| Name | from the old Cham word ‘Danak’, where ‘Da’ is river and ‘nak’ large: the large river, the Han River |
|---|---|
| Early culture | settled for thousands of years by the Sa Huynh culture, then part of Champa |
| Dragon Bridge | described as the largest steel dragon in the world, with fire and water effects |
| Skyline | more than 140 buildings above 12 floors, 40 above 100 m and 2 above 200 m |
| Ba Na Hills | near 1,500 m with an average temperature of about 20 °C |
| Climate | rainiest in September, October and November, averaging 465 mm a month |
In the Vietnam War Danang grew rapidly around its air base. Danang today is a commercial and educational center of central Vietnam. It is a large port city with a relaxed feel.
Most of the names of Danang refer to its position at the Han River estuary. The present name of its originated form a Cham work which means “opening of a large river”. From the dawn of history, Danang closely related to the Sa Huynh culture which is one of the most ancient cultures in Vietnam. In Cham Museum, many palaces, towers, temple citadels and ramparts date back from 1st to 13th are still to be seen. Danang was a place witnessing the southward expansion of Dai Viet under Ly dynasty in the 15th century as well as the appearance of Westerners in Vietnam in 20th century. During Vietnam War, the city was home to a major air base for South Vietnamese and United States air forces. At that time, Danang was one of the World’s busiest airports steering the growth of entertainment industry with the booming of bars, restaurants and hotels. Favorable condition endorsed by nature, as well as social transformation has made Danang an attractive city with beautiful beaches and great restaurants.
Within its boundary, Danang has dozens of interesting attractions. Among them, My Son, an archaeological site built more than a thousand year, is outstanding for being a former capital and religious center of Champa Kingdom. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Ba Na Tourist Resort, a modern human works, is spectacular with a 5km-long cable car system offering tourists a panorama view of Ba Na Mountains. Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains) is another most popular attraction of the city. It includes five marble and limestone mountains which represents five element of ancient oriental philosophy: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Son Tra Peninsula with fantastic, untouched natural scene and mysterious primitive jungle is also in the list of must – visit places. Other beautiful spots like Linh Ung pagoda and Non Nuoc beach are recommended to visit.
During your holiday in Danang, you should not miss chances to enjoy its cuisines and specialties. Dining foods served in local street cafes or in top ranking restaurants is satisfying experience. Coming to a coastal city like Danang, you absolutely have opportunities to savor the best seafood. Be thui (grilled beef) and my Quang (Quang noodle) are worth trying.
The city and its setting
Vietnamese Wikipedia explains that the name Da Nang comes from the old Cham word Danak, meaning large river, for the Han River at whose mouth the city lies. The area was settled thousands of years ago by the Sa Huynh culture and later formed part of Champa. The city now faces the river and sea and has more than 140 buildings over twelve floors, with 40 above 100 meters. The Dragon Bridge, with its fire and water display, is described as the largest steel dragon in the world. In the hills, Ba Na reaches nearly 1,500 meters with an average temperature of about 20 degrees, and rainfall is heaviest from September to November. Da Nang is a base for Hoi An and Hue; see our Hoi An and Hue pages. We have not verified opening hours or prices.
Sources (read in Vietnamese, Vietnamese Wikipedia): Đà Nẵng. Last checked November 2026.
Da Nang: FAQ
Where does the name Da Nang come from?
From the old Cham word Danak, meaning large river, for the Han River.
Which culture lived around Da Nang in ancient times?
The Sa Huynh culture, and later Champa.
What is the Dragon Bridge?
A bridge described as the largest steel dragon in the world, with fire and water effects.
When is the rainy season in Da Nang?
September to November, averaging 465 mm a month.
Can you visit Hoi An and Hue from Da Nang?
Yes, both are common day or overnight trips; check transfer times when you book.