Sport and Leisure in Da Nang and Hoi An

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
Multiple locations
7 Places
@afar
With shimmering ocean crashing onto a wide sandy beach for miles, it's no surprise that leisure activities with a water emphasis take primacy in central Vietnam. Nevertheless, there are many other things to do in the area. These include some fantastic golf, opportunities for biking, and some of the country's most exciting motorbiking routes. Credit: Collected by Duncan Forgan, AFAR Local Expert

The Point Da Nang Golf Club

Condominium complex · Ngu Hanh Son

"Tee Off on Lush Links The strip of coastline between Hoi An and Danang has developed into a real draw for golfers. The first layout to appear in the area was the Montgomerie Links, a lush, American-style design masterminded by Scottish Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie. Joining it in 2010 was Danang Golf Club, the work of Australian legend and world-renowned course designer Greg Norman. Both courses have done much to establish the area as a golf destination in its own right. Danang Golf Club is the more spectacular of the two, with holes such as the 16th—a short par-3 played towards China Beach—as attractive as they are exacting. Since then another two fine courses have opened. At Lang Co, Nick Faldo has created a masterpiece while fellow Englishman Luke Donald is the brains behind the newest layout in the area, Ba Na Hills."

Photo by Sersen

Burgers Tam's Pub and Surf Shop

Restaurant · Ngu Hanh Son

"Surfs Up In Danang Vietnam is not the most obvious surfing destination in the world, but the swell near Danang is actually excellent -- especially during the monsoon season. The centre of the surf scene is Tam's Pub in Danang, which is a good spot to rent a board and get advice on conditions and choice surf spots."

Photo by Ian Sanderson

"Lunch Break in Hoian I used to call Hoi An "The Venice of Vietnam " as its narrow streets and colorful houses remind me of Venice . The city is well-known for its lanterns. Highly recommended to stop by for few days, here in the center of Vietnam ."

Hải Vân Pass

Mountain pass · Phu Loc

"A 13-mile section of Vietnam 's National Route 1A between Da Nang and Hue, the Hai Van Pass might be short in distance, but it’s long on views. Rising up and down the Truong Son range, and with a name that translates to "Ocean Cloud" Pass, the road travels through an area freighted with historical and meteorological significance—it once formed the border between the ancient Dai Viet and Champa kingdoms, and still divides the weather patterns of south and north Vietnam . The pass was often crowded with traffic for years, but a tunnel that opened nearby in 2005 drew away many of the cars and trucks, making it relatively tranquil these days. Expect coastal vistas that will leave you speechless."

Photo by Romas/age fotostock

XuanTu's Vietnam Private Tours

Tour agency · Son Tra

"Journey By Jeep The gorgeous countryside that defines the narrow waist of Vietnam is a joy to explore by any means of transportation. Given the area's history as a combat hotspot during the American War, however, it is fitting that some of the most popular tours of the area are done by using refurbished US Army jeeps. Routes vary between short rides between Danang and Hoi An and longer journeys north to Hue or south to Quy Nhon through the mountains. Reputable operators include Looking Glass and Danang Jeep Tours."

Photo by Janine

Hội An

Hoi An

"Ease Your Weary Limbs Vietnam is no slouch when it comes to pampering weary limbs, with nearly as many massage therapists in Hoi An as tailors. Standards vary according to price, but the strong competition means that you can get a very reasonable kneading for a highly acceptable price. For the full pampering experience, there are a handful of more upscale options to choose from; the spa at the Nam Hai resort is particularly sumptuous. For something a little different, try the blind therapists at Hoi An Blind Massage Centre who are known for their skilled, sensitive hands."

Photo by Rose Trinh

Danang SurfSchool

Temporarily Closed

"What's SUP With its popularity growing all the time, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) has emerged as a prime beach leisure activity. Exciting and beneficial to health, it is also easier to pick up than surfing. Danang Surf School can organise boards and paddles and offers lessons for beginners."

Photo by Visit St Pete./Clearwater