Family-friendly things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam

While Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are both pretty popular travel destinations in Vietnam, Da Nang may not be on the radar for many Singaporeans just yet. Perhaps you haven’t heard enough about what there is to do there other than see the iconic Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills. Well, we’re here to tell you that there are plenty of activities and attractions in this coastal town.

In fact, many of them are kid-friendly too. So, gather the tribe and check out these family-friendly things to do in Da Nang.

1. Make a splash in Vietnam’s largest indoor water park

Image credit: Công viên nước Mikazuki Water Park 365 Facebook

Da Nang has tropical weather all year round, so the temperature never really goes below 20°C. To cool off from the heat, go for the water rides at Mikazuki Water Park 365. This Japanese-themed water park has both indoor and outdoor play areas.

In fact, the indoor water park is Vietnam’s largest. Here, you’ll find a 140m tube slide in the shape of a dragon, a gigantic wave pool, and a lazy river. Keep this place bookmarked if you’re going during monsoon season between September and March, so you won’t have to worry about the rain spoiling your holiday.

Image credit: Công viên nước Mikazuki Water Park 365 Facebook

Save enough time to check out the outdoor water park which features a large model of Mount Fuji, a 3-storey swimming pool, and a pirate-themed kids’ water playground.

Buy a Mikazuki Water Park 365 entrance ticket. 

Admission: VND300,000/adult (~S$16.68) | VND150,000/child (~S$8.34)
Address: Xuan Thieu Tourism Area, Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Hoa Hiep Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District, Da Nang City, Vietnam
Opening hours: 9am-7pm, Daily
Contact: Mikazuki Water Park 365 website

2. Try your hand at pottery at the Thanh Ha Terracotta Park

Image credit: @sanasai1 via Instagram

If you’re down to get your hands dirty in the name of arts and crafts, make a visit to Thanh Ha Terracotta Park. Here, you’ll get to participate in a pottery session for VND30,000/pax (~S$1.67) and shape your very own vessel – whether it’s a vase, pot, or bowl. The activity is kid-friendly too.

Mini replicas of La Sagrada Familia and Arc de Triomphe.
Image adapted from: @kooki37341, @wolfgang.kor via Instagram

The largest terracotta park in Vietnam also features a miniature world with handcrafted models of iconic buildings around the world like the Taj Mahal and the Roman Colosseum.

In addition, kids can participate in a breaking pot game (VND30,000/pax, ~S$1.67) where, much like a pinata, terracotta pots are hung from trees and the kids have to reach up to smash them.

Admission: VND50,000/adult (~S$2.79) | VND30,000/child (~S$1.67)
Address: Nam Dieu, Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm | Sat-Sun 8am-5.30pm
Contact: Thanh Ha Terracotta Park website

3. Get a bird’s eye view of the city from the top of a giant Ferris wheel

Image credit: Asia Park- Công viên châu Á Facebook

If you’re into carousels and carnival games, then Asia Park Da Nang needs to be on your list. The giant amusement park spans over 800,000sqm and is divided into 3 zones. The first zone is a theme park with classic rides such as roller coasters and bumper cars.

The other zone is known as the “Sun Wheel” where there’s a 115m high Ferris wheel and game booths much like you’d see at a carnival.

Image adapted from: @babyinjeju20, @kristina_vinograd0va via Instagram

The final zone is a cultural park with architectural monuments from 10 Asian countries including Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, and Nepal. Stay till dark because the whole place lights up beautifully after sunset and you’ll get great pics.

Image adapted from: Asia Park- Công viên châu Á Facebook

Don’t miss the indoor arcade gaming arena where young ones can enjoy playing in a ball pit or competing in a game of air hockey.

Admission: VND200,000/adult (~S$11.12) | VND100,000/child (~S$5.56)
Address: 1 Phan Đăng Lưu, Hoà Cường Bắc, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
Opening hours: 3pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: Asia Park Da Nang website

4. Make a day trip to Cham Islands for snorkelling & beach hopping

Image adapted from: @ha_nguyen848 via Instagram

No trip to a coastal city is complete without hitting the beach and open waters. Google will tell you that the most popular one is My Khe Beach, but if you’re feeling adventurous, then plan a day around the Cham Islands instead. 

From Da Nang, it’s a 1-hour drive to Cua Dai Port where you have to take a speedboat to the islands 20 minutes away. There are 8 islands altogether that are part of the larger Cu Lao Cham Marine Park. Needless to say, the clear blue waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. It’s pretty much guaranteed to see corals and marine creatures.

Image credit: @binhngo78 via Instagram

The beaches mostly face the west, so they are also ideal for catching a scenic sunset. Other water activities include paddle boarding, kayaking, and renting a small wooden boat to go beach hopping.

If you opt for one of the day tours, you’re likely to also visit Bai Lang and Bai Huong villages as part of your itinerary. These are fishing villages where you can see ancient pagodas and the fisherman in action. For those who want to stay overnight, do note that there are no hotels but the main accommodation is guest houses and homestays.

Book a day tour from Da Nang to Cham Islands.

5. Try Vietnamese delicacies & shop for souvenirs at a local market

Image credit: @_uoo_y_ via Instagram

Han Market is the go-to place for buying Vietnamese snacks and souvenirs. You’ll come across their famous local coffee, dried fruits, woven bags and baskets, and even children’s clothing. The huge complex has shops indoors and outdoors, so take your time to walk around and compare items before purchasing. Also, don’t forget to bargain to get a good price.

Image credit: @kibooong via Instagram

Some of the street food highlights include Banh Canh noodles, Vietnamese pancakes, grilled pork skewers, and Banh Beo rice flour cakes. Apart from the food stalls, there are proper restaurants and cafes to dine in where they serve seafood and Banh Mi sandwiches.

Image adapted from: @guxi.spa, @min_gyeol_ruda_eun via Instagram

If shopping isn’t really your thing, look out for the cheap massage parlours to get yourself a foot rub or a full body massage.

Address: 119 Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
Opening hours: 6am-7pm, Daily
Contact: +84 236 3821 363

6. Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site with abandoned ruins

Image credit: @natavalleyofarts via Instagram

Witness firsthand a major part of Southeast Asia’s history at a UNESCO-protected site –  My Son Sanctuary. It consists of a cluster of Hindu temples that are said to have been built over 10 centuries from the 4th to the 14 century – that’s a thousand years!

Although the difference may be hard to tell to a non-expert, the monuments here are unlike anything you may have seen in Cambodia or Myanmar. No thanks to climate change, the condition of the original monuments is deteriorating, so pay a visit while they’re still there.

There’s also a lake in the vicinity for kayaking.
Image credit: @bensshiel via Instagram

You can do a self-guided audio tour or have a local guide bring you around to explain what you’re seeing. 

To learn even more about the history of this site, you can check out the My Son Museum nearby where they tell you more about the ancient relics. 

Buy a My Son Sanctuary admission ticket.

Admission: VND150,000 (~S$8.34)
Address: Duy Phú, Duy Xuyên District, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Opening hours: 6am-5pm, Daily
Contact: My Son Sanctuary website 

7. Take a scenic boat ride along the Thu Bon River

Image credit: @k.tha.pha via Instagram

When in Da Nang, it’s a must to visit the ancient city of Hoi An. The bustling night markets, streets lined with colourful lanterns, and hundreds of wooden boats along the river are a sight to behold. All it takes is a 45-minute drive and you can easily spend an entire day doing various activities here. 

Image credit: @adamschreck via Instagram

In the daytime, explore the Bay Mau Coconut Forest where you can watch the villagers putting on a show on the round woven basket boats. Then, explore the streets for local food, bars, and shopping places. Or, visit one of the many temples here.

Image adapted from: @utop6548 via Instagram

Once night falls, the city comes alive with people flocking to the river to see the famous release of lanterns into the water. This is done every Saturday, in addition to the 1st, 14th and 15th of each month. If you want to participate, buy your own flower lantern to release into the river.

Those who appreciate cultural song and dance can check out the Hoi An Memories Show which features over 500 performers.

Buy a boat ride and lantern release experience in Hoi An.

Bonus: Do the touristy things at Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge

If you’ve heard of Da Nang then you’ve probably seen images of Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge – you know the 2 giant hands holding a long golden platform? Although the most touristy spots in the city, first-timers to Da Nang have to see these at least once in their lifetime.

Image adapted from: @basicwing, @myx.3011_ via Instagram

The fairytale-like resort on the top of the hills features French-inspired castles and will have the kids thinking they’re in Disneyland. To get up there, you even get to sit on a cable car ride and spot giant statues carved out from the boulders on the hill.

Image credit: Sun World Ba Na Hills Facebook

As you walk across the 150m Golden Bridge, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. 

On the same mountain, there’s also a massive Buddha statue, a temple complex, and a pagoda. So, there’s plenty to explore in this area.

Book a Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge day tour.

Admission: VND900,000/adult (~S$50.05) | VND750,000/child (~S$41.71)
Address: An Son Village, Hoa Ninh Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Sun World Ba Na Hills website

Earn rewards when you travel with the DBS Altitude Card

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Ba Na Hills resort.
Image credit: @marina.maternovskaya

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My Son Sanctuary.
Image credit: @tera1211 via Instagram

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Image credit: DBS

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*T&Cs apply.

This post was brought to you by DBS.
Cover image adapted from: Công viên nước Mikazuki Water Park 365 Facebook, @tera1211 & @utop6548 via Instagram