Da Nang International Airport

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) serves Da Nang, Vietnam's third-largest city and a rapidly developing beach destination in Central Vietnam. Located just 3 km from the city center, it's the gateway to Hoi An, Hue, and Vietnam's central coast.

The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international). Modern facilities reflecting Vietnam's tourism boom.

Key airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and various Asian carriers.

DAD is remarkably central:

• To Da Nang city center: 3 km, 10 minutes
• To My Khe Beach: 5 km, 10-15 minutes
• To Hoi An: 30 km, 40-50 minutes
• To Bà Nà Hills (Golden Bridge): 40 km, 50-60 minutes
• To Hue: 100 km, 2-2.5 hours

Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) operates throughout Vietnam.

• To Da Nang center: VND 50,000-80,000 (~$2-3 USD)
• To Hoi An: VND 250,000-350,000 (~$10-14)

Taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun):

• Metered, reliable
• Slightly more expensive than Grab

Bus

Public bus 35 connects to the city:

• Route: Airport → Da Nang center → My Khe Beach
• Cost: VND 6,000 (~$0.25)
• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes

Very cheap but not practical with luggage.

Type	Daily Rate	Notes
Covered	VND 150,000/day	Terminal adjacent
Open	VND 100,000/day	Short walk

DAD has good dining:

Terminal 2 (International):

• Vietnamese restaurants
• Cafés (Highlands Coffee)
• Fast food
• Duty-free shop café

Terminal 1 (Domestic):

• Similar options

Try: Phở or Bánh mì before your flight.

Network: DAD Airport WiFi

• Cost: Free
• Speed: Good
• Easy connection

SIM cards from:

• Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone shops in arrivals
• Prices: VND 100,000-200,000 (~$4-8) for prepaid with data
• Passport required

ATMs in both terminals.

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Approximately 24,500 VND = 1 USD.

Vietnam is still largely cash-based outside of major hotels.

Terminal 2:

• Duty-free
• Vietnamese coffee, ao dai
• Handicrafts
• Good selection

CIP Orchid Lounge

• Access: Priority Pass, business class, or purchase
• Amenities: Vietnamese food, drinks, WiFi

Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge

• Access: Vietnam Airlines Business, SkyTeam Elite Plus

Hotels in Da Nang beach area or city center. Hoi An is 40-50 minutes away.

Da Nang is Vietnam's rising star—beautiful beaches, the famous Golden Bridge, and gateway to the ancient town of Hoi An:

Da Nang attractions (with travel time from airport):

• Dragon Bridge: 10 min—breathes fire on weekends
• My Khe Beach: 15 min—one of Vietnam's best city beaches
• Marble Mountains: 20 min—caves, pagodas, Buddha statues
• Lady Buddha (Linh Ung Pagoda): 25 min—67m white Buddha, coastal views
• Han River bridges: Multiple illuminated bridges at night

Bà Nà Hills (50 min from airport):

• Golden Bridge: Iconic bridge held by giant hands
• French village: Kitsch but fun mountaintop resort
• Cable car: One of world's longest
• Fantasy Park: Indoor amusement park

Hoi An (40-50 min from airport):

• Ancient Town: UNESCO World Heritage, lanterns, tailor shops
• Japanese Covered Bridge: Iconic 400-year-old bridge
• Tailor shops: Custom clothing made in 24 hours
• An Bang Beach: Relaxed beach near town
• Cooking classes: Learn Vietnamese cuisine

Day trips from Da Nang:

• Hue: 2.5 hours—Imperial Citadel, royal tombs
• My Son Sanctuary: 1.5 hours—Cham temple ruins (UNESCO)
• Hai Van Pass: 30 min—scenic coastal road

Food & drink:

• Mì Quảng: Da Nang's signature noodle dish
• Bánh xèo: Crispy Vietnamese pancakes
• Bánh mì: Vietnamese baguette sandwiches
• Bún chả cá: Fish cake noodle soup
• Vietnamese coffee: Strong and delicious

Local tips:

• Hoi An priority: Don't skip Hoi An—it's magical, especially at night
• Golden Bridge: Book Bà Nà Hills ticket online; can be crowded
• Tailors in Hoi An: Get clothes made; allow 2-3 fittings
• Rainy season: September-December; still worth visiting
• Grab app: Essential for transportation
• Beach resorts: My Khe and Non Nuoc have excellent beach hotels
• Budget-friendly: Vietnam offers incredible value
• Language: English limited; have Google Translate ready
• Da Nang was an American base during the Vietnam War
• The Dragon Bridge fire show is Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM