazzling, colorful lanterns. The highlight is the brightly lit boats floating on the water, immersing visitors in the vibrant yet somewhat mysterious atmosphere of the town. Stroll along the night market, where you can find numerous stalls selling everything from traditional clothing to souvenirs…

10. Experience the beauty of Cham Island (Hoi An)

Near Hoi An, tourists can also explore Cu Lao Cham Island – one of the islands boasting stunningly beautiful beaches. Recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve, it remains largely untouched by tourism, preserving its pristine natural beauty. Cu Lao Cham comprises seven smaller islands, ideal for those who love ecotourism and want to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the fresh air.