The city of bridges – Da Nang – never ceases to amaze travelers with its wonders. Yet, visiting Da Nang during the peak season of tourism can be quite tiring since all the popular attractions will be crowded with people. That’s where going off-the-beaten-path in Da Nang will come in handy. Not only can you discover hidden localities, but you can also have a better look at the local’s daily lives. Whether you’re a veteran or a first-timer in Da Nang, we’re sure that these suggestions will get you on the edge of your seats!
Where to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path in Da Nang
Chase the Sunlights at Nam O Beach
Location: Nam O Beach
Nam O Beach is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Da Nang. It has an untouched, wild beauty that serves as a good backdrop for nature photography. The beach is about 17 kilometers northwest of Da Nang’s city center. Many reefs are under the sea and mossy rocks on the shore here, so we don’t recommend swimming. But taking pictures at Nam O Beach is highly recommendable, especially during dusk and dawn.
Pro-tip: Xuan Thieu Beach nearby would be a good option for those wanting to take a dip.
Visit Da Nang Cathedral
Location: Da Nang Cathedral
The cathedral was built during the French occupation of Vietnam, adopting the Gothic style with a soft pink facade. There are many photogenic spots around the cathedral, but this place is quite off-the-beaten-path in Da Nang, so spending around 15 minutes to half an hour here would be sufficient.
Dine at Da Nang’s Local Markets
If you want to see what the locals eat truly, remember to make detours from high-end restaurants to local markets that are more off-the-beaten-path in Da Nang. A name to quickly put on your list is Bac My An Market. The market locates near the Marble Mountain and the way here is quite straightforward; therefore, you can note this place down for a cheap, fun lunch. The market offers a variety of Central Vietnam dishes such as Bun Mam Nem, Banh Can, Banh Xeo, etc. And don’t forget to wash down everything with a creamy glass of avocado ice cream at Kem Bo Co Van stall.
Pro-tip: Bac My An Market has two sections: one selling food and one selling utilities. However, as the market is mainly for locals, the utilities sold here are less souvenir material than in other markets. If you want something for your friends and family, night markets would be the better choice.
Explore Hai Van Pass
Here’s an experience that’s off-the-beaten-path in Da Nang for adventurous souls. Hai Van is a short but scenic route connecting Da Nang and Hue. You can explore this place on its own or as part of a trip to Hue. Traveling down Hai Van Pass, you’ll see the mountain on one side and the ocean on the other, hence the name Hai Van, or “an ocean of clouds”. The traffic here is light, and the road is not too difficult to ride on, so you’ll have a relaxing journey.
Spend a Day Exploring Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula is one of the best destinations for a day trip from Da Nang. It’s not entirely lesser-known, but not many foreign tourists take trips here comparing to other attractions. Son Tra Peninsula has many exciting activities that you can do, such as praying at Linh Ung Pagoda or visiting Man Thai Fishing Village.
Pro-tip: Son Tra Peninsula has many luxury resorts, such as the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, but it’s pretty far from the city.
Summary of Off-the-Beaten-Path in Da Nang
Were you able to choose somewhere to go off the beaten path in Da Nang after reading this article? We sure hope you were! That said, popular attractions in Da Nang are worth visiting as well. If you have never been to Da Nang, we highly recommend exploring those places first to get an overview of this exciting city. Start planning your trip by reading this article on things to do in Da Nang, where we’ve included pro-tips on how to make the most of your time.