HomeAsiaSoutheast AsiaVietnam Da Nang, Vietnam Riverside Walk and Marble Mountains By Marcos Detourista on November 5, 2015. IN PHOTOS: Marcos Detourist explores the booming riverside district, at night, and marble mountains in Da Nang, Central Vietnam. Passengers walking along the railway tracks at Da Nang Train Station in Da Nang, VietnamPassengers at Da Nang Train Station Railway TracksShops along the railway platform at Da Nang Train Station in Da Nang, VietnamShops at Da Nang Train Station PlatformWaiting and booking area at Da Nang Train Station in Da Nang, VietnamDa Nang Train Station Waiting and Booking AreaFront entrance of Da Nang Train Station in Da Nang, VietnamDa Nang Train Station EntranceRiverside Park looking south towards the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, VietnamDa Nang Riverside Park Looking South Towards the Dragon BridgeOld French-colonial Building along the riverside in Da Nang, VietnamOld French-colonial Building along Da Nang RiversideCafe-Restaurant and Han River Bridge at the riverside in Da Nang, VietnamCafe-Restaurant and Han River Bridge at Da Nang RiversideDa Nang People's Committee building and Da Nang Administrative Center tower in Da Nang, VietnamDa Nang People's Committee Building and Da Nang Administrative CDa Nang Administrative Center and Novotel (hotel) towers in Da Nang, VietnamDa Nang Administrative Center and Novotel Da Nang TowersCao Dai Temple in Da Nang City Center, VietnamCao Dai Temple, Da NangCommercial area along Le Duan Street at the city center in Da Nang, VietnamCommercial area along Le Duan Street, Da Nang City CenterStreet view of Mi Quang 1A in Da Nang, VietnamStreet view of Mi Quang 1A, Da NangMi Quang (noodle dish) at Mi Quang 1A in Da Nang, VietnamMi Quang (noodle dish) at Mi Quang 1A, Da NangMi Quang (noodle dish) at Mi Quang 1A in Da Nang, VietnamMi Quang (noodle dish) at Mi Quang 1A, Da NangElevator lift to the top of the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamElevator lift to the top of the Marble MountainsOng Chon Gate at the Marble Mounains in Da Nang, VietnamOng Chon Gate at Marble MounainsSitting Buddha Statue and Landscaped Stairways at Linh Ung Pagoda, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamSitting Buddha Statue and Landscaped Stairways at Linh Ung PagodSitting Buddha statue infront of a pond at Linh Ung Pagoda, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamSitting Buddha statue infront of a pond at Linh Ung Pagoda, MarbLinh Ung Pagoda, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamLinh Ung Pagoda, Marble MountainsXa Loi Pagoda, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamXa Loi PagodaOverlooking China Beach from Vong Hai Da Viewpoint, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamOverlooking China Beach from Vong Hai Da ViewpointChimney-shaped cavern in Van Thong Cave, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamChimney-shaped cavern in Van Thong CaveBuddha statue inside Van Thong Cave, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamBuddha statue inside Van Thong CaveCeiling openings at Huyen Khong Cave, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamCeiling openings at Huyen Khong CaveMarcos at Huyen Khong Cave, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamMarcos at Huyen Khong CaveCathedral-like Huyen Khong Cave, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamCathedral-like Huyen Khong CaveBuddha Statue at Hoa Nghiem Cave, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamBuddha Statue at Hoa Nghiem CaveEntrance gate to Hoa Nghiem Cave, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamEntrance gate to Hoa Nghiem CaveRefreshment and rest area at the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamRefreshment and rest area at Marble MountainsFramed view of the Tam Thai Pagoda and Sitting Buddha statue from the entrance gate, in Marble Mountains, Da Nang, VietnamTam Thai Pagoda and Sitting Buddha statueOverlooking view from Vong Giang Dai, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamOverlooking view from Vong Giang DaiMarble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamCovered shrine near Tam Ton PagodaPagoda Tower at Thuy Son Marble Mountain in Da Nang, VietnamPagoda Tower at Thuy Son Marble MountainTree and Temple tops at Thuy Son Marble Mountain in Da Nang, VietnamTree and Temple tops at Thuy Son Marble MountainMarcos at Nga Phuong Truong, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamMarcos at Nga Phuong TruongLocals sitting on small stools, enjoying a view of the Dragon Bridge along the Han River, at night, in Da Nang, VietnamLocals Enjoying a Night View of the Dragon BridgeDragon Bridge brightly lit up along the Han River, at night, in Da Nang, VietnamDragon Bridge at NightThe dragon's head on the east side of the Dragon Bridge, at night, in Da Nang, VietnamDragon's Head at Dragon BridgeTran Thi Ly Bridge and Sun Wheel, at night, in Da Nang, VietnamTran Thi Ly Bridge and Sun Wheel at NightCarp-Dragon Statue, DHC Marina, and the Han riverside, at night, in Da Nang, VietnamCarp-Dragon Statue, DHC Marina, and Da Nang Riverside at NightCarp-Dragon Statue and skyline view along the Han River, at night, in Da Nang, VietnamCarp-Dragon Statue and Da Nang Skyline at NightWater-spewing Carp-Dragon Statue and the Dragon Bridge, at night, in Da Nang, VietnamCarp-Dragon Statue and Dragon Bridge at NightDHC Marina and Da Nang Skyline filled with locals and tourists, at night, in Da Nang VietnamDHC Marina and Da Nang Skyline at NightSong Han (Han River) Bridge after heavy rain, at night, in Da Nang, VietnamSong Han (Han River) Bridge at NightCrossing over the Tran Thi Ly Bridge aboard a local bus in Da Nang, VietnamOn the Tran Thi Ly BridgeView of the riverside and skyline from the Tran Thi Ly Bridge in Da Nang, VietnamDa Nang Skyline and River from Tran Thi Ly BridgeRide aboard a local bus from Da Nang to Hoi An via the Marble Mountains.Aborad a Da Nang-Marble Mountains-Hoi An Local BusStairs leading to the top of the Marble Mountains from the Duong Vao A gate, in Da Nang, VietnamStairs leading to the top of the Marble MountainsEntrance gate to Tam Thai Pagoda at the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamEntrance gate to Tam Thai PagodaLion statue guards at Nga Phuong Truong, Marble Mountains in Da Nang, VietnamLion statue guards at Nga Phuong Truong Arriving in Da Nang, a bustling coastal city in Central Vietnam, was quite an eye-opener on how much the country has stepped up to catch-up to its economic and tourism potentials. It is, so far, the most impressive emerging boom city that I’ve visited in Southeast Asia. Da Nang’s beautiful riverside district reminded me of Singapore, but on a smaller scale and without the overly-expensive costs. The city also has unique attractions to boast like the fire-breathing Dragon Bridge and spacious white-sand beaches along its 30-kilometer coastline. If that’s not enough, there are many interesting tourist spots and UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby including Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Temple Ruins, and Hue Imperial City. I spent the first two nights of my 2-week trip in Central and Northern Vietnam in Da Nang. I had a nice walk along the Han Riverside, at night. It was well-lit with colorful lights and filled with locals enjoying the cool atmosphere. Since I took a full day tour of Hoi An (on the next day after my late evening arrival), I didn’t have enough time to visit the beach or the Lady Buddha on Monkey Mountain. Though, I made sure to visit the Marble Mountains and get a taste of the local cuisine before leaving the city. Detourista Notes I’ll be writing more about my experience and travel tips in Da Nang on future updates. In the meantime, here are some quick notes you might find useful if you plan on going. Consider staying in Hoi An and visit Da Nang on a day trip — Da Nang was nice but, in hindsight, I would’ve maximized my very short visit if I spent the night in Hoi An instead. I decided to base myself in Da Nang because I arrived at Da Nang Airport on a late evening flight and wasn’t willing to spend a lot on chartering a taxi to Hoi An. On my trip, I found out that there were reasonably priced Da Nang Airport-Hoi An shuttles leaving every hour until 12mn, operated by Hoi An Express. Before going on your trip, ask your hotel/hostel about booking the shuttle service for you or contact Hoi An express directly (book your room online at Booking.com or Agoda). If you’re planning to spend a long trip in Hoi An-Da Nang (3 nights or more), Da Nang could be a better choice because there is a wider variety of things to do, better transport options, not too touristy overall, and generally cheaper. Marble Mountains on the cheap — The cheapest way to go to the Marble Mountains is by riding an EcoBus Line#1 local bus bound for Hoi An. You can find bus stops along Le Duan Street. Drop off at the intersection to Marble Mountains found mid-way between the Da Nang and Hoi An route. Walk past Duong Vao A Gate (the nearest entrance) and go up the mountain from One Chon Gate (the entrance nearer to the beach). Buy a one-way ride up the elevator if you don’t feel like walking up the steps, and go down through the other entrance that is nearer to the main road. Visit Da Nang Bridges at Night — Arrive at Da Nang Riverside by 9 PM on a Saturday or Sunday to see the Dragon (Cao Rong) Bridge breathe fire. During this time, other bridges along the Han River are also lit up with colorful lights. At 1 AM daily, see the Han River bridge swing from its axis to let passing ship pass. Enjoy Da Nang Cuisine — Don’t leave without getting a taste of the local cuisine in Da Nang. They’re cheap and delicious! Mi Quang 1A located at 1A Hai Pong Street serves delicious Mi Quang, Quang-style noodles. Previous Destination — Singapore, Hanoi (briefly on a connecting flight) Where to next? — Hoi An, Hue. You may visit my 2-week trip in Central and Northern Vietnam series page, the Vietnam page, or follow Marcos Detourist facebook page to check for new posts and updates. Don’t leave yet. There’s more! 12 Places to Visit in Da Nang + Things To Do15 Things to do in Vietnam + Tourist Spots9 Places to Visit in Shirakawa-go and Gifu + Things To Do6 Places to Visit in Chitwan and Sauraha Village + Things To… Discover more blogs and travel tips in: VietnamDa Nang Southeast AsiaAsia See all places Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.