regional highlights
Historical Highlights
Vietnam is a country steeped in history. From the ancient Cham peoples, to the recent Vietnam War, Da Nang is a place which is surrounded by sites of historical interest. Below you will find the best of these outlined:
The Museum of Cham Sculpture
The Cham people, the original people to inhabit the region now commonly known as Vietnam, left many relics, traditions and local practices behind. The Museum of Cham Sculpture presents four separate halls, which show over one hundred sculptures dating back to the time when Vietnamese people called themselves Cham.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
No other person in recent history has affected not only Vietnamese history but South East Asian history as Ho Chi Minh. The Hon Chi Minh museum is a tribute to this charismatic visionary, who did much to ensure that Vietnam did not lag behind its South East Asian brothers when it came to military and economic might.
My Son Sanctuary
The Cham people may be gone, swallowed up into the people we now name the Vietnamese, but there can be no doubt they left plenty of history behind them. My Son Sanctuary represents the life that once was.
Da Nang is a good place to explore the history, architecture and folklore of Vietnam from. Although the City of Da Nang is quite new, the surrounding countryside is populated by many historic sites. Possibly the best way to explore these significant historic facts is to take an organized tour, with an English speaking guide, many of which can be booked locally in Da Nang.
Watersports & Beach Highlights
Da Nang is a relatively undeveloped beach holiday destination by South East Asian standards. This situation has been steadily changing over the last decade. Da Nang now offers a real opportunity for lovers of sun and sand to enjoy a fantastic holiday, at a greatly reduced cost. Some of the highlights of taking a beach holiday in Da Nang include:
Scuba Diving
When it comes to South East Asian dive spots, Vietnam is currently not in the top ten. The reason for this is that scuba diving has historically not been particularly accessible in Vietnam, not because the dive experience is not on par with other South East Asian countries. For this reason, Da Nang makes an incredible dive location. Entirely under-dived and with mostly pristine coral reefs. Da Nang is likely to become a world class dive center in the coming years, exploit it now before it becomes too popular.
China Beach
This is the oldest bathing beach in Da Nang. Originally developed as a recreational area for American troops during the Vietnam War. China Beach is currently one of the least visited tourist beaches, simply because it has not been entirely redeveloped to modern standards. However, it is the best beach in Da Nang, if you can overlook the slightly dated facilities then head to China Beach, soak up the sun and sand and consider the fact you are walking in the shoes of the average American G.I. in Vietnam.
There are many aspects of Da Nang that are of great appeal to beach lovers. The two mentioned above are considered to be the two most current highlights. China Beach will soon redeveloped into a major tourist attraction, enjoy it now before that happens. Scuba diving in Vietnam will soon become very popular; take advantage of the unspoiled underwater world before it disappears.
Natural Highlights
Da Nang and the surrounding area are considered to be one of the most visually stunning areas of natural beauty to be found within Vietnam. Certainly there are more dramatic areas, but these regions are not accessible to tourists. For this reason, Da Nang makes a great choice of destination for those visitors who enjoy nature and wildlife. Some of the natural highlights of Da Nang are:
Marble Mountain
Five dramatic peaks, each of which is named after the five Vietnamese elements of nature (metal, wood, fire, earth and water). Entirely accessible for most visitors to Da Nang, an easy day trekking or even a guided tour is the best way to enjoy this mountain range.
Ba Na Hills & Mountains
A more relaxing trek than the Marble Mountains, a tour of the Ba Na Mountain range is part nature trail and part historical exploration. The hidden glens and caves which make up the Ba Na Mountains are dotted with ancient temples, pagodas which are hundreds of years old and breathtaking hidden vistas. Take a day tour and use the cable car for easy access.
Son Tra Peninsula
30,000 square kilometers of almost completely unspoiled forest, jungle and shoreline. An area of natural importance which is protected by the Vietnamese Government. A fantastic place to spend a day relaxing on the beach, exploring the shoreline or tracking down rare flora and fauna in the forest. A real photographers dream. There are few easily accessible places in the world which match the Tra Peninsula for natural beauty.
Da Nang has much to offer travelers who enjoy nature and the open air. The three sites mentioned above are simply the major attractions of this type which can be found in the area, there are many more awaiting discovery.
