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1. Vietnam War Tour to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)

Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) Vietnam is popular for fans of military history as it is possible to see hundreds of weapons, artillery and military tanks left behind by foreign troops. Located 100km north of Hue, the iconic war zone is set along Ben Hai River, encompassing five kilometres of land on either side of the border.

Between 1954 and 1975, Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) Vietnam served as a war-free buffer between the North and the South but it’s also the site of some of the worst battles in Vietnam’s history. Today, visitors can still visit the many destroyed foundations of former American military bases buildings, monuments dedicated to local war heroes, and hundreds of war relics displayed within a US combat base-turned-museum.

Some of the most prominent sites within include the Rockpile, Dakrong Bridge, Hamburger Hill, Ho Chi Minh Trails, Khe Sanh, Lang Vay Special Forces Camp, and Vinh Moc Tunnels. Truong Son National Cemetery is hailed as Vietnam’s largest war cemetery, hosting over 10,000 graves of fallen Vietnamese soldiers and war heroes.

As there are still traces of active landmines within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) Vietnam, visitors are encouraged to join organised trips to instead of exploring on their own. Departing from the city of Hue or Da Nang, full day tours are priced USD80 upwards for two people, which are inclusive of hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, lunch, refreshments, and entrance fees to all military sites.

Location: Ben Hai River, 100 kilometres north of Hue

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2. Da Nang Off-Road Tours

Da Nang off-road tours take you on a jungle trail to traditional villages, ornate pagodas, and iconic war remnants along the way. You are chartered via jeep or 4WD towards Marble Mountain, which houses rare wildlife species, limestone caves, and Buddhist temples. The next stop is Monkey Mountain to visit Linh Ung Pagoda, Ban Co Peek, Son Tra View Tower, and a 1960s army radar station that offers a panoramic view of Da Nang city and the bow-shaped coastline of Da Nang Bay. Priced at USD200 onwards, there are also off-road tours to other locales in Da Nang such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son, My Lai, and Quy Nhon.

3. Surfing

Surfing is one of the most popular activities in Da Nang thanks to its warm climate and expansive beaches with great waves. Surf season is between the months of September and March, with an average water temperature of 25. My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach are popular spots for a wide array of recreational activities, and there are plenty of surf and stand-up paddling classes available for inexperienced visitors. Guided by English-speaking trainers, these lessons take approximately two hours and are inclusive of soft surfboards and rash vests.

4. Cooking Classes

Cooking classes are conducted in five-star hotels and popular local restaurants in Da Nang, where you’ll get a hands-on approach in preparing traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Priced at USD5o onwards, each class is inclusive of a brief introduction to Vietnamese-style cooking techniques and a visit to the local market to shop (and bargain) for fresh ingredients, produce, meats, herbs and spices. Guided by an English-speaking trainer, you’ll learn how to cook authentic Da Nang dishes such as banh xeo, cao lau, my quang, and tuna braised in claypot.

5. Spa Treatment

A pampering spa treatment is the perfect end to a day of exploring Da Nang City and beyond. The coastal town’s numerous five-star resorts such as InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort and Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa are fitted with luxurious spa centres that offer an array of body wraps, scrubs and massages, as well as reflexology and facial treatments. Alternatively, you can also opt for standalone Da Nang spa centres which are scattered throughout the city centre - some of our favourite (and budget-friendly) outlets include Sense Spa, Charm Spa, and Queen Spa.

6. Hai Van Pass Motorcycle Tours

Hai Van Pass or Sea Clouds Pass offers an impressive landscape of verdant mountains and clear blue skies, overlooking Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and South China Sea. Crossing over a spur of Truong Son mountain range between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City, it stands at 500m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam.

The 25 kilometre-long mountain pass is popular amongst thrill-seeking motorcyclists due to its winding roads, sudden curves and blind corners, while its lookout point offers gorgeous views of Da Nang Bay.

The pass also hosts the ancient Tran Dynasty’s Hai Van Gate, Hai Van Tunnel (the longest in ASEAN), wartime gun towers, and a decrepit French-built fort that was later used as a bunker by South Vietnamese and US armies during the Vietnam War. Prior to the construction of the Hai Van Tunnel, the mountain pass was notorious for its fair share of fatal accidents – look out for small altars set along the roadside that are dedicated to perished victims.

A motorcycle trip between Da Nang and Hue through Hai Van Pass takes between three and five hours, longer if you stop for seafood and coffee along the coastline. Priced between VND 150,000 to VND 200,000 per day, motorbikes can be rented from numerous hotels and tour operators in Da Nang City.

Aside from requiring the use of a powerful bike, do note that Hai Van Pass motorcycle tours can be challenging for new riders – expect uphill slopes, an average temperature of 17°C, and rainy weather if you’re travelling between the months of September and March. Driving licenses are required by law and do check your insurance to see if you’re covered before… if not, go at your own risk!

Location: 30km north of Da Nang

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 (by Hotel.com)