【2025 Da Nang Travel Guide】Hidden Spots Locals Don’t Tell You About! Money-Saving Tips + Must-Try Foods

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Da Nang, known as the “Hawaii of the East,” is Vietnam’s fourth-largest city. It boasts a 30-kilometer stretch of My Khe Beach and the world’s longest cable car at Ba Na Hills, spanning 5,801 meters. This city perfectly blends natural beauty with modern charm.

With Vietnam now offering Taiwanese travelers e-visas valid for up to 90 days, visiting this vibrant city has become even more convenient. Da Nang International Airport is just 10-20 minutes from the city center, making it easy to explore attractions like the My Son Sanctuary with its 70 Hindu temples or the iconic Dragon Bridge, which spouts fire and water every weekend.

In this 2025 Da Nang travel guide, we’ll reveal the city’s hidden gems, share money-saving tips, and introduce you to must-try local foods, helping you discover the authentic side of Da Nang.

Best Time to Visit Da Nang

Da Nang has a tropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences. To make the most of your trip, it’s essential to understand the seasonal highlights.

Seasonal Activities

• Spring (February to May): This is the golden season to visit Da Nang, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C. During this time, you can enjoy the vibrant flower fields at Ba Na Hills and the Son Tra Peninsula, as well as participate in the traditional Buffalo Fighting Festival, which offers a glimpse into rural Vietnamese culture.
• Summer (June to August): Although temperatures can exceed 35°C, summer is Da Nang’s liveliest season. The International Fireworks Festival, usually held in June, attracts teams from around the world. Additionally, the Beach Carnival and Food & Beer Festival in July and August add excitement to the hot summer days.
• Autumn and Winter (September to February): This is Da Nang’s rainy season, with frequent showers, especially from October to November. However, it’s a great time to visit cathedrals, museums, and enjoy local spas and hot springs. During the Lunar New Year, Da Nang hosts traditional celebrations, including dragon dances and lantern festivals.

Benefits of Traveling Off-Peak

Visiting Da Nang during the off-peak season (September to February) allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices for accommodations and flights. Although rainfall is more frequent, the average temperature remains comfortable, ranging from 19°C to 28°C.

It’s also advisable to avoid the Vietnamese summer vacation period (June to August), as both local and international tourists flock to the city, driving up prices. To save money, consider booking early or traveling during the off-season.

Regardless of when you visit, pack accordingly. For the dry season, bring lightweight, breathable clothing and sunscreen. During the rainy season, pack waterproof jackets, umbrellas, and non-slip shoes for wet surfaces.

Fastest Way to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa (Da Nang)

1. Fill Out the Application Form: https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/en/apply/ Complete the online application form, including details such as nationality, entry/exit dates, email address, and travel itinerary. Double-check all information for accuracy.
2. Upload Required Documents: In addition to the form, upload a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page and a clear photo (can be taken with a smartphone). Ensure the photo is clear and all details are visible.
3. Choose Expedited Service and Pay: Select the expedited service option that suits your needs. Note that faster processing comes at a higher cost. Once selected, proceed with online payment.
4. Receive Your E-Visa: After successful payment, you’ll receive your e-visa via email within the specified time frame. Print it out and save a digital copy on your phone for use upon arrival in Vietnam.

Deep Cultural Experiences

To truly understand Da Nang’s cultural heritage, participating in local traditions and handicraft activities is a must. The city is rich in cultural treasures, offering visitors a chance to experience the unique charm of Central Vietnam.

Participate in Local Traditions

• Hoi An Memories Show: This spectacular performance takes place on a 25,000-square-meter stage, featuring 500 actors who bring to life the history of Hoi An from the 16th to 17th centuries. The show is divided into five acts, showcasing the city’s development from its early days to the beauty of the Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese dress).
• Water Puppet Show: This traditional Cham ritual features puppets skillfully manipulated by artisans, depicting the lives of local farmers and cultural customs. It’s a great activity for families, offering children a fun and engaging way to learn about Vietnamese culture.

Visit Craft Villages

• Lang Cui Lu Cultural Village: Dedicated to preserving Vietnamese traditional crafts, this village features workshops where visitors can try their hand at bamboo weaving, pottery, embroidery, and fabric dyeing.
• Nam O Fish Sauce Village: Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, this village offers insights into the 400-year-old tradition of fish sauce production, along with opportunities to sample local delicacies.

Experience Vietnamese Coffee Culture

Vietnamese coffee culture is unique, and this experience allows you to dive deep into its traditions. Under professional guidance, you’ll learn to make various specialty coffees, including Vietnamese white coffee, salted butter coffee, coconut coffee, egg coffee, and peanut coffee.

Each coffee-making session lasts about 2.5 hours, during which you’ll not only brew your coffee but also learn about the history and culture of Vietnamese coffee. These sessions also share lesser-known coffee stories, enabling you to bring these unique brewing techniques home to share with friends and family.

【Da Nang Travel Guide】Hidden Spots Locals Don’t Tell You About! Money-Saving Tips + Must-Try Foods

Food Exploration Tour

Da Nang’s culinary scene is diverse and flavorful. Celebrity chef Summer Le, a Da Nang native, shares her insider tips on the city’s best eats.

Morning Market Delicacies

• Bún Bò Bà Thương: A local favorite for breakfast, this spot serves beef noodle soup with a lemongrass-infused broth, rice noodles, beef, and pork meatballs—a hearty way to start the day.
• Bò Né Minh Trang: This place offers Vietnamese-style beef stew, served with a sunny-side-up egg and pork meatballs, accompanied by a Vietnamese baguette. It’s only open for three hours daily.

Hidden Gem Restaurants

• Mi Quảng Ba Vị: A beloved local spot famous for Quang-style noodles. This dish features rice noodles with various toppings, turmeric sauce, roasted peanuts, and sesame rice crackers.
• Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng: Tucked away in an alley, this place is always packed. Their Vietnamese pancakes are filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with tamarind dipping sauce.

Street Food Map

• Bún Mắm Bà Đông: Chef Summer Le’s top street food pick, this stall serves fish sauce noodle soup with boiled pork, roasted peanuts, and jackfruit.
• Bánh Mì̀ Bà Lan: Famous for its Vietnamese baguette sandwiches, this spot draws long lines. Their signature sandwich features homemade pâté, thick slices of Vietnamese ham, and fresh herbs.

Specialty Drinks

• Cong Caphe: With locations in Da Nang and Hoi An, this café offers a nostalgic vibe with its retro décor. Their signature coconut coffee is a perfect blend of sweetness and bitterness, ideal for hot weather.
• Kem Bơ Cô Vân: Known for its avocado ice cream, this place blends fresh avocado with creamy milk ice cream and coconut flakes—a treat worth the trip.

Money-Saving Tips

Traveling on a budget in Da Nang is entirely possible with some smart planning. Here’s how to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

Free Attractions

• My Khe Beach: One of Da Nang’s most popular free spots, this beach is just 10 minutes from the airport and offers soft white sand and clear blue waters.
• Dragon Bridge: A city landmark, this bridge puts on a free light and fire show every weekend.

Affordable Activities

• Local Eateries: Meals at local restaurants are affordable, typically costing 50,000–100,000 VND per person. Street food is even cheaper, with a bowl of pho priced at 20,000–30,000 VND.
• Currency Exchange: Avoid airport exchange rates and opt for local gold shops or currency exchange offices in the city for better rates.

Budget-Friendly Transportation

• Airport to City: Public buses are the most economical option, costing just 6,000 VND per trip and running frequently from 5 AM to 6 PM.
• City Transport:
  • Motorbike rental: 100,000–150,000 VND per day
  • Taxi: Starting at 20,000–25,000 VND, with 16,000–18,000 VND per kilometer
  • Bus: 6,000–8,000 VND per trip

Conclusion: Experience a Different Da Nang

Da Nang is a city full of surprises, whether you’re admiring spring blossoms or joining the summer fireworks festival. With its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine, Da Nang offers something for everyone.

By choosing the right season, utilizing local transport, and exchanging currency wisely, you can enjoy a fulfilling trip on a budget. Traveling during the off-peak season not only saves money but also lets you explore the city at a more relaxed pace.

Don’t miss out on the local food and cultural experiences, from morning market delicacies to the mesmerizing Hoi An Memories Show. With this guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable Da Nang adventure!