Private Da Nang City Tour: Food, Marble Mountains & Han River

Summary

Da Nang Highlights: Marble Mountains, Local Eats & Sunset Cruise

You’ll explore caves and temples at Marble Mountains, watch craftsmen carve marble statues by hand, relax on My Khe Beach, taste real Da Nang street food, and finish with a sunset cruise along the Han River—all with an expert local guide who knows every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the salty breeze as we pulled up near Marble Mountains. Our guide, Minh, handed out cold towels—trust me, you’ll want one if it’s humid like it was for us. We wandered through cool caves and temples carved right into the hills. There’s this spot in Am Phu Cave where you can hear water dripping somewhere deep below; Minh explained the two paths—one leading “up to heaven,” the other “down to hell”—and honestly, I got goosebumps thinking about all the stories these stones must hold. You’ll see locals lighting incense and leaving tiny offerings in corners you’d miss if you weren’t looking.

Just down the road, we stopped at Non Nuoc stone village. The sound of chisels tapping against marble is everywhere. I watched an old craftsman shape a dragon statue—his hands moved so fast it was almost hypnotic. Some of these pieces end up in hotels across Asia, but here you get to see them born from raw rock.

Later, we kicked off our shoes at My Khe Beach. The sand really is soft—almost powdery—and there’s always someone selling fresh coconut juice from a cart under the palms. Forbes called it one of the world’s best beaches; I just liked how quiet it felt even with families playing nearby.

Linh Ung Pagoda sits high on Monkey Mountain. The view stretches out over Da Nang Bay and on clear days you can spot fishing boats dotting the water far below. We heard bells ringing as monks walked by in saffron robes. Minh pointed out details about Buddhist rituals I’d never noticed before—like how people circle the Lady Buddha statue three times for luck.

We dove into local street food next—crispy bánh xèo pancakes sizzling on hot griddles, sweet iced coffee that tasted like chocolate, and bowls of mì Quảng noodles topped with peanuts and herbs. The market buzzed with scooters weaving between stalls; it’s loud but somehow comforting.

As evening crept in, we boarded a small boat for a cruise along the Han River. The city lights flickered on one by one and bridges glowed in neon colors—especially Dragon Bridge, which actually breathes fire on weekends (we missed it by a day!). Floating fruit plates and cold drinks made it feel extra relaxed as we drifted past nine famous bridges. It’s a different side of Da Nang after dark—peaceful but alive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Da Nang City Highlights

• Visit Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave
• Explore stone carving village
• Relax at My Khe Beach
• Visit Linh Ung Pagoda and Monkey Mountain
• Discover local street food and daily life
• Boat trip on Han River and see 9 bridges

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or elderly travelers?

Yes! The pace is relaxed and our guides help everyone feel comfortable. Strollers and infant seats are available if needed.

Can you pick us up from our hotel in Hoi An?

Absolutely—we offer pick-up and drop-off in both Da Nang and Hoi An at no extra charge.

Are vegetarian or special diets possible during the food tour?

No problem! Just let us know your preferences when booking so we can arrange suitable dishes for you.

What should I bring for this tour?

A hat, sunscreen, comfy shoes for walking (some steps at Marble Mountains), and maybe a light jacket for the river breeze at night.

What’s included

Your English-speaking guide will take care of everything—from entrance fees (Marble Mountains, Am Phu Cave, Han River boat) to local snacks and drinks along the way. Hotel pick-up/drop-off is included too!