Da Nang travel tips: what to know before you go

Things to know

1. Dress modestly at pagodas and churches, covering shoulders and knees.
2. Remove shoes when entering homes and some temple halls.
3. Use both hands when giving or receiving something from an older person.
4. Keep calm when bargaining; raising your voice causes loss of face.
5. Ask before photographing people, especially at markets and fishing villages.
6. Swimwear is for the beach; cover up when walking into town.
7. Book Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge ahead: Weekends and Vietnamese holidays are very busy; buy tickets in advance and avoid public holidays if possible.
8. Ride-hailing apps are cheaper and more transparent than street taxis.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in local eateries, but leaving small change or about 5–10% in restaurants catering to visitors, and tipping guides and drivers, is appreciated.

Language

What to wear

Light summer clothes for the city; cover shoulders and knees at pagodas. Bring a light jacket for Ba Na Hills, which is much cooler, and rain gear from September to December.

Practical details

Plugs and voltage

Type A, C and F sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz

Drinking water

Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water. Ice in restaurants is usually factory-made.

Emergency number

113 police, 114 fire, 115 ambulance

Phone and internet

Local SIMs and eSIMs are inexpensive and sold at the airport; free Wi-Fi is standard in cafés and hotels.

Time zone

Asia/Ho Chi Minh

Da Nang is calm for a Vietnamese city, but traffic is the main hazard, and rip currents at My Khe can be dangerous from autumn to early spring, so swim near lifeguards. Check forecasts during the September–December storm season, and confirm seafood prices before ordering to avoid disputes.

Plan the trip

Da Nang travel guide · When to go · Costs.

Questions travellers ask