10 Best Things to Do when it's Raining in Da Nang

It doesn’t have to be raining to explore the Da Nang Museum, but you can no doubt fill an entire day exploring Vietnam’s history from ancient to modern times if it is wet outside. The 3-floor museum contains more than 2,500 artefacts detailing the cultural heritage of Da Nang.

You’ll be transported back in time to learn about Da Nang and Vietnam’s rich agricultural history. See clothing, jewellery and even musical instruments from a bygone era. There’s an entire floor dedicated to Vietnam’s wars with France and America. There’s also a media room where you can catch a documentary about Da Nang’s history and culture.

A rainy day is a good excuse to spend the day getting pampered at the Queen Spa. Found in the heart of Da Nang city, Queen Spa is all about natural materials. You’ll love the cosy mattresses on the spa tables made of natural rubber as you enjoy a massage or facial with all the finest natural ingredients.

Queen Spa features traditional Vietnamese methods of massage and other treatments. You might get a hot stone massage with volcanic rocks. Enjoy foot massages, whole body massages, facials or a body scrub. You’ll no doubt leave feeling blissful and relaxed.

If you are looking for peace and quiet, look no further than Nam Son Pagoda. This tranquil temple is a holy site located about a 15-minute drive south of the central city. The countless red lanterns dancing in the breeze are sure to delight you, as well as the glittering emerald lake found within the 10,000-square-metre grounds.

Locals and tourists alike visit the site for its stunning architecture and grounds. Inside, you’ll revel in the serene surroundings as you pay homage to the Buddha. The main hall of the temple is a favourite spot to spend some quiet time and reflect upon the beauty around you.

At the Museum of Cham Sculpture, you’ll be transported to a time before the land was even called Vietnam. The Kingdom of Champa existed in central Vietnam around the 2nd Century, and when Vietnam was a French colony, the government gathered ancient sculptures of the Cham people to create the museum.

You’ll see hundreds of sculptures carved from sandstone and terracotta, all detailing themes like fertility or myths and legends. Made sometime between the 7th and 15th centuries, the sculptures are considered to be masterpieces and are truly unique. If a certain piece captures your eye, you can take home a replica from the onsite gift shop.

The Da Nang Climbing Gym will no doubt turn your rainy day into one filled with fun in this indoor gym. Both children and adults alike will get their hearts pumping scaling the multi-coloured walls. They’re custom-made and provide a variety of thrilling challenges for all abilities.

Thick foam mats line the floors surrounding the walls, so even if you take a tumble, you’ll make a soft landing. This spot is good for group outings as well as solo adventures, making it the ideal place to create holiday memories. And don’t worry if you’ve never tried climbing before, the knowledgeable staff will give you instruction guidance, and all the equipment you need is available to rent.

You can’t miss the Da Nang Cathedral. A towering Gothic-style pastel pink church in the centre of the city, it was built in 1923 and is the place of worship for over 7,000 Catholics in Da Nang. The locals call it the “rooster church,” for the weathervane that sits atop the massive bell tower.

There are church services daily, most of which are conducted in Vietnamese, but anyone can come along and listen in. The grand, pearlescent surroundings serve as a quiet and peaceful retreat during a rainy day. If the skies do clear though, be sure to take some photos in front of the church – the pretty architecture makes for a beautiful backdrop for holiday pictures.

If you are feeling adventurous or want to escape the hustle of the city, head about 7 km south of Da Nang to the Marble Mountains. Named after the 5 elements (fire, water, earth, metal, and wood), the group of 5 limestone peaks are home to a network of underground caves and tunnels just waiting to be explored.

You’ll love the mystical atmosphere at the Marble Mountains. Surrounded by tropical plants and gorgeous moss-covered walls, you can also discover towers and pagodas, making this a great spot for a day trip come rain or shine. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the top – they give you an awe-inspiring bird’s eye view of the city below.

You can spend an entire day at the massive Con Market and still have more to find, so it’s a great place to escape during a rainy day. With 2 buildings and more than 2,000 stores and booths to visit, be sure to come prepared with plenty of shopping bags and a big appetite.

Though it’s officially named the Commercial Centre, locals know it as the Con Market – “Con” translates to “high place” and refers to the dune on which it was built. Inside, you’ll find fresh produce, locally grown coffee and tea, spices, clothing, housewares or that perfect souvenir – don’t forget to haggle. Also, be sure to sample the tons of Vietnamese street food on offer, such as Quang noodles or sizzling cake.

If you’re trying to escape a gloomy rainy day, head indoors to get wet at the Mikazuki Water Park. Open every day of the year, the park’s water maintains a comfortable temperature no matter the weather outside.

The Japanese-style waterpark features a wave pool and lazy river, and the 140-metre-long twisty dragon water slide will get your heart pumping, especially with its rainbow LED light show. After working up an appetite on the rides, try sushi or ramen at the onsite café. And if you need a little rest and relaxation after all that fun, head to the spa and soak in an authentic onsen bath or doze in a Himalayan salt rock sauna.

If you are a history buff or want to learn more about Vietnam’s military history, the Danang Ho Chi Minh Museum will both educate and help chase away the rainy-day blues. Also named the 5th Military Division Museum, it’s perfect for first-time visitors to Vietnam and you can find it close to the Han River.

Immerse yourself in the life and career of Vietnam’s renowned military leader, Ho Chi Minh, or Uncle Ho according to the locals. There are tons of photos and artefacts such as books and belongings, as well as relics from Vietnam’s wars for freedom with France and America. If the rains clear and you can spend some time outside, don’t miss the towering helicopters and tanks.