Da Nang is my hometown and I love sharing it with my overseas friends. This essential Da Nang small-group scooter tour of the city’s top attractions and hidden highlights is led by a fantastic English-speaking local guide. There is no better way to experience the real Vietnam than from the back of a scooter. Ride along with your guide and our experienced drivers through Da Nang’s bustling downtown area and beautiful seaside roads.
You will be immersed in the culture, history, beliefs, and tastes of Central Vietnam. Visit stunning landmarks such as My Khe beach, the Marble Mountains, the Lady Buddha statue, the Dragon Bridge, and the sprawling Chợ Cồn market while learning about Vietnam’s rich history from your guide.
Beginning our tour by picking you up straight from your hotel, you will first enjoy a famous Vietnamese drip coffee at the oldest cafe in Da Nang. Throughout the day we will visit local market food stalls and street restaurants that will allow you to savour a taste of local Central Vietnamese cuisine from family-run businesses. Many visitors will never discover places like these without us because they’re so deeply engrained in ordinary Vietnamese life.
Our first stop is the stunning 18th-century pagoda of Ling Ung on Son Tra peninsula, one of our most sacred places of worship. Affectionately known as Monkey Mountain, this sacred site hosts the spectacular 67m high ‘Lady Buddha’ statue overlooking the East Sea with Cham Islands in the distance. You will learn about how locals practice Buddhism and the history of this holy place in Da Nang while enjoying breathtaking views of Da Nang and its beaches.
Next up is the sandy My Khe Beach, which was an area for rest and relaxation for US troops and today is enjoyed by many locals and expats, voted one of the ‘top-10’ world beaches by Forbes magazine. You will also notice the traditional boats and nets of local fisherman in the area beneath Son Tra peninsula, and take in another stunning view of the Lady Buddha statue.
Next, we visit the stunning and spectacular Marble Mountains, a cluster of 5 limestone and marble hills with peaks, caves, tunnels, and temples reachable by walking or elevator. The mountain tops are sprinkled with well-known pilgrimage sites, Buddhist pagodas, and places of worship. There is so much to see here, and the view is incredible! The Marble Mountains were not immune to the Vietnam War’s effects, so remember to ask your guide about their use during the conflict.
“Our tour guide Hieu is amazing with his knowledge of the city. He took us to local joints for food and drinks. Truly memorable experience! Highly recommend booking a tour with Xuan Tu as they are very flexible and able to accommodate to our needs. We can’t wait to be back again.”
– client TripAdvisor review
All of the establishments you’ll visit are Vietnamese-run local small businesses that support their communities. We pride ourselves on never taking our guests to commission-based shops on our tours, and instead showing them “our” Vietnam through our own eyes.
In Vietnam you will find the most unique, imaginative dishes made with ingredients you’ve never imagined existed! Some unique dishes you might try throughout the day include Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm, Bánh bèo, Bánh Nam Lộc, and the most famous street food Bánh mì baguette.
Our guides will explain the historical context of some of the foods you’ll try, such as bánh mì, a short baguette with a thin, crispy crust stuffed with marinated meat, pickled vegetables, coriander, and more. Bánh mì was created when the French introduced the baguette to Vietnam during the French colonial period. Over the years, Vietnam has crafted it into one of its most popular and well-known street foods! You will see many roadside stalls offering bánh mì to go.
Throughout the day we will cross the 3 major bridges of Da Nang: Han River Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, and the famous yellow Dragon Bridge, which on weekend evenings provides an incredible performance of breathing fire & water!!
Finally, we will stop at Chợ Cồn Market, the largest wholesale and retail venue in central Vietnam. This market offers great insight into the daily life of ordinary Vietnamese locals where we will try local specialties such as seasonal smoothies, coconut candy, local desserts, or lotus seeds. Feel free to shop from the market’s interesting and cultural artifacts, and your guide will be next to you if you need help.
This tour is all about getting a true insight into the daily life of ordinary Vietnamese locals by visiting the top highlights and hidden gems of Central Vietnam. Vietnam’s unique culture has been forged over many years of history, culture, and community, and we’re excited to share with you a blend of Da Nang’s historical features and delicious, delicious food.
Your tour will come to a close when we return you safely to your hotel and give you recommendations for the rest of your stay in this vibrant city, with some suggestions for additional must-see landmarks.
