Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills - Top 15 Things To Do In Da Nang For A Memorable Trip

Da Nang combines beaches, mountains, cultural attractions, local food and a modern city centre. During a three- or four-day trip, travellers can explore the coastline, Son Tra Peninsula, museums, local markets and the Han River before spending a full day at Ba Na Hills.

This guide groups the best things to do in Da Nang by area and travel experience. This approach helps reduce travel time and gives visitors more time at the places that best match their interests.

1. Relax on Da Nang’s Beaches

The coastline is an important part of any Da Nang itinerary. My Khe Beach is close to the city centre and suitable for sunrise walks, swimming and a relaxed morning before sightseeing.

Non Nuoc Beach is located near the Marble Mountains, making it easy to combine both places in one trip. Other coastal areas include Bac My An, the beaches around Son Tra and Nguyen Tat Thanh Beach.

Swimming conditions depend on waves, wind and daily safety warnings. Use areas monitored by lifeguards and follow the beach safety signs.

2. Explore Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra Peninsula combines forest, mountain roads and viewpoints overlooking the sea and city. It is a practical half-day trip for travellers who want to explore nature without travelling far from central Da Nang.

Linh Ung Pagoda at Bai But is one of the most visited stops, known for its hillside setting and sea views. Other parts of the peninsula may include viewpoints, small beaches and nature routes, depending on current access conditions.

Families, older visitors and travellers unfamiliar with mountain roads should consider using a taxi or private car. Road access may change because of weather, conservation work or safety requirements.

3. Visit the Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are a group of limestone hills with caves, pagodas and coastal viewpoints. Thuy Son is the main visitor area, while Am Phu Cave generally requires a separate ticket.

Key sites may include Huyen Khong Cave, Linh Ung Pagoda and Vong Giang Dai. The area has many steps and stone paths that can become slippery in wet weather, so suitable footwear is recommended.

A morning is usually enough for the main attractions. Visitors can then continue to Non Nuoc Beach or the nearby stone-carving village.

4. Learn About Da Nang and Cham History

The Museum of Cham Sculpture introduces the art, religion and history of the Champa civilisation in Central Vietnam. Its collection provides useful context for travellers visiting other Cham heritage sites in the region.

The Da Nang Museum on Tran Phu Street covers the city’s history, communities and development. It offers a broader view of Da Nang beyond its beaches, hotels and bridges.

Both museums are near the city centre and can be combined with APEC Park, Han Market or a walk along the Han River. Opening hours and ticket prices should be confirmed before visiting.

5. Walk Along the Han River

The Han River waterfront reflects the modern side of Da Nang. Travellers can walk along Bach Dang Street, visit APEC Park and see the bridges connecting both sides of the city.

Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, Han River Bridge and Thuan Phuoc Bridge each have a different design. APEC Park is located near the Museum of Cham Sculpture, making both stops easy to include in a short city walk.

Late afternoon is usually more comfortable for walking. Visitors can continue with dinner, a night market or evening activities near the river.

6. Explore Local Markets in Da Nang

Each Da Nang market offers a different experience. Han Market is convenient for packaged specialties and souvenirs, while Con Market is known for its food section. Bac My An Market offers affordable local dishes, and Dong Da and Man Thai markets provide a more residential experience.

In the evening, Son Tra Night Market and Helio Night Market combine food, shopping and entertainment. Rather than visiting several markets in one day, choose one traditional market during the day and one night market near your accommodation.

Find out more: Top 9 local markets in Da Nang – detailed information on locations, best times to visit, must-try dishes, and recommended products to buy at each market.

7. Try Da Nang Food and Seafood

Da Nang cuisine reflects the city’s coastal location and Central Vietnamese food traditions. Popular dishes include Mi Quang, fish cake noodle soup, rice paper rolls with pork, bun mam nem, banh xeo and fresh seafood.

A practical food itinerary may begin with local dishes at a market, followed by a restaurant or seafood dinner. Focus on one area, such as Hai Chau, Son Tra, Bac My An or An Thuong, to avoid spending too much time travelling between meals.

When ordering seafood by weight, confirm the price, weight and cooking method before placing the order. Travellers with allergies should ask about seafood, peanuts, fish sauce and fermented dipping sauces.

8. Travel Across Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass is located north of central Da Nang and follows a mountain route overlooking the coast and bay. The pass is approximately 20 to 21 kilometres long and reaches an elevation of about 500 metres.

Visitors can travel by private car, guided tour or motorbike if they have experience riding on mountain roads. Stops should only be made in safe areas with clear visibility.

Weather can change quickly at the summit, especially during cloudy or rainy conditions. Families and inexperienced drivers should use a vehicle with a local driver.

9. Discover Nam O Fishing Village

Nam O fish sauce village is located near the foot of Hai Van Pass. The traditional craft has been practised for more than 700 years and reflects the close relationship between local fishing communities and the sea.

A visit may include learning about fish sauce production, exploring the coastal landscape and trying local food. Contact details, opening hours and access to production facilities should be checked in advance.

Nam O can be combined with Hai Van Pass. Avoid adding too many distant stops if only half a day is available.

10. Spend a Day at Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park

Nui Than Tai is suitable for families and travellers looking for hot springs, water attractions and a day away from the city. The park is outside central Da Nang, so transport and travel time should be planned in advance.

Attractions, ticket inclusions and seasonal programmes may change throughout the year. Check the latest ticket information before booking.

Nui Than Tai and Ba Na Hills should not be planned on the same day. Both destinations require enough time to justify the journey.

11. Spend a Full Day at Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills combines the cable car, Golden Bridge, gardens, spiritual sites, French Village, Fantasy Park, performances and restaurants. It should be planned as one major day trip rather than divided into several separate activities.

Day visitors should prioritise the Golden Bridge, French Village and one or two entertainment areas. Families may spend more time at Fantasy Park, while couples may prefer the architecture, mountain views and restaurants.

Dining options in the French Village include:

• La Crique for international buffets
• L’Étable for Mediterranean cuisine
• Maison du Roi for Vietnamese and Asian dishes
• Café Postal, Le Grenier Lounge and La Taverne Bar for drinks and lighter options

Staying at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills allows travellers to explore the French Village at night and divide the visit across two days. The hotel is located inside Ba Na Hills, is accessible only by cable car and currently offers 448 rooms across 11 categories.

12. Add a Golf Experience to Your Trip

Da Nang and the surrounding area have several golf courses for leisure travellers, business guests and groups. Golf is best suited to a longer itinerary that combines the city, coast and mountain areas.

Mercure currently promotes a Stay and Play Package combining one night at Ba Na Hills with golf at Ba Na Hills Golf Club. Rates, dates and package inclusions should be confirmed before booking.

Allow at least half a day for golf. Avoid combining it with an overcrowded Ba Na Hills itinerary.

13. Check Seasonal Festivals and Events

Da Nang hosts beach programmes, cultural festivals, sporting events and seasonal activities throughout the year. Events may take place along the coast, in the city centre, at Ba Na Hills or in nearby areas.

Check the current event calendar before booking flights and accommodation. Major events can improve the travel experience but may also affect traffic, room rates and availability.

Do not build an itinerary around a seasonal festival until its official date has been confirmed.

14. Make Time for Wellness and Indoor Activities

Spas, museums, indoor pools, cafés and covered entertainment areas provide alternatives when the weather changes. They are also useful for travellers who want to balance sightseeing with rest.

At Ba Na Hills, Mercure guests can use Rhône Spa, the heated indoor pool and restaurants in the French Village. The hotel may also offer Retreat Stay, Calm & Comfort and seasonal treatments.

Indoor activities should be included as part of the itinerary rather than treated only as a backup for rainy days.

Learn more: Tips for visiting Da Nang during the rainy season – Things to keep in mind.

15. Experience Da Nang at Night

An evening in Da Nang can begin with local food before continuing to the Han River, Dragon Bridge, a night market or an entertainment area. The Dragon Bridge fire and water show usually follows a weekend and special-event schedule, which should be checked before visiting.

Son Tra Night Market is convenient for combining Dragon Bridge and Love Bridge. Helio Night Market is better suited to groups looking for a larger selection of food and entertainment.

For guests staying at Mercure, the evening experience takes place inside the French Village. Visitors can have dinner, walk through the illuminated squares or visit Le Grenier Lounge and La Taverne Bar without taking the cable car back to the city.

Suggested Three-Day Da Nang Itinerary

Day 1: City Centre, Culture and Local Markets

Begin at the Museum of Cham Sculpture and APEC Park. Continue to Han Market or Con Market for local food and souvenir shopping.

In the afternoon, visit the Da Nang Museum and walk along Bach Dang Street. Spend the evening around Dragon Bridge, Son Tra Night Market or a local seafood restaurant.

Day 2: Beaches, Son Tra and the Marble Mountains

Start with sunrise at My Khe Beach before travelling to Son Tra Peninsula and Linh Ung Pagoda.

In the afternoon, visit the Marble Mountains and Non Nuoc Beach or return to the coast for a more relaxed schedule. Adjust mountain and outdoor activities according to the weather.

Day 3: Ba Na Hills

Leave central Da Nang early and take the cable car to Ba Na Hills. Prioritise the Golden Bridge, French Village and the attractions that best suit your group.

Day visitors should monitor the final cable car schedule and arrange transport back to the city. Travellers who want dinner and an evening in the French Village should extend the itinerary to four days.

Suggested Four-Day Da Nang Itinerary with One Night at Ba Na Hills

Day 1: Central Da Nang and the Han River

Combine the museums, Han Market, Bach Dang Street, APEC Park and evening activities near Dragon Bridge.

Day 2: Beach, Son Tra and Local Food

Spend the morning at My Khe Beach before visiting Son Tra Peninsula and Linh Ung Pagoda. The afternoon can be used for the Marble Mountains, additional beach time or a slower city break.

Finish the day with local dishes or seafood.

Day 3: Ba Na Hills and Mercure Check-In

Travel to the foot of Ba Na Hills, take the cable car and visit the main attractions. Check in at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills later in the day.

Families can choose the buffet at La Crique, couples can dine at L’Étable, and groups interested in Vietnamese and Asian food can visit Maison du Roi. After dinner, explore the French Village or visit one of the hotel’s lounges or bars.

Day 4: Morning at Ba Na Hills

Begin the day in the cooler mountain climate of the French Village. Depending on room benefits and cable car operations, guests may be able to arrange an early visit to the Golden Bridge or return to attractions they missed the previous day.

After breakfast, check out, take the cable car down the mountain and continue to central Da Nang or the airport.

Tips for Planning a Da Nang Itinerary

Plan each day by area instead of choosing unrelated attractions across the city. Central Da Nang, the coast, Son Tra, the Marble Mountains, Hai Van Pass and Ba Na Hills each require dedicated time.

Check the weather for each area. Conditions at the beach, in the city and at Ba Na Hills can differ on the same day.

For a three- or four-day trip, focus on one or two main areas each day. Leave enough time for meals, rest and changes caused by weather or operating schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Da Nang

Are Three Days Enough for Da Nang?

Three days are enough for a basic visit covering the city centre, beach, Son Tra Peninsula and Ba Na Hills. Four days are better for an overnight stay at Ba Na Hills, Hai Van Pass, local food and wellness activities.

What Should First-Time Visitors Prioritise?

My Khe Beach, Son Tra Peninsula, the Marble Mountains, the Han River, local markets and Ba Na Hills are among the main experiences. The order should be adjusted according to weather and accommodation location.

Should I Spend a Full Day at Ba Na Hills?

Yes. Travel to the mountain, cable car journeys and the number of attractions require at least one day. An overnight stay suits families and couples who want to see the French Village after dark.

What Can I Do in Da Nang When It Rains?

Visitors can choose museums, covered markets, restaurants, spas and indoor entertainment. At Ba Na Hills, Fantasy Park and the facilities at Mercure provide additional indoor options.

Which Area Is Best for Staying in Da Nang?

Central Da Nang is convenient for museums, markets and the Han River. The beachfront area suits travellers prioritising My Khe Beach and Son Tra, while Ba Na Hills is best treated as a separate mountain stay.

The guide to Accor hotels in Da Nang compares accommodation options according to location and travel purpose.

Complete Your Da Nang Itinerary at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills

Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills provides a different experience from a city-centre hotel or beachfront resort. After exploring Da Nang’s beaches, markets, museums and riverfront, travellers can continue to Ba Na Hills and stay inside the French Village.

The hotel currently offers 448 rooms across 11 categories, including Standard, Superior, Deluxe, Family Deluxe and Family Suite accommodation. Dining options include La Crique, L’Étable, Maison du Roi, Café Postal, Le Grenier Lounge and La Taverne Bar.

Current offers may include the Family Retreat Package, Stay More, Save More, Spa Retreat Stay and Stay and Play Package. Benefits, prices and available dates may change, so guests should review the latest hotel offers before booking.

Planning a trip to Da Nang? Choose a room at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills and add an overnight mountain stay to your city, beach and food itinerary.