Da Nang’s picturesque coastline lures travellers from all corners of the world. One of the most accessible beaches from the city, My Khe Beach, also happens to be one of the most beautiful with its 9-kilometre-long stretch of powder-soft sand, great surfing and stunning sunsets. For a more secluded atmosphere, venture south to Bac My An or north to remote Tien Sa Beach.

Thanks to the coffee-producing Da Lat region and decades of French influence, Vietnam has a strong ca phe culture that’s alive and well in Da Nang. Explore the city’s eclectic cafes, from traditional coffee houses and modern espresso bars to hidden gems tucked away in alleys, courtyards and side streets. Don’t miss local specialities like “dirty” coffee (ca phe ban) – an overflowing espresso and whipped cream concoction – or coconut coffee made with three types of milk (fresh, condensed and coconut).

A mountain resort just outside of Da Nang, the Ba Na Hills offer equal parts history, nature and family-friendly entertainment. After riding one of the world's longest cable cars to the summit, enjoy sweeping landscape vistas, explore the historic French colonial hill station and cross the Golden Bridge – a stunning piece of architecture held aloft by two giant stone hands.

When it comes to what to see in Da Nang, be sure to visit the city’s iconic Dragon Bridge. Spanning the tranquil Han River in the heart of the city, this unique dragon-shaped bridge comes alive at night with an exciting light show. And on weekend evenings, head to the riverside to watch the dragon breathe fire and spray water – a spectacle seen from miles away. Prefer to stay dry? Don’t get too close!

Wondering what to do in Da Nang when it’s raining? Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture. A treasure trove of ancient history and art, the museum showcases stunning artefacts that shed light on the rich culture and history of the Cham people, who once ruled much of Vietnam and Cambodia. Admire impressive stone sculptures, terracotta figures and intricate carvings dating back to the 7th century.

Another culturally rich place to visit in Da Nang is the historic Han Market. Open for over 80 years, this warren of stalls is known for its handicrafts, fresh produce, seafood and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to try the local cuisine, like lemongrass pork skewers (nem lui), crispy rice pancakes (banh xeo), and Central Vietnam’s most iconic dish, mi quang – thick noodles stir-fried in turmeric and topped with pork, shrimp and fresh herbs.

Just 30 kilometres to the south, Hoi An is a popular day trip. Head to the Unesco-listed old quarter to explore centuries-old wooden shophouses, colonial-era French villas, ornate temples and colourful lantern-making workshops. The city is also known for its high-quality tailoring and culinary scene, so pick up affordable custom-made clothing before digging into Central Vietnamese specialists at long-standing favourites like Miss Ly Cafe or Nhan’s Kitchen.

For stunning sea views and natural wonders, head to the Marble Mountains. About 10 kilometres south of the city, this cluster of five limestone hills is named for its marble content, which local artisans have used to create sculptures and carvings for centuries. It also has a network of caves, tunnels and grottoes, like Huyen Khong. Once a wartime field hospital, this intriguing cave now features a meditation hall and an enormous Buddha shrine.

Another Unesco World Heritage Site worth visiting on your Da Nang holiday is My Son Sanctuary, about 45 kilometres southwest of the city. Sometimes referred to as “Vietnam’s Angkor Wat”, this ancient Hindu temple complex served as the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to 13th centuries. Today, the partially ruined temples rank among Vietnam’s most important cultural and architectural relics.