Located roughly halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang is a lively coastal city fringed by a long stretch of sand. In addition to its landmark Dragon Bridge, the city centre is home to an impressive cultural museum that celebrates the artistic legacy of the Champa civilisation.
Things to do in Da Nang City Centre
One of Da Nang City Centre’s most striking attractions is the Dragon Bridge, which stretches 666 metres across the River Han. Designed in the shape of a dragon (which is said to bring good luck in Vietnamese culture), it hosts a spectacular light show on weekend nights that includes fire and water being spurted from the dragon’s mouth.
A short stroll from the Dragon Bridge is the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which houses the world’s largest collection of sculptures from the Champa civilisation. It occupies a beautiful building designed by the French architects Delaval and Auclair that draws on Cham architectural elements. Step inside to marvel at the ornate carvings from the Hindu temples of My Son and pedestals from Tra Kieu, which was the first capital of the Champa Kingdom.
Stretching along the eastern edge of Da Nang City Centre is My Khe Beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. You can kick back beneath a beach umbrella on the golden sands or get active with a range of water sports before feasting on seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Getting around Da Nang City Centre
Da Nang International Airport is a 10-minute drive from Da Nang City Centre and has flights to destinations across Asia. Trains connect to Da Nang railway station and buses travel throughout the city. Da Nang City Centre is compact enough to explore on foot.