Da Nang 1-day itinerary

Start at the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) — five limestone and marble hills just south of Da Nang, each named after a natural element. Take the elevator or climb the steps to the largest peak, Thuy Son (VND 40,000 entry, elevator VND 15,000). Inside you'll find Buddhist caves, shrines carved into the rock, and a stunning viewpoint overlooking the coast from the Vong Hai Dai platform. The Am Phu Cave (Hell Cave) is a dramatic cavern with Buddhist depictions of the underworld. Explore the stone-carving village at the base where artisans have been sculpting marble for centuries. Allow 2 hours.

Head to My Khe Beach — once called "China Beach" by American soldiers and now a stunning 30km stretch of white sand, warm turquoise water, and gentle waves. My Khe consistently ranks among Asia's best beaches and it's right in the city centre. Swim, bodyboard, or just relax on the sand — the beach is clean and well-maintained. Lunch at Be Man seafood restaurant on the beachfront (Vo Nguyen Giap Street) — point at live seafood in the tanks and they'll grill, steam, or fry it. Prawns, crab, and fish for VND 150,000–300,000 ($6–12) for a generous spread.

Walk along the Han River in the evening — Da Nang's waterfront is a spectacle of illuminated bridges, each with a distinctive design. The Dragon Bridge is the star — a 666m bridge shaped like a dragon that breathes actual fire and water from its head every Saturday and Sunday at 9pm. It's an absurd, delightful spectacle that thousands gather to watch. Dinner at Banh Xeo Ba Duong — Da Nang's most famous banh xeo (Vietnamese crispy pancake) spot at 280B Hoang Dieu. A massive crispy pancake stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts costs VND 40,000–60,000 ($1.60–2.40). Roll it in rice paper with herbs and dip in nuoc cham.