I arrived in Da Nang a little earlier than planned — in early December. I wasn’t expecting much, just a few quiet days by the sea before the holidays. But Da Nang has a way of surprising you — gently, without pretense, but genuinely.
Weather in Da Nang During Winter
If you’re used to the tropical heat of Thailand, Da Nang in December will feel refreshingly different. While Phuket stays around 30°C (86°F) all year, here the air is cooler and lighter.
Days are a pleasant 22–25°C (72–77°F), and evenings drop to 17°C (63°F) — light-jacket weather for travelers, but “winter coat season” for the locals.
To me, it felt like a breezy European summer — perfect for long walks, coffee by the beach, and exploring without breaking a sweat.
Da Nang or Nha Trang — Which Is Better for a Winter Stay?
If you’ve been spending winters in Thailand, chances are you’re now eyeing Vietnam. The two main contenders are Da Nang and Nha Trang — and they offer completely different vibes.
- Da Nang is more affordable. Accommodation, cafés, and taxis are cheaper, especially away from the beachfront.
- The airport is right in the city. You can get to your hotel in 15–20 minutes — a big contrast with Nha Trang, where the drive from Cam Ranh Airport takes about an hour.
- It’s a surfer’s favorite. December and January bring good waves to My Khe Beach, though beginners should be cautious.
- It feels like a real city. Da Nang has bridges, promenades, and modern life pulsing beside the sea, while Nha Trang is more of a laid-back resort.
- Cooler but comfortable weather. Expect ocean breeze and clouds rather than tropical heat — a welcome change for many travelers.
If you enjoy a mix of urban energy and coastal calm, and you don’t mind mild weather, Da Nang is a perfect New Year destination.
Things to Do in Da Nang
The best thing to do here is simply walk. Along the endless seaside promenade, across the Han River, or through the heart of the city.
The highlight is the Dragon Bridge, which literally breathes fire and water during weekend shows. Come early to find a good spot by the river — it’s one of those moments that make you fall in love with the city.
Spiritual Sights: Lady Buddha and the Pagodas
High above the city stands the Lady Buddha, a giant statue of compassion overlooking the sea. It’s calm, silent, and deeply atmospheric — incense drifting from nearby temples, the ocean shimmering below.
Just a short walk away lies the Buu Dai Son Pagoda, a peaceful temple where locals come to pray. Sit under the shade, listen to chanting monks, and feel the quiet rhythm of Vietnamese spirituality.
Nature and Adventure: Marble Mountains & Ba Na Hills
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone peaks with caves, pagodas, and breathtaking views of the coastline. The climb can be steep, but the reward — the panorama of Da Nang — is worth every step.
If you’re after something more whimsical, take the cable car up to Ba Na Hills SunWorld and visit the famous Golden Bridge, held by two giant stone hands.
It’s undeniably touristy, but the photos are stunning — and if you go on a misty morning, you might just catch the bridge completely empty.
And if you decide to visit Ba Na Hills on a rainy day, you might get the rare chance to take photos of the Golden Bridge completely empty!
Local Food and Cafés
Like everywhere in Vietnam, Da Nang is heaven for food lovers.
Start your morning with a cup of cà phê sữa đá — Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk — at a small café near the river.
Lunch could be grilled seafood straight from the beach: shrimp, squid, or fish fresh off the grill.
Want to explore more local flavors? Check out our guide: Vietnamese Cuisine: 7 Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam.
Christmas and New Year Celebrations in Da Nang
Yes, Da Nang celebrates Christmas and New Year — and it’s magical in its own tropical way.
The streets are full of lights, trees sparkle in shopping centers, and riverside cafés host festive concerts.
One of the most joyful moments is the Santa Claus parade downtown — best enjoyed from a riverside terrace with a drink in hand.
And when midnight arrives on New Year’s Eve, fireworks light up the entire city. If your hotel room overlooks the skyline, it’s the perfect time to toast with a glass of champagne and welcome the New Year with a sea breeze.
Why You Should Visit Da Nang for New Year
Da Nang is a city that doesn’t try too hard to impress. It simply lives — between mountains and sea, between tradition and modern life.
Spending New Year in Da Nang means seeing Vietnam without filters, feeling the warm spirit of its people, and greeting the new year in peace — under the glow of lanterns and fireworks.
If you’re searching for a destination that’s calm, beautiful, and authentically Vietnamese, Da Nang will not disappoint.
