1. Local festival highlights
As a coastal city, Da Nang comes alive with a vibrant array of festivals and events centered around its fishermen’s lifestyle. Below are some of the annual festivals that you do not want to miss out on!
Da Nang Boat Racing Festival
- Location: Han River, Lien Chieu District, Da Nang City.
- Time: The first days of the lunar new year
As the first trip to the water of the year, the boat racing festival carries the hope of locals for good rains and gentle winds throughout the year. It is also believed that the winning team at this festival will be blessed with fortune and prosperity. Therefore, the competition spirit is very high, infusing the beginning of the year with vibrant energy and enthusiasm.
During this festive time, you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as people from all walks of life gather at the racing venue. And let’s not forget the boat decorations – they’re like vibrant canvases, each one telling the unique story and spirit of teams from different regions and offering you a visual feast.
Here’s a little tip: arrive early to secure a good vantage point and soak in the excitement as the racers speed towards the finish line.
Cau Ngu Festival in Da Nang (The festival honoring the Gods of the Sea)
- Location: Mieu Thuyen, Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Da Nang City.
- Time: January 14th–16th, lunar calendar
This celebration is divided into two parts: the ritual and the festival. The ritual is conducted solemnly to express gratitude to the Sea deity, which is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the coastal people. On the contrary, the festival is lively and entertaining, with various traditional games like net weaving, tug-of-war, stick pushing, and Bai Choi (a local card game that is combined with singing). And it is the best occasion to savor all the seafood and local delights as well.
Long Chu Festival (The procession of dragon boats)
- Location: A coastal fishing village near Hoi An, Quang Nam Province.
- Time: the 15th day of the 1st and 7th lunar months
The Long Chu Festival of Hoi An holds a special place in the hearts of locals. It’s a time of unity as people come together to honor their ancestors and pray for blessings of prosperity and fortune for their families.
But that’s not all. The event also hosts many enjoyable activities for tourists to participate in and engage with locals. From cultural exchanges that span late into the night to the captivating tunes of timeless Vietnamese melodies, every moment is an opportunity to connect with the heart of Vietnam. In addition, you can also enjoy many unique folk performances or participate in the lively traditional games that you can’t find if visiting here at other times of the year.
Spiritual tourist spots
Exploring the spiritual side of Da Nang has become a popular choice for many travelers who want to take a break from their busy lives, find inner peace, or reconnect with themselves. Below are our top three recommendations, rated by locals.
Ngu Hanh Son (The Marble Mountains)
- Location: 98 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City.
Marble Mountains are formed from six distinct limestone peaks. Here, the grandeur of the mountains, the allure of the sea, and the rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and spiritual significance converge.
The most exciting experience here is exploring the limestone caves, each with its own unique shapes and shades. Particularly, Huyen Khong Cave and Tien Son Cave offer visitors an opportunity to delve into the intriguing formations of rocks and an intricate cave system. Beside, the Marble Mountains is also renowned for their religious system of caves and pagodas, such as Bo De cave, Am Phu cave, Tam Thai pagoda, Quan The Am pagoda, etc.
Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula
- Location: Bai But area, Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang City. According to local belief, Bai But area is also known as the Buddha’s realm on Earth.
Linh Ung Pagoda is renowned for having the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam, standing at an impressive 67 meters. This is an ideal meditation spot, offering quietness and solace to the soul.
Apart from experiencing a sense of serenity, you can also let your gaze wander in the panoramic view of the sea and the forest or visit its iconic structures like the main hall, ancestral shrine, lecture hall, monks’ quarters, library, meditation hall, tower, Loc Uyen garden, and the Lam Ty Ni garden, etc.
Tam Bao Temple
- Location: 323 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.
This is the first temple established in the Da Nang-Quang Nam region, making it a spiritual cornerstone of Southern Vietnamese Buddhism in Central Vietnam.
Embracing the architectural essence of Theravada Buddhism, this sanctuary offers an experience of serene contemplation and peaceful worship, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the spiritual ambience.
In addition to its religious structures, Tam Bao Temple also captivates visitors with enlightening Buddhist ceremonies, which primarily focus on conveying Buddhist beliefs and philosophy.
3. Intangible cultural heritage tourism
Da Nang has six intangible cultural heritages that have been recognized and listed in the national Intangible Cultural Heritage category. Among them, there are two outstanding gems that you must prioritize in your itinerary plan.
Quang-style traditional Tuong art (classic drama)
- Performance Venues: You can enjoy the art of Tuong at various theaters, stages, and historical sites in the Quang region.
These performances will provide you with a deeper understanding of Quang’s history from diverse angles, such as historical events, noble virtues, and the patriotic spirit of the Vietnamese people. Additionally, you can also participate in local Tuong classes, learning about makeup application or acting techniques, although it may be hard for those who haven’t learned Vietnamese.
Bai Choi Singing
- Performance Venues: Bai Choi singing is commonly performed at the Cheo Quang Nam Theater and in traditional craft villages like Choi Village in Binh Dinh, Ba Na, and Hoi An.
Bai Choi, an intangible cultural heritage of Central Vietnam, is a unique blend of a traditional card game, playful lyrics, and lively melodies. Unlike typical card games, the game’s singer distributes cards to all participants and begins to sing, indicating the card’s value. The player with the value closest to what the singer calls wins the round.
Bai Choi is more than just a local traditional game; it offers an immersive experience that spreads joy to all involved. If you have time to spare, let’s not forget to enjoy it.
4. Museum Tourism
If you’re looking for a place to spend half a day immersing yourself in countless discoveries about local artworks, culture, and historical heritage, don’t forget to visit the following museums:
Cham Museum of Sculpture in Da Nang
- Location: 2 2/9 Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.
This museum serves as the guardian of the cultural heritage of the Champa Kingdom. The highlight of the museum is its collection of precious artifacts displayed in the main exhibition hall. They are also recognized as “national treasures”, drawing many visitors annually. Besides, it is also an ideal place to learn about the customs, traditions, and spiritual beliefs of the Champa people or capture a captivating photo with the museum’s vintage structure and ambience.
Bamboo Museum in Da Nang
- Location: Zone 64, Le Van Luong Street, Son Tra District, Da Nang City.
Here you will find a unique open-air collection of Vietnamese green bamboo. There are about 100 kinds of bamboo in the museum, providing you with a serene green space to calm your mind and find inner peace.
We hope these insights will provide you with new trekking inspiration for your upcoming trip to Da Nang.
At Da Nang International Terminal, we are eagerly awaiting your arrival, ready to provide you with a warm and hospitable welcome. Let us be your gateway to an extraordinary journey filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. See you soon!
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Da Nang International Terminal
Address: Da Nang International Airport, Hoa Thuan Tay ward, Hai Chau district, Da Nang city, Viet Nam
Phone: +84 (236) 381 7878
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