Best Nature Destinations in Da Nang

Beyond the neon lights of the Dragon Bridge and the bustling night markets lies a world of pristine peaks and turquoise waters. Da Nang is one of the few cities in Vietnam where you can hike a jungle mountain in the morning and surf a world-class beach by sunset. Whether you are looking to conquer the winding roads of the Son Tra Peninsula or find serenity in the cool air of the Marble Mountains, this guide explores the essential nature spots that make Da Nang a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain)

Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain)

Son Tra Peninsula—affectionately known as Monkey Mountain—serves as the "green lung" of Da Nang. This lush nature reserve is a biodiversity hotspot, famous for being the primary home of the endangered red-shanked douc langur, often called the "Queen of Primates" for its vibrant colors. Beyond its dense tropical forests, the peninsula offers a stunning mix of adventure and spirituality, featuring the majestic Linh Ung Pagoda with its 67-meter Lady Buddha statue, the ancient thousand-year-old banyan tree, and panoramic views of the East Sea from Ban Co Peak.

Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains)

Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains)

Ngu Hanh Son—the Marble Mountains—is a dramatic cluster of five limestone and marble crags named after the five essential elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. This spiritual and natural sanctuary is most famous for Thuy Son (Water Mountain), where visitors can explore a labyrinth of mystical caves like Huyen Khong, illuminated by shafts of natural light piercing through the high stone ceilings. Beyond its geological wonders, the mountains are home to 400-year-old Buddhist pagodas, intricate stone carvings, and historical wartime hideouts.

Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge)

Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge)

Ba Na Hills is a breathtaking hill station known as the "temperate heaven" of Central Vietnam. While it is home to the world-famous Golden Bridge, held aloft by giant weathered hands, its true allure lies in its unique mountain climate, where you can experience four seasons in a single day. Visitors ascend via one of the world’s longest cable car systems, offering a bird's-eye view of pristine primeval forests and the cascading Toc Tien Waterfall. The destination seamlessly blends natural beauty with man-made wonder, featuring the vibrant Le Jardin D’Amour flower gardens, the spiritual tranquility of the Linh Ung Pagoda, and the misty, romantic atmosphere of a medieval French Village.

My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach is the crown jewel of Da Nang’s shoreline, famously ranked by Forbes as one of the most attractive beaches on the planet. This pristine destination is celebrated for its soft, silky white sands, warm turquoise waters, and a gentle slope that makes it exceptionally safe for year-round swimming. Sheltered by the lush Son Tra Peninsula, the beach enjoys calm waves and a refreshing sea breeze, creating a perfect sanctuary for both relaxation and adventure. At dawn, the horizon transforms into a cinematic display of golden light as local fishermen return in traditional basket boats, while the day offers everything from serene sunbathing under coconut palms to high-energy surfing and parasailing.

Han River

Han River

The Han River is the poetic soul of Da Nang, offering a serene natural corridor that balances the city's modern energy. Known for its calm, clean waters and refreshing riverside breezes, the river is lined with lush green promenades, manicured gardens, and intricate marble sculptures that invite peaceful strolls at dawn or dusk. While it is celebrated for its iconic bridges—such as the fire-breathing Dragon Bridge and the rotating Han River Bridge—the river itself serves as a vital ecological landmark, reflecting the shimmering city lights and the surrounding mountains like a giant mirror.

Non Nuoc

Non Nuoc

Non Nuoc is a breathtaking destination where rugged peaks meet a world-class coastline. Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet by Forbes, it features a 5-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand and emerald waters that remain calm and clear throughout the year. What makes Non Nuoc truly unique is the "Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village"—a 400-year-old craft community at its base where skilled artisans transform local marble into intricate sculptures and spiritual icons. This destination offers a rare "surf and turf" experience: you can spend your morning trekking through ancient mountain caves and limestone pagodas, then retreat to the shore for surfing, kayaking, or a quiet sunset under a canopy of casuarina trees.