When I was in the city last year, I compiled a post with ideas to help visitors experience Da Nang on a budget. This year I’ll create another, for there is so much to see that I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on. Here are 5 more free things to do in Da Nang Vietnam plus a bonus.
Sunrise on the Beach
Hear me out, this might sound dull, but its really not about the sunrise at all! Instead, its about spending time with the locals and experiencing a beautiful way of life. Plan to be anywhere along Da Nang Beach just before the sun rises. For me on this visit, the timing was around 5am. You will leave your dwelling in the dark and arrive to the see the beach is lit up with floodlights!
There can be quite a crowd down here, many already swimming and bathing in the salty East China Sea. Even more will be exercising, some in large groups to loud music. I almost always encounter at least one wedding too!
The friendliest encounters happen at this hour too. If you walk along the beach, you will frequently be greeted with a big “Hello!” I always answer back with an equally big “Sin chow!” and am met with huge smiles and sometimes laughter. This is an exceptional time to be at the beach and a very unique experience, believe me.
Street Markets
There are many around the city, and you can encounter them any time of day. Any area on Google maps that shows a yellow shadow and says ‘busy as it gets’ is likely a street market. (Here is one) These are generally not housed in any type of building, instead, vendors line the roadway selling anything and everything.
Most buyers are on motorbikes and they don’t get off to shop. Its almost like a drive thru market for them. Its complete chaos, wonderfully vibrant and extremely interesting.
As a visitor, I rarely encounter another tourist and don’t have people asking me to buy their items either. I can simply wander through, engage and learn about the food culture here. I am always extremely mindful that these locals are busy going about their daily tasks and I take care not to be in the way.
Cathedral & Churches
Did you know that 75% of the population engages in folk religion? Of the other 25%, about half are registered Buddhist and the other half are Catholic. In Da Nang, there is even a cathedral and bishops’ residence.
As you wander through the city, you will see a lot of other churches too. Some seem to be open to the public and others not. None that have seen are ostentatious, instead they are quaint and charming. Its interesting to see almost a melding of religions as I peruse the statues etc.
Walking Street
An area that is beautiful by day and lively at night is Walking Street. Located on the downtown side of the Han River, between the Dragon Bridge and Tran Thi Ly Bridge. Come here for a wide esplanade with a garden at one end, a park in the middle and lots of flowers and statues along the walk.
At night this area is full of lights, food trucks and fun. A perfect spot for people watching and to see the city skyline full of twinkling lights.
Beach Fishermen
Back to the beach, to witness a fisherman’s haul is truly a unique sight indeed. This takes place in the mornings, anywhere between dawn and 11am. The fishermen have been out at sea, casting their nets from their coconut boats.
When the timing is right, the huge nets are hauled in by hand and a bounty of sea life is retrieved. Watch as the critters are sorted and sold right there and then. It’s a fascinating process that is steeped in history and tradition.
Da Nang Fine Arts Museum
A bonus item because its not technically free, however the cost is 20,000 dong or $1 CAD. On the downtown side of the Han River, find this three floor building full of beautiful art. The ground floor is for revolving exhibits and a learning centre for children. The second floor full of mixed media art from all around Vietnam.
And the third floor is loaded with historical items and various pieces from the different craft villages surrounding the area. It’s a marvellous gallery to see a wide assortment, over 1,000 pieces of Vietnamese art.
I hope this post gives you some ideas for things to do in Da Nang. I have been here twice now for a total of two months and feel I have barely scratched the surface. Da Nang is quirky, fun, authentic and oh so charming on every level.
