Welcome to Our Da Nang 101: Important Tips for First-Time Visitors (updated 2024 by THE NAVIS)! Planning a trip to Da Nang can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting this dynamic city. To ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide covering all the essential information you need to know before you go. From the best ways to travel around Da Nang, getting a local SIM card, and exchanging money, to insider tips on local customs and must-visit spots, we've got you covered. Read on to prepare for an unforgettable journey to one of Vietnam’s most captivating destinations.
City Layout of Da Nang
Da Nang is a well-organized city, divided by the picturesque Han River into two distinct areas: the bustling city center on the west side and the serene coastal area on the east side. Understanding the layout of Da Nang will help you navigate the city more efficiently, allowing you to enjoy both its local charm and its beautiful coastal attractions.
West Side: The City Center |
The west side of Da Nang is the heart of the city, where you'll find:
Local Life: This area is where most of the local population lives and works. It's vibrant with local markets, residential neighborhoods, and a plethora of small businesses.
City Authority: Key government buildings and administrative offices are located here, making it the center of official activities.
City Center: The downtown area, bustling with commercial activities, shopping malls, and restaurants. Some notable spots include:
Han Market: A lively market offering everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
Con Market: Another popular market known for its street food and local delicacies.
Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge: These iconic bridges connect the west and east sides, with Dragon Bridge being a popular spot for its nightly fire and water shows.
East Side: The Coastal Area |
THE NAVIS HOTEL& APARTMENT is to the East side of the city. This side of Da Nang is a major draw for tourists, known for its beautiful beaches and upscale amenities:
Tourist Area: This part of the city is developed with tourists in mind, offering numerous hotels, resorts, and entertainment options. It’s also home to many expats and long-term visitors.
Beaches: The famous My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach are located here, providing ideal spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Hotels and Resorts: From budget accommodations to luxurious resorts, the east side has a wide range of options to suit every traveler's needs.
Seafood Restaurants: The coastal area is renowned for its seafood. You'll find numerous restaurants serving fresh, delicious seafood along the beach road, particularly on Vo Nguyen Giap Street.
Linh Ung Pagoda: Located on the Son Tra Peninsula, this pagoda is home to the towering Lady Buddha statue and offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
Way to Hoi An: The main route to Hoi An starts from the east side, making it convenient for day trips to this ancient town.
Navigating Between the Two Sides |
Bridges: The Han River is spanned by several bridges, including the Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, and Tran Thi Ly Bridge. These bridges not only connect the two sides of the city but also provide scenic views and are beautifully lit at night.
Getting around
Grab |
Grab is the leading car service in the region and a must-have mega app while in Vietnam. Install the app, enter your destination, and choose either a car or motorbike, with the option to pay in cash. Prices can be higher at night, on holidays, and on rainy days, but Grab's reliability is well-known. For budget-friendly travel within the city, GrabBike is a great option.
In addition to booking rides, Grab also offers a wide range of services, including ordering food and arranging deliveries from supermarkets, making it incredibly convenient for all your transportation, dining, and shopping needs.
Source: laodong.vn
Scooters/Motorbike | Maybe a new challenge for some?
Using a motorbike is an excellent way to travel around Da Nang. At THE NAVIS, motorbikes can be rented without requiring a driving license however, guests should be responsible and mindful of local traffic regulations. Our Guests can park the motorbikes in the building's basement.
It's important to note that riding a motorbike can be challenging, so there are a few things you should read carefully before renting a motorbike:
Automatic motorbikes are allowed up to Linh Ung Pagoda but are not permitted on Son Tra beyond that point, while manual motorbikes are allowed throughout. If you plan to go up Son Tra, you'll need a manual motorbike. If you don't plan to go up Son Tra, automatic motorbikes are easier to ride.
Always wear a helmet.
While locals tend to follow traffic rules, stay in designated lanes, wear helmets, and generally ride at a slower pace, foreigners may find it difficult to navigate wet roads, traffic jams, intersections, and other potential hazards. Always exercise caution, as accidents can be serious and hospital visits are best avoided.
Be aware of one-way streets such as Bach Dang, Tran Phu, and Phan Chu Trinh streets.
Please avoid police checks, as they will ask for a driving license, and if you don't have one, you could face trouble. If you encounter any issues, please contact us for assistance.
Taxi | Taxis in Da Nang are not as widely used as before, with many people now preferring the convenience of Grab. However, a new taxi service, Green Taxi by Vingroup, has emerged as a popular option. Green Taxi uses electric cars to help protect the environment. To book a Green Taxi, call 1900 2088. This service offers a modern and eco-friendly alternative for getting around the city.
For guests staying at the NAVIS, you can ask the receptionist to help you call a taxi.
Walking | There are coffee shops, restaurants, massage parlors, convenience stores, and pubs all within a short walk from The NAVIS. You can also enjoy a walk along the beach, with stretches extending up to the Son Tra peninsula. Morning runs are highly recommended!
Additionally, Tran Phu, Bach Dang streets and the new Bach Dang walking street along the river are great for walking, featuring souvenir shops, street coffee stands, and more. Walking at night (after 7 pm) is especially enjoyable with less traffic and beautiful lights.
For guests staying at the NAVIS, contact the receptionist if you want to hire a private car for your daily trip to Hoi An, Hue, Ba Na Hill, and other destinations.
Sim card - Data
Getting a SIM card in Vietnam is very easy for travelers and ex-pats. You'll need one to activate the Grab app if you haven't already. The top mobile providers are Mobifone, Viettel, and Vinaphone. It's best to buy a SIM card at the airport upon arrival, as the packages are traveler-friendly. SIM cards and top-up scratch-off cards are also available at convenience stores, phone shops, and credit kiosks. To avoid hassle, it's recommended to get your SIM card right after passing through immigration.
Exchange/Withdraw Money
The official Vietnamese currency is the Vietnam Dong (VND). Banknotes come in denominations of 500 VND (rarely used), 1,000 VND, 2,000 VND, 5,000 VND, 10,000 VND, 20,000 VND, 50,000 VND, 100,000 VND, 200,000 VND, and 500,000 VND.
The Danang International Airport | offers convenient currency exchange services, though the rates are often higher than those at local banks.
Banks | Banks will require you to fill out a form and show your passport for currency exchange.
ATM Withdrawal Limits | Many ATMs have withdrawal limits per transaction, often around 2-3 million VND (approximately 85-130 USD). This may require multiple transactions if you need a larger amount of cash.
Here's a breakdown of the fees associated with some of the common banks in Vietnam for using ATMs:
MB Bank (Military Bank):
Fees can vary, usually around 3-5% of the transaction amount plus a fixed fee (often around 50,000 VND).
Techcombank:
Fees range from 2-3% of the transaction amount plus a fixed fee (typically around 50,000 VND).
VietinBank:
Fees are generally 3-5% of the transaction amount plus a fixed fee (around 50,000 VND).
To minimize fees, try to withdraw the maximum amount allowed per transaction.
Gold shop In Vietnam, exchanging foreign currency at a gold shop is a common practice. Many gold shops offer currency exchange services in addition to their main business of buying and selling gold. These shops often provide competitive exchange rates and can be a convenient option for travelers. However, it's advisable to compare rates and ensure the legitimacy of the shop before exchanging large amounts. Be prepared to show identification, and keep in mind that not all gold shops may offer this service, so it's a good idea to check in advance.
For guests staying at the NAVIS, the nearest banks are: Techcombank (161 Nguyen Van Thoai Street). The nearest Gold shop is Thanh Thanh Son Gold shop (79 Nguyen Van Thoai Street)
Using your cards / Apple Pay
The good news is that credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club) are accepted in most convenience stores and an increasing number of shops around the city.
Apple Pay is still relatively new in Vietnam. Although many people use it, not all shops accept it, as their existing POS machines may not be equipped with Apple Pay readers.
Insider Tips on Local Customs
Understanding and respecting local customs can enhance your experience in Da Nang, helping you connect more deeply with the culture and its people. Here are some insider tips on local customs to keep in mind:
Greetings and Etiquette | When greeting locals, a slight bow or nod of the head is appreciated. Handshakes are not common except for business purposes (but may be softer than what you’re used to). It’s also polite to address older people with respect, using “Anh” (older brother) or “Chị” (older sister) for adults and “Bác” (uncle/aunt) for elders.
Dress Modestly | While Da Nang is a beach city, modest dress is recommended when visiting temples, pagodas, or rural areas. Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect in religious sites.
Dining Etiquette | When dining with locals, wait for the oldest person to start eating before you begin. If you’re sharing a meal, it’s polite to serve others before yourself. Using chopsticks correctly is also important; avoid sticking them upright in your rice bowl, as it resembles incense sticks used in funerals.
Gift Giving | If you’re invited to someone’s home, bringing a small gift like fruit, flowers, or sweets is a nice gesture. Avoid giving anything sharp, like knives or scissors, as it symbolizes cutting off the relationship.
Bargaining | Bargaining is common in local markets and small shops. Approach it with a friendly attitude and a smile. Start by offering about half the initial price and work your way to a mutually agreeable amount.
By keeping these customs in mind, you’ll not only show respect for the local culture but also enrich your travel experience in Da Nang.
Must-Visit Spots in Da Nang
Da Nang is a vibrant city with a rich blend of natural beauty, modern attractions, and cultural heritage. Here are some must-visit spots to include in your itinerary:
My Khe Beach: Often referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, My Khe Beach offers pristine sands and clear waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. My Khe Beach is only 3-5 mins walk from THE NAVIS.
Marble Mountains: This cluster of five marble and limestone hills features stunning caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries. The view from the top is breathtaking, offering a panoramic view of Da Nang.
Dragon Bridge: This iconic bridge, shaped like a dragon, is a symbol of the city. Visit at night to see it illuminated, and don’t miss the weekend fire and water show.
Ba Na Hills: A hill station and resort with the famous Golden Bridge, supported by giant stone hands. The area also features a French village, a wax museum, and a variety of entertainment options.
Son Tra Peninsula: Also known as Monkey Mountain, this area is home to the Linh Ung Pagoda and its 67-meter tall Lady Buddha statue. The peninsula offers scenic views and a chance to spot rare wildlife.
Han Market: A bustling market where you can experience local life, shop for souvenirs, and try local delicacies.
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