Da Nang is a city that balances modern vibrancy with layers of fascinating history. Its strategic location along Vietnam’s coast made it a battleground for centuries, from the Champa Kingdom to French invasions and American military bases. Today, travelers can explore this complex past through a variety of historical tours, each offering unique insights. Whether you’re interested in war history, Champa relics, or cultural performances, Da Nang has something to suit your curiosity. For example, the Da Nang War Tour History provides an in-depth look at the city’s role from 14th-century conflicts to the Vietnam War, visiting sites like Dien Hai Citadel and the Spanish Cemetery.
If you’re after a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s ancient civilizations, the Cham Museum and My Son Sanctuary tours deliver world-class archaeological insights. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more relaxed cultural experience, the Charming Vietnamese Show offers lively performances depicting Vietnamese life through dance and music. Whatever your pace or interest, Da Nang’s mix of historical and cultural tours makes it one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations for history lovers.
1. Da Nang War Tour History: Spanish-French Attack to American Base
This tour covers Da Nang’s involvement in conflicts from the 14th-century Champa Kingdom through French and Spanish attacks in 1858, up to the American military presence during Vietnam War. It hits many key sites like Dien Hai Citadel, built in 1836, which was designed to defend against French invasions, and the Spanish Cemetery, where 400 soldiers who lost their lives in 1858 are buried. The Hai Van Tower was built by the An Nam Kingdom to stop French advances toward Hue, adding to the strategic importance of the area. The tour also includes visits to Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, and Hai Van Pass, providing a vivid picture of Da Nang’s military and defensive history.
With a rating of 5.0/5 from 17 reviews and a full-day itinerary, this tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive, immersive experience. The guide explains the significance of each site, from the Spanish-French battles to the American radar installations. For history buffs, the Spanish Cemetery and Dien Hai Citadel are highlights, offering tangible links to past conflicts. The admission tickets are included—no hidden costs—and you’ll leave with a solid understanding of Da Nang’s war-torn past.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to learn how Da Nang’s strategic location shaped its military history over centuries, this tour offers a detailed, engaging day that combines both battlefield sites and scenic viewpoints.
2. Da Nang Epic History Tour by Cham Museum & Tasty Cuisine/Cafe
This half-day tour is a must for anyone interested in Vietnam’s ancient civilizations. It combines a visit to the Cham Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Hinduism sculptures from the 7th to 14th centuries, with a walk around My Son relics, which are part of the Cham Kingdom’s archaeological sites. The museum displays hundreds of stone sculptures, giving insight into the religious artistry of this vanished kingdom. The tour also includes a visit to An Long Pagoda, where you learn about local Buddhism, and a walk along the Dragon Bridge to admire modern Da Nang.
Rated 5.0/5 from 15 reviews, this tour is highly praised for its engaging guide, Hung, who shares stories behind each artifact and site. The tour’s compact duration makes it ideal for travelers with limited time but big curiosity about Champa culture. The combination of ancient artifacts and vibrant city scenes offers both educational value and a taste of local cuisine, with a visit to a Salt and Coconut Cafe.
Bottom line: For those wanting a quick but rich introduction to Vietnam’s ancient Hindu culture and its echoes in Da Nang today, this tour balances museum exploration with cultural stories and tasty local bites.
3. Da Nang: Full-day My Son Sanctuary And Hoi An Heritage Tour
This full-day trip takes you to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient Town. Starting at My Son, you explore the towering red brick Hindu temples built by the Champa civilization from the 4th to 13th centuries. The site’s ruins are remarkably well-preserved, with many temples still accessible, offering a glimpse into their religious practices. After a local lunch, the tour continues to Hoi An, a beautifully preserved trading port with centuries of history. Walking through its narrow streets, you visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient houses, and markets.
Rated 4.5/5 from 23 reviews, this tour combines history, architecture, and local culture into one memorable day. The inclusion of all entrance fees and a local lunch ensures a stress-free experience. The tour is well-suited for travelers who want an in-depth visit to Champa architecture and Hanoi-style town planning, with plenty of time for photos and wandering.
Bottom line: This is an excellent choice for history and architecture enthusiasts eager to see Vietnam’s ancient Hindu temples alongside a charming, historic town.
4. 4-Day 3-Night: Explore Vietnam Central Heritage from Da Nang
For a comprehensive immersion, this 4-day tour covers key highlights of Central Vietnam, including Hue’s Imperial City, Linh Ung Pagoda, Ba Na Hills, and Hoi An’s Old Town. The itinerary balances cultural landmarks with scenic landscapes, such as the Celestial Linh Ung Pagoda and the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills. The tour includes visits to My Khe Beach and night markets for local flavor.
Rated 5/5 from 7 reviews, travelers praise the well-organized schedule and friendly guides. The tour offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and relaxation, making it ideal for those wanting to see multiple highlights without rushing. The comfortable accommodations and carefully curated itinerary make it a value-packed experience.
Bottom line: If you’re after a deep dive into Vietnam’s cultural and natural treasures over several days, this tour covers all the bases at a relaxed pace.
5. Da Nang History Tour Walking By Cham Pa Museum-Cuisine-Cafe
This walking tour focuses on Champa civilization and Vietnam history, combining a visit to the Cham Museum with tasting local Pho and exploring a cozy Salt/Coconut Cafe. You’ll get up close with hundreds of Hindu stone sculptures and learn about My Son’s cultural significance. The guide shares stories about the Cham people and their influence on Vietnam’s history, making it perfect for history and culture lovers.
Rated 5/5 from 4 reviews, this tour offers personal attention and authentic local experiences. The food component, including Pho, adds a flavorful dimension that complements the historic sights. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a leisurely pace and intimate knowledge sharing.
Bottom line: For a culturally enriching walk with delicious local food in a friendly setting, this tour offers a relaxed yet informative way to connect with Da Nang’s ancient past.
6. My Son Holyland in the Early Morning-UNESCO World Heritage Site
Waking up early has its perks, especially for this tour of My Son Sanctuary. Arriving at sunrise, you experience the Hindu temple complex in peaceful, golden light. Your guide explains how the Champa built the temples from the 4th to 13th centuries, highlighting their bas-reliefs and construction techniques—notably how they built without mortar. The low morning light accentuates the ancient stone carvings and the surrounding lush jungle.
Rated 5.0/5 from 4 reviews, travelers praise the expert guide and the quiet atmosphere, which offers a different perspective than daytime visits. The tour lasts about 4 hours, making it a manageable yet deeply rewarding experience for early risers or those wanting quieter, contemplative sightseeing.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in seeing the Hindu ruins in a tranquil setting and learning about Cham architecture, this early morning tour is a memorable choice.
7. Charming Da Nang Show: Culture, History, Art Vietnamese Show
Step into Vietnam’s cultural heart with this lively Charming Da Nang Show. Over 70 minutes, you’ll enjoy 11 performances depicting Vietnamese life, dance, and music. The show features traditional costumes, storytelling, and musical instruments, providing a colorful, energetic window into local customs. It’s a perfect break from walking tours, offering a vibrant, entertaining glimpse into Vietnam’s artistic traditions.
Rated 4.8/5 from 5 reviews, visitors appreciate the dynamic performances and beautiful costumes. The show is suitable for all ages and is especially good if you’re looking for a lively cultural experience without heavy walking or lengthy commitments.
Bottom line: For a short, upbeat introduction to Vietnamese arts and dance, this show packs a lot of culture into a compact format.
8. Charming Da Nang Show: Culture-Art-History-LifeStyle of Vietnam
This 70-minute performance highlights Vietnamese traditions—from Ao Dai dresses to Non La hats and lotus flowers. The show features dances, songs, and Champa culture influences, providing a visual and musical journey through Vietnam’s identity. The 11 performances include storytelling about Vietnamese customs, making it a lively cultural overview.
Rated 4.5/5 from 9 reviews, this show is praised for its authenticity and colorful presentation. It’s ideal for travelers wanting an interactive, family-friendly cultural experience that’s both educational and entertaining.
Bottom line: If you want a visual feast of Vietnam’s life and traditions in a comfortable setting, this show is a charming choice.
9. Da Nang 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour
This short, focused tour offers a quick but insightful walk through Da Nang’s key historical sites. Visiting the Cham Museum, home to over 300 sculptures from the ancient Cham civilization, you’ll learn about the religious and artistic history that shaped the region. The Dragon Bridge is also included, where your guide explains its symbolism and architectural details.
Rated 5.0/5 from 1 review, it’s perfect for travelers who want an overview without dedicating a whole day. The guided walk allows for questions and spontaneous discoveries, making it a flexible way to get acquainted with Da Nang’s history.
Bottom line: For a concise, educational stroll through Da Nang’s most iconic sites, this tour offers a quick but informative experience.
$65.00 per person
10. From Dawn to Dusk: Da Nang Private History and Cultural Tour
This highly personalized private tour is designed for travelers who want to see Da Nang on their own terms. It includes visits to Son Tra Peninsula, with its endangered Red-shanked Douc Langurs, the Linh Ung Pagoda with its giant Buddha, and My Son Sanctuary—all with guide attention tailored to your interests. It also covers the Marble Mountains and other local highlights.
Rated 5.0/5 from 1 review, this flexible tour is perfect for those who prefer a customized experience or have unique interests. The guide can adjust the itinerary and focus on specific sites, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, immersive day.
Bottom line: For personalized attention and a tailored itinerary, this private tour provides an in-depth, comfortable way to explore Da Nang’s cultural landscape.
$140.00 per person
11. Experience Coffee Making and Vietnam’s Coffee History in Da Nang
For coffee lovers, this hands-on experience offers more than just tasting—it’s about learning Vietnam’s coffee culture. You will trace the journey from coffee crop to cup, making different Vietnamese styles like Hanoi coffee, and uncovering stories behind the flavors. The guide shares untold stories of Vietnam’s coffee history, making this an engaging cultural lesson.
Rated 5.0/5 from 1 review, it’s perfect for those curious about Vietnamese coffee traditions or wanting to impress friends with new brewing skills. The session lasts about 1.5 hours and includes take-home recipes.
Bottom line: If you want a fun, educational coffee experience that connects you with Vietnam’s rich coffee heritage, this tour is a delightful pick.
$25.00 per person
12. Half-day Da Nang Cultural And Historical Tour
Covering Da Nang’s top cultural and historical highlights in four hours, this tour is a great quick overview. It includes stops at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Cham Museum, Dragon Bridge, and the Love Lock Bridge. The guide walks you through Da Nang’s development from traditional to modern times, with insights about its military history and urban growth.
Rated 4.7/5 from 3 reviews, this tour is appreciated for its compact schedule and friendly guides. It’s suitable for travelers who want a diverse snapshot of Da Nang’s history and landmarks without a full-day commitment.
Bottom line: For a concise, varied introduction to Da Nang’s cultural scene, this tour fits perfectly into a busy itinerary.
13. Hue Heritage Tour of the Imperial City from Hoi An or Da Nang
This day trip takes you to Hue, the former imperial capital, and its stunning Imperial City. Traveling through Hai Van Pass and Lap An Lagoon, you’ll enjoy spectacular views en route. Once in Hue, explore the Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Imperial Citadel—each site a testament to Vietnam’s royal past.
Rated 4.0/5 from 1 review, the tour provides a comprehensive look at Hue’s historical sites, with plenty of time to absorb the architecture and history. It’s ideal for travelers with a day to spare who want to see Vietnam’s former dynastic heart.
Bottom line: If you’re fascinated by Vietnam’s royal history, this full-day Hue tour offers a rich, scenic experience.
$68.00 per person
14. Da Nang: Hoi An Nighttime Heritage Experience
Experience Hoi An after sunset when colorful lanterns light up the streets. This evening tour includes hotel pickup and a guided walk through Hoi An Ancient Town. You’ll visit landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge and enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant. The highlight is the candle-lit boat ride on the Hoai River, where you can float a lantern with your wishes.
Rated 3.5/5 from 2 reviews, this tour is better suited for travelers who want to see Hoi An’s ambiance in the evening and enjoy a relaxed, scenic experience. The included dinner and transport add to its convenience.
Bottom line: For a charming evening stroll with cultural sights and a peaceful boat ride, this tour offers a memorable nighttime experience.
$36.00 per person
15. 2-Day Da Nang & Hoi An : Ba Na Hills, Heritage & Ocean Views
This two-day adventure combines mountain rides on the world’s third-longest cable car to Ba Na Hills, a visit to the Golden Bridge, and exploration of My Son ruins and Hoi An Old Town. Day 1 features the spectacular views and theme park rides, while Day 2 covers cultural landmarks and seaside charm.
Though reviews are not specified, this tour is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Central Vietnam with comfortable logistics. It offers a balance of adventure, history, and leisure.
Bottom line: For those seeking an all-in-one experience with plenty of sightseeing and fun, this 2-day tour covers the best of Da Nang and Hoi An.
$348 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Historical Tour in Da Nang
Choosing among these options depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you love battlefields and military history, the Da Nang War Tour is unbeatable. For a rich glimpse into Champa art and archaeology, the Cham Museum and My Son trips are ideal. Travelers short on time might prefer the half-day city tour, while those with a few days can enjoy an immersive 4-day heritage experience.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the $24 Cham Museum and walking tour, whereas more comprehensive experiences like the 4-day heritage tour offer deeper insights for a higher price. For cultural shows, the Vietnamese performance provides lively entertainment, and for a personalized experience, the private dawn tour is perfect.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular full-day trips or the early morning My Son tour, which tends to fill quickly. Check the weather and local conditions to decide if outdoor sites like Son Tra Peninsula or Ba Na Hills should be prioritized.
Final thoughts
Da Nang offers a diverse array of historical tours suited for every interest. From learning about Vietnam’s military conflicts to exploring Champa ruins and royal palaces in Hue, there’s plenty to discover. For a relaxing cultural evening, the Hoi An lantern tour is charming, while the full-day heritage trips allow for a comprehensive experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or someone who simply wants to understand this city’s layered past, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these enriching adventures.