With a perfect location, a modern city in the center, attractive white sand beaches on the east side and mountains to the north and west, Da Nang is a perfect location for those who want to live in an urban town still close to nature. There are many things you can do in Da Nang, from diving in the blue ocean to chasing the sun on Hai Van Pass, but one of the most interesting activities that you shouldn’t miss is exploring the amazing off-the-beaten-track locations. Check out this article for a list of less-touristy places to get away and discover the hidden places of this amazing city.
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Top Five Perfect Getaway spots in Da Nang
Let’s forget about the gorgeous My Khe Beach or the breathtaking scenery of Ngu Hanh Son Mountain for a moment. It’s time to delve deep inside the true beauty of Da Nang on foot with these five secluded charms.
Nam O Beach
Nam O Beach, at low tide, is punctuated by moss rocks and cliffs lapped by small waves. The acreage of Nam O Beach is about two hectares. Because there are many reefs under the sea and moss covers many of the rocks, it is very slippery. That’s why the locals usually swim at Xuan Thieu Beach nearby, instead of Nam O. However, Nam O is the ideal place to watch the sunset and sunrise in Da Nang. When the sun shines down on the crystal sea, the rays enhance the beauty of the scenery. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take beautiful photos. Besides, this place is also home to many fish and sea snails so you can go fishing or eat seafood, so maybe bring a grill too!
How to get to Nam O Beach from Da Nang
Nam O is located just 15 kilometers to the north of Da Nang city center, two kilometers from Nam O Village. You can either catch a taxi or drive a motorbike here. Following this route:
Da Nang bus station → Ton Duc Thang Street → Nguyen Luong Bang Street → Nam O Village.
Ghenh Bang Reef
It is not easy to find Ghenh Bang Reef! But once you discover the way, the astonishing landscape is a big reward. This reef is a part of Son Tra Peninsula, which is located about 20 kilometers from Da Nang city center. Since tourism is still not developed here, the wildness of the beauty from mother nature still remains. This place is a dream adventure land for those who want to jump from the cliffs into the navy blue ocean, go diving, and gaze at the colorful corals under the water.
Since there isn’t any gear available such as goggles or scuba equipment to support you, just hold your breath and go. You can also go to the market in town and buy cheap goggles and snorkeling equipment. If you are traveling in a group, why don’t you hire a tent from Da Nang city and go camping on the seashore of Ghenh Bang? Such activities will make your trip a memorable one. Last but not least, you should also check out Bai But (a beach) as well! The water in this area is so clear that you can see the picturesque rocks under the water’s surface.
How to get to Ghenh Bang Reef from Da Nang
It will be easier if you find a local friend to join you as they can speak Vietnamese and help talk to the villagers. If you want to explore it by yourself, here is your guide:
From Da Nang, you will go to Linh Ung Pagoda. When you arrive, continue driving to the first road junction. Keep going straight for three to four kilometers. You will see a small cart with sign board on your right that reads “Ghenh Bang, Bai Lo”. This is where you should stop. Park your bike here so you can walk to Bai Lo Beach. Then you can camp at Bai Lo Beach or go left to Ghenh Bang. The rocky way will be very slippery so be careful if you don’t want to get hurt. Check out the map here!
Pro Tips:
- Don’t forget to bring a hat and some bottles of water when you visit Ghenh Bang Reef
- If you go camping, prepare with food, bug spray, and a jacket. Carry some board games or cards for your late night.
- You should leave the reef before it gets dark (in case you don’t want to stay overnight). Otherwise, you might get lost.
Hoa Trung Lake
On a chilly afternoon, when you feel like a picnic on the water, think about Hoa Trung Lake. This is a very scenic destination of Da Nang with a green grass meadow stretching to the horizon and some cows grazing by the bank. You will be surrounded by a lot of rolling mountains. The scenery is so peaceful for a wonderful walk along the lake with placid water. Imagine yourself lying on the green grass on a beautiful day and reading a book or taking a lot of great photos to make your own postcard to send home. It’s a wonderful life, isn’t it? Hoa Trung Lake is also a place where many couples take romantic photoshoots for their weddings.
How to get to Hoa Trung Lake from Da Nang
You can rent a motorbike to drive to the lake. It will take you around 40 minutes of travel. The lake is at Hoa Lien, Hoa Vang Ward. From the city center, you can find the way to Hoa Ninh church. Turn left when you see a concrete road. Continue to a small trail that leads to Hoa Trung Lake. In case you can’t find it, ask the locals in that area for “ho Nhon Hoa” and they will show you. Click here for the map!
Pro Tips
- You can go to the lake during any time of the year. However, October is the most wonderful time to check it out.
- You should bring food and water, as they won’t sell either there.
- In order to make the most of the lake, you should go camping with a group of friends. If you’re lucky, you can even gaze at the beautiful milky way at night.
May Treo Waterfall
The forest to the west side of Da Nang is a good place for those of you who thirst for an actual trekking trip! Beside Gieng Troi waterfall, May Treo waterfall is another spectacular off-road sight you should visit. The name of this waterfall is itself poetic. I guess some unknown romantic soul got lost in this forest and rested on the bank by the waterfall. When lying on the ground listening to the call of wildlife, he looked at the mountain from a distance, with clouds covering the summit, as if someone spent hours hanging the white spongy clouds there. His heart immediately fell in love with the impressive landscape. To mark this special moment and feeling, he named the waterfall May Treo (Hanging Cloud).
The surrounding area of this waterfall is covered by the green color of trees, mossy rocks, and mountains. At May Treo waterfalls, not only can you soak in the cool water but you can try fishing for your lunch or dinner. As the atmosphere is quiet since not many people come here, it’s a great chance for you to reconnect with mother nature and listen to the harmonies of the birds and cicadas, known as the great artists of the forest.
How to get to May Treo Waterfall from Da Nang
May Treo waterfall is nestled in the western forest of Da Nang. The best way to start is from Hoa Ninh and Hoa Bac of Hoa Vang Ward. These areas are about 18 to 30 kilometers away from the city center. You can expect to trek for around eight to ten hours going through the forests, the way is quite dangerous and easy to get lost if you don’t know they way well. Since you can’t locate the waterfall on any map, the only chance to access to May Treo is to book a private trekking tour with a local travel expert.
Mr. Hoang has organized many trekking tours, mainly for Vietnamese. You can contact him via his phone number 090 542 2142 if you wish to conquer May Treo waterfall after reading this article.
Pro Tips:
- A knife or machete is an important tool for any trekking trip to the forest.
- A lighter is very helpful, especially when you want to cook a meal in the wild. Otherwise, you’ll have to light a fire like the ancient people.
- A plastic bag is not good for nature, but it will save your phone from water. Don’t leave any plastic behind.
- Sleeping bag (if you wish to stay longer), bug spray, long sleeve top, and trousers are something you should also have with you.
Suoi Mo- Hoa Bac Waterfall
Yet another beautiful spot an hour out of Da Nang, this waterfall is usually silent during the week with only the sound of the rushing water and the swaying trees. This is my favorite spot in all of Da Nang, silent pools coalesce as you make your way up to the biggest fall toward the top. The water is crystal clear, with big round stones glinting below the surface.
This feels like the real jungle, the real Vietnam, and a real experience. There are fun cliff jumping spots and snacks are always encouraged but as this waterfall is still pristine with nature’s wildness, please remember to pack your trash out. Huge flat rocks mark the boundary of the pools, good rocks to lay out and soak up the sun. Sometimes the saltiness of the beach water can be too much, and this fresh water is cleansing.
It only takes a small hike to reach the highest waterfall, sometimes through water buffalo and the branches of many healthy trees. Be patient when you must clamber over rocks and be aware that you might just fall into the water. But this is part of the fun!
How to get here from Da Nang
The way here is a little bit confusing. Drive out of the city as if you are heading to Ba Na Hills but don’t turn into the main entrance. Once you ride through the small village which is marked by a dirt road off the side of the highway, you will see a big valley, a small bridge crossing a body of water. Take the bridge and go left at the fork. Keep driving until you see a much smaller bridge over a creek, go right into what seems like somebody’s driveway (right before the small bridge). You will notice that the real road ends, and a dirt road begins.
Make sure your bike is ready for this, and drive away! It’s an adventure. You will know you’re in the right place when you find a gate and a path beyond it. This is where you should park your bike. There is a trail through the jungle and depending on the time of year, it can be completely covered. My advice to you is to walk the path up the jungle but then follow the river down on your way home. Check out the map here!
Pro Tips:
- Check your bike before you embark, it will be traveling through dirt, rocks, and big ups and downs. Sometimes it’s nice to have a friend on the ground ready to push the bike up steep hills.
- Bring water, snacks, and even food to grill. You may never leave!
- When climbing through the jungle be aware of bugs and animals. They’re around.
- You don’t need to lock your bike as you will be parking in the middle of nowhere, but make sure it’s to the side of the road.
- Depending on the time of year, the dirt road could be washed out due to monsoons. Try to make it as far as possible, but you might have to walk farther than anticipated.
If you feel a little tired from the rumbling big cities and the noisy tourist attractions, why don’t you make a quick escape to slow down a little bit? You will have more time to yourself to listen to your heart and understand your body and mind better. I hope this article will give you an idea of choosing a great “shelter” to hide from the world for a moment. May this off-the-beaten-track adventure draw a smile on your face, when you sit at home and recall the best memories from Vietnam.
Check out our other Da Nang articles which you will surely find helpful:
Guide to Hotels, Hostels, and Homestays in Da Nang
A Travel Guide to Explore Da Nang and Beyond
Drinking and Nightlife in Da Nang
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