Champagne Lovers’ Guide to Da Nang: restaurants, bars and things to do
Da Nang combines a modern coastal city with beaches, mountains and easy access to some of central Vietnam’s most interesting cultural destinations. Its growing international dining and hospitality scene makes Champagne increasingly at home here, particularly in upscale hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars. The relaxed seaside setting also lends itself naturally to long lunches, sunset drinks and seafood dinners.
Central Vietnamese cuisine is particularly interesting for Champagne pairing. Try mi quang, a regional noodle dish with herbs, peanuts and meat or seafood, banh xeo, crispy Vietnamese savoury pancakes, bun cha ca, a local fish noodle soup, fresh seafood and nem lui grilled pork skewers. Vietnamese cuisine’s combination of herbs, lime, chilli, salty flavours and crisp textures works beautifully with Champagne, while the bubbles are particularly refreshing with fried dishes and seafood.
Da Nang’s My Khe Beach is one of the city’s defining features, with a long stretch of sand and easy access to the city. Head towards the Son Tra Peninsula for forested hills, coastal views and a quieter side of Da Nang, or visit the Marble Mountains, a group of limestone hills with caves, temples and panoramic views. The Dragon Bridge is another city landmark, especially when illuminated at night.
Da Nang also makes an excellent base for exploring central Vietnam. Hoi An is close enough for an evening or day trip, with its historic streets, lanterns and riverside atmosphere, while Hue offers imperial history and a very different culinary tradition. The Hai Van Pass provides dramatic coastal and mountain scenery between Da Nang and Hue.
For Champagne lovers, Da Nang offers a nice balance between city and resort life. You can spend the morning exploring mountains or cultural sites, the afternoon by the sea and the evening with fresh seafood and Champagne.