From the hands of God to a fire-breathing dragon, artistic architecture abounds in Danang. Located in Central Vietnam, this coastal city doesn’t only have beautiful beaches on offer, but also stunning structural marvels that make it extra worthy of a visit.

Danang has long been a notable stop on Vietnam’s tourist trail, but in June 2018 its lush Ba Na Hills captured global attention with the unveiling of the phenomenal Golden Bridge Hands. This breathtaking structural feat has gone viral with good reason, but it’s far from the only man-made wonder in Danang (often nicknamed Vietnam’s ‘city of bridges’). As well as being crucial to the advancement of this fast-growing city, Danang’s structures are wonderfully creative and deserving of appreciation.

The Golden Bridge Hands
Bridge

Ever wondered what it would feel like to stroll through the hands of God? Well, now you can, thanks to this incredible 150-metre-long walking bridge nestled in Danang’s Ba Na Hills, 1,400 metres above sea level. The gigantic hands, which appear to be emerging from the forested hillside, proudly hold a golden walkway that offers awe-inspiring views of the mountain landscape. It’s no surprise that the bridge has become a social media sensation, attracting visitors in their droves. Located 90 minutes from Danang’s city centre, the Golden Bridge Hands offer a truly sublime experience that makes it well worth the trip.

Dragon Bridge
Bridge

Stretching across the Han River, the Dragon Bridge is undoubtedly one of Danang’s finest examples of architecture – and a great Instagram opportunity. As you might guess from its name, the bridge is shaped like a dragon flying across the water – although the resemblance to the mythical creature doesn’t end there. The dragon delights crowds by spitting water and breathing fire on weekends after 9pm. Don’t let that fool you into thinking the bridge is a mere gimmick, however. Dragons are a symbol of prosperity and power in Vietnamese culture, and thus the structure represents Danang’s growth into a thriving economic hub. Whether you view the dragon basking in the sunlight or illuminated at night, no visit to Danang is complete without a glimpse of this feat of engineering.

Han River Bridge

The Han River Bridge is notable for being Vietnam’s first swing bridge, as well as for its important role in the stimulation of Danang’s economy. Designed by Vietnamese architects and built largely by the local population, the structure is an emblem of achievement within the city. It looks especially lovely when lit up in dazzling colours after dark, swinging open at 11pm on weekends where it captivates locals and tourists alike.

Lady Buddha, Linh Ung Pagoda
Buddhist Temple

Buddha statues are a common sight throughout Vietnam but the tallest and most impressive is found at the entrance of Linh Ung pagoda atop Son Tra mountain. Measuring a whopping 67 metres in height, the Lady Buddha casts a protective gaze over Danang, with her striking white figure visible from almost any point in the city. Inside the statue are 17 floors, each one dedicated to a different Buddha. There’s also the chance to visit the statue’s head – provided you can cope with all the stairs.

Thuan Phuoc Bridge
Bridge

At 1,850 metres long, Thuan Phuoc Bridge is Vietnam’s longest suspension bridge. It was opened for traffic in 2009 and has remained an integral part of Danang’s infrastructure ever since. The bridge has become a popular tourist attraction due to its clean, modern design and its appealing LED illumination system that makes it one of Danang’s most picturesque spots by night.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge
Bridge

Much like the Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge has won international awards for its innovative design. With an overall length of 731 metres, the cable-stayed bridge has simultaneously managed to reduce congestion in Danang and become an attractive landmark since its rebuilding in 2013. The bridge is designed to resemble a sailboat drifting down the Han River, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of this seafront city.