Da Nang, often celebrated as the dynamic heart of Central Vietnam, has recently expanded its cultural and historical significance. Since July 2025, the administrative merger of Da Nang and Quang Nam has created the New Da Nang City, bringing together some of Vietnam’s most remarkable UNESCO-recognized sites. Travelers can now discover an impressive collection of cultural, natural, and documentary heritage all within one destination.
This guide explores the UNESCO sites in Da Nang, their historical importance, and nearby heritage attractions worth visiting.
What Are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Da Nang?
Hội An Ancient Town
- Type: World Heritage
- Recognized: 1999
- Location: Hoi An Ward, Da Nang City (formerly part of Quang Nam Province)
Why Visit:
Hội An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved trading ports in Southeast Asia, dating back to the 15th–19th centuries. Once a vibrant hub for merchants from China, Japan, and Europe, its cultural fusion remains beautifully intact today. Unlike many other heritage towns, Hội An has preserved its authentic wooden houses, narrow streets, and riverside charm, offering travelers a step back in time.
What to See & Do:
Visitors can wander through over 1,000 historic timber-frame buildings, explore ancient merchant houses, family temples, and colorful pagodas.
Don’t miss the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the bustling Central Market, and riverside quays once used for trade.
In the evenings, the town glows with lantern-lit streets, boat rides on the Thu Bon River, and vibrant night markets.
With its unique blend of architecture, history, and living culture, Hội An offers both heritage discovery and a lively local atmosphere.
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
- Type: World Heritage
- Recognized: 1999
- Location: Thu Bon Commune, Da Nang City (formerly part of Duy Xuyen, Quang Nam Province)
Why Visit:
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological treasures. Between the 4th and 13th centuries, it was the religious and political heart of the Champa Kingdom, deeply influenced by Hinduism from India. Visiting Mỹ Sơn offers travelers a unique chance to step into the spiritual world of the Cham civilization.
What to See & Do:
The sanctuary is home to the remains of tower-temples built over ten centuries, crafted in brick and stone with intricate sandstone carvings of Hindu gods such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Krishna.
Visitors can explore eight groups of monuments, admire detailed bas-reliefs depicting mythological scenes, and learn about the Cham people’s engineering skills and religious life.
Walking through this valley, you’ll witness both ancient ruins and restored temples, making it an atmospheric place for history, culture, and photography.
Other UNESCO-Recognized Heritage in Da Nang
Cù Lao Chàm – Hội An Biosphere Reserve
- Type: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Recognized: 2009
- Location: an island cluster belonging to Tan Hiep island commune, Da Nang city.
Beyond the cultural treasures, Da Nang is home to a natural heritage. The Cù Lao Chàm Islands, part of the Cham Archipelago, were designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009. The reserve protects marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and traditional fishing communities, making it a haven for eco-tourism and sustainable development.
‘Ma Nhai’ Inscriptions at Marble Mountains
- Type: UNESCO Memory of the World
- Recognized: 2022
- Location: Ngu Hanh Son Ward, Da Nang city
The ‘Ma Nhai’ stone inscriptions at Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) were inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme for Asia–Pacific. These 78 ancient inscriptions, carved in Chinese and Nom scripts, document poetry, history, and religious devotion from Vietnam’s past.
Da Nang Nearby UNESCO Sites Worth Exploring
While Da Nang itself offers a rich collection of UNESCO heritage, nearby provinces also host world-renowned sites:
- Complex of Huế Monuments (World Heritage, 1993): About 100 km north of Da Nang, Huế was Vietnam’s imperial capital, featuring palaces, temples, tombs, and the iconic Perfume River.
- Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park (World Heritage, 2003, extended 2015): Located in Quảng Bình Province, this park is famous for its karst landscapes, underground rivers, and record-breaking caves, including Sơn Đoòng—the world’s largest cave.
Planning Your UNESCO Itinerary from Da Nang
With its new administrative boundaries, Da Nang is now a destination that offers an unprecedented number of world-class attractions within easy reach. Whether you have a few days or a full week, you can design a perfect itinerary that combines culture, history, nature, and adventure.
A sample itinerary could include:
- Day 1: Visit the Mai Nhai stone inscriptions and the caves of the Marble Mountains before heading to Hoi An (just around 30 km by road).
- Day 2: Explore the Hoi An UNESCO site, strolling through the ancient town and enjoying a lantern-lit evening.
- Day 3: Take a boat trip to Cham Island for a day of snorkeling and exploring the Biosphere Reserve.
- Day 4: Leave Hoi An and start the journey to My Son Sanctuary in the morning to beat the heat, then relax on Da Nang’s beaches in the afternoon.
Is It Worth Visiting UNESCO Sites in Da Nang Now?
The 2025 merger has transformed Da Nang into a UNESCO powerhouse, blending urban energy with timeless heritage. Whether you’re wandering Hoi An’s ancient streets, marveling at My Son’s temples, or diving into Cu Lao Cham’s waters, these sites offer immersive experiences that connect you to Vietnam’s past and present.
FAQs About UNESCO Sites in Da Nang
How many UNESCO sites are in Da Nang now?
As of July 2025, the new administrative city of Da Nang is home to four UNESCO-designated sites: two World Heritage Sites (Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary), one World Biosphere Reserve (Cham Island), and one Memory of the World site (Mai Nhai of Marble Mountains).
Are there natural UNESCO sites in Da Nang?
Yes. The Cù Lao Chàm Islands are part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
What is the ‘Ma Nhai’ heritage?
The ‘Ma Nhai’ stone inscriptions at Marble Mountains are recognized under UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme (Asia–Pacific) for their historical and literary value.
Who discovered My Son Sanctuary?
Camille Paris is known as the person who discovered My Son Sanctuary.
Which UNESCO sites are near Da Nang?
Nearby sites include the Complex of Huế Monuments in Thừa Thiên–Huế Province and Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park in Quảng Bình Province.
What is the best time to visit Da Nang’s UNESCO sites?
The dry season (February–August) offers the most pleasant weather for exploring both cultural sites and natural attractions.
How far is Hoi An from the Da Nang center?
Hoi An is located approximately 30 kilometers south of central Da Nang. The drive typically takes 30-45 minutes, making it an easy day trip.
Can I visit all the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Da Nang in one trip?
Yes, it is possible to visit all the UNESCO sites in Da Nang on a single trip. The sites are relatively close to each other, and in a few days, you can experience all of them.
Is a guide necessary for the UNESCO sites?
While you can explore them on your own, a local guide is highly recommended, especially for My Son Sanctuary and the Marble Mountains. They can provide historical context and highlight details you might otherwise miss.
What are some popular tour options for the UNESCO sites in Da Nang?
Popular tour options include a combined trip to Hoi An and My Son, a full-day eco-tour to Cham Island. Many tour companies offer pre-packaged itineraries that cover all the main sites.