The World Bank and foreign investors are pumping millions into Danang, Vietnam’s fifth largest city ideally situated on the seaside. It’s been deemed Vietnam’s economic dragon, clearly evident from the multitude of burgeoning high-rises that dot the beachfront. The city has bold plans and isn’t afraid to play on its history and creativity. We flew from Saigon to Danang on a cheap $25 domestic flight and were checked into a local AirBnB, drinking in ocean views and beer, by early afternoon. Unlike so many beach towns around the world, Danang is still calm, relaxing and slow-paced. Coming from the bright lights and hectic pace of Saigon, Danang was a huge breath of FRESH CLEAN AIR!

Besides spending a relaxing day or two at the beach, there are several day trips and cultural attractions I highly recommend and describe in more detail below: Marble Mountain, the Danang Fine Arts Museum, and a seafood feast at Lan Co via the Hai Van pass. Another over-hyped popular day trip is to Ba Na Hills, which is like an Asian version of Disney’s Epcot. It’s not our type of fun, but is chock-full of Insta-worthy spots, mad crowds, and quirky attractions.

Marble Mountains (Núi Ngũ Hành Sơn)

Marble forms when limestone rock is super-heated, causing the minerals to fuse together. Just a short taxi ride from Danang city center lies the Marble Mountains, hills of hollowed limestone caves and metamorphosed pink-hued marble. Over the centuries, these magnificent colorful caves have been transformed into Buddhist and Hindu temples, with marble staircases, passages, carvings and statues. You’ll enter Thuy Son Mountain through an entrance lined with marble zodiac protectors, immediately plunging into a dimly lit cave. Bring your flash and a tripod, ‘cause there are so many strange wonders to capture! It is definitely worth the $2 entry fee (40,000 dong).

We followed the various passageways, ultimately heading upward towards the top of the 500 foot karst hilltop with an expansive all-around view of Danang. Along the way, there are soft-faced buddhas, gentle animal carvings, a descent into “hell”, some crazy neon lighting, and a peaceful incense-infused meditation hall.

We spent about 4 hours exploring everything, including the temple and the 400 year old pagoda. A fellow blogger captures a lot of the “how to get there” details, so check out Local Nomad’s post for logistics.

Danang Fine Arts Museum

Where language barriers exist, one way to understand the emotions of a society is through their art. The Danang Fine Art Museum is a window into the soul of Danang’s people. It’s a gem! Hail a taxi to 78 Le Duan, Thach Thang Ward in the Hai Chau District and, for just $1, explore more than 1000 pieces of local folk and contemporary art. All displays have an English translation; the flow is logical and offers a wonderful mix of sculptures, paintings, lacquers, silks and more. My father served in Vietnam in 1968, so I was, of course, transfixed by the war depictions. But I also enjoyed the nostalgic folk art, a glimpse of traditional values and ordinary “days in the life”. Plan at least 2 hours; so much to read and absorb!

Roadtrip and Food Fest! Hai Van Pass to Lan Co

Seriously. No trip to Danang is complete without a drive over Hai Van Pass. On the other side is quiet Lan Co, with the freshest fish and clams you will ever eat. Regardless of your group size, hire a driver and enjoy the day traversing this panoramic summit and feasting on an unbelievable variety of seafood.

Lan Co is a small fishing village situated along a protected bay. Canoes bob in the gentle waves as a mist descends along with the sun. It’s picturesque and camera-ready.

Ba Na Hills

When the French colonized Vietnam, they built a mountaintop retreat to escape the jungle heat. That was the inspiration for today’s massive Ba Na Hills resort complex, with its “French Alps” theme. This photo of the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills comes from our travel companions, who ventured there while we lounged on the beach and explored the city. From their descriptions of mass crowds, contrived European villages, and carnival rides, I am personally glad to have skipped it. But if you’re in Danang and enjoy amusement parks or built-for-Instagram photo ops, you might check it out.