LANGCO BAY RETREAT

The best time to visit Da Nang is from February to May, when rain is less frequent and temperatures are pleasant, especially March and April. June through August is hot and dry, with highs around 34°C. The rainiest stretch is September to December, with October seeing 28 rain days. The city's famous fire-breathing Dragon Bridge shows on weekends year-round, but the dry months make outdoor sightseeing easier.

For first-time visitors, My Khe Beach is the most convenient, with easy access to the beach and many dining options; it suits most travelers. The city center around the Han River is great for those who want to be near Dragon Bridge and nightlife. For a quieter, more upscale stay, the Son Tra Peninsula area offers resorts like the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. Non Nuoc Beach, near the Marble Mountains, is ideal for a relaxed, scenic stay, with options like the Danang Marriott Resort & Spa.

Ba Na Hills and its Golden Bridge are the top sights, with mountain views and the famous hand-held bridge. The Marble Mountains offer caves and pagodas near the coast. Dragon Bridge is a striking landmark, lit up on weekends. The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture holds the world's finest Cham artifacts. Ban Co Peak gives a panoramic view over the city and bay.

Full-day tours from Da Nang go to Hoi An, a riverside town with old lanes and a lantern-lit night scene; Hue, the former imperial capital with its citadel and tombs; and Ba Na Hills, where the Golden Bridge sits above the hills. The Hai Van Pass tours take you along the coast road between Da Nang and Hue, with views over the sea and mountains. These trips each need a full day, so plan an extra day beyond your city time.

Plan 3 to 4 days for Da Nang. In that time, you can see the Marble Mountains, Dragon Bridge, and the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, plus take a day to explore Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge. If you want to add a day trip to Hoi An or Hue, add one more day.