Family Days Out in Da Nang
There are SO many things to see and places to go in Da Nang. Here are some of our favourites and some top tips!
Mikazuki Water Park
Recommended time: 4+ Hours
Ticket Price: Adults 400,000vnd, Kids over 100cm 120,000vnd, Kids under 100cm FREE
Tickets can be purchased online or when you arrive.
Age: Perfect for kids aged 2+
When to go: If you can, try to avoid weekends as it can be VERY busy.
Website: Indoor Water Park (mikazuki.com.vn)
Mikazuki Waterpark
Our absolute favourite Da Nang day out is Mikazuki Waterpark, located about 20 minutes outside of the city, easily accessible by taxi or bike.
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Mikazuki is a large complex with both indoor and outdoor waterpark areas, a japanese arcade game room (on the 1st floor), indoor play area (on the 2nd floor), and onsen/ thermal bath (on the third floor).
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There are a wide range of slides suitable for everyone from babies up to adults, but the best part is... the only enforced height restrictions are on the two big 'adult' ring slides (110cm). So if you have a very brave two year old like me who want to go down the 'big girl' slides, they can, either alone of accompanied by you! Mikazuki is very stroller friendly and the water in some areas is shallow enough for even small babies to slash about.
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Mikazuki offers multiple food options including Japanese, Vietnamese and Western food which you can purchase as part of a package with your ticket, or separately when you are there. Personally I think it is more cost effective to buy when you are there, and the 'package' food restricts you to certain restaurants. Card is accepted at the restaurants, but if you want to pay with cash you will need to top up your wristband at reception and pay with your wristband.
Towels can be purchased for 50.000vnd per towel near the entrance, lockers are available free of charge, and if you get caught short swim wear can also be purchased or rented.
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Top Tips: The outdoor waterpark can be tricky to find. You can access it by crossing over the Japanese bridge in the indoor waterpark area, going through the turnstile, across the road, past the hotel main lobby, and turning left when you reach the fountains. But definitely take outdoor shoes/ flip flops because the floor outside gets VERY hot, particularly near the infinity pools near Mount Fuji.
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The outdoor lazy river is LOVELY, a very slow relaxing experience, but as you enter the tunnel towards the end keep your eyes on the roof, as we have often seen sleeping bats!
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For those rare child free days there is also a STUNNING beach club at Mikazuki accessed via the bridge across the main road outside, but only older children 10+ are allowed in that area.
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Finally, don't miss the indoor activities. The arcade games, indoor play area, and onsen are amazing and all included in your ticket price, they can be accessed via lift or stairs near the entrance! Children can enter the shared family section of the onsen, which is the perfect way to relax and unwind, and the indoor play area is fully airconditioned. Great for after a day in the sun!
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Linh Ung Pagoda
Also known as 'Lady Buddha', the Linh Ung Pagoda is another must visit place in Da Nang with your family. It is located on Son Tra peninsula and can be easily accessed via taxi or bike. From Da Nang, Linh Ung Pagoda looks within walking distance, and I have seen multiple people asking if they can walk it in expat forums, it definitely isn't walking distance unless you are up for a serious hike!
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The pagoda itself is quite large with beautiful views over Da Nang, beautiful carvings, temples, and ornate trees. There are lots of places to sit in the shade under the trees, and as it is a working Buddhist temple you may often walk past ongoing ceremonies.
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Amenities are limited at the Pagoda, there is a small kiosk to the right of the lady buddha statue that sells cold drinks and ice cream, but that is all we have found in the way of food. There is another small kiosk in the same area that sells souvenirs and a photography booth where you can have your photo taken with Lady Buddha for 50,000vnd.
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The pagoda is not stroller friendly and can only be accessed by multiple stairs. Some areas of the floor can be a little unstable, I would definitely recommend using a baby carrier for this particular trip.
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Top Tips: Away from the main area, if you follow the directions for the toilets you will come across a large pond full of enormous fish. I am definitely not a ichthyologist but they look like catfish!
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To the left of this pond is a large area of trees, monkeys can often be spotted here, along with gigantic toads. Happy nature spotting!
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Linh Ung Pagoda
Recommended time: 1-2 Hours
Ticket Price: Free to enter
Age: Perfect for any age
When to go: There is no indoor airconditioned area so try to avoid in high temperatures. Morning or late afternoon is advisable.
VinWonder Hoi An
Recommended time: 4+ Hours
Ticket Price: Prices can vary depending on the package you choose but start at 650,000vnd for adults and 400,000vnd for children over 100cm
Age: 4+
When to go: Anytime!
Website: VinWonders South Hoi An | Official website
VinWonder Hoi An
VinWonder is a great option for a family day out! While not strictly speaking in Da Nang, it is only 35-40 minutes away so perfectly do-able for a day trip. VinWonder is located just south of Hoi An and can be accessed by taxi, or bike. Additionally VinWonder operates a free shuttle bus which picks up from the designated bus stops below and returns to Da Nang at 6pm.
Shuttle bus pick ups:
09:00 Melia VinPearl Da Nang Riverfront Hotel
09:20 Marriott Da Nang Resort and Spa
09:30 VinPearl Resort and Spa Danang
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Inside VinWonder there is a small theme park area with rides suitable for children from 80cm (though most rides are for 100cm+), a large outdoor waterpark, an incredible boat safari, and a cultural area.
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There are tons of food options which you can purchase as part of the ticket price or separately inside, most of the vendors accept cash or card, and there is a wide variety of food to cater to even the fussiest eater! You can also bring in your own food if required and some picnic tables can be found throughout the park.
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The boat safari is a particularly WOW experience as each island you float past houses a different animal breed, and you have the opportunity to feed giraffes and elephants (for 30,000vnd) for a few minutes as you stop at their enclosure. The safari takes approximately 30 minutes and is usually least busy in the early morning and towards the middle of the day as everyone else avoids the sun!
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Within the waterpark area there are a large number of slides and zones, though most have a height restriction of 100cm or 110cm which can be frustrating for adventurous little ones. The height restrictions are strongly enforced! Towels can be rented at the park for 50,000vnd each with a 200,000vnd refundable cash deposit required and lockers are available for purchase too.
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All of the VinWonder park is accessible for strollers, but can be a tiring day if you are walking as the park is quite large. There is also a golf buddy taxi service available within the park for an additional fee and I would highly recommend considering choosing this option if you have little ones whose legs get tired and like to be carried.
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Top Tips: Don't miss the shows! Throughout the day and evening there are shows that run throughout the park, from people dancing, to large fountain displays. As you arrive there will be signs showing the timetable of shows for that day, take a picture and keep an eye on the time.
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Most of the VinWonder park is outdoor but if you are needing a rest from the hot weather there is an indoor area with arcade games and air conditioning to the left of the main street near the fountains.
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Finally, tickets can be purchased online before you arrive or directly at the park. Some taxi drivers will take you to their friends/family to buy a ticket rather than to the official kiosk. Usually there is no difference in price doing it this way, but I know of friends who have ended up paying more so just always be cautious!
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Marble Mountain
Marble Mountain is a beautiful and picturesque collection of Buddhist temples and caves in the Hoa Hai area of Da Nang. It is well worth a visit with your family but please read on for our friendly warnings!
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Marble Mountain can be easily accessed by taxi but parking for bikes is limited so would recommend taxi over bike for this one. There are two routes up marble mountain, stairs or lift. The lift can get quite busy but the stairs are a little treacherous with small children if they aren't steady on their feet.
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The views from marble mountain are spectacular and there are lots of different caves to explore. Most of the caves require steep stairs to enter and exit, and the whole marble mountain area is definitely not stroller friendly.
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There are kiosks located throughout the complex selling cold drinks and ice creams but no other food outlets. The kiosks only accept cash so make sure you have some pennies with you!
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Top tips: Marble Mountain is beautiful and iconic, but I would be cautious about a visit with a child under 5. There are no indoor areas at all, limited shade, and as it is such a popular tourist area it can be VERY busy.
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But most critically be wary of the caves. There are no signs that let you know how easy or difficult getting into each of the caves is, and some of the caves require you to scramble on your hands and knees, or literally climb up rocks to get inside, with only the torch on your phone to see where you are going. In particular watch out for Van Thong cave, I attempted to go inside with a broken pinky finger while helping my two year old and we had to turn around... and I consider myself to be fairly fit! It is a definite no for anyone with mobility issues, or injuries.
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Marble Mountain
Recommended time: 1-3 Hours
Ticket Price: Free to enter
Age: 6+
When to go: There is no indoor airconditioned area so definitely avoid in high temperatures. Morning or late afternoon is advisable.
Da Nang Downtown (formerly Asia Park)
Recommended time: 2-4 Hours
Ticket Price: Entry to the park is free, however the rides, shows and ferris wheel are all priced individually.
Age: 3+
When to go: The park opens after 4pm
Website: Da Nang Downtown
Da Nang Downtown
Da Nang Downtown (formerly called Asia Park) located in the heart of Da Nang city is another great evening out with your family! Interestingly Da Nang Downtown only opens at 4pm so can often be mistaken for being closed as the Ferris wheel doesn't move during the day. ​
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The park itself is split into zones with architecture inspired by the different countries in Asia, and has lots of small theme park rides for children throughout the park. The height restrictions are strictly enforced with only one or two rides being available for children under 100cm. Most of the rides have a restriction of 110-120cm.
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The larger rides generally are quite small and can be more described more as junior rollercoasters, the park is absolutely perfect for ages 8-13.
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Additionally there is an outdoor street food market and small restaurants which are delicious and cater to all tastes including both Vietnamese and Western food.
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But the big highlight at Da Nang Downtown are the shows that run throughout the evening! We were completely blown away by the Symphony of the River show complete with fireworks shooting off the back of jet skis. Truly brilliant and not to be missed! Additionally they have an earlier evening show (Awaken River) and a traditional Vietnamese water puppetry show that are great too.
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Da Nang Downtown is very stroller friendly, and has lots of places to rest in the shade but limited indoor areas. ​​
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Top Tips: Entry into Da Nang Downtown just to walk around and eat at the street food market is free, but to use the rides, ferris wheel, or to see the shows is all at an additional cost. At the ticket desk upon entry you can pay for the shows using card but once inside the park only cash is accepted and there are no ATM's on site. Don't forget to take some pennies with you!
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Also the park has beautiful architecture and is a great place to get some photos as it gets dark. Don't forget to bring your camera! But as it is near a lake there can be lots of mosquitos so bring your bug spray too.
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Helio Market
Recommended time: 1-3 Hours
Ticket Price: FREE
Age: Any age
When to go: The park opens after 5:30pm
Website: Facebook
Helio Market
While we love Son Tra night market (next to the dragon bridge), we much prefer Helio Market based in Hai Chau.
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Right next to the Helio Center, which has games and activities for children, the night market is the perfect blend of traditional Vietnamese and some Korean food. You will find limited Western food so if you have a particularly picky eater who prefers chicken nuggets and chips they will definitely be diappointed!
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The market is currently open from 17:30pm every night and often has live music into the night.
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Opposite the night market you will also find small theme park rides suitable from ages 2+ for around 10,000vnd per ride. Please note, most of the Helio Market food stalls and childrens rides only accept cash so please make sure you bring some with you.
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The market has a small bike parking area (5000vnd parking fee) and can be easily accessed via taxi. The area is completely stroller friendly and just a lovely place to spend the evening!
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Top Tips: Towards the back of Helio Market you will find a stall selling fresh fruit with milk, it is absolutely delicious!
Cham Island
Recommended time: 1-3 Days
Ticket Price: It is free to visit the island but speedboat / ferry tickets will be required.
Age: 2+
When to go: During great weather!
Cham Island
Cham Island off the coast of Hoi An is another amazing place to visit, we definitely recommend a trip over there at some point during your stay BUT please read on for some things to watch out for.
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Cham is a beautiful collection of islands covered in small homestays, monkeys, and gorgeous coves for snorkelling. There are multiple companies offering day trips and excursions to Cham Island, but we found the most cost effective way was to find a homestay on Agoda and arrange everything through them. Most homestays will prepare all your food during your stay, and can also arrange day trips snorkelling for you, then will just provide a bill at the end for the total amount spent.
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While Cham Island is incredibly picturesque and the perfect escape from the city, there are limited amenities and only basic shops on the island so other than the STUNNING beaches and coves I expect it could be quite miserable if you had to stay indoors, so try to visit in good weather. If you need specific things e.g. nappies / wine definitely take it with you.
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Top Tips: Now for the cautionary part, getting to Cham Island is easy via ferry or speedboat, but if you are not a 'sea' person the speedboat can be quite an experience if the sea isn't calm. If you are prone to sea sickness better to take some sea sickness tablets before setting off.
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And the big one which caught me and my friends by surprise when we arrived... there are no cars.
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The roads on Cham Island are small, incredibly steep, and as such there are no cars at all on the island. The taxi's on the island are all motorbikes and m don't provide passenger helmets at all so please take your own, or choose a homestay that is walking distance to the ferry/ speedboat terminal. Unless you are staying walking distance to the terminal and don't plan to explore the island I would say strollers are a definite no.
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If you plan to take the taxi's try to pack light as your suitcases/bags will be coming on the motorbike with you.
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Overall we LOVED our time on Cham Island but will be going back much better prepared next time. For an indication of cost, we paid approximately 2,400,000vnd for a 2 night, 3 day stay including food, transfers and a short snorkelling trip.
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Bounce Beach
Another day out we adore, particularly for older kids is Bounce Beach!
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Bounce Beach located on Son Tra peninsula have a beautiful swimming pool overlooking the sea, tasty restaurant, buckets and spades on the beach, a HUGE inflatable activity park in the sea, and a big water sports area including kayaks, banana boats, and speedboats for rent.
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The sea inflatable has a strictly enforced height restriction of 1.25m and any children under 1.4m must be accompanied by an adult. The water sports also have height restrictions, but it's best to check with the team as the restrictions vary for each activity.
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Entry to the pool is free when purchasing food or drinks from the restaurant, or is 100k each if not.
Use of the sea inflatable is 400k per person, and the water sports are all priced individually depending on duration of use.
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The restaurant is lovely, with comfy loungers for little ones to nap on, but is on the pricey side, so please bare this in mind!
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In the early evenings bounce beach often has live music and entertainment!
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Top Tips: Towels are only available for hotel guests, so make sure to bring your own!