Da Nang : Surrender to the Phenomenal Blessing of Nature and Landscape

Da Nang is a beautiful and serene coastal city located in Central Vietnam which is popular for its French colonial reminiscence and white sand beaches. The city is blessed with mosaic of natural landscapes right from pristine beaches to verdant hills to old limestone caves. The cityscape is peppered with gorgeous Pagoda styled temples and caves with Buddhist shrines. It is one of the most popular places in Vietnam with thousands to millions of tourists every year. There are plenty of fascinating things to do and experience with a rich history. Here are top 10 places to visit in Da Nang.

1. Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains is the topmost natural attractions in D Nang which is basically cluster of five hills made of limestone and marble. The five hills are named after five elements which are metal, water, wood, fire and Earth. The mountains have their entrance through the caves and there are number of tunnels through which it can be explored. It is famous for even stone sculptures and stone cutting crafts. The stone sculptures in the Non Nuoc stone village in Ngu Hanh Son are pretty interesting.

2. Son Tra or Monkey Mountain

This place will give you eternal views of the glorious sunrise and sunset melting your soul in a second. The breathtaking views from the National Park are gorgeous and it stands at altitude of 693 meters above sea level. The serpentine roads leading to the mountains is a haven for bikers and hikers surrounded by lush green jungles. As you hike along the trait, be ready to spot some unique species of plants, animals and birds. It got its name from presence of rare species called red face monkeys. The Linh Ung Pagoda is the tallest statue of Goddess of Mercy situated on the hill.

3. Phap Lam Pagoda

The Phap Lam Pagoda is a gorgeous two storey Pagoda styled temple that is brilliantly constructed with flash of colors and intricate designs. It is located along Ong Ich Khiem Street that is surrounded by lush green landscaped garden and plenty of Buddhist sculptures. It is very peaceful and serene around the temple where the monks offer their prayer every morning. A 1.1 meters high Buddha statue and brass statue of Goddess of Mercy is present in the temple. It is a pure awakening of soul visiting the place.

4. Non Nuoc Beach

The serene and less crowded beach of Vietnam is around 5kms from coastline of Hoa Hai Ward’s stretched along the soft and gently white sand beach. The beach is mostly known for mild waves and there are many leisure activities to do. It is a perfect place to spend languid afternoons taking a stroll and drinking some neat cocktail. There are surfing and stand up paddling activities that are conducted in the beach. It is just 10 min walk from the iconic Marble Mountains.

5. Cham Museum

It is a popular museum that brings together culture, lifestyle and heritage of indigenous Cham Tribe of Vietnam in display. The roots of the tribe dates back to around 192AD. The museum was founded in the year 1915 during French colonial rule. There are 10 interior exhibition rooms inside which displays marvelous medieval terracotta and stone sculptures from 7th to 15th centuries. There are guided tours available to see the various cultural displays inside the museum. The museum glorifies and keep alive the beautiful Cham architecture.

6. Pham Van Dong Beach

The beautiful is extremely beautiful and less crowded keeping the serenity intact. It is the perfect place to spend days in leisure and exploring its impressive coastline and surroundings. The cobalt blue sky, deep blue sea water, gentle breeze and the white sand on the beach stretch for miles. It is an ideal beach for a romantic honeymoon. There are number of water activities that you can indulge in while visiting or staying at the beach.

7. My Khe Beach

It is one of the most popular beaches in Da Nang that stretches around 20-miles. The soft and gentle wave washes along the shore as you walk on the white sand. The picturesque and serene beach is a tourist destination with number of upscale resorts. It also offers a number of water activities like snorkeling, fishing, jet-skiing, surfing etc. It is closest beach to the city and the coastline is far stretched. The blue water, cottony cloud sky and the breeze makes the beach a perfect hangout.

8. Da Nang Cathedral

The cathedral displays excellence of architectural bliss and is one of the unique Catholic Church located in Vietnam. The baroque cathedral has a façade with pink painted edifice complemented with stained glass windows. There is a rooster weathercock on the top above the bell tower. The church was built during French rule in 1923 which was alternatively also known as Rooster church. The church offers outstanding view of the Da Nang city, Han River, beaches and the surrounding mountains from the high tower.

9. Dragon Bridge

It is a marvelous engineering and the bridge measures around 666 meters in length making it the longest beach in Vietnam. It is one of the most photographed bridges in Vietnam that sparkles like dream at night with its lights. The six lane bridge is built over the Han River and is designed like the shape of the Dragon. The bridge is a symbol of good fortune, power and nobility and looks magnificent at night when it is completely illuminated. It breathes fire and throws water from 9 pm onwards.

10. Hai Van Pass

The pass stands at 500m above sea level and is the highest pass in the country. It offers panoramic views while crossing the pass and it lies on border between Thua Thien-Hue province and Da Nang City. It gives clear views of the city if the clouds are not hanging around it along with view of the spectacular Tien Sa Port and Son Tra Peninsula. There is a French built fort that is almost in its ruins and the pass has number of curves and blind corners.

◎ Closing

Da Nang is truly a benediction of nature with amazing pristine beaches, verdant hills, architecturally brilliant temples and Pagodas & museums. The enchanting landscape of the city makes it a leisure backpacker and tourist destination.