Da Nang, on Vietnam’s central coast, is a fast-growing beach city that balances modern seaside resorts with cultural and natural wonders, and serves as the gateway to nearby Hoi An and Hue.
Sunbathe on the 20-kilometer sweep of My Khe Beach, explore the caves and Buddhist shrines of the Marble Mountains, and ride up to Ba Na Hills to walk the famous Golden Bridge held aloft by giant stone hands. After dark, watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire and water on weekend nights.
The best time to visit is March to August, when the weather is warm and the sea is calm and clear; March to May offers the best balance of sunshine and smaller crowds. Avoid September to November, the typhoon and rainy season. Allow three to four days, ideally combined with a side trip to Hoi An.