da nang tour itinerary

Da Nang Itinerary: 15 Epic Things to Do + Expert Tips [2024]

January 3, 2024

Abbie Bevan

Are you looking for a perfect Da Nang Itinerary?

You have come to the right place! Whatever your travel preferences, how can you possibly decide what to do in Da Nang? Well, I’ve come up with the ultimate Da Nang itinerary to guarantee you the best experience!

In this article, you’ll not only find information on the best attractions in Da Nang. Here you will also find all the logistics to plan your visit to Danang , how to budget your trip, the best hotels to stay in Da Nang , and all tips to plan a perfect trip.

Da Nang is a popular coastal city that’s located along the East coast of Vietnam. It’s the fourth-largest city in the country and the largest city in Central Vietnam. Da Nang marks the halfway point between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi , so it’s a great place to visit during your Vietnam Itinerary .

Home to French colonial buildings, delicious food, and pristine beaches, Danang has so much to offer. In fact, Da Nang’s coastline stretches for around 18.5 miles (30 km) so it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. Danang is also the perfect base, as you can visit a variety of destinations on a day trip. That includes Hoi An, Hue, My Son, and the Marble Mountains. So without any further ado, let’s dive into this awesome Danang itinerary.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you will love these articles:

• A Perfect 2-week Itinerary in Vietnam
• Vietnam Travel Tips: Everything You Need To Know Before Your Trip
• Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days: The Best One Week in Vietnam

15. Take a day trip to Hoi An

Read More: A Perfect 2 weeks Vietnam Itinerary

Da Nang Itinerary Overview

Before we jump into this Da Nang itinerary, let’s do a quick overview to help you plan your visit.

If you are wondering: “ How many days is enough in Da Nang, Vietnam?”

Although many people only choose to spend a day or two in Da Nang this city has so much to offer. For the best experience, you’ll want to spend at 3 days in Da Nang, and even more, if you’re using this place as a base to take some day trips.

What are the best day trips from Da Nang?

Both Hue and Hoi An can be visited on a day trip . So if you’re not planning to stay in those cities you can visit them from Da Nang. However, you’re going to want to spend a full day (or near enough) at each. If that’s the case, allow at least five days here so you’re not rushing around! That will give you plenty of time to visit all the places in this Da Nang itinerary!

What to book in advance for your Danang Itinerary?

I recommend o book some tours in advance. Da Nang is a popular destination in Vietnam for a reason. Many attractions will have long lines, and some need to be booked in advance.

✨ Da Nang and Hoi An Private Tour : I highly recommend booking this tour. You can explore Da Nang and Hoi An without a crowded tour bus.

✨ Marble Mountains & Son Tra Peninsula Tour from Da Nang : This is a must-do tour, where you will visit the Marble Mountains to see the pagoda and hidden caves and grottoes. Plus you will enjoy views of Vietnam’s coast and visit the Son Tra Peninsula.

✨ Ba Na Hills with Golden Bridge Private Tour : The Golden Bridge is the highlight of Danang, and you cannot miss it. with this tour, you will skip the lines and the crowds.

Top 15 Things To Do for your Da Nang Itinerary

1. admire lady buddha.

✨ Suggested Tour: Da Nang: Lady Buddha, Monkey Mountain, and Am Phu Cave Tour .

Lady Buddha is the tallest Buddha statue in the country so as you can imagine, it’s pretty impressive! The statue is located on the Son Tra Peninsula and is just 8.5 miles (14 km) from the city center of Da Nang.

Boasting a height of nearly 220 feet (67 meters) and a diameter of 114 feet (35 meters), its size is the equivalent of a 30-story building. Now, that’s something you don’t see every day! Due to its sea-facing location, you’ll get impressive views of the surrounding area. If it’s a clear day, you’ll even get striking views of Son Tra, The Marble Mountains, and Da Nang city.

This fantastic tour will take you to the Lady Buddha, as well as Monkey Mountain and Am Phu Cave. It includes lunch, hotel pick-up and drop-off, some entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide!

2. Head to Ba Na Hills

✨ Suggested Tour: Ba Na Hills with Golden Bridge Private Tour .

Ba Na Hills is a must for any Da Nang itinerary so don’t leave this place off your list. It’s part of the Sun World Amusement Group and is located on top of a mountain that sits around 4878 feet (1487 meters) above sea level. Aside from the mesmerizing views, there are plenty of fun activities to do up here.

For starters, this is where you’ll find the iconic ‘Golden Hands’ or Golden Bridge that’s taken over Instagram. There’s also an awesome cable car ride that you’ll take to the top, and you can visit the miniature French village too!

When it comes to visiting Ba Na Hills independently you can either catch a taxi or shuttle bus. Your other option is to take a tour and there are plenty of options! This Private tour includes an English-speaking guide that will make your trip truly memorable. Or, you’ve got this Ba Na hills tour that includes a buffet lunch.

3. Relax on My Khe Beach

If you’re heading to Da Nang for a beach vacation then you won’t be short of options. Some of the best beaches in the area include Non-Nuoc, Bac My An, Son Tra, and Thanh Binh. However, My Khe Beach is by far the most popular!

It’s a lot more developed than many of the other beaches in the area. This is due to American soldiers seeking some R&R here whilst fighting in the Vietnam-US War.

Boasting pristine white sands, crystal-clear (and warm) waters, and swaying palm trees, it’s the definition of tropical paradise. Whether you’re just looking to glimpse at its beauty, or you’d prefer to spend a few hours here, this isn’t a place you want to leave off your Da Nang itinerary!

You’ll generally find that most hotels are located in this area so you’ll have easy access to My Khe Beach. Unlike many of the beaches in Southeast Asia, it’s free to visit and extremely clean. If you don’t have the chance to visit Mui Ne , then this is the place to visit for some beach time.

4. Wander around the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Visiting the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is one of the best things to do in the city. The museum was built in the early 1900s and is home to the largest collection of Cham sculptures and artwork on Earth. Now, that’s a pretty big reason to visit so don’t leave it off your Da Nang itinerary!

For those who don’t know, the Kingdom of Champa used to control South and Central Vietnam until 1697. In the late 15th century, the Champa empire declined and was eventually dissolved in 1832.

What remains can be found in this museum, and there are nearly 300 sculptural works to be seen here. This date back to between the 7th and 15th centuries so you’ll be admiring a part of Vietnam’s history.

Upon your visit to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, you can purchase an English-language guidebook that will help to explain the importance of the sculptures.

5. Take a day trip to the Marble Mountains

✨ Suggested Tour: Marble Mountains – Hoi An Ancient Town Daily Ingroup Tour

The Marble Mountains are one of the most impressive sights you’ll see in Vietnam, let alone just Da Nang. Made up of five separate limestone mountains, this wonderful place is an easy day trip from the city. This makes it a must for any Da Nang itinerary!

The five Marble Mountains are named after the five elements (metal, water, wood, fire, and earth). They hold special significance to the people of Vietnam as they’re known to be a spiritual site!

To climb to the top, you’ll have to walk up a fair few stairs. However, the views from the top are certainly worth it. You can also explore the network of caves that are found underneath, with Huyen Khong being the largest of the caves. I wrote this whole article on how to explore Marble Mountain if you are interested in more information.

If you’d prefer not to visit on your own then you can take a tour of the Marble Mountains . You’ll get to explore this spectacular wonder, before heading to Hoi An Ancient Town. This way, all your transport is included and your dinner is too!

6. Walk over the Dragon bridge

No Danang itinerary is complete without walking over the city’s iconic Dragon Bridge. This is one of the coolest bridges you’ll ever see, as if you hadn’t guessed by the name – it depicts a flying dragon. The design of this dragon was inspired by the Ly dynasty and is an epic sight to see.

The Dragon Bridge spans across the Han River and is an impressive 2,185 feet (666 meters) long. There are six vehicle lanes and two lanes for pedestrians so it’s very wide, and it’s thought to have cost around $88 million which is crazy!

The incredible design isn’t the only thing that draws people to the Dragon Bridge. This bridge is home to 15,000 LED lights and is lit up at night time, which is one of the best times to visit. If you’re in Da Nang on a Saturday or Sunday, then you’re in for an even more magical experience. On the weekends at 9 pm, the bridge has a fire and water performance where the dragon breathes fire!

7. Admire the views from Sơn Trà Mountain

✨ Suggested Tour: Marble Mountains & Son Tra Peninsula Tour from Da Nang .

Son Tra Mountain is located out on the Son Tra Peninsula and is also known as Monkey Mountain. Often referred to as the ‘Green Lung of Da Nang’ this towering mountain is covered in the lush forest so it’s undeniably beautiful.

The Mountain is located at around 2,2800 feet (695 meters) above sea level so as you can imagine, the views from the top are rather impressive. Not only will you be treated to striking views of Da Nang, but you’ll get to admire the city’s breathtaking coastline too. During your time here, you’ll also want to leave some time free to visit some of the attractions including the iconic Lady Buddha.

This amazing 4-hour tour will not only take you to the Marble Mountains but you’ll get to explore the Son Tra Peninsula. Here, you’ll get to admire the impressive views, visit Lady Buddha, and marvel at Son Tra Linh Ung Pagoda!

8. Drive some of the iconic Hai Van Pass

✨ Suggested Tour: Your Incredible Scooter Adventure On Hai Van Pass .

The Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic roads in Vietnam making it a must for any Da Nang itinerary. Known as the ‘Ocean Cloud Pass’, this road is a 21 km long pass that connects Hue and Da Nang. Aside from getting spectacular sea views, the pass also runs through the Annamite Range.

This road has become a popular tourist attraction and many people choose to hire a scooter so they can drive part of the pass. Due to a new road being built in 2005, you won’t experience much traffic along this route either which is always a bonus.

For those who are experienced in driving a scooter, you can head out on this Hai Van Pass adventure if you don’t fancy taking on the drive by yourself. Or, this tour also includes a private scooter driver if you’d prefer to sit in the back seat. Either way, this isn’t an experience you want to miss.

9. Try a cooking class

✨ Suggested Tour: Da Nang Home Cooking Class .

If there’s one thing Vietnam is known for it’s its delicious food, and Da Nang is no different! You’ll find endless restaurants in the city so there are lots of foodie options. Two of the most popular dishes are Banh Nam and Banh Bot Loc – both are a kind of rice dumpling cake.

However, to make the most of your foodie experience in Da Nang you’ll want to take a cooking class and there are plenty of options!

This unique home cooking class is a great choice as it’s run by a local family so offers a very authentic experience. During this class, you’ll get to visit a market to pick up fresh ingredients, and then you’ll cook four Vietnamese dishes. You’ll also get to try the local coffee!

One of the best things about this tour is that it’s limited to 9 people so you won’t have to worry about an overcrowded experience. If you’ve got the time, I’d recommend including a cooking class on your Da Nang itinerary!

10. Have some fun at Asia Park

Asia Park is another quirky theme park that’s owned by the Sun World Group. It’s located on the edge of the Han River and is known for its iconic attractions, cool rides, and diverse cuisine.

The park is split up into three main zones; a modern outdoor park, a cultural park, and the Sun Wheel – one of the city’s most popular attractions! It marks the entrance to Asia Park and is one of the highest Ferris wheels in the world at an impressive 377 feet (115 meters) high. The views from the top are incredible, and the wheel is also lit up at night.

Another popular area of this theme park is the Cultural Park which features replicas of cultural landmarks and historical sites from all over Asia! If you’re simply looking to have some fun, then there are a couple of rides to try out too.

The park is open from 3 pm – 10 pm as its primary focus is children. Just keep that in mind, because you won’t be able to visit in the morning or during midday which many people usually do with theme parks!

11. Take a day trip to My Son

✨ Suggested Tour: My Son Sanctuary Tour from Da Nang

There are plenty of day trip opportunities from this coastal city, but a visit to My Son is a must for any Da Nang itinerary! My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s situated within a rainforest.

Built between the 4th and 13th centuries CE, this place offers you the chance to explore Vietnam’s history. At around 1600 years old, these ruins show the influence of the Champa Kingdom and you’ll get to see this through the impressive tower temples that remain.

My Son actually used to have around 70 structures. These were mostly dedicated to the deities of Krishna, Shiva, and Vishnu. Unfortunately, most of the temples here were destroyed during the Vietnam War. However, some of the structures still remain to this day, and here you can find the complete guide on how to visit My Son .

This 5-hour My Son Tour includes pick-up and drop-off in Da Nang, transportation, and entrance fees. You’ll also have an English-speaking guide if you’re looking to learn more about this wonderful place!

12. Explore the Imperial City of Hue on a tour

✨ Suggested Tour: Imperial City, Hue: Tour from Hoi An and Da Nang .

Hue is another popular city in Vietnam, and many people choose to stay here for 2-3 days. However, if you’re short of time then you can always visit on a day trip!

You’ll find plenty of awesome things to do here like visiting the abandoned waterpark, exploring the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, and admiring Thien Mu Pagoda. You’ve also got the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and the Perfume River!

However, the city’s most famous attraction is the Imperial Citadel, or the ‘Imperial City’ as it’s also known. It’s an enclosed city within Hue itself and was once the imperial capital of the country during the Nguyễn dynasty. Inside, you’ll find so much to explore but don’t forget about the Purple Forbidden City!

This very cool 10-hour tour includes pick-up in Da Nang and transport to Hue, where you’ll get to see the very best of this Imperial City. Firstly, you’ll drive to Hue along the iconic Hai Van Pass. Then, you’ll visit some of the city’s most popular attractions like the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.

13. Go snorkeling at Cham Island

✨ Suggested Tour: Cham Island: Underwater Walking & Snorkeling Tour

If you’re looking to escape the city then why not take a day trip out to the Cham Islands? This area is recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and is home to a wealth of marine life and an abundance of coral reefs.

This makes it the place to visit if you’re looking to snorkel or admire the area’s wildlife. Not only that, but this island is undeniably beautiful with pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation.

Although the Cham Islands are located off the coast of Hoi An, this snorkeling tour will pick you up in Da Nang. You’ll then be taken to the islands on a traditional Vietnamese boat. Whilst on the island, you can snorkel, dive, try underwater walking or simply relax in the hammocks. The choice is yours!

If you’ve got some extra time in Da Nang, then I’d definitely consider heading to this tropical paradise!

14. Admire the architecture of Da Nang Cathedral

Da Nang Cathedral is one of the most beautiful religious buildings you’ll come across in Vietnam. It was the only church built here during the French colonial period, so as you can imagine the architecture is unique. This cathedral has been around since 1924 and is in fantastic condition considering the subsequent wars that would follow.

The first thing you’ll notice about Da Nang Cathedral is that it’s pink! In fact, it gives off very similar vibes to Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City ! Although the exterior is extremely impressive, make sure you head inside too if the church is open.

Boasting breathtaking stained glass windows, engraved motifs, and impressive statues that depict events from the Bible, there’s so much to see here. Even better, the cathedral is free to enter but you’ll want to research the mass times before your visit.

✨ Suggested Tour: Da Nang and Hoi An Private Tour .

If you’re not planning to stay in Hoi An then you should definitely include a day trip on your Danang itinerary! This city was once an ancient trading port that used to link China and Japan with the rest of Asia, and there’s still evidence of this port today. Considering this trading port dates back to the 15th and 19th centuries – that’s pretty impressive.

The most popular area to visit is the Old Quarter. Here, you’ll find ancient yellow buildings, colorful lanterns, and stone roads making it extremely charming. You can also head to one of the tailor shops, take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River, or visit the Precious Heritage Project!

If you’re looking for an organized trip then you should check out this private tour ! Not only will it show you around Da Nang, but you’ll also head to Hoi An. During the tour, you’ll get to explore the Ancient Town, hit some of the nearby stalls, and taste some delicious food.

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Best Accommodations for your Danang Itinerary

Vietnam as a whole is extremely affordable and that goes for Da Nang too. There are endless accommodation options in this coastal city, so no matter your budget you’ll be able to find something that suits your needs.

For the shoestring travelers out there, you can find accommodation for as little as $9. That’s often for a private room too! Mid-range accommodation tends to cost around $40-60, whilst luxury hotels are still extremely affordable. In fact, you can get a beautiful room in a 5* hotel for as little as $70 .

TOP OVERALL PICK : Sel de Mer Hotel & Suites

Rated: 9.0 Superb

This beautiful 5* hotel offers gorgeous suites, reasonable room rates, and fantastic facilities. During your stay here, you can even make use of the free salt sauna and steam bath. Don’t forget the striking sea views either!

BUDGET: Raon Danang Beach

Rated: 9.2 Superb

This is one of the best options for budget travelers as the rooms are spacious and beautiful, but above all extremely cheap! Not only is there an indoor swimming pool, but there’s a tour desk at the property where you can learn about the local activities.

MID RANGE: Sala Danang Beach Hotel

Boasting stunning sea views, a variety of room options, and a great location, you couldn’t ask for anything more! This hotel also has plenty of great facilities including a swimming pool, fitness center, spa, restaurant, and bar.

LUXURY: Meliá Vinpearl Danang Riverfront

Rated: 8.7 Fabulous

Aside from its stunning location, Meliá Vinpearl has a lot to offer. With four on-site restaurants, an outdoor pool, a rooftop bar, and a spa, this gorgeous hotel has all the facilities you could dream of. Some of the suites even offer striking river views!

How to Get Around Danang

First of all, you’ll need to reach the city. Now, you can either travel overland from some of the other cities or fly to Da Nang International Airport. If you opt for the latter, then you can either catch a taxi or bus into the city center.

If you’d prefer to have your transport organized in advance, you can book a private shuttle . This is especially handy after a long flight, and you won’t have to barter down your taxi price in the airport.

Once you’ve arrived in the city and found your accommodation, there are a couple of ways to get around the city. One of the most popular ways to get around is b y taxi or motorcycle taxi, but you may need to negotiate the price.

There are a couple of public bus routes you can use but this method of transport isn’t advanced, not compared to the likes of Hanoi or Hoi Chi Minh anyway. Lastly, you can rent a motorbike for a couple of days if you wish – this will be especially handy, as some of the sights in this article are located out of the city.

Best Time to Visit Da Nang, Vietnam

The best time to visit Da Nang is considered to be January-May as this is when the Dry Season takes place . The Dry Season actually lasts until August but in the months running up to it, temperatures can reach up to 104°F (40°C). Due to the intense heat and humidity, you’ll want to visit before this if possible.

Between January and May, the temperature fluctuates between 68-91°F (20-33°C) with higher temperatures being encountered during March and May. Before these months, the climate is relatively cold and dry and you won’t encounter too much rain either.

The Wet Season in Da Nang falls between September to December and is generally split into three phases. September is the month for typhoons, while October and November encounter the most rainfall. If you’re traveling at this time of year, then December is by far the best time to visit during the wet season!

Da Nang Itinerary Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering what to do in Da Nang, then hopefully this Danang Itinerary has given you a good idea of the attractions and activities on offer. This wonderful coastal city has so much to offer, and is a place that you need to include on your Vietnam itinerary!

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, hit up some natural wonders, or have some fun at a theme park, this city has it all. That makes it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, family holiday, or adventure trip.

Not only are there plenty of things to do in Da Nang itself, but this city is a great base for exploring nearby destinations. No matter what you choose to do, you won’t run out of places to visit or things to do! Hopefully, this guide has given you some ideas for your Da Nang itinerary!

If you’ve enjoyed this guide then here are some others that you might find helpful:

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2 thoughts on “da nang itinerary: 15 epic things to do + expert tips [2024]”.

My daughter and I have four days in HCM and four days in Da Nang (early November). As I’m 79 I am not sure the tunnels would be that suitable! Any tips please. Last year we visited Hanoi and Sapa and Halong Bay and went to the all day Sunday market boardering China. Truly amazing. We loved Vietnam and its people so much and that is why we are doing a little of the Southern part.

Hey Jennie, it is so great you loved Vietnam so much that you are going back to explore more. I loved Vietnam too. I still recommend the tunnels as it is a very educational place to visit, even if you decide not to go inside the tunnel, which you won’t be missing anything, since you only get to see a small part of it. But you still can learn from the site and how the lived there during the war. I recommend you take the tour on the Mekong Delta, as you will also get to see many interesting sites, and the river market. Safe Travels,

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• 3 perfect days in Danang

All photography by Christian Berg

Da Nang is one of those places that’s got it all: breezy beaches, world-class leisure, compelling heritage sites and delicious cuisine. It's easy to wile away a few days in this coastal paradise, but to see the best of Da Nang ’s many assets, we recommend the itinerary below. Take in the beauty of Da Nang, from Son Tra Peninsula to the Marble Mountains, with these insider tips. 

Day 1 – marble mountains, cham culture and the han river.

Morning:  Just after breakfast and as early as you can manage, hop in a taxi to the Marble Mountains , five craggy limestone outcrops topped with serene pagodas just seven kilometres out of town. Thuy Son is the most famous of the five karsts with a number of caves in which Hindu and Buddhist shrines have been preserved over the centuries.

TIP: If you want a sneak peek, explore a 360-degree tour of the Da Nang  here .

By the time you head back to town, you’ll be ready for a coffee fix. The Vietnamese mix with the best of them when it comes to caffeine consumption, and Da Nang cafe lovers are spoiled for choice. Local coffee shops such as Ca Phe Long and Cong Caphe serve up the potent, almost chocolate-y native brew at criminally low prices. For a more upmarket option, try 43 Factory Coffee Roastery .

Lunch:  Tuck into a bowl of mì Quảng, a delicious dish made with soft rice noodles, boiled pork, quail eggs, and sautéed shrimp topped with turmeric-infused broth, chilli, peanuts, and fresh herbs. Delicious!

Afternoon:  From the centre of town, it’s an easy walk to the Museum of Cham Sculpture (spot Da Nang Cathedral en route, a cotton candy-pink edifice constructed by French colonialists back in 1923.) The Cham Museum is a must for history buffs and one of the best museums in Vietnam, housing Cham artefacts and sculptures discovered on digs all around the central coast as well as at My Son Sanctuary , dating from the 5th to the 15th century.

After delving into ancient culture, soak up some contemporary Da Nang culture with a stroll along the riverfront on Bach Dang St . Catch some late afternoons breezes off the Han River, see the marble art pieces set up along the banks, and enjoy the local vibe as couples, joggers and friends gather to enjoy the end of the day by the water.

Dinner:  For your first evening in Da Nang, treat yourself to some fresh fusion at Fat Fish or try the creative modern Vietnamese concoctions at Nen Restaurant .

Day 2 – Day trip excursions, sunset views and seafood feasts

Morning:  On your second day in Da Nang, strike out to see some of the province’s world-class wonders. If you’re an avid Instagrammer, the cable car and the Golden Hands Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills will give you ample opportunities to fill up your memory card. If you’re a keen golfer, enjoy a round or two at Da Nang’s designer golf courses along the seaside. If you’re more interested in cultural immersion, make the 45-minute trip out to the Hoi An Ancient Town to explore its photogenic alleys, pagodas, and shophouses.

Lunch:  For lunch, try one of Da Nang’s favourite dishes : bún cá. Using the fresh fish pulled from the waters off Da Nang, cooks marinate the flesh with turmeric and spices. A broth of fish bones, pumpkin, cabbage, pineapple and tomato is poured over rice noodles and the boiled fish. Add sprouts, herbs, lime and chilli to taste. 

Afternoon:  Back in Da Nang, spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying a few creature comforts. If you're up for shopping, you may be tempted by the chic boutiques sprinkled near the river and waterfront. Da Nang Souvenirs and Cafe provides a range of take-home mementos, and AVANA stocks amazing clothings and accessories inspired by the ethnic Co Tu minority. For a bout of indulgence, book a spa treatment, or take advantage of happy hour and swim a few laps at a rooftop pool, accompanied by views of the city skyline, Han River, and Son Tra Peninsula.

Dinner:  Dine at the beach for a feast of fresh seafood plucked live from giant tanks. Consider some mantis shrimp fried with garlic, grilled calamari or clams steamed with coconut milk, lime leaves and chilli. 

Day 3 – City tours, Son Tra Peninsula and beachfront bliss

Morning:  On your last morning in town, go deeper to explore Da Nang itself. Book a back-of-the-bike tour to visit the nearby fishing village, explore bustling markets, and be introduced to iconic cafes and street food stalls. Be sure to take a ride around the curves of Son Tra Peninsula to catch the stupendous views of My Khe Beach to the south and the Hai Van Pass to the north. Stop by the massive Linh Ung Pagoda to admire this Da Nang landmark, and if you’ve got more time to spare, drive all the way around the peninsula on the coastal road. The scenery is spectacular.

Afternoon:  After all that adventure (and maybe a nap) it’s time to hit the beach and unwind, just like a local. Da Nang‘s shores get some excellent surf between November and March in case you want to catch a wave or two. If you prefer to lounge, grab a book and a cold coconut and watch the waves roll in on My Khe Beach.

Dinner:  Close out your Da Nang holiday with dinner at Ngon Villa . An elegant venue, this restaurant is a perfect spot to sample dishes from the region and share highlights from your visit.

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Asia , Travel · Updated on: January 20, 2024

The most comprehensive Da Nang itinerary: spend 5 perfect days in Central Vietnam

I think every country and every destination has its charm and it teaches you a lesson you were meant to learn. For me, Vietnam was my first destination in Asia when we visited Ho Chi Minh and Phu Quoc island some years back. And I was happy we decided to go back and see Central Vietnam. Thus, here are our 5 days Da Nang itinerary and the best day trips from Da Nang you can plan for. 

The Central part of Vietnam has so many incredible attractions and left us happy we had chosen it as our destination for the Christmas holidays. There are certain things everyone should do in Vietnam: take a day trip from Da Nang to Hoi An, see the Imperial City of Hue, and eat all that delicious Vietnamese food. 

Da Nang may be Vietnam’s most popular and developing coastline destination, a great location for digital nomads and expats as well. 

But let me tell you everything about it, and all you’ll need to know when you plan your 5 days Da Nang itinerary.

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5 Days Da Nang itinerary

How to get to da nang, vietnam.

Pretty much no matter where you are traveling from, getting to Da Nang by plane is the best option. 

Da Nang International airport is very well linked to both internal and international flights, and it will be rather easy and cheap to book such a flight. 

For instance, we flew from Hong Kong during the Christmas season and paid roughly 200 USD. I normally search for cheap flights way ahead of time on Skyscanner.com and look for the best combination and options. 

When traveling from another part of Vietnam, since driving from Ho Chi Minh City would take roughly 20 hours while coming from Hanoi 15 hours, flying in would be the fastest and most efficient way of travel from my point of view. 

However, when you want to save money, you can always take a night bus. The ride from Hanoi will take around 15 hours and will set you back around 22 USD, while the ride from Ho Chi Minh City will last more than 20 hours and cost 23 USD . You can check out travel options here!

When to visit Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue

In principle, the best time to visit Da Nang and the Central Vietnam part would be from February to May .

This being said, we went for Christmas and while I was scared it would rain a lot, we didn’t have any rainy days out of the 5 days in Da Nang. It is true we weren’t able to bathe in the sea, mainly because of the wind and waves. But when you are not particularly looking for a beach vacation, I would still consider December – February as well. 

Just bear in mind that for Christmas prices will be higher even though it is outside of the high season. 

When we went from Da Nang to Hue ancient town we noticed a slight increase in temperature and a lack of breeze. But haven’t really felt any change in the weather when traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An.

Where to stay in Da Nang

Da Nang is a bustling town, and wherever we turned our heads there was at least one construction site. That means the region is continuously developing, thus new and more impressive hotels will show up through the years.

Even so, when I headed over to Skyscanner.com to check out hotels and prices, I found it easy to book a great hotel, on the beach, with great facilities, in a quiet area, at a great price.  

What I usually look at when searching for a hotel: 

• Great accessible location with regards to the places I plan to visit.
• Good reviews (over 8 on Booking.com ) – and I usually go through them and see whether the very low ones are something that would bother me very much. People are different and have different expectations. I always check the TripAdvisor score, prices, and reviews before booking. 
• Nice view from the room, the option of getting a room with a sea view when we travel to a destination by the sea.
• Additional facilities on site – a rooftop pool, SPA, beach etc.
• Accessible price range – I’m not going for the cheapest, but not looking to break the bank either.

These, of course, can change from one location to the other, but I really enjoy coming back to a place I like after a full day of exploration. Also waking up and having breakfast with a nice view is also a plus. 

This being said, here are some options when it comes to where to stay in Da Nang. Since the town is not very spectacular and it is really crowded and crazy, we chose to stay by the beach and that’s something I suggest.

The Code Hotel and Spa – this was our choice and I’m really happy about it. Even though the hotel is the last tall building towards Lady Buddha, and you will have to get around by taxi or Grab, this means it is in a quiet place.

The people from the hotel went out f their way to make us feel welcomed and help us arrange the trip, the breakfast is delicious and very diverse, they have a rooftop pool, and the massages at their SPA are great (even though you might find cheaper places in town, but I was looking for proximity and quality over price). 

The hotel is on the beach and our room was facing the sea even though we had a room on the 18th floor I would hear the waves from my bed in the morning and just before we went to sleep.

Minh Boutique – with an impressive design, and an outside pool, just 6 minutes away from the beach, this hotel offers also bikes for rent free of charge. 

What I liked most when checking this hotel out was the super-cool green design with a lot of plants around, giving me the sensation that I am in a jungle. 

Sel de Mer Hotel & Suites – a 5* hotel I would really afford because, let’s face it, prices in Vietnam are not as high as the ones in other parts of the world (wink wink, Hong Kong). 

The view from the room with that immense blue before my eyes, the classic simple design, the interior pool, the steam sauna, and SPA were just some of the things that caught my attention and why I would book this hotel for my next Da Nang itinerary.

Visa requirements for Vietnam

Depending on where you are traveling from, you will or won’t need a visa .  Check your Visa requirements here!

The good news is you can easily apply online for your evisa, and get it in no time. For example, for Romanian citizens like myself, the visa costs 25 USD, and the same applies to US citizens.

The process is done online, and you also get all the information you might need (related to any testing, quarantine, or insurance needed). 

  Check your Visa requirements here!

Overview of Da Nang itinerary

Day 1 – Explore Da Nang

Day 2 – Da Nang to Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary

Day 3 – Ba Na Hills + time at the beach

Day 4 – one day in Hue Imperial City

Day 5 – Marble Mountain / Cham Island / Son Tra island

Day 1 – What to do in Da Nang

We found that the best way of getting around Da Nang was by Grab (or Uber or taxi if you feel safer with that). I downloaded the app on IOS (available also on Android), added a credit card, and I didn’t have any issues finding a car no matter where we were. 

Of course, you can always travel by public transportation, but I found the traffic in Da Nang a bit hectic. Thus, for us using Grab was the best option: fast, always paid between 35.000 and 75.000 VND for a ride (1.5 UDS to 3.5 USD). 

Explore Da Nang with Klook Pass and save up to 45% – exclusive ticket combos, visit and watch shows on Klook at extremely favorable prices. The pass includes general entry to some of the most popular attractions in Da Nang. Get your pass here!

A few highlights not to miss out on a day in Da Nang:

we started our day with a shopping session. Since we didn’t have any local currency we found a bank on one side of the market and exchanged some. 

Whenever we go somewhere new, we always like to head to the market and see how locals live, discover local products, and see the real prices of a place. 

Following our visit to Ho Chi Minh, we were expecting people to be more aggressive about selling their products, but we were surprised to see that the Han Market is not like that at all. 

Tens of stalls with all kinds of products, from clothes to local spices, coffee, and fruit. People wandering around looking for something in particular, tourists window shopping, and shop owners playing games just to make time pass by faster. 

Later on, we went to see also a modern western-style shopping mall. Only because it was on our way to the hotel and we were curious about prices in comparison to the ones in Hong Kong.

When you’re really passionate about shopping and want to see all these in one tour without having to stress about getting around or locations, opt for booking a Da Nang Shopping tour . 

Drink a coconut coffee

This is one drink I absolutely loved and drank daily throughout our 5 days Da Nang itinerary . Don’t let a day go by without trying this!

Once we finished our shopping session, we wandered around on some streets in the Han Market area and found a pretty little yellow traditional terrace. That’s where we sat, watching the people passing by, and tried the most amazing coffee: coconut coffee. 

This is nothing more than a traditional Vietnamese coffee (which I already loved) mixed with iced coconut. 

If you are scared it will be too sweet for you, let me tell you I don’t put sugar in my coffee. In the right place, this drink is not extremely sweet and has a great texture because of the coconut milk. 

Go on a helicopter tour

This is a hot activity, preferred by many tourists mainly because of its affordable price as compared to many other destinations around the world.

The journey to explore the mesmerizing coastal city of Da Nang departs at the Nuoc Man airport. Soaring high above My Khe beach, one of the most picturesque shores in Vietnam, you will be graced with a sweeping view of the famous Marble Mountains – a complex of five striking limestone hills that rise from the coastal sand, admiring the majestic landscape with rocky mountains, ancient moss, and many unique cultural and historical architectural works.

The ride is almost the price of a facial in Seoul , so why don’t take advantage of the experience?

Take a picture with the Dragon bridge

Maybe one of the most popular landmarks in Da Nang, this is one of the bridges you would have to cross from the airport to the hotel when staying on the beach. 

Step outside the Han Market and walk on the promenade along the river and take some great pictures.

If you want to learn more about the city’s history and its bridges, I recommend booking a half-day tour that will take you through the most important museums and bridges of Da Nang. 

Spend some time on the beach and enjoy some local cuisine

The beach stripe spreads over many kilometers. And as you would expect from a town by the sea, there is not only one beach. Check out the best beaches in Da Nang here . 

We headed towards the beach from our hotel and stopped at Temple Da Nang , where we ate a seafood hot pot and sat back and relaxed on the beach.

See Lady Buddha and Linh Ung Pagoda

As usual, we took a Grab and headed up the hill to see Laddy Buddha – the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam, and the amazing view you get from up there .

The distance from our hotel and from the beach was not big, thus in only 15 minutes, we were up and ready to explore the pagoda, and the beautiful gardens, and see the impressive statue from close by. 

Below us, the Son Tra Peninsula was spreading its beauty. The garden was filled with flowers, and the pagoda stood tall with the blue sky as a perfect background.

Once we moved forward towards the statue, some cheeky monkeys were making noise in the trees around. Thus, expect them to be running around and be careful with your belongings.

Day 2 – Da Nang to Hoi An day trip

One of the most popular destinations for many visiting Central Vietnam is the pretty, yet smaller Hoi An . And you simply cannot miss going from Da Nang to Hoi An on at least one of the days of your Da Nang itinerary. 

Another option is to book a night in Hoi An and feel the city to the fullest. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t think about that and rented a private tour from Da Nang to Hoi An with a stop at My Son Sanctuary along the way. But I would allocate one full day to Hoi An and leave My Son Sanctuary for another day later on. 

Best way to get from Da Nang to Hoi An

I always say that the best way is always the one you are the most comfortable with. And we are all different, thus have different expectations, and need something else from our vacations and day trips. 

The Da Nang to Hoi An distance is only 30 km , but that trip can be enjoyable or not so much depending on what you like and how you choose to travel between the 2 destinations.

However, having said all that, I will help you out with all the options for creating your Da Nang to Hoi An day trip.

Book a private transfer

I’ll start with the private tour/private transfer options because that’s what we did. Once again, we wanted to do the best out of our 5 days in Da Nang itinerary, and live every second to the fullest. We also thought the prices in Vietnam were not extremely big so we preferred comfort over the hassle of public transportation.  

When you want to make the best out of the price you pay, choose linking two locations together: Marble Mountain and Hoi An in this case. Or My Son and Hoi An , on a tour, as we did.

The price for a simple transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An starts from 6 USD/person and takes around 30-45 minutes . It is easy to book, and you don’t have to worry about bus stops, or having to walk around, and can be booked return as well. 

Or use Bookaway.com to best create your itinerary no matter where you are traveling from.

Travel by public bus

The cheapest, yet slowest and filled with hassle way of travel. Perfect for when you want to get from Da Nang to Hoi An on a budget. 

Bus line number 1 is the one linking Da Nang and Hoi An, which leaves every 20 minutes from the Da Nang train station. Note that the bus will leave you 2 km away from Hoi An’s old town center, which means you’ll have an extra 20 minutes to walk.

The price for a one-way trip can be somewhere between 30.000 – 45.000 VND ( 1.3 – 2 USD ), with an extra 5000 VND fee for large luggage. 

Another flexible option is taking a taxi/Grab. As I’ve said, we used Grab a lot mainly because it was very easy to order a car, we didn’t have to worry about having cash, the destinations were transparent and saved by me in the app, and I could see the cost from the moment I booked the car.

However, the price for a Grab/Uber can change from one hour to the other, depending on traffic conditions. Normally, a ride from Da Nang to Hoi An would be roughly 380.000 VDN (17 USD) , while a taxi can be up to 400.000 VDN (17.5 USD) .

This is the most popular means of transportation in Vietnam, but I will let you decide if you have the courage to rent one and drive on the mountain roads. 

Renting a motorbike for one day can be somewhere around 80.000 – 100.000 VDN (3.5-4.5 USD) .

What to do in Hoi An for a day

As soon as our driver left us outside Hoi An’s old town center, I started to see this is by far a more tourist town than Da Nang. 

Hoi An is small, charming, filled with color, and lanterns all over the place. But as beautiful as it is, it is also packed with tourists. And we were visiting somehow outside of peak season.

What should you absolutely not leave Hoi An without doing so that you could create your own one-day Hoi An itinerary?

Get something custom made

That was the first thing we did. We got drawn into a leather shop and my husband got sandals, a jacket, shoes, and a bag for me custom-made in only a few hours. 

They have great materials and colors, hundreds of models, and the best thing is everything will be your size for sure. While you walk around and discover Hoi An, they’ll be working on your perfect dress or shoes.

Visit the 5 museums in town

Be prepared to fight some crowds along the way, because Hoi An is charming, and because of that, it is crowded.

We walked around and over the Japanese Covered Bridge (packed with people) built many years ago to bring together the Japanese and Chinese populations who used to live here. While this is a bridge, it has one of the most popular temples in Vietnam right on top of it. We stepped inside an old Japanese house from the Japanese quarter, strolled the Lanter Market, entered the temple, and took plenty of pictures.

You can book a half-day tour of Hoi An and learn everything about its history and impressive culture.  Another option is to take the Hoi An and Countryside tour where you can experience a buffalo ride in the wild, and float on a traditional bamboo basket boat at the Coconut Forest.

On top, learn something about Vietnamese cuisine in a Hoi An tour and cooking class .

See the lanterns light up and take a boat ride

You simply cannot leave Hoi An behind without seeing it once the sun has set. Maybe the thing about including an overnight stay in Hoi An in your Da Nang itinerary and spending 2 days in Hoi An . Looking back, I would have done it and maybe I’ll go back to spend the night. 

Take a Hoi a 4-hour night tour with dinner , or simply jump in one of the colorful boats and let yourself be taken through the lightened lanterns.

It is hard to believe this small town can get even more charming than that, but wait until you see it come to life at night.

Should you stay longer in Hoi An?

If you can skip something from my 5 days Da Nang itinerary, I would say yes – spend at least one night in Hoi An and explore every little hidden part.

Read my full guide on where to stay in Hoi An !

Book a night at one of the following charming places, all with a score above 9 on Booking.com, and you won’t want to leave:

• Little Riverside Hoi An A Luxury Hotel & Spa – incredible design, on the river, a few steps away from the old town while offering a quiet location to its guests. Check out that impressive design and infinity pool by the riverside!
• Allegro Hoi An . A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa – from the same chain, I don’t only love the colonial architecture of this place, but also the pool, and its vibe overall. See when they are available here!
• Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort – they have an airport shuttle, so you won’t have to worry about getting from Da Nang to Hoi An, and you can even choose to spend the whole week in Hoi An at this enchanting location. Check their prices here!

Day 3 – Ba Na Hills and My Son day tour

Ba Na Hill station is a hill station and resort built by the French colonists in 1919. 

Since the resort is 1500 m above sea level, temperatures are way cooler, thus you might need to bring an extra jacket with you on your trip from Da Nang.

Take the Ba Na Cable car and experience the longest non-stop single-track cable car. 

Another attraction in Ba Na Hills is one of the most Instagrammable places in Vietnam: the Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills . When you want to take a nice picture, make sure to get here before the crowds.

Book a trip and make your way from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills, take the cable car, and discover a wine cellar.

If you would rather do it on your own, here are a few other options that will make organizing easier:

Book a private car to Ba Na Hills

Book your Ba Na Hills Ticket

My Son Sanctuary

You can choose to move forward to My Son Sanctuary , or schedule a different day trip from Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary. We did My Son with Hoi An on the same day, but I think spending at least one whole day in Hoi An is better.

We left Da Nang on a rainy morning making our way towards My Son through the steep rocks and the many statue shops. The driver slowly took us through Vietnam’s countryside: people working on rice paddies, small and simple houses along the way, and lush forest as we moved closer to the place where the sanctuary was hidden.

My Son has been built between the 4th and 13th centuries and was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom.

I still haven’t been to Angkor Wat, but moving through the forest toward the remains of what was once an impressive settlement, I could see the resemblance. The one in Cambodia is more recent and way larger but built by the same civilization. 

The settlement is impressive, even more so when you learn it has been through the war as well and can also see the living proof of that. Walking around from one group of buildings to the other, we had some time to enjoy nature and its beauty as well. This place is so far from anything and a nature lover’s paradise. 

There are plenty of ways to see My Son Sanctuary and if you stay in Hoi An or Da Nang, don’t miss it out: a trip from DaNang , an early tour from Hoi An , stop by on your way from Hoi An to Hanoi .

Day 4 – one day in Hue, the Imperial town

No matter which one, one day of your Da Nang itinerary should definitely be a day trip to Hue, Vietnam’s Imperial capital town . 

I had seen pictures of this interesting important town when we first visited Vietnam some years ago, but the distance from Ho Chi Minh City was too big thus we didn’t have the chance to visit Hue. 

That’s why a day trip from Da Nang to Hue has been one of the reasons why we booked our vacation in Central Vietnam. And that’s for sure one of the day trips from Da Nang you should also consider raking.

The drive from Da Nang to Hue can take anywhere between 2 and 3 hours depending on the route they take. For our trip, we took both options: the more straight one through the tunnel, and the longer and more scenic one through the mountains. 

What to do in Hue

We left Da Nang early in the morning with a group and guide heading towards Hue for a whole day tour . On the road, the guide told us a little bit about Hue’s history, the points of attractions we were going to visit, and the whole day’s itinerary and schedule.

Our first stop was at a pearl shop where I remembered how extremely cheap pearls are in Vietnam. Especially since I had a comparison with the recent pearls bought in Tenerife last summer. I couldn’t possibly leave without a pair of earrings. 

Moving forward, the first official stop was at the impressive Tomb of King Tu Duc.  Thanks to the guide we understood why the tomb is so dramatic: in their culture, it is believed that your house after death is more important than the one you live in during life on Earth. 

King Tu Duc broth that to another level and its tomb looks exactly like a palace, having even terracotta soldiers to protect him.

Just before lunch, we stopped by the Thien Mu Pagoda,  dating from 1601 it is the largest pagoda in Hue. We climbed the stairs all the way to the top of the hill overlooking the Perfume River lined with all the colorful Dragon boats. 

I loved the sen vibes at the pagoda, strolling around in the back garden, the pink small house, and the lotus flower pond. This place truly looked like a little peaceful corner of paradise.

For lunch, we ate at a great local restaurant. Not only the food was delicious, but also the design made us feel like we were eating inside of the Imperial City. 

One other thing that I like about taking organized tours is that you get to meet people from all over the world, and usually, mealtime is when you have the time to socialize and learn interesting things. And that’s just what we did.

Finally, we got inside the walls of Hue Imperial City . We entered through one of the gates, only to exit another. 

I could have spent a whole day strolling around the many streets and taking pictures of this impressive place. But we only had a few hours, and stopped by every now and then to learn about the history of the place, its kings, and so much more.

Part of UNESCO World Heritage, the Imperial City’s constructions began in 1804. I honestly thought it was much older, but even so, it bears a whole cultural and historical baggage. 

Hue suffered important losses during the Vietnam war, and part of the structures have been destroyed. Out of 160 buildings, only 10 major sites remain following the Tet Offensive in 1968.

No matter if you stay in Da Nang, Hoi An, or come from somewhere else, there are plenty of options for spending one day in Hue:

• take a Hue City tour and river cruise
• book a tour from Hoi An or Da Nang
• take a half-day tour and boat ride

Day 5 – so many options

With only one day left out of your 5 days Da Nang itinerary, you’ll have a tough time choosing only one of the below attractions and cool destinations to explore. 

One thing is sure, the 5th day will be all about nature and you’ll get some time off buildings and history:

• go snorkeling in Cham Island – this is a great activity even though you might not have the chance to experience it outside of high season. Take a speedboat ride, explore sea life, and have a traditional seafood lunch.
• explore Marble Mountain : climb the many stairs, explore cave temples, and the amazing views from the Son Tra Peninsula.
• Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park from Da Nang – spend your day in the outdoor and indoor hot spring bathing areas, and experience hot mineral bathing in Long Huyet lake, mineral mud bath, Onsen.

Have more time to spend in Vietnam? Book a Vietnam Tour

Get to see the best of Vietnam from Hanoi to Saigon in 10 days with GAdventures.  Live the ultimate Vietnam experience and see Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City in one go. 

Other Vietnam travel resources:

• See what to do in Ho Chi Minh City
• Start packing with the help of my comprehensive Vietnam packing list – all the essentials you’ll need for your trip
• Why you don’t want to skip Phu Quoc island
• Stop overnight in Hoi An and choose the most epic accommodation !

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The Ultimate Da Nang Vietnam Itinerary: What To Do In Da Nang

Pham Huyen Trang

From vibrant markets to breathtaking landscapes, our 7-day Da Nang Vietnam itinerary is the ultimate guide to exploring this vibrant Vietnamese city.

Welcome to Da Nang , Vietnam! If you’re looking for a destination that offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and urban charm, then look no further than this coastal city. Da Nang has everything from stunning beaches and lush mountains to modern skyscrapers and ancient temples. With so much to see and do in Da Nang , it can be overwhelming trying to plan your itinerary. But fear not, we’ve got you covered with an exciting list of activities that will satisfy even the most adventurous traveler.

So pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating cities.

Table of Contents

Da Nang Travel Guide – What To Do In Da Nang

Days in da nang – exploring the beaches.

Looking for the perfect sunbathing spots or beach activities? Da Nang has got you covered! With its stunning coastline stretching over 30 kilometers, this coastal city boasts some of Vietnam ‘s most beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking to laze in the sun or experience adrenaline-pumping water sports, Da Nang caters to all. One of the top beaches to explore is My Khe Beach – a long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters that will take your breath away.

You can spend hours lounging on the beach chairs while sipping refreshing coconut juice from vendors passing by. For those who are more adventurous, try out surfing or stand-up paddleboarding lessons offered at the nearby surf shops. With so many options available, it’s no wonder why visitors flock to these beaches year-round! And after a day full of fun under the sun, get ready for an exciting journey into ancient temples that will leave you in awe of their magnificent beauty.

Touring The Ancient Temples

As you stroll around Da Nang , it’s hard to miss the stunning pagodas that are scattered throughout the city. These ancient temples are a significant part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage and offer visitors an opportunity to learn about their rich history.

One of the most famous pagodas in Da Nang is the Linh Ung Pagoda, which sits atop Monkey Mountain and offers breathtaking views of the ocean below. This majestic temple complex features several intricate statues, including a giant white Buddha statue that stands 67 meters tall! If you’re lucky enough to visit during sunset or sunrise, you’ll be treated to a truly unforgettable experience as the sky changes colors over the sea.

Another must-visit temple is the Phap Lam Pagoda, located in the heart of downtown Da Nang. Built-in 1936, this beautiful temple boasts traditional Vietnamese architecture with colorful dragons adorning its rooftops. Take your time exploring each intricately designed room filled with relics and offerings left by devotees who come here daily to pay homage to Buddha.

After taking in all of these ancient temples’ beauty and serenity, it’s time to explore more of what Da Nang has to offer by taking a tour of the city. Whether you choose to go on foot or hop on a motorbike tour led by locals, there are many options available for travelers seeking adventure.

Be sure not to miss out on some of the best local street food spots while weaving through bustling marketplaces and quaint alleyways. The sights and sounds will leave you feeling exhilarated as you soak up everything this vibrant city has to offer!

Taking A Tour Of The City

After immersing yourself in the spiritual world of Da Nang’s ancient temples, it’s time to explore the city and discover its vibrant nightlife.

The streets come alive as soon as the sun sets, with lively bars and clubs dotting every corner. Head over to Bach Dang Street for a taste of the local party scene. This stretch along Han River is packed with neon-lit nightclubs that cater to all tastes.

If you’re looking for something more low-key, consider visiting one of Da Nang’s many museums. The Museum of Cham Sculpture houses an impressive collection of artifacts from Vietnam’s Champa Kingdom while the Ho Chi Minh Museum offers insights into the life and legacy of Vietnam’s revolutionary hero.

These are great places to visit if you want to take a break from the bustle of the city or learn more about Vietnamese history and culture. And when you’ve had your fill, head back out into the night – there’s always another adventure waiting just around the corner!

Speaking of which, have you considered going on a hike through Marble Mountains?

Hiking Through Marble Mountains

After soaking up the sun and sea air, it’s time to head inland and explore the stunning Marble Mountains. Hiking through these limestone peaks is a must-do activity when visiting Da Nang . As you ascend through the lush greenery, you’ll come across hidden caves that are just waiting to be explored.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there are plenty of steps and uneven terrain along the way. Once you reach the top, take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Da Nang City and beyond.

After your hike, treat yourself to some well-deserved dining alfresco at one of the many cafes or restaurants located near the base of the mountains.

Don’t miss out on exploring these incredible caves:

• The Am Phu Cave: This cave is named after its depiction of Buddhist hell with intricate carvings representing sinners being punished for their wrongdoings.
• The Huyen Khong Cave: A serene space where visitors can experience peaceful meditation while admiring stunning natural rock formations.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite hiking through Marble Mountains, it’s time to satisfy your hunger by indulging in some local cuisine at one of Da Nang ‘s famous markets.

From fresh seafood dishes to traditional Vietnamese street food, there’s something for everyone here. So why not immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and flavors of Vietnam by shopping in the markets?

Shopping In The Markets

As you wander through the bustling markets of Da Nang , it’s hard not to feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The vibrant colors of fresh produce and handmade crafts catch your eye at every turn, drawing you in with their unique charm.

If you’re looking for an authentic shopping experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, then these markets are the perfect place to start.

One of the highlights of shopping in these markets is trying out local crafts. From delicate jewelry made from seashells to intricately woven baskets, there is no shortage of unique souvenirs to take home with you. Don’t be afraid to bargain with vendors – it’s all part of the fun! Remember to approach negotiations with a friendly attitude and always be respectful of the seller. With a little bit of patience and some bargaining tips up your sleeve, you’ll soon find yourself walking away with a one-of-a-kind treasure.

And after all that shopping, what better way to refuel than by enjoying some delicious local cuisine? Follow your nose down winding alleyways until you stumble upon small family-run restaurants serving up steaming bowls of pho or fragrant plates of banh mi. Trust us when we say that this is one culinary adventure that should not be missed!

Enjoying Local Cuisine

When in Da Nang , it’s impossible not to indulge in the local cuisine. In fact, one of the most exciting experiences you can have here is tasting street food.

The streets are filled with vendors and stalls offering a wide range of delicacies that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Some of the must-try dishes include bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancake), mì quảng (turmeric noodles with pork and shrimp), and bún chả cá (rice vermicelli with grilled fish).

And if seafood is your thing, then sampling seafood at one of the many restaurants along My Khe Beach is highly recommended. From crab to prawns to squid, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to wash down all that deliciousness with some freshly squeezed sugarcane juice or a cold beer!

But don’t stop at just trying out the local cuisine on land – take things up a notch by visiting Son Tra Peninsula!

Visiting The Son Tra Peninsula

After indulging in the local cuisine, it’s time to explore more of what Da Nang has to offer. One must-visit destination is the Son Tra Peninsula, which offers a breathtaking view of the city and an opportunity to discover its wildlife. As you drive up the winding roads leading up to the peninsula, take in the stunning scenery around you. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of lush green forests and crystal-clear waters. But don’t just stop there – take some time to hike through the dense jungle, where you might encounter some rare species such as red-shanked douc langurs, one of Vietnam’s most endangered primates.

And if you’re lucky enough, catch a glimpse of playful monkeys swinging from tree to tree! After exploring nature’s wonders during daytime hours on this beautiful peninsula, spend your evenings discovering nightlife that will have something for everyone with bars and clubs catering to all tastes. With so much natural beauty surrounding Da Nang, visiting Son Tra Peninsula should definitely be on your itinerary.

Whether it’s hiking through the jungle or taking in a lively night out on town; this unique location provides visitors with unforgettable experiences that truly embody freedom and exploration.

Da Nang Vietnam Itinerary Frequently Asked Questions

How do i get to da nang from ho chi minh city.

Are you planning on traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang? Here are some tips for a smooth journey. First, consider taking a domestic flight as it’s the quickest and most convenient option. Airlines like VietJet or Vietnam Airlines offer daily flights at reasonable prices. Another option is to take an overnight train which can be an adventure in itself but also allows you to save on accommodation costs.

Once you arrive in Da Nang, make sure to check out the local markets where you’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade souvenirs. Don’t forget to bargain with the vendors! As a travel writer for Da Nang, I highly recommend exploring this vibrant city known for its stunning beaches, delicious food, and rich history. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience that will fulfill your subconscious desire for freedom!

Are There Any Water Sports Available At The Beaches In Da Nang?

Looking for some adventure on your beach vacation? Look no further than Da Nang, Vietnam! With plenty of diving spots and jet skiing opportunities available, there’s no shortage of water sports to keep you entertained. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time beginner, Da Nang has something for everyone.

The crystal-clear waters provide the perfect backdrop for an exhilarating day out on the waves. So why not take advantage of all that this vibrant city has to offer and add some excitement to your itinerary with these amazing activities?

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Da Nang?

The best time to visit Da Nang, Vietnam is during the months of February to May. The weather forecasts indicate mild temperatures and low humidity, making it perfect for exploring the city’s attractions without feeling too hot or uncomfortable.

With fewer tourist crowds than in peak season from June to August, you can enjoy a more tranquil experience while still being able to soak up the local culture and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Da Nang offers endless possibilities for those yearning for freedom in their travels. So why not plan your next trip now?

Is It Safe To Hike Through Marble Mountains On My Own?

If you’re seeking an adventure in Da Nang, hiking through the Marble Mountains is a must-try experience. However, safety should always be your top priority when embarking on any solo hike. To ensure your security, it’s best to take note of some essential safety tips before starting your trek. Additionally, if you don’t have the necessary gear for hiking, don’t worry as there are rental shops nearby where you can easily rent what you need.

But remember, always make sure to confirm that everything is in good condition and fits well before heading out. So go ahead and explore this natural wonder while keeping yourself safe along the way!

Can I Rent A Motorbike To Explore Da Nang?

Renting a motorbike is an excellent way to explore Da Nang and the surrounding areas. There are plenty of rental companies in town, but make sure you meet all rental requirements before hitting the road. Fuel costs are relatively cheap, making it an affordable option for exploring the beautiful countryside of Vietnam. It’s important to remember that driving in Vietnam can be chaotic – so always wear a helmet and drive defensively.

The freedom of having your own transportation makes it easy to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations like hidden beaches or mountain villages where traditional ways of life still thrive. Renting a motorbike offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration while experiencing the beauty of Da Nang at your own pace.

So, there you have it – your ultimate Da Nang itinerary! With so much to see and do in this beautiful coastal city, you’ll never find yourself bored. From the stunning beaches with endless water sports opportunities to the historical sites such as Marble Mountains, every traveler will be satisfied.

If you’re coming from Ho Chi Minh City, there are plenty of transportation options available to get you to Da Nang. Whether by plane, bus, or train, getting here is easy and straightforward. And once you arrive, renting a motorbike is an excellent way to explore all that Da Nang has to offer at your own pace. The best time of year to visit Da Nang is from February through May when the weather is dry and sunny. However, if you don’t mind some rain, visiting during the off-season months can also mean fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation rates.

As a travel writer who’s visited Da Nang numerous times myself, I highly recommend adding this gem of Vietnam to your bucket list. Trust me; it’s a natural beauty and cultural significance that makes it worth the trip! So pack your bags and start planning for an adventure-filled vacation in Da Nang today!

Oh, you cannot miss out on the exhilarating journey that awaits you in Vietnam! Trust me, and it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget. Book a tour with us to ensure you don’t miss a stunning moment of this unforgettable experience. But hey, if you’re feeling bold and ready to plan your adventure, we’ve got you covered! Head to our website to devour our insider tips and map your dream trip. Don’t wait any longer. Dive into the mesmerizing natural beauty and fascinating cultural experiences that Vietnam offers – book the tour or start planning your trip today!

Hi guys, I am Trang. I am a Vietnamese who loves to travel and you could describe me as someone with a strong passion to explore the world, I seek adventure and experience, and always ready to discover new things. I have a passion for discovering new places and experiencing the cultures of different countries and peoples. I love meeting new people and sharing my experiences with others. Hope this will help you can find out exciting and challenging journeys, and finally, do not forget to enjoy moments of peace and relaxation.

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4 Days in Da Nang Itinerary (Travel Tips & Things to Do)

Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city in central Vietnam with long sandy beaches, stunning mountains, and delicious seafood.

There’s so much to see and do in this picturesque city. You may soak up under the sun on the beaches and indulge in shopping and sightseeing. We will give you a glimpse into the city’s rich culture, history, and beauty in this article.

So, let’s get started and embark on an adventure!

Here’s a 4 day Da Nang itinerary to help plan the perfect trip!

Table of Contents

What to Do in Da Nang for 4 Days

Day 1: arrival and beach time.

After arriving in Da Nang, check into your hotel and get ready to kick-start your adventure. Da Nang is known for its pristine beaches. My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach are two of the most popular ones that you should definitely visit.

My Khe Beach has a long and wide stretch of sand where you can leisurely stroll, sunbathe, or swim. There are several restaurants and cafes nearby that serve some delicious seafood and local delicacies.

Non Nuoc Beach has crystal clear waters and is an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts. Try surfing, jet-skiing, or take a boat ride to explore the nearby islands.

After spending some time at the beach, head over to the Marble Mountains .

You can find here a cluster of five limestone and marble hills. The mountains are named after the five elements – metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

You can find stunning caves, pagodas, and statues here. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the coastline on the top of the mountains. You can also visit the Am Phu Cave – believed to be the gateway to hell in Vietnamese mythology.

End your day with a scrumptious dinner at one of the many restaurants near the beach.

Day 2: City tour and shopping

On day two, get ready to explore the city’s cultural landmarks and indulge in some shopping. Begin your day by visiting the Da Nang Cathedral , a beautiful pink church that was built by the French in the 1920s.

The church’s Gothic architecture and intricate designs are a sight to behold. It’s the perfect place to start your day with some peace and tranquility.

Next up, head to the Han Market – one of the largest markets in Da Nang.

This is a shopper’s paradise where you can find a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and local food. There are silk garments, jewelry, local spices, and coffee.

Try to bargain and haggle to get the best deals. This can be one of the most interesting experiences when shopping. Since some sellers cannot speak English, the bargain would be in numbers written on a piece of paper.

Then, visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture that showcases the culture and history of the Cham people. They are an ethnic group that once inhabited central Vietnam.

The museum has an extensive collection of Cham artifacts. You will see sculptures, ceramics, and other ancient objects – a must-visit for history buffs.

Enjoy the beautiful views of the city’s skyline when you stroll along the Han River .

It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. You can find several cafes and restaurants where you can relax. You can just also sit on the benches near the river and enjoy the scenery.

To unwind after a long day, head to Asia Park .

It is an amusement park that features various attractions and entertainment options. Experience several thrilling rides like roller coasters and a Ferris wheel. Or, catch a show or a concert at the park’s amphitheater.

Day 3: Hoi An Ancient Town and Cua Dai Beach

On the third day, take a day trip to Hoi An Ancient Town .

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s located about an hour’s drive from Danang. It has charming streets, old buildings, and ancient temples. These structures reflect the fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures over several centuries.

Leisurely stroll through the streets of the town to admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge . It is a historical landmark that symbolizes the cultural exchange between Japan and Vietnam.

Don’t forget to take some pictures at the bridge and capture the beautiful views.

Take a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River to enjoy the serene views of the town. The river is surrounded by lush greenery and traditional houses. They provide a perfect backdrop for your photos!

Head to Cua Dai Beach , which is only a few kilometers away. It has soft sand and crystal-clear waters.

Unwind and relax here after a long day of sightseeing. You can take a dip in the water or sunbathe on the beach. You can also indulge in some water sports activities. 

Day 4: Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge

For the last day, head to Ba Na Hills – a mountain resort that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Taking a cable car ride to the top, which is an experience in itself.

Once you reach the top, explore the French village. It is a replica of a medieval French village. It has cobblestone streets, vintage buildings, and colorful gardens. Here, you can take in the stunning panoramic views of the mountains.

Visit also the famous Golden Bridge . It is a pedestrian bridge held up by two giant stone hands and has become an iconic landmark in Vietnam.

Take the cable car back down in the afternoon and head to the city center for some last-minute shopping. There are plenty of shopping options in Da Nang, ranging from modern malls to local markets.

Don’t forget to get some memento like souvenirs, clothing, and local food products. Again, remember to bargain with the vendors to get the best deals. 

Da Nang is a city full of charm, culture, and natural beauty. You can try exploring historical sites, relaxing on the beach, or trying delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

Enjoy the stunning Marble Mountains, the iconic Golden Bridge, the serene Cua Dai Beach, and the bustling Han Market. We hope that this itinerary has inspired you to plan your next trip to Da Nang and experience all that this amazing city has to offer.

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The Perfect Da Nang Itinerary for 3 Days

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Planning a 3-day trip to Da Nang, Vietnam, and not sure where to start? 

It’s tricky figuring out how to fit in all the top sights, delicious food, and still have time to relax in just three days. If you’re wondering how to maximize your time for a mix of culture, activities, and downtime, you’re in the right spot.

I’ve lived in Vietnam for over 6.5 years and Da Nang has become like a second home to me. I’ve visited countless times, eaten at all the places I’ll mention, and tried all the activities in this guide.

That’s exactly what you’ll get here: a balanced 3-day itinerary for Da Nang.

This guide is specifically crafted with you in mind, the adventurous female traveler . Whether you’re drawn to Da Nang for its incredible views, the thrill of exploration, or the chance to dive deep into a new culture, I’ve got everything laid out for you.

Let’s dive into how you can experience the best of Da Nang, hassle-free and full of confidence.

Why Da Nang Should Be on Your Vietnam Itinerary

Da Nang should be on every traveler’s Vietnam itinerary because it offers a diverse mix of experiences, combining natural beauty, culture and modernity.

Da Nang is in the Central part of Vietnam, sitting on the South China Sea. Its coastline features some of Vietnam’s best beaches, like My Khe, known for their soft, white sands and clear waters. Beyond the shore, the Marble Mountains have natural caves, Buddhist sanctuaries, and panoramic views. Da Nang’s city life complements its scenic attractions, with the Dragon Bridge lighting up the night and a food scene that caters to everyone.

For the adventurous female traveler seeking a destination that offers both relaxation and a deep dive into culture, Da Nang is a must-visit in Vietnam.

Da Nang Itinerary – Day 1

Your adventure in Da Nang kicks off with a day packed full of local flavors, relaxation by the beach, and market exploration, capped off with a unique Da Nang evening experience. One of the best parts about coming to Da Nang is that once you land at Da Nang International Airport, it is only a 10-15 minute ride to your hotel! So whether you are arriving early in the morning or in the evening, you can get to your hotel and settled very quickly. 

Here’s how to make the most of your first day:

8am → Breakfast at Mi Quang Dung  

Start your morning with a bowl of Mi Quang at Mi Quang Dung , a local favorite for this traditional Vietnamese noodle dish . Mi Quang is a dish specific to the Central Region of Vietnam and it’s rich, flavorful broth, combined with herbs, meat, and rice noodles, provides the perfect energy boost for your day ahead.

Depending on where you are staying, you will likely find a Mi Quang restaurant within walking distance of your Da Nang hotel, though this one is my favorite and is a quick walk to your next stop. 

Walk off your breakfast with a 10 -12 minute walk to get some coffee. 

8.45am → Coffee at 43 Coffee Roasters 

Next, head to 43 Coffee Roasters for a morning caffeine fix. This spot is known for its high-quality, locally sourced beans and the skilled baristas who know how to brew the perfect cup. I like lounging at one of the tables outside that are designed to be in line with a Koi Pond. The coffee here isn’t cheap, but it is good! The design of the coffee shop is unique as well – all glass windows, inside and outside seating. 

It’s a 5 minute straight shot walk from the coffee shop to the beach. 

9.30am → Beach Time

With your energy levels topped up, it’s time to hit the beach. Whether you prefer a peaceful walk along the shore, soaking up the sun, or hitting the waves for some water sports, Da Nang’s pristine beaches offer beautiful sand and clear waters for a refreshing morning. 

Once you hit the beach, take a stroll up and down and decide where you want to park it. I like to do a little walk up and down first. Typically to pick the least crowded (this time of day it will not be crowded at all) area where I can relax. 

If you’re looking for a place to lay down and do nothing but hop back and forth from your chair to the water, there are plenty of spots all along the beach that have lounge chairs for rent (they will likely try to charge you 100,000 VND, but you should be able to get them down to 50,000 VND). 

If you want to do some surfing, there are a few surf shacks where you can rent a board and get a surf lesson. There are also a few spots that have jet skis for rent, as well as parasailing if that interests you. 

Spend a few hours enjoying this excellent part of Da Nang! I love that there are awesome beaches literally right in the middle of the city! If you have no desire to leave for lunch, you can order food on Grab Delivery straight to where you are sitting!

Once you have had enough beach time, head to lunch. From the beach it is a 10 minute walk to Rainbow Poke, just past 43 Coffee Roasters.

1.00pm → Lunch at Rainbowl Poke

By midday, head to Rainbowl Poke for a light yet satisfying lunch. Something about eating poke bowls and smoothies after laying in the sun all morning is refreshing. Rainbow Poke has, just that, poke bowls, plus a whole variety and fusion of flavors to their bowls. I also love getting frozen yogurt after my poke bowl. It is simply frozen yogurt they keep in a tupperware (not soft serve if that is what you think of), with a bunch of different toppings added … so good!

If Poke bowls aren’t your thing, any of the restaurants in this An Thuong neighborhood are good. Check out this list of where to eat in Da Nang for other options. 

From lunch, head back to your hotel for some down time before the evening activities.

2.00pm  → Free Time

If you’re anything like me, a solid late afternoon nap to prepare for an evening of activity is something I always find time to do on vacation. I like this time between lunch and the evening to just chill. Go back to your hotel and rest, lay by the pool, or sit in a coffee shop. 

If you’re someone that can’t chill and always needs something to do, check out this list of things to do in Da Nang, and fill the next few hours!

5pm → Han Market Food Tour

As the afternoon turns to evening, it is time to explore the busy aisles of the Han Market. You can totally explore on your own and hop from food stall to food stall, or you could join an evening food tour. There are a few options for food tours all over the city, and most are very reasonably priced (X to ).

One of the best things about Da Nang is its rich culinary scene, where every meal is an adventure. Taking a food tour is a fantastic way to taste a variety of local street foods and learn about the city’s food culture from an expert guide.

Whenever I opt for a DIY food tour of a city, I always end up regretting not getting a guide. This food tour through XXX is the highest rated in Da Nang and worth a try.

BOOK FOOD TOUR HERE

9pm → Dragon Bridge Fire Show or Waterfront Walk

If your visit falls on a weekend night, don’t miss the Dragon Bridge Fire Show, a spectacle where the bridge breathes fire and water, lighting up the night. On other nights, a peaceful walk along the waterfront offers a nice end to your day, with the city lights reflecting off the calm waters.

Da Nang Itinerary – Day 2

Your second day  in Da Nang is all about adventure, relaxation, and savoring the local flavors. Here’s how to make the most of it:

**Today and tomorrow will be spent moving around the city. Using Grab the whole day is easy, but if you are comfortable on a motorbike, it is worth getting a motorbike today and keeping it for the next two days

8am → Coffee & Breakfast 

Depending on where you are staying and what your morning food habits are, you have a few options for breakfast this morning.

• Breakfast at your hotel

This is your best bet if you are staying somewhere that includes breakfast, or if you are staying somewhere in the Non Nuoc Beach area (Sheraton, Marriott, Melia). These Da Nang hotels are already on the way to Marble Mountain so you won’t want to backtrack into the city center.

• Local Street Food Shop

If your hotel doesn’t offer breakfast, or if you’re on a mission to only eat Vietnamese food whilst in Da Nang, head out the doors and walk until you find something! Early in the morning there will be plenty of shops selling pho, mi quang, cau lau, and banh mi. 

• Drop Coffee and Le Bordeaux

For a more western style coffee and breakfast option, my suggestion is to take an early morning stroll to Drop Coffee (my favorite coffee in Da Nang) and pick up a cup to go. Then walk next door to Le Bordeaux Bakery and get some morning baked goods. I recommend the croissant, or even just a baguette of bread to take with you on the hike. 

Call a Grab Car (or drive yourself) from the bakery to get you to the Marble Mountain Hike. It is a 10-15 minute taxi ride to the entrance and ticket booth. 

9am →  Hike Marble Mountain

After breakfast, gear up for a hike up Marble Mountain. This collection of five limestone and marble hills has nice views, caves, and ancient temples waiting to be explored. It’s a physical activity that rewards you with beautiful views and a peek into the region’s spiritual heritage. 

Be prepared it is a classic Vietnamese tourist destination. They have taken a nice natural scene and va-va-voomed it. There are fairy lights and tacky statues everywhere – a friend recently described it as being very similar to their Grandmother’s back garden. Know that going in, and the hikes are actually quite nice with good views. It’s a classic thing to do in Da Nang, and will get you out and about and moving for a few hours. 

Call another Grab and hop in for a 6 minute ride down the road to the Sheraton Grand. 

11am → Sheraton Grand Da Nang Spa

Following your morning hike, treat yourself to some relaxation and rejuvenation at the Sheraton Spa. I like coming here for spa days and treatments. They often have deals for packages if you check online ahead of time. Plus when you go to the spa you have access to the pool and all facilities for the day.

If you are staying somewhere without a pool and you want to spend some time relaxing by a nice one….now is your chance. 

Getting a massage in Vietnam is a top activity, and while there are so many places to go in the city, I tend to choose places that are a bit nicer for a better ambiance. Get a  massage or wellness treatment that will soothe your muscles and refresh you for the rest of the day’s activities.

If you aren’t interested in spending a bit more money on the Sheraton Spa, head back into the city and choose any of the other massage parlors. Check out this list of best massage places in Da Nang.

2pm → Lunch 

After unwinding at the spa, it’s time for lunch. Lunch is a bit later today, as dinner won’t be until later either. For lunch I recommend a few options:

• Sheraton Lunch

If you are sticking around the Sheraton, getting lunch here is a good option. You can continue to lay by the pool and order off of their bar menu, or head into their restaurant and have a sit down lunch. 

• Western Style Lunch in An Thuong Neighbhorhood

Hop into a grab and make the 12 minute drive to the An Thuong neighborhood (where you ate lunch yesterday) and pick any of the restaurants in here. I recommend Burger Bros for some of the best burgers in Vietnam, Six on Six for a coffeeshop/cafe with a variety of options, or Jeremy’s Kitchen for salads.

• Bep Cua Ngoai

Head to this Vietnamese Family Style restaurant, where you can try more Central Vietnamese dishes in a comfortable setting. This is one of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants in Da Nang.

3pm → Free Time (or Happy Hour?!)

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might opt to wander around the city, visit the Cham museum, or simply relax at your hotel or a café. Strolling around the city to see Da Nang’s historical sites, from ancient temples to French colonial buildings, is also a good way to spend the afternoon. 

If you’re free time has you looking for a happy hour – East West Brewing has got one from 3-6!

I would opt for a Grab tonight incase you are tempted to do some drinking on the boat and at dinner. Head to XXX the starting location of the river cruise. 

6pm →  River Cruise

As evening approaches, book onto a river cruise. This relaxing journey along the Han River offers a unique perspective of Da Nang as you glide past illuminated bridges, skyscrapers, and the city’s lively waterfront. All of the river cruises run similar journeys, starting at 6pm at the docks around 26 Bach Dang Street. Here are the best options:

Once the boat docks, either take a 30 minute stroll across the river, or hop in a 5 minute taxi ride to Fatfish, your dinner stop. 

8pm Dinner → Fatfish Restaurant & Lounge Bar

Dinner tonight is at Fatfish Restaurant & Lounge Bar. It is known for its fusion of local Vietnamese flavors with international cuisine.

I love eating here because I get the best of both worlds – Vietnamese food mixed with higher level International Cuisine. Sometimes I want to eat street food, sometimes I want to eat at a nice restaurant, and Fatfish mixes them both. 

It is in a sweet location along the riverfront and you will get views of the river you just cruised on. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, innovative dishes, or classic cocktails, Fatfish delivers quality and creativity in every bite. 

10pm → After Dinner Drinks

If you are looking to continue the party after dinner, stick around this riverfront area and do some barhopping. Many bars and restaurants will have drink deals and live music. 

• Wink Riverside – Great View!
• Draft Beer Euro Village – An open air beer garden on the river
• Lagoon Rooftop – cocktails with views of the Dragon Bridge

Da Nang Itinerary – Day 3

The final day of your Da Nang adventure is a blend of scenic drives, leisurely beach time, and a calm evening on the Son Tra Peninsula. Here’s how to make the most of your last day.

**Today is the day you want a motorbike. Motorbiking over the Hai Van Pass is one of my favorite drives in Vietnam. If you are not comfortable driving your own motorbike, you can hire an Easy Rider to drive for you, while you sit on the back.

8am →  Breakfast at Bikini Bottom Express  

Start your day with breakfast at Bikini Bottom Express, a chill cafe with a beachy, relaxed vibe. Enjoy a delicious, energizing meal that’s perfect for setting the tone for an adventurous day ahead. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any choice you make here. One of my favorite spots in all of Da Nang and Hoi An.

If you are driving yourself, head off from here! If you are taking an Easy Rider or going on a tour, get yourself to the meeting location. 

9am → Hai Van Pass Drive

After breakfast, head out on the Hai Van Pass drive, one of the most scenic routes in Vietnam. The journey offers stunning views of the coastline, lush mountains, and so many view points. Make sure to stop at the following spots for the full experience:

• Lang Co Beach: A picturesque stop to admire the white sands and turquoise waters.
• Hai Van Gate: The historic boundary between ancient empires, offering panoramic views.
• Lap An Lagoon: A serene spot to see local wildlife and the unique landscape.

There are so many coffee shops and pull off points along the route. I would say just stop at them all! You can get a full breakdown of the drive here.

1pm → Lunch 

It is possible you had your fair share of snacks and drinks as you drove the pass, so perhaps you aren’t hungry for lunch. If you are, head to any of the places I recommended from the previous days that you didn’t get to. For some inspiration on where to eat in Da Nang, here are a few guides to make your choice. 

2pm → Free Time 

With it being your last day in Da Nang, now is the time to do whatever it is you want to do that you haven’t yet. We have hit most of the things to do in Da Nang, so don’t feel like you are missing out on anything. This could be another opportunity for a massage or a pool lay. 

If you want to check out another spa, Luxury Herbal Spa is a good choice. They do a proper Thai massage!

It is a 30-ish minute drive to out to the Intercon, so aim to call a Grab around 4.30.

5pm → Drinks at the Long Bar

In the evening, head to the Son Tra Peninsula for a tranquil escape from the city. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, wildlife, and panoramic views of Da Nang and the surrounding waters. 

For the start of your evening, you are heading to the Intercontinental Da Nang. This hotel has won numerous awards, and is one of the most incredible hotels I have ever stayed at anywhere (not just Vietnam). The hotel is not cheap, but coming for happy hour at the Long Bar is the most affordable way to experience this resort.

The Long Bar is a chic spot with a sophisticated ambiance and an impressive selection of cocktails. It has the Guiness World Record for the longest bar in the world, and has comfortable day beds and tables circling the bar. Get a cocktail or two and spend a couple of hours noshing on snacks and sipping drinks. It’s the perfect way to toast to an incredible three days in Da Nang.

If you are feeling really fancy and make a reservation, you can eat dinner tonight at La Maison 1988, the Michelin Star Restaurant inside the Intercontinental. If you’re not interested in dropping a few hundred dollars on dinner, it’s time to leave the Intercon and head to your dinner spot. 

It is a 30 minute drive back into town, so aim to leave around 7.30. 

8pm Dinner → Seafood on the Beach 

Cap off your day with a classic Da Nang dining Experience – eating fresh seafood right on the beach. As you walk down the main street (Vo Nguyen Giap) that runs parallel to the beach, you will see plenty of outdoor seafood restaurants with tanks of seafood stacked high.

You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the places, they are all very similar. I would pick a place that has a decent sized crowd and a lively ambience. Some places I like to go to are:

• Hai San Pho – tables on the beach, very close to An Thuong Neighborhood
• Nha Han Hai San Bien Viet – just off the main road, a popular seafood restaurant with downstairs and upstairs seating
• My Hanh Seafood – nicer seating area right on the beach. Closer to the northern part of My Khe
• Hai San Da Nang Be Bien – big popular place at the northern end of the beach

Bonus Day in Da Nang

If you find yourself with an extra day in Da Nang, consider it a golden opportunity to embark on a day trip to explore more of Central Vietnam’s wonders.

If you haven’t already visited Hoi An, this ancient town is a must-see, with its lantern-lit streets and unique architecture. I recommend heading to Hoi An after Da Nang where you can spend another 2 days exploring. Check out my itinerary for 2 days in Hoi An. If that is on your Vietnam Itinerary already, a few more things you can do:

Ba Na Hills is another option, where you can experience the thrill of the world’s longest non-stop single-track cable car, explore a French village replica, and walk the famous Golden hands Bridge held aloft by giant hands. You can read more about Ba Na Hills and if it is actually worth going in this post. Note – I have never been and likely will never go.

The My Son Sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat into nature and history, where you can admire ancient Cham architecture set against the forest. Booking a private tour to the My Son Sanctuary allows for a personalized experience of this ancient spiritual site.

Da Nang Itinerary Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do during your 3 day Da Nang Itinerary, here are some highlights to help you plan when to visit, where to stay, and how to get around.

The Best Time to Go to Da Nang

Da Nang is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from February to May. During these months, the weather is mild with low humidity, making it a great place for outdoor activities and exploring the city. 

The rainy season from September to January can see occasional downpours, which might restrict some outdoor activities.

Getting Around Da Nang

The most convenient and reliable way to get around Da Nang is by using Grab. This ride-hailing app offers affordable rates for cars and motorbikes, allowing you to travel comfortably and safely at any time of the day. 

You will need a working phone number in order to set up Grab, so make sure your Vietnam SIM Card has a number attached to it.

Renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to explore Da Nang at your own pace. It’s a popular choice if you are comfortable driving a motorbike. Da Nang is much more mellow than Hanoi and HCMC, so if you were intimidated to drive in the bigger cities, Da Nang could be a chance to try it out. 

For those seeking adventure, renting a motorbike is the best option to explore Da Nang’s hidden gems at your own pace

Many of Da Nang’s attractions are located within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center and along the riverfront. Walking is not only a great way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere but also an opportunity to discover hidden gems along the way.

Best Place to Stay in Da Nang

I recommend staying on the beach side when you are in Da Nang. It is easy access to both the Son Tra Peninsula, the Marble Mountains, and into Da Nang. Plus the neighborhood of An Thuong is full of coffee shops and cafes to walk around. 

Best Budget Hotel in Da Nang: Seahorse Signature Danang Hotel

The Seahorse Hotel in Da Nang is an affordable hotel with a range of options for all kinds of travelers. You can get a full studio apartment with a balcony for $50 or a bed in a dorm room for $10.

All options are comfortable and provide excellent value for the cost. Plus there are over 400 9 star reviews on Booking, so you know it is a solid choice.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Da Nang: Sala Danang Beach Hotel

The Sala Danang Beach Hotel has a rooftop pool, popular bar for cocktail hour, and views of the beach. It is comfortable, popular and located in a perfect spot for exploring Da Nang.

For less than $100, you can get a room with an ocean view + afternoon tea included.

Best Luxury Hotel in Da Nang: Intercontinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula

If money is no object, and you want to splurge on the absolute best hotel in Da Nang, then you need to check out the Intercontinental. This is one of the best hotels, not just Da Nang, but all of Vietnam (and Asia!). It has won countless awards and been featured in lists like Travel and Leisure’s Top 100 Hotels in the World. 

It is in the Son Tra Peninsula, so a bit far from some of the things you will be doing on your days in Da Nang, but it is absolutely worth the trek. If you want to live in pure luxury on your Vietnam Vacation, you need to choose this hotel.

Map of Every Place Mentioned in this 3 Day Da Nang Itinerary

Final Thoughts: 3 Day Da Nang Itinerary

Let’s sum up our 3-day Da Nang Guide: it’s straightforward – hit the beaches, explore nature, and don’t miss out on the local eats at markets and street stalls. 

As you can see, Da Nang, a gem in Southeast Asia, offers an unforgettable escape with its unique blend of modernity and tradition. 

This guide is my insider take on Da Nang – from chilling, eating, to exploring. Da Nang is diverse; whether you’re here for the scenery, the food, or just to relax, there’s plenty to do. Hope this helps you get the most out of your visit!

Ready to dive into Da Nang? Don’t wait any longer to book your trip and experience everything this city has to offer. And to make sure you have the perfect place to stay, check out my post on the best hotels in Da Nang. From cozy budget options to luxurious beachfront resorts, we’ve got you covered. 

Start planning your Da Nang adventure today and discover the perfect base for your exploration!

Katie McGrain is a Vietnam Trip Planning Expert. She has lived in Hanoi, Vietnam since 2017, and has explored just about every corner of this country. She provides female travelers to Vietnam with resources, ideas, and guides on where to go and what to do. Her on the ground research, planning and advising helps women have a safe, memorable and authentic trip to Vietnam.

Top Da Nang Tours 2023: Ultimate Guide to Exploring Da Nang

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT DA NANG TOUR TO ADD TO YOUR ITINERARY?

My first visit to Da Nang was nothing short of magical. The moment I stepped off the plane, I was greeted by the warm, tropical breeze and the friendly smiles of the locals. It was a stark reminder of the adventures that awaited.

Choosing the right tour in Da Nang is like holding a golden ticket to an unforgettable journey. It’s not just about seeing the sights; it’s about immersing oneself in the culture, history, and natural beauty of this coastal paradise. 

The right Da Nang tour can open doors to experiences you never thought possible, from exploring hidden caves to tasting local delicacies that dance on the palate.

Why Da Nang is a Must-Visit Destination

Da Nang is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Its unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions sets it apart from other travel destinations. 

Imagine standing at the foot of the majestic Marble Mountains , feeling the ancient spirits whispering through the winds, or strolling through the historic streets of Hoi An, where every turn reveals a part of Da Nang’s rich tapestry of history.

The city’s rapid growth as a top travel spot in Vietnam is no surprise. With its modern infrastructure juxtaposed against historical landmarks, Da Nang offers a travel experience like no other. 

Da Nang is not just a destination; it’s a journey that unfolds a unique story at every corner. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or someone in search of tranquility, Da Nang has something to offer. 

And with the right tour, you’re not just a spectator; you’re a part of the narrative, weaving your own story into the rich tapestry of experiences that is Da Nang.

The 5 Best Tours in Da Nang

1. da nang: lady buddha, marble mountains, and hoi an day trip.

⭐ Rating : 4.8 out of 5 |⌛ Duration : 9 hours | 💲 Check price and availability

Embark on a journey that unveils the heart and soul of Da Nang in a day. This tour curated by Venus Travel Hoi An is a tapestry of enriching experiences that span across the divine Lady Buddha, the mystical Marble Mountains, and the timeless charm of Hoi An. 

Here’s a glimpse into what awaits you:

Journey Highlights:

• Son Tra Peninsula: Begin your day with a visit to the serene Son Tra Peninsula, where the sea meets the sky, offering breathtaking views that are a feast for the eyes.
• Linh Ung Pagoda: Home to the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy in Southeast Asia, the Linh Ung Pagoda is a sanctuary of peace amidst the bustling city.
• Marble Mountains: Explore the sacred caves and Buddhist pagodas nestled within the Marble Mountains, each stone carving telling tales of a bygone era.
• Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle: Venture into the lush Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle, where you can try your hand at round net and cast net fishing, and basket boat rowing, immersing yourself in the local way of life.
• Hoi An Old Town: Step back in time as you stroll through the ancient streets of Hoi An, a UNESCO heritage site, where every corner holds a story waiting to be told.

Culinary Delights:

• Savor the authentic flavors of Vietnam with a local cuisine tasting for lunch and dinner, a culinary journey that’s as enriching as the places you’ll visit.

Hoi An Night Market:

• As the day turns into night, the Hoi An Night Market comes alive with a myriad of colors and aromas. Here, you can enjoy a boat ride on the Hoai River, release flower lanterns into the water for good luck, and soak in the enchanting atmosphere of lantern-lit streets.

Practical Information:

• Duration: The tour spans across 9 hours, ensuring a day packed with exploration and discovery.
• Language: Guided tours are available in Vietnamese and English, making the experience accessible and enriching.
• Pickup: The tour includes a pickup service from specified Da Nang seaside areas, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for the day’s explorations, sunglasses to shield against the tropical sun, and a sun hat to keep cool.

2. Da Nang: Lady Buddha, Monkey Mountain, and Am Phu Cave Tour

⭐ Rating : 4.7 out of 5 |⌛ Duration : 4.5 to 5 hours | 💲 Check price and availability

Unveil the mystic beauty of Da Nang with a half-day tour that takes you on a spiritual and adventurous journey through the city’s iconic landmarks . 

• Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain): Your day begins with a visit to the revered Son Tra Mountain, also known as Monkey Mountain. It’s a place where the rich history of Buddhism and Hinduism in Vietnam comes alive.
• Lady Buddha Statue: Stand in awe before the tallest Buddhist statue in Vietnam, reaching a height of 220 feet (67 meters). The Lady Buddha statue is not just a spiritual emblem but a vantage point offering panoramic views of Da Nang.
• Marble Mountains: Venture into the heart of Marble Mountains, exploring local stone factories and sculpture shops that tell tales of Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage.
• Am Phu Cave: Walk through the eerie yet fascinating Am Phu Cave, a re-creation of Buddhist hell that’s both chilling and enlightening.

Culinary Exploration:

• Relish authentic Vietnamese dishes during a local lunch, a culinary interlude that complements your exploratory day.
• Duration: The tour lasts for about 4.5 – 5 hours, a compact yet enriching experience.
• Language: Guided tours are available in both Vietnamese and English, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the places you visit.
• Pickup: Enjoy a hassle-free start with a pickup service from your hotel in Da Nang or Hoi An.
• Comfortable shoes for the day’s explorations are a must, along with a sense of adventure as you delve into the mystic realms of Da Nang.

3. From Da Nang: Snorkeling & Island Hopping Tour by Speedboat

⭐ Rating : 4.7 out of 5 |⌛ Duration : 6 hours | 💲 Check price and availability

Dive into the vibrant underwater world off the coast of Da Nang with a thrilling snorkeling and island hopping tour . This adventure, orchestrated by Pacific Boat Phu Quoc Snorkeling, is a blend of exhilaration, natural beauty, and a dash of local culture. 

Here’s a sneak peek into your day of aquatic exploration:

• Speedboat Ride to Cham Islands: Kickstart your day with a thrilling speedboat ride to the renowned Cham Islands, where the turquoise waters beckon.
• Snorkeling Adventure: Dive into the crystal-clear waters at Dai and Tai islands and marvel at the colorful coral reefs and playful marine life that call these waters home. The fish-feeding activity is a fun way to interact with the underwater residents.
• Island Hopping: Explore the pristine beaches and tranquil waters as you hop from one island to another, each offering a unique slice of paradise.
• Authentic Seafood Barbeque: Satisfy your taste buds with a delicious seafood barbeque, a perfect way to refuel and relish the local flavors.
• The tour includes a delightful seafood barbeque, allowing you to savor the fresh catch of the day amidst the serene island setting.
• Duration: The tour spans across 6 hours, offering a half-day of fun-filled adventure.
• Language: Guided tours are available in English, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
• Pickup: The tour includes a pickup service from hotels in Hoi An, and for a small surcharge, from hotels in Da Nang, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure.
• Comfortable swimwear, sunscreen to protect against the tropical sun, and a waterproof camera to capture the underwater wonders are recommended.

4. Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Day Tour

⭐ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 |⌛ Duration : 9.5 hours | 💲 Check price and availability

Embark on a surreal journey to the Ba Na Hills, a destination that blends natural beauty with human-made marvels. This day tour offers a chance to walk among the clouds on the iconic Golden Bridge and explore the myriad attractions nestled in the hills. 

Here’s a glimpse of what awaits:

• Cable Car Ride: Ascend to the Ba Na Hills on a scenic cable car ride, holding the world record for the longest non-stop single track cable car at over 5,800 meters.
• Golden Bridge: Stroll along the famed Golden Bridge, held aloft by giant stone hands, and soak in the panoramic views of the lush landscape below.
• French Village: Wander through a quaint French village, with its classical architecture and cobblestone streets, transporting you to a bygone era.
• Linh Ung Pagoda: Discover spiritual serenity at the Linh Ung Pagoda, home to a towering Buddha statue and offering a peaceful retreat.
• Wax Museum: Get up close with lifelike wax statues of famous personalities at the Wax Museum, a fun and interactive experience.
• Enjoy a sumptuous meal, where you can taste Vietnamese cuisine’s flavors amidst Ba Na Hills’s picturesque setting.
• Duration: The tour typically lasts about 8 hours, providing a full day of exploration and enjoyment.
• Language: Guided tours are usually available in English, ensuring a rich and informative experience.
• Pickup: Most tours offer a pickup service from your hotel in Da Nang, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure.
• Comfortable walking shoes, a camera to capture the stunning views, and a light jacket as the temperature can be cooler in the hills.

5. Paragliding Experience in Da Nang

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 |⌛ Duration : 15 to 30 minutes | 💲 Check price and availability

Soar through the skies and embrace the exhilarating freedom of flight with a paragliding experience in Da Nang . This adventure is a chance to see the breathtaking landscapes of Da Nang from a bird’s eye view, providing memories that will last a lifetime. 

• Pre-flight Training: Begin with a thorough briefing and training session to ensure you’re comfortable and ready for the flight.
• Tandem Paragliding: Take to the skies with a professional instructor by your side, ensuring a safe and thrilling experience as you glide over Da Nang’s scenic coastline and lush landscapes.
• Photography and Videography: Capture the magic of your flight with photos and videos, a keepsake of your airborne adventure.
• Duration: The entire experience, including training and flight, typically lasts for about 15-20 minutes.
• Language: Briefings and instructions are usually available in English and Vietnamese, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Location: The paragliding experience usually takes place at Son Tra Mountain offering stunning aerial views of Da Nang.
• Comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and a sense of adventure are recommended for this high-flying experience.

Tips for Choosing the Right Da Nang Tour

First, consider the tour’s duration and itinerary . Time is of the essence, especially when you’re on a quest to soak up all the wonders Da Nang has to offer. A well-structured itinerary that covers a mix of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and rest breaks is a good sign. 

Check reviews and ratings on platforms like Get Your Guide, Klook, and TripAdvisor . The digital age blesses us with many platforms to gauge the quality of tours. A quick glance at reviews and ratings can provide a glimpse into the experiences of fellow travelers.

Ensure the tour aligns with your interests (cultural, adventure, relaxation) . Da Nang is a canvas of diverse experiences, and aligning your tour with your interests is crucial. Are you an adrenaline junkie, a history aficionado, or a soul-seeking serenity?

Making the Most of Your Da Nang Tour

Here are some tips to elevate your Da Nang tour from memorable to unforgettable.

1. Engage with local guides for insider tips and stories.

Local guides are your compass to the heart of Da Nang. Their insights and stories breathe life into the places you visit. I still chuckle when I recall a guide recounting tales of mischievous monkeys at the Marble Mountains, adding a layer of whimsy to the majestic scenery.

2. Respect local customs and traditions.

Embracing the local customs is a step towards a more authentic and respectful travel experience. A simple bow or a polite “xin chào” can go a long way. 

3. Try local delicacies and immerse yourself in the culinary scene.

The flavors of Da Nang are as diverse as its landscapes. From the spicy tang of mì quảng to the sweet, creamy taste of Da Nang’s coconut coffee , every bite is a journey. 

I still dream of the bustling street food markets, each stall a haven of authentic Vietnamese flavors waiting to be explored. 

The essence of a fulfilling Da Nang tour lies in the blend of exploration, respect, and indulgence. Choosing the right tour is your first step into a world brimming with cultural riches, natural wonders, and culinary delights. It’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with the rhythm of Da Nang, a narrative that will linger in your memories.

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The Best Da Nang Itinerary: Street Food, Surf, Hikes and More

Trying to put together the perfect Da Nang itinerary for Vietnam’s third-largest city? Many people pass through Da Nang on their way to Hoi An and other central Vietnam destinations. They often shrug the city off as a pitstop with little to do. Isn’t it just a port city?

On the contrary, Da Nang is more than just a port. There are mountains and white-sand beaches. The high-rise skyline stands out against the hills of the wildlife-rich peninsula. Across the city, sumptuous street food and high-end seafood restaurants make it the ideal stop for foodies.

So, what should your Da Nang itinerary include? What are the best things to do in Da Nang, and should this city be more than just a quick transit stop?

While Da Nang is an excellent base for day trips to the Ba Na Hills and Hoi An, you should dedicate at least a few days to exploring Da Nang and its immediate surroundings.

After visiting caves, pagodas, and shrines in the Marble Mountains and cruising around hairpin bends on the Hai Van mountain pass, you are sure to leave with some impressive tales to tell back at home.

Whether your idea of the perfect things to do in Da Nang Vietnam includes searching for red-faced monkeys, tucking into crispy rice pancakes, or simply unwinding on a stretch of white sand, the following activities should get your Da Nang itinerary off to a good start.

I’ve included all the best day trips and the top things to do in Da Nang at night. Plus, I’ve covered the practical stuff, such as how to get to Da Nang and the best neighbourhoods to stay in.

Table of Contents

Da Nang Itinerary: Is Da Nang worth visiting?

It’s easy to see why so many people overlook Da Nang in central Vietnam. Those who are searching for cities often make a beeline for Ho Chi Minh City in the south or Hanoi in the north, Vietnam’s two biggest cities.

Those who are looking for beaches tend to travel to remoter stretches of Vietnam such as Phu Quoc or Ha Long Bay.

Then, there are the people who visit central Vietnam with the sole purpose of seeing Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site well-known for its ancient town with lantern-draped canals and and temples.

Da Nang should not be underestimated. Unlike the above destinations, Da Nang is a jack of all trades. It has mountains, beaches, and a gridlocked city.

It’s also a foodies’ haven and a great spot for adventurous types to surf, bike mountain passes, and trek through lush, green landscapes on the peninsula’s nature reserve. Any Da Nang itinerary will be varied, that’s for sure.

ESCAPE CHEAT SHEET

Planning your big escape? These are the booking resources I return to time and time again.

Book your hotel or hostel on Booking.com or Hostelworld .

Protect against accidents and emergencies with insurance from Staysure or SafetyWing .

Find a tour or experience on Get Your Guide .

Travel the world for free with TrustedHousesitters .

Da Nang Itinerary: How to get to Da Nang Vietnam

Before you begin your Da Nang itinerary, you need to know how to get there. There are several ways to get to Da Nang, with train travel being the best compromise between cost and comfort.

However, this all depends upon your start destination, budget, and personal preference.

If you’re visiting Da Nang from destinations in central Vietnam,  taking a local bus is cheap and comfortable.  Simply use a search engine to look for the local bus timetables or ask your hotel, hostel, or homestay for directions.

Travelling to Da Nang by train is cheaper than travelling by air and it’s also more comfortable than taking a night bus. Compared to a night bus, trains provide air conditioning and significantly cosier beds.

They can be booked online through  12go  or  Baolao .

Da Nang International Airport has regional and international connections. If you’re arriving from the south or north of Vietnam, arriving by  plane is the quickest and most convenient option  due to the huge size of the country.

A plane ticket will be more expensive than a bus or train ticket. When you arrive into the airport, a taxi into the centre of Da Nang should cost an additional 150,000-180,000 VND (approximately £5-6). Use the  Grab  app, which lets you boos a taxi from your smartphone (a lot like Uber).

3. Night bus

Another way to get to Da Nang is by travelling on a night bus. Buses run between most major Vietnamese cities. If you’ve ever watched Harry Potter, the buses are similar to the Knight Bus set-up: there are reclining bunk beds with handrails and narrow alleyways.

The buses are often over-booked, so many people must sleep on the floor. It’s not a luxurious experience, but it will definitely go down in the memory books.

Night buses are the cheapest way to travel long distances  across Vietnam. To compare the best prices and journey times for your Da Nang itinerary, I’d recommend using  Check My Bus . This is the site I used to book all of my night buses in Vietnam.

Da Nang Itinerary: Things to do in Da Nang Vietnam

1. visit the marble mountains.

The Marble Mountains are the number-one place to visit on your Da Nang itinerary. Located in south Da Nang, they are a short and cheap 10-minute Grab ride from downtown.

They’re not really mountains, as the typical description goes. They are steep marble and limestone hills, each named after the five elements: Thuỷ (water), Mộc (wood), Hoả (fire), Thổ (earth), and Kim (metal).

Over the years, Mahayana Buddhists and Nguyen Dynasty Kings have erected grottoes, pagodas and shrines on the mountains.

Many of the statues and temples are intertwined with vines and green shrubbery or doused in pink petals from poinciana trees overhead. These make the sites look even more impressive.

There are a handful of caves and tunnels around the Marble Mountains, including the Huyen Khong cavern. The cavern was once a field hospital for revolutionaries, but it now houses a huge Buddhist shrine. Visitors are welcome to look around the caves and clamber through the tunnels to visit viewpoints over the sea and Da Nang’s distant rooftops.

Entry to the Marble Mountains only costs  40,000 VND  (approximately £1.30). You should wear practical shoes, as there’s a significant climb to the top of the mountains using stone staircases. If you want to enter the temples, you’ll need to dress modestly.

2. Snorkelling and surfing at My Khe Beach

Lined with seafood restaurants, bamboo basket boats, and palm trees, My Khe Beach stretches from the Sơn Trà Peninsula, all the way to the Marble Mountains.

It’s the kind of beach you’d expect to see when emerging from the jungle, rather than from a city like Da Nang, especially given the fine white sand towards the Sơn Trà Peninsula. This makes it an essential on any Da Nang itinerary.

The beach sees its fair share of gentle surf, making it a great spot for surfing in Da Nang. There are surf shacks along the beach that rent out surfboards for a fee, as well as kiosks where you can rent snorkelling gear.

If that’s too energetic for you, just grab a coconut and a sunlounger from a vendor and watch the action from the sand.

If you’re interested in the history of the beach, My Khe is known locally as China Beach. It’s the first site where American troops invaded Vietnamese shores during the Vietnam War.

Travel insurance is essential for any trip abroad. If you’re in an accident or experience an emergency, you need adequate cover. I recommend  Staysure  for single or multiple trips per year and SafetyWing for digital nomads.

3. Check out the street food scene

Whether it’s seafood skewers, sweet soup, or noodle broths, Da Nang’s street food scene is well-reputed.

As the city borders the sea, some of the main specialties at the best  restaurants in Da Nang  are seafood such as shrimp, grilled oysters, squid, and sea snails. You’ll see plenty of this displayed in the tanks outside of the beachfront restaurants.

Da Nang has many more specialties that you must include in your Da Nang itinerary, including the dishes below:

Bánh xèo (stuffed rice pancake):  It’s easy to track down bánh xèo in Da Nang because it’s sold just about anywhere: kiosks, markets, cafés, and restaurants. This isn’t a sweet dish dripping with syrup, but rather a savoury pancake fashioned from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. It’s thin and delectably crispy, and the ideal texture for chefs to roll and stuff the pancake with a combination of onion, mushroom, beansprouts, pork, and shrimp.

Mì Quảng (central Vietnamese rice noodles) :  Mì Quảng is a staple dish in central Vietnam, which originated from Quảng Nam Province, just under 100 kilometres away from Da Nang. It’s a yellow noodle broth infused with turmeric and other herbs such as coriander, garlic, and basil.

Traditionally, it’s served with rice noodles, egg, beansprouts, and either shrimps or pork, although there are plenty of other variations around the city and central Vietnam.

Vietnamese ice cream:  Ice cream in Da Nang is another food with a savoury twist. Sold from street kiosks, markets, and restaurants, common flavours include durian, avocado, and coconut.

The base is usually coconut cream, rather than dairy, and toppings aren’t sprinkles. They’re more like coconut flakes, sticky rice, or chopped nuts.

Bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo (rice paper pork rolls):  This tasty creation consists of pork wrapped in rice paper and glazed with spicy and sweet fish sauce. Grab it as a snack or make a meal out of it.

Chè (sweet soup) :  Chè is a traditional Vietnamese dessert. Expect to be served a large bowl of a milk-like substance, mixed with shaved ice and green jelly. It’s not milk: sweet soup is based around coconut cream and common ingredients include mung beans, fruit such as durian or mango, grass jelly, tapioca, and black-eyed peas. It’s a required taste, but it’s a dish you should definitely try out.

If you’re gluten intolerant like me, your next question might be about how easy it is to find  gluten free food in Vietnam  and Da Nang. I created a separate guide to help you find safe, traditional dishes.

4. Check out Dragon Bridge

Dragon Bridge dominates Da Nang’s landscape. The 666-metre-long golden dragon snakes over a six-lane bridge that passes over the river Han, and it’s designed to represent the fire-breathing dragon in the Ly Dynasty in Vietnam, a symbol of growth and good luck.

On your Da Nang itinerary, you will pass by the bridge on the journey from Da Nang International Airport to downtown. Otherwise, make your way there to marvel over the architecture and take your pictures. A great time to visit is on  weekends at 9pm , which is when the light show takes place.

5. Cruise along the Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van Pass has rightfully earned its spot as one of the best riding roads in Vietnam (and one of the best parts of any Da Nang itinerary).

Starting from Cầu Liên Chiểu on the northern side of Da Nang, the mountain pass (which fittingly translates to ‘ocean clouds’) is 21 kilometres long.

It weaves between mountains carpeted in thick jungle and past cliffs that jut out over the South China Sea. It’s also the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, at 500 metres above sea level.

It’s suitable for bikes and cars, so if you have an international license, rent a vehicle for the day and (slowly) take on the hairpin turns.

There are French fortifications that you can visit on the route, as well as eateries and vendors selling refreshments. The road ends at Lang Co Beach, a wild and remote beach with shallow swimming water and a lagoon.

6. Go monkey-spotting on the  Sơn Trà Peninsula

The Sơn Trà Peninsula is Da Nang’s dedicated wildlife haven, beginning at the northern end of My Khe Beach. Legend says that fairies once occupied Sơn Trà to dance, be merry and play chess, hence it’s also known as ‘the fairies’ landing place’.

Fairies aside, the peninsula is magical. At 700 metres above sea level, it has views over the city, which is framed on either side by the sea.

The peninsula’s primeval jungles and forests are sprawling with wildlife too, including the red-shanked douc, an old-world monkey that has a yellow-red face and orange-brown legs (hence the peninsula’s other name, ‘Monkey Mountain’).

There are roads around the nature reserve for cycling, hiking, or scootering. Other highlights include the Giant Banyan Tree, at least 1000 years old, and the Linh Ung Pagoda, a peaceful temple with a huge statue of Lady Buddha.

7. Take a cooking class on a Da Nang farm

If you’re impressed by Da Nang’s street food, it’s likely you’ll want to recreate some of the dishes at home.

Handily, there are plenty of cooking classes available around Da Nang that will teach you about Vietnamese cuisine and culture, including the art of creating crispy tofu, canh chua ca fish soup, and deep-fried spring rolls.

Many of them are based on family-run farms on the outskirts of the city. Some of the classes begin by taking you to the market so that you can learn how to shop and select the best food.

Book your Vietnam cooking class:

This  Da Nang/Hoi An cooking class  visits a local farm and includes a herbal massage.

8. Explore the coral reefs and fishing villages on the Chàm Islands

A 15-kilometre boat ride from Da Nang, the Chàm Islands are a cluster of eight islands known for their coral reef. Not only are they a great snorkelling and diving location between March and October, but the islands also have a variety of traditional fishing villages where visitors can look around.

The biggest island, Hòn Lao, is the best for a Da Nang itinerary. It has several fishing villages, Buddhist temples, and plenty of seafood diners and watersports rentals.

The boat ride to and from the islands should take around an hour. The public ferry departs from Cua Dai pier, a short drive south of Da Nang, or excursions will take you there by speed boat.

Da Nang Itinerary: Things to do in Da Nang at night

1. watch the sunset at my khe beach.

My Khe Beach may be lovely in the daytime, but it is stunning at sunset. The sun sets behind the sea, casting a yellow and orange hue over the waves and framing the city in a golden light (ideal for golden-hour photography).

Lined with seafood restaurants, you might want to find somewhere to set yourself down in full view of the beach sunset or simply stretch out on the sand and wait for the colour show. You’re sure to find some locals doing the same.

2. Shop at the night market

You may have already visited a market in the day, as part of a cooking class or on your own wanders. However, the Hoa Khanh market runs into the evening, and as well as clothes and other little bits, there are street food stalls selling traditional dishes and sweet treats.

3. Watch the weekend light show at Dragon Bridge

If your Da Nang itinerary coincides with the weekend, make your way to Dragon Bridge for 9pm. This is when the Dragon Bridge light show takes place. The bridge is lit up and the dragon showers the bridge in water and ’embers’.

Be warned, if you stand too close, you might get wet – although, that’s all part of the fun.

4. Explore Da Nang’s nightlife.

Da Nang has a pretty sizeable nightlife scene and most of it is congregated around downtown. They include reggae bars, rooftop bars, live jazz, and other live music.

The most popular rooftop bar in Da Nang is  Sky36 , which has views over Dragon Bridge and the twinkling city lights, but there are other more affordable bars with rooftops and balconies scattered around the city.

Cocktails are often served in teapots, bamboo stalks, and other jazzy glasses. Popular bars for expats and travellers in Da Nang include  Bamboo2Bar  and  Golden Pine Pub .

Da Nang Itinerary: Where to stay in Da Nang

The next consideration for any Da Nang itinerary is where to stay in Da Nang. If you’re travelling solo or looking to meet friends, staying in a hostel, through  Hostelworld , is the easiest way to find a travel buddy.

Otherwise,  Booking.com  is a seamless and simple way to book hotels and guesthouses in Da Nang.  Homestay  is another great option, as you’ll get to stay in the home of a local. They can point you in the direction of real locals’ haunts.

The following neighbourhoods are the best places to stay in Da Nang:

My Khe beach:  The strip beside My Khe beach is ideal for those who are planning to spend a lot of the time soaking in sun, snorkelling, or surfing. While you won’t be right in the action of downtown, it’s still a 10-minute walk away, and it’s also a short drive from the Marble Mountains and a good base for exploring the Sơn Trà Peninsula.

Downtown Da Nang : If you’re planning on spending a lot of time scoping out the street food, markets, and nightlife, you should stay in downtown Da Nang. This neighbourhood is close to Dragon Bridge and within walking distance of the beach.

Non Nuoc Beach:  If you’re looking for a peaceful place to stay, perhaps as a family or a couple, Non Nuoc Beach is a great option. It’s a 15-minute drive south of My Khe beach and a shorter drive from the Marble Mountains and Hoi An than downtown or My Khe.

You can use the following map tool from Booking.com to search for accommodation in the best areas of Da Nang:

Da Nang Itinerary: Places to visit near Da Nang

Once you’ve finished your Da Nang itinerary, you might want to extend your Vietnam adventure elsewhere.

Luckily, this central Vietnam location is not far from the following destinations, which include a theme park and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hoi An: a 45-minute drive

Hoi An is an ancient town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a well-preserved 15th to 19th-century port. It is best known for its canals and atmospheric lanterns. Activities include fishing, cooking classes, gondola or basket boat rides, lantern crafts, and touring temples and tombs.

Ba Na Hills: an hour and 20 minutes’ drive

Ba Na Hills is a theme park best known for its Golden Bridge, which is cradled by huge golden hands. It also has an alpine coaster, a French-themed village, arcades, and plenty of theme park rides.

If the weather’s right and there’s no rain forecasted, the theme park rides should all be open (I made the unfortunate decision to visit during a rainy period, which meant almost all of the park was shut down). The best part, in my opinion, is the cable car ride, which glides over forest-clad mountains and has views all the way over the sea.

Book a  shared shuttle bus to Ba Na Hills from Da Nang or Hoi An  or make things easier by taking an organised  day tour from Da Nang .

My Son Sanctuary: an hour and 10 minutes’ drive

My Son Sanctuary is a collection of Hindu temples that have crumbled into ruins. They were built between the 4th and 14th centuries, and they have now been established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Book a  shuttle bus from Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary  or book a  full-day tour of My Son Sanctuary from Da Nang .

If you’re continuing your travels past  Vietnam , you might want to consider visiting other destinations in Asia such as  Bali .

It’s a good idea to visit Hoi An and Da Nang separately, as they have many different attractions. That being said, accommodation in Da Nang is typically cheaper than accommodation in Hoi An, and it’s only a 40-minute drive from the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Several days should be sufficient to visit Da Nang, although you may want to factor in more time if you’re planning to take excursions to local islands, ride the Hai Van Pass, or visit the Ba Na Hills.

The best time to visit Da Nang is generally between February and May. This is the dry season, when there is little rainfall. High tourist season begins in April and ends in August, meaning you can also avoid some of the biggest crowds.

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Perfect 4-Day Da Nang Hoi An Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

Are you planning to visit Central Vietnam and need help with Da Nang Hoi An itinerary? 

No worries! This perfect 4-day Da Nang Hoi An itinerary will give you the best and most detailed recommendations for each day so that you can make the most out of your Da Nang and Hoi An trip! 

Let’s dive in!

How Many Days Should I Stay in Da Nang and Hoi An

When is the best time to visit da nang and hoi an, what to prepare for your da nang and hoi an trip , where to stay in da nang and hoi an, the ideal da nang hoi an itinerary for 4 days, day 1: arrival – da nang city – hoi an ancient town – hoi an hotel check-in, day 2: my son sanctuary – tra que vegetable village – water coconut village , day 3: hoi an hotel checkout – hue imperial city – da nang hotel check-in, day 4: ba na hills – departures, explore da nang, hoi an, and hue with phoebe & besties, frequently asked questions.

If you want to have a whale of a time and hit up all the famous spots, plan to spend 4-5 days on your Da Nang Hoi An itinerary. Of course, if you have more time, it’s definitely worth it to spend even months exploring these beautiful destinations. But if you try to rush through in less than 4-5 days, you may end up feeling like you’re racing against the clock and missing out on the true beauty of the region.

So that’s why we’ve compiled the perfect 4-day itinerary for Da Nang and Hoi An, with local tips and insights from experienced local guides. Our itinerary includes not only must-visit destinations but also tips to help you make the most of your time and minimize transportation costs.

Get ready to be blown away as we take you from the lively city to charming ancient towns and breathtaking beaches! 

To have the best experiences while exploring this iconic tourist hub, you must keep an eye on the weather. So let’s find out the best time to visit Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue .

Lying in Central Vietnam, the weather in Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue mixes the characteristics of both the North and the South. There are two seasons that can be clearly seen: the dry from January to July and the monsoon from August to December. In addition, you should be aware that the peak domestic tourism season runs from May to August – a perfect time for family trips when children are on summer vacation.

My suggestion for your Da Nang Hoi An itinerary is to hit up Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An during the spring season (January – March). This way, you can avoid taking soggy photos in rain gear, and you won’t have to hustle through hordes of people.

• Valid identity papers . You’ll need to bring your passport and any necessary visas. Don’t forget to double-check the expiration dates and make photocopies of your documents, just in case.
• Local markets . Local markets, such as Han Market and Con Market in Danang, or Dong Ba Market in Hue city, are the most convenient and popular places for international visitors to exchange money. Currency exchange places can also be found near jewelry shops. In Hoi An, it’s easy to exchange money while wandering through the ancient town. Keep an eye out for signs indicating currency exchange services along the way. 
• Banks . There are many banks where you can exchange currency. Some of the most popular banks include Vietcombank, BIDV, and Techcombank. But the rate is low and they may require identification and paperwork, as well as have limited hours of operation.
• Airport and hotels . Travelers can exchange their money at the airport when landing in Da Nang or hotels. It’s pretty convenient but it’s important to keep in mind that they may have low exchange rates. 
• Weather-appropriate clothing . Da Nang and Hoi An have a tropical climate, so pack light and comfortable clothing. If you plan on visiting Ba Na Hills, it’s important to note that the weather can get colder at the top. Therefore, bring jackets and scarves if you want to fully enjoy this Disneyland in Vietnam.
• Comfortable footwear. There are plenty of sights to see in Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue, and you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. So bring comfy shoes that can withstand long walks and uneven terrain.
• Medical necessities. If you have any health problems, it’s important to bring your medication and prescription with you. And remember to prepare pills for motion sickness, you may need them for cable cars and boat rides.

Da Nang and Hoi An are both worth staying overnight. They have their own uniqueness and interests, amazing you and bringing to you different experiences. 

Da Nang is the symbol of a young, modern city representing Vietnamese development. It’s  famous for Ba Na Hills and stunning beaches. You should spend 2 nights in Da Nang. One in the center, so you can feel how vibrant and energetic the city is. 

We suggest the Brilliant Hotel . It is located in the city center, close to popular tourist spots like the Han River, Dragon Bridge, and Da Nang Cathedral. With prices ranging from $36 to $54 per night, the hotel provides excellent services and a comfortable stay. 

Another night you should stay at a hotel near the beach. Imagine waking up at the crack of dawn, taking a few steps to the beach, sitting on the fine white sand, and watching a peaceful sunrise.

If you seek a comfortable and luxurious place to stay, Intercontinental Da Nang is the perfect getaway after a day of exploring. This stunning resort is situated on the pristine Son Tra Peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and easy access to the city’s top attractions. You can indulge in multiple dining options, and world-class spa treatments, and relax in spacious accommodations.

However, if you’re on a shoestring budget, here are some recommendations for you with the price from $13 per night: 

• Touch Da Nang Hostel : This hostel is located in Son Tra Peninsula, and offers affordable dormitory-style rooms while providing good services. 
• Memory Hostel Danang : This hostel is located in the city center and offers affordable dormitory-style rooms with a simple and clean design.

Compared to Da Nang, Hoi An has a unique ancient beauty characterized by antique architecture. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss the Hoi An lantern festival . It will allow you to immerse yourself in a landscape rich in culture and tradition and participate in a party of colors that is truly one-of-a-kind.

You should choose hotels close to Hoi An Ancient Town to admire colorful lanterns that light up in the evening and brighten the whole town with romance and charm. Here are some recommendations:

• If you are looking for something luxurious, River Suites would be a fit for you with the Old Town view and excellent services. The price is $35 per night. 
• If you want to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank, you can consider Hoi An Rustic Villa , just from $15 to $30 per night. A bit far from the town, but they have bicycles for rent, and riding bicycles is a great way to discover every corner around. 
• Another option you can put on your list is Little Hoi An Hotel . It’s proud to be chosen by Netflix Film Studio as one of the filming locations for A tourist’s guide to love . With only $60, you can get experiences in this unique boutique hotel in Hoi An. 
• If you’re looking for something affordable that also provides good services and is close to famous spots and must-try restaurants, consider  NGO House Villa & Homestay and Flame Flowers Homestay . Both options will satisfy all of your requirements. The price is ranging from $10 to $15 per night.  

Booking your accommodations in advance is a good idea for any travel season to secure a comfortable place to stay. Use apps like Traveloka or websites like Expedia and Booking.com to simplify the process and potentially receive discounts. 

For this itinerary, I recommend you book two hotels, 2 nights in Da Nang and 2 nights in Hoi An to enjoy both places to the fullest and minimize the transportation cost. So the Da Nang Hoi An itinerary for 4 days would be

• Day 1: Arrival – Da Nang city – Hoi An ancient town – Hoi An hotel check-in.
• Day 2: Water Coconut Village – Tra Que Vegetable Village – My Son Sanctuary 
• Day 3: Hoi An hotel checkout – Ba Na Hills – Da Nang hotel check-in
• Day 4: Hue Imperial City 

After arriving in Da Nang city, while heading to Hoi An Ancient Town, you will explore famous destinations in Da Nang on the road. Read our Da Nang Hoi An tour to get a picture of your Da Nang Hoi An itinerary. 

Start your adventure at the beautiful Son Tra Peninsula, home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Relax on soft white sand, swim in crystal clear waters, or simply take a stroll and enjoy the breathtaking views. 

The peninsula also boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, including macaques, deer, and many species of birds. Make sure to visit the sacred sites, such as the Linh Ung Pagoda with its 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha statue and Monkey Mountain. 

The next destination on your itinerary is the bustling Con Market. Here, you can find a diverse range of local goods and traditional delicacies, such as Bánh tráng (rice paper), and Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup). 

The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with enthusiastic vendors and locals bargaining for deals. Enjoy exploring the different stalls and sights, trying local specialties, and picking up souvenirs for friends and family back home! 

Leaving the Con Market, you will head to the Marble Mountains – a series of stunning natural formations that are believed to be over 400 million years old. They are home to several Buddhist sanctuaries and pagodas, including the Linh Ung Pagoda and the Tam Thai Pagoda. 

Water Mountain, also known as Thuy Son, is the largest and most famous of the five mountains. It is well-known for several important religious sites, including the Tang Chon Cave and the Huyen Khong Cave. Visitors can climb the stone steps to the summit of Water Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Finally, top off your trip by visiting the charming Hoi An Ancient Town, where you can get lost in the beautiful architecture and learn about the rich cultural history of the area. At 2 p.m, check in to your hotel in Hoi An and get ready to roam around the ancient town.

Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a well-preserved example of a South-East trading port from the 15th to 19th century. All visitors fall in love with Hoi An at first sight because of its ancient, romantic vibe and antique structures. 

Let’s stroll or ride a bicycle to discover the town’s highlights: the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Vietnamese House, the Chinese Assembly Hall, and Hoi An market. And don’t forget to try traditional games that bring you a taste of the local culture. 

The entrance ticket price is 80,000 VND (3.50 USD)/person/time for domestic guests and 120,000 VND (5 USD)/person/time for international guests. 

My Son Sanctuary was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, an artwork of the Cham people, illustrating the rich Cham civilization. Just 60 minutes from Hoi An by car, so it would be the perfect choice for the second day of the Da Nang Hoi An itinerary. 

You can discover ancient roads leading to the holy site and admire the unique architecture of the sanctuary. Don’t forget to enjoy a traditional Cham dancing show – a beautiful and mesmerizing display of the local culture and history. 

The show is held three times a day at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 15:30 p.m., and each show takes about 20 minutes.

The traditional Cham dancing show in My Son Sanctuary (source: privatecartransferhoian )

The sanctuary is open every day, including holidays and Tet, from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee for international visitors is 150,000 VND (6.50 USD)/person /time, which includes the fees for electric shuttle service and artistic performances. 

Leaving My Son Sanctuary, we will head to Tra Que Vegetable Village which is about 3 kilometers away from the Northeast of Hoi An city’s center.  

Source: VinWonders

What makes vegetables in Tra Que Village famous is the absence of chemicals used in the fields and special farming techniques of locals. Farmers harvest algae from a nearby lagoon to fertilize instead of using chemical fertilizers. It makes sure that what is on your table has the best quality, it’s less harmful, cleaner, and crisper. 

Cosplaying as a farmer is a way for you to have authentic experiences about rustic life here. With the fresh and crunchy cooking ingredients, it’s highly recommended to join cooking classes and enjoy your lunch. 

The ticket fee is only 35.000 VND/person/day (about 1.5 USD) for both sightseeing and farming activities. 

The peaceful life of locals (source: viator )

If Tra Que Vegetable Village makes your jaw drop by lush green fields and how peaceful the rural life is, then Coconut Village will put you in high spirits with exciting activities. Located just about 5 kilometers from the southeast of Hoi An Ancient Town, Cam Thanh Coconut Village or Coconut Water Village is famous for its vast and beautiful coconut forests. 

Let’s make things from coconut leaves or fish in the river using traditional techniques and take a basket ride. Sightsee tranquil scenery, and enjoy fresh and sweet coconut water. It’s a great chance for you to discover the coconut water ecosystem and dive into local habitats. 

Joining basket boat spinning if you are an adrenaline junky and don’t have any problems with the vestibule. However, just watching the shows with vibrant music is enough to help you create exciting and memorable moments. 

Basket boat dance in Cam Thanh Coconut Village

The entrance fee is 30,000 VND (1.30 USD)/person. For a basket boat tour, it usually lasts from 30 to 45 minutes and you can negotiate with riders to get even cheaper prices. 

Check out of your Hoi An hotel early and start your Hue adventure.    

Hue Imperial City is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Central Vietnam. Spending a full day exploring this incredible historical site is absolutely worth it. 

To get to Hue, you’ll travel about 125 kilometers from Hoi An, passing through Da Nang City and taking in the breathtaking Hai Van Pass – the top 10 most beautiful drives worldwide . 

If you want to get a sense of excitement and achievement when conquering winding roads, riding a motorbike is perfect for you. However, if you’re not confident about your driving skills, just sit in the car, put on your seatbelt and behold the magnificent panoramas. 

Once in Hue, you’ll be transported back in time to the days of the Nguyen dynasty, the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 through the Complex of Hue Monuments . This UNESCO heritage site includes the citadel, royal palaces, tombs, gardens, and pagodas. 

Don’t miss the King’s Tomb, Imperial City, and Thien Mu Buddhist Temple, which are highlights of Hue. Check out our Hue tour itinerary   for more information and activities. You won’t regret it!

Khai Dinh Tomb – a famous architecture in Hue (source: artandculture )

Take a 2-hour drive from Hue to Da Nang and check in to your hotel. Enjoy your night in Da Nang with food sampling in Son Tra night market or watching the Fire-Water Show on Dragon Bridge (at 9 p.m. every Fri, Sat, and Sunday night.)

On the last day of Da Nang Hoi An itinerary, you’ll spend the whole day visiting Ba Na Hills . Nestling in the stunning Truong Son Mountains in Central Vietnam, Ba Na Hills is a true paradise all in one, whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, or a taste of history in Vietnam.

It’s called “Disneyland in Vietnam” with impressive records – the cable car system with 4 Guinness records or the Golden Bridge – one of the most attractive destinations in the world in 2018 voted by Times Magazine. 

There are lots of activities to keep you busy. Take a stroll on the Golden Bridge, walk through the lush gardens, enjoy a wine tasting at the wine cellar or experience thousands of free indoor games at the Fantasy Park.

Hopefully this 4-day Da Nang Hoi An itinerary, whether you’re a first-time visitor or repeater, you can find useful information for your trip. Have a nice and wonderful adventure in Vietnam! We welcome you all and wish you the most!

There are no words or pictures that can truly describe the beauty of Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. So come and experience it by yourself! 

You need a companion during your trip, not a normal tour guide? Phoebe & Besties is here for that. 

Our Besties will help you explore the sights and sounds of Da Nang and Hoi An without minding the crowded and touristy bus tours. So that you can sink your teeth into authentic experiences and your jaw will drop when harkening to interesting local stories that we share along the way. 

Check out our blog Phoebe & Besties or email us at [email protected] for free tour recommendations now!

What are the must-visit attractions in Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue?

There are numerous attractions in Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue, but you shouldn’t miss the Lady Buddha statue, Marble Mountains, Hoi An Ancient Town, Water Coconut Village, Hue Imperial City, and Ba Na Hills. 

How long does it take to travel from Hue to Hoi An?

The distance from Hue to Hoi An is about 125 kilometers, so it takes about 3 hours to travel. 

What are the best local dishes to try in Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue?

Hoi An is famous for its Banh Mi, White Rose, and Cao Lau (a special kind of noodle). In Hue, you must try Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and Nem Lui (grilled pork skewers). Finally, in Da Nang, don’t miss out on Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake), Bun Cha Ca (Vietnamese fish noodle soup), and Mi Quang (Quang noodles).

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What to Do in Da Nang for 3 Days

Da Nang is a lovely coastal city in the middle of 3 Unesco world heritages Hue, Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary. This most worth-living municipality owns a poetic river running through its heart, uniquely-designed bridges, white sandy beaches and well-protected mountains (nature reserves). It’s also the base of the largest (busiest) airport, train station, bus station and harbour of the whole region. Thanks to these awesome landscapes and traffic convenience, it is no surprise that millions of tourists choose to spend their holiday here. Other reasons are Da Nang’s diverse cuisine, lots of hotels and hospitality of people. In recent decades, it’s transformed rapidly into “the little Singapore”, and by that, travelers will see clean, well-planned streets, spacious boulevards, breezy promenades along the river, plenty of trees and parks and more relaxing traffic culture.

3 days are enough to explore the finest of Da Nang and its sister city Hoi An (for a day). The trip may include the most-visited attractions, such as the Marble Mountains or the Golden Bridge, and Hoi An Old Town. This article provides an itinerary in which none of the highlights is missed, coupled with some other ideas to switch for fitting different travel styles. However, we recommend planning a week in this couple of famed tourist destinations. With a longer duration, you have time to fully discover the place you go to, taste all of the best local dishes and relax. A day trip to Unesco-listed buildings in Hue (former capital) is easy to arrange no matter where you stay overnight, Da Nang or Hoi An.

• Da Nang and Hoi An Itinerary
• Day Trips from Da Nang
• 1 Day in Hoi An
• 2 Days in Hoi An Itinerary
• 3 Days in Hoi An Itinerary

Table of content

• 1 A Quick Guide to Da Nang in Vietnam
• 2 Why are 3 Days Perfect to Visit Da Nang?
• 3 Get around Da Nang in 3 Days
• 4.1 The Marble Mountains
• 4.2 67m Lady Buddha in Son Tra Peninsula
• 4.3 Da Nang’s Beaches: My Khe Beach
• 4.4 Lunch: Da Nang Local Food
• 4.5 Museum of Cham Sculpture
• 4.6 Sunset in the Golden Hand Bridge
• 4.7 Dinner: Da Nang Seafood Restaurants
• 4.8 Da Nang’s Han River Cruise
• 4.9 Dragon Bridge Fireshow – Weekend Only
• 4.10 Nightlife: Best Bars in Da Nang
• 5.1 How to Get from Da Nang to Hoi An
• 5.2 Get around Hoi An Old Town
• 5.3 Sightseeing in Hoi An Old Town
• 5.4 Activities in Hoi An Old Town
• 5.5 Restaurants in Hoi An Old Town
• 5.6 Hoi An Old Town at Night
• 5.7 An Bang Beach (if need more beach)
• 6.1 Ba Na Hills, My Son Sanctuary or Cham Island?
• 6.2 Dinner: Da Nang Vietnamese Restaurants
• 6.3 A Night Market
• 6.4 Nightlife: My Khe Beach Bar
• 7.1 Why Should I Visit Hue?
• 7.2 Hue Day Trip from Da Nang by Yourself
• 7.3 Guided Hue Day Trip from Da Nang
• 8 What to Do in Da Nang for 3 Days with Kids?
• 9 Da Nang Private Tour Guide
• 10 Related Posts
• 11 Non Nuoc Beach: The Famous Beach of Da Nang
• 12 How to Get from Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary
• 13 Bach Ma National Park: Hiking, Trekking in Da Nang and Hoi An
• 14 Am Phu Cave Complete Travel Guide
• 15 Asia Park and Sun Wheel in Da Nang (Sun World Da Nang Wonders)
• 16 How to Get to Golden Bridge from Da Nang
• 17 Da Nang Food Specialties: What to Eat in Da Nang
• 18 How to Visit Golden Bridge Vietnam
• 19 Da Nang Shore Excursions: Guided Tours From Tien Sa Port
• 20 Han Market (Cho Han): Where to Shop in Da Nang?
• 21 Da Nang Cathedral (Da Nang Pink Church)
• 22 Things to Do in Ba Na Hills Besides Golden Bridge
• 23 Da Nang Half Day Tours
• 24 Da Nang Private Car and Driver
• 25 Da Nang and Hoi An Itinerary for Visitors Staying Overnight in Hoi An
• 26 Da Nang Things to Do: Guide to What to Do in Da Nang Vietnam
• 27 Da Nang Best Things to Do and Reasons
• 28 How to Get From Hoi An to Da Nang
• 29 Hoi An or Da Nang: Which is Better?
• 30 My Son Sanctuary Tour
• 31 Da Nang Best Area to Stay: Guide to Where to Stay in Da Nang
• 32 Da Nang Cave Tour: Best Underground Activities in Da Nang
• 33 Da Nang Best Time to Visit: Guide to Best Weather in Da Nang
• 34 Da Nang Weather by Month: Guide to Monthly Weather in Da Nang
• 35 What to Do in Da Nang At Night
• 36 Lang Co Vietnam Travel Guide
• 37 What to Do in Da Nang for 3 Days
• 38 My Khe Beach: A Complete Guide to Da Nang’s Best Beach
• 39 Da Nang Day Trips: Guide to Best Day Tours From Da Nang
• 40 Museums in Da Nang
• 41 Linh Ung Pagoda: Trio of Da Nang’s Holiest Mountain Temples
• 42 Da Nang Night Market: A Thing To Do in Da Nang at Night
• 43 Guide to Son Tra Mountain aka Monkey Mountain Vietnam
• 44 Ba Na Hills Tour
• 45 Da Nang Cable Car
• 46 How to Get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An
• 47 Da Nang to Hoi An: Best Da Nang Airport Transfer and More
• 48 Hai Van Pass Da Nang: Map, Route, Weather, History, Tour
• 49 Da Nang Attractions Guide: What to See in Da Nang Vietnam?
• 50 Lady Buddha Da Nang: The Best of Monkey Mountain Vietnam
• 51 My Son Sanctuary Travel Guide
• 52 Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture
• 53 Dragon Bridge Da Nang: The Fire-Breathing Da Nang Bridge
• 54 Ba Na Hills Travel Guide: A First Timer’s Complete Guide
• 55 Golden Bridge Da Nang: A Guide to The Iconic Da Nang Bridge
• 56 Da Nang Bridge: A Guide to Famous Bridges in Da Nang
• 57 Ba Na Hills Cable Car: World Record, Cost, Reschedule, Map
• 58 Da Nang Mountain Temple: Marble Mountain’s Pagodas, More
• 59 Da Nang Caves: Underground World of the Marble Mountains
• 60 The Marble Mountains: Guide to Da Nang’s Iconic Mountain
• 61.0.1 Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills Night Tour
• 61.0.2 Golden Hands Bridge Tour In Sunrise or Sunset (1/2 Day)
• 61.0.3 Cam Kim Island Bicycle Tour From Hoi An
• 61.0.4 Cham Island Tour From Hoi An (Group Tour)
• 61.0.5 Cham Island Tour From Da Nang (Group Tour)
• 61.0.6 Hoi An Vegetarian Food Tour
• 61.0.7 Hoi An Evening Walking Food Tour Through Laneways
• 61.0.8 Private Hoi An Basket Boat Tour (Shuttle Bus, Bicycle, Bike)
• 61.0.9 Half-day Am Phu Cave Tour (Private)
• 61.0.10 Hoi An Countryside Tour (Bicycle, Car, Electric Shuttle)
• 61.0.11 Da Nang Tour Package From Singapore
• 61.0.12 Hoi An Evening Tour From Da Nang
• 61.0.13 Hoi An Walking Food Tour Through Laneways
• 61.0.14 My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Old Town Tour with Thu Bon River Cruise
• 61.0.15 My Son Day Trip From Hoi An including Marble Mountains and Basket Boat
• 61.0.16 Half Day Hoi An City Tour With River Cruise
• 61.0.17 Son Tra Peninsula Tour with Marble Mountains (Private/Small Group)
• 61.0.18 Hue Day Trip From Hoi An with Hai Van Pass, River Cruise & Lunch
• 61.0.19 Hoi An Ancient Town and Countryside Tour (Bests of Hoi An Tour)
• 61.0.20 Hoi An Tour From Da Nang Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)
• 61.0.21 Hoi An Day Trip From Da Nang (Marble Mountains, Basket Boat, Old Town)
• 61.0.22 Da Nang City Tour From Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)
• 61.0.23 Hoi An City Tour with Lantern Class, Lantern Boat, Night Market & Local Food Sampling
• 61.0.24 Marble Mountains, Basket Boat Ride & Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour
• 61.0.25 Marble Mountains & Golden Bridge Day Tour with Buffet Lunch
• 61.0.26 Marble Mountains & Monkey Mountain Tour (Half-day, Private)
• 61.0.27 Private Golden Bridge Sunrise Tour (Half-day, Optional Lunch)
• 61.0.28 Hoi An Ancient Town & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)
• 61.0.29 My Son Sanctuary & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)
• 61.0.30 Private My Son Sanctuary Sunrise or Sunset Tour
• 61.0.31 Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Countryside Experience With Local
• 61.0.32 Full Day My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Countryside Tour With Local
• 61.0.33 Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Coconut Village Experience
• 61.0.34 Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountains and Hoi An City Tour
• 61.0.35 Half-day Marble Mountains Tour from Da Nang or Hoi An
• 61.0.36 Da Nang Cave Tour (Half Day Underground Tour in Da Nang)
• 61.0.37 Hoi An Old Town & Lantern Making Class (Morning Tour, Half-day)
• 61.0.38 Full Day Bests of Da Nang & Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour
• 61.0.39 Full Day My Son Tour From Da Nang with Da Nang City Tour
• 61.0.40 My Son Sanctuary Tour From Hoi An or Da Nang With Local Guide
• 61.0.41 Hue Day Trip from Da Nang or Hoi An via Hai Van Pass with Lunch
• 61.0.42 Full Day Golden Bridge & Ba Na Hills Tour With Buffet Lunch
• 61.0.43 Full Day My Son Sanctuary Tour & Hoi An Old Town With Local
• 61.0.44 Half Day Da Nang Museums and Bridges
• 61.0.45 Da Nang City Discovery
• 61.0.46 Da Nang at a Glance (The Best Half Day Da Nang City Tour)
• 61.0.47 Full-day My Son Tour From Da Nang or Hoi An & Marble Mountains

A Quick Guide to Da Nang in Vietnam

– Location: Central Vietnam, 100 km southeast of Hue and 30 km north of Hoi An

– Area: 1,255 km2

– Population: 1,134 people (2019) living in 6 urban districts (Hai Chau, Thanh Khe, Son Tra, Ngu Hanh Son, Lien Chieu, Cam Le), 1 rural district (Hoa Vang) and 1 archipelago (the Paracel, only soldiers).

– Names: Tourane by French colonists in 19 th  and 20 th  centuries, Xiangang or “the Clam Harbour” by Chinese merchants, Han or Kean by European geographers. Nicknames are “Little Singapore” or “the best liveable city in Vietnam”.

– Emblems: the Han River Bridge and the Marble Mountains

– Weather: The dry season is from January to July, and the wet season is the rest of the year. Average temperature of the whole year is 25,6 o C, hottest in June and coldest in February. From October to December, typhoons hit the area, causing local floods in some places.

– How to get to: From Hoi An and Hue, all road vehicles are convenient. If getting a flight, travel time is about 1,5 hrs from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Train ride from Hue to Da Nang is amongst the most impressive ones.

– Religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Protestantism, Caodaism, Confucianism, Taoism, folk religions

– Festivals: Quan The Am Festival, the International Fireworks, Beach Festival

Why are 3 Days Perfect to Visit Da Nang?

A 3-day itinerary is the perfect way to explore Da Nang for the first time. If just spend one or two days, travelers may visit with a rush (not fully enjoyable). The city has many attractions that are large and comprise numerous points of interest, so requiring at least a half of day. Precious travel time quickly runs out, and just seeing major sights or excluding some attractions from the itinerary are common solutions. If you are a repeat traveler, 3 days may be enough for relaxing and discovering famous sights missed in the last time. How about a longer duration? It’s great to participate in all things to do and know all things to see. Many people choose to stay overnight in Hoi An, besides Da Nang, to have more convenience to get around.

A week is ideal for relaxation and explorations in Da Nang and Hoi An, even including two arrival and return flights 

Get around Da Nang in 3 Days

– Walking: Distance between attractions in Da Nang’s historic district is walkable, so travelers absolutely feel it is easy to design a walking tour there. Just next to, the poetic Han River promenades are other favourites of pedestrians.

– Taxi and private car: Taxi is very convenient to get around Da Nang. There are many firms to choose from, with different costs and policies, but generally the price is about 15,000 VND per kilometer. In famous tourist sights, seeking a cabbie to go somewhere else is without difficulty. Private car rental is suitable for a day trip with many places in the itinerary.

– Motorcycle: This is the king vehicle in Vietnam, and a day rental is so easy to seek, with a price from 100,000 to 200,000 VND. Except for rush hours (early morning and late afternoon), streets are free from congestion and crowds of bikes.

– Bicycle: Rides around the city core are easy, thanks to really nice planning with boulevards. Riverside and seaside roads are the favourite of cyclists. Son Tra peninsula is nearby, owning winding routes along the coast and through dense jungles in higher elevations (up to 700 meters).

– Bus: Public bus network is wide and on all major roads in the downtown, visitors can catch a bus to move around (according to its fixed reschedule). Browse danangbus.vn to see routes, pick-up and drop-off points, and cost. Hop on hop off bus is another choice. Its itineraries are designed exclusively for tourists and tourist experience when cruises along the most beautiful roads, and stops in famous places. 

Exploring the Bests of Da Nang – Day 1

The marble mountains.

Not far from the city downtown, this cluster of 5 spectacular marble hills impresses visitors by its sudden emergence from the surrounding delta, Da Nang’s oldest Buddhist temples and amazing caves. Morning is the perfect time to sightsee and climb hundreds of steps on its slopes. Near the foothill, craft in carving stone sculptures continues from 16 th  century. 2,2 millions tourists visit here in the peak year.

Travel guide: the Marble Mountains

67m Lady Buddha in Son Tra Peninsula

In the north of the coast, Linh Ung Pagoda is home of the tallest Lady Buddha in Vietnam. It rises up to 67 meters, constructed from 2004 to 2010. People believe that the Buddha faces the city to shelter citizens from natural disasters. In the surroundings, there are grand worshipping shrines, bonsai gardens, scenic outlooks and bodhi trees.  

Travel guide: the Lady Buddha , Linh Ung Pagoda

Da Nang’s Beaches: My Khe Beach

My Khe is on the way from the Lady Buddha to the city center. This lengthy strip of fine sand was in the top of 6 world’s sexiest beaches by Forbes. Travelers can stop here for a couple of minutes to enjoy its beauty and stroll along the water edge by bare feet. If traveling by yourself, bring your own swimsuit.  

Travel guide: My Khe Beach

Lunch: Da Nang Local Food

Da Nang’s local foods should be a priority for the first lunch. There are so much choices to sample, such as Mi quang (noodles), Bun cha ca (fish cake noodles), Banh xeo (rice pancakes), Banh mi que (breadsticks) or Banh trang cuon thit heo (boiling porks rolled with rice paper and raw vegetables). Travelers can come to the nearest restaurant of a chain like Mi Quang Ba Mua or Dac San Tran, to see different dishes on the menu. Read further information in  our guide to Da Nang’s food specialties .

Museum of Cham Sculpture

Near the Dragon Bridge, this is the only museum in Vietnam that exhibits sophisticated sandstone sculptures and artworks made by the Chams. The people had their own kingdom from 2 nd  to 19 th  centuries along the Central coast. During the visit, travelers will see 400 of 2,000 artifacts brought from everywhere in the kingdom, including My Son Sanctuary world heritage.  

Travel guide: Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Sunset in the Golden Hand Bridge

40 minutes drive to the west, travelers will start an incredible experience on the world-record Ba Na Hills cable car, before landing near the Golden Bridge. Launched in 2018, the bridge soon became a social media hit because of its extremely glorious, surreal beauty. Two huge hands hold it gently, representing hands of the God of Mountain pulling a golden silk out from the hills. A visit here in the late afternoon assists to avoid the crowds and high temperatures.   

Travel guide: The Golden Bridge

Dinner: Da Nang Seafood Restaurants

Seafoods in Da Nang are really fresh, reasonably priced and prepared with delicious recipes. Travelers can choose a restaurant filled by locals, or a classy venue to dine out by the beach. In most places, there are many aquariums to allow picking living fishes and shellfishes, and requesting favourite ways of cooking. Citizens often drink local beer Larue with ice in the meal. See the top list in our article for  Da Nang’s seafood restaurants  and detailed information about each.  

Da Nang’s Han River Cruise

One of the best experiences in Da Nang after it’s dark, is seeing majestic waterfronts and neon-lit colorful bridges of the Han River from a cruise. It moves daily between Tran Thi Ly Bridge and Han River Bridge, the most sparkling body of water. During competitions of the International Fireworks Festival, seatings in every cruise are fully booked. The passengers aim to witness amazing performances of lights carried out by representatives from different countries. Read our guide about  Da Nang boat trip  for further details.

Dragon Bridge Fireshow – Weekend Only

On Saturday and Sunday, the Dragon Bridge spanning the Han River breathes fire and water. The showtime is from 9 to 9:30 p.m. Viewers can choose to stand on the bridge to see closer, on the riverside park below, on the balcony of a coffee shop or restaurant, or on a cruise.

Travel guide: The Dragon Bridge

Nightlife: Best Bars in Da Nang

Near Da Nang’s bridges, pubs and bars are diverse enough to please different types of travelers. Rooftop venues in Bach Dang St provide the best view of Han River, while in inner streets, it’s possible to see more social atmospheres.

Travel guide: Da Nang’s Best Bars

Hoi An Old Town World Heritage – Day 2  

How to get from da nang to hoi an.

45 minutes drive to the south, Hoi An Old Town is a must see in the region. Therefore, no travelers miss it in the travel plan. It’s easy to get by all road vehicles, and three most popular transports are private cars, motorcycles, and buses. The bus is the cheapest, costing 20,000 VND and the car rental is the most expensive, charging from 200,000 VND one way. See details in our guide here .

Get around Hoi An Old Town

Walking and riding a bicycle are most popular because motorcycles and cars are banned to move in the town for many hours of the day. If don’t have a bicycle, a rental is easy to make with just 20,000 VND. Parking is free in all places to sightsee and other tourist venues. For a more special experience, xich lo (or sit lo) is the choice thanks to its leisure cruise and chance to see the world from a three-wheels vehicle. Making sense of price before getting on, to avoid an overpriced pay.

Sightseeing in Hoi An Old Town

Within the Unesco world heritage boundaries, there are many historical places to sightsee, including old bridges, houses, temples, pagodas, assembly halls, family chapels, more. The entry to 5 of which is covered by a ticket, costing 120,000 VND. See where to buy and list of all places here . At the counters, should take a visit map to use while roaming around. Free attractions like temple gate, galleries, private museums, market, and more are also rich to allow visitors to keep fun throughout the morning. Due to lack of information, a local guide is needed to deepen the understanding about the history and culture of Southeast-Asian best-preserved trading towns.

Visitors often visit a coffee shop to have a break in the walking tour. Most shops serve both Vietnamese and western coffees, and some of which use high-quality beans and specialties. See the top list in our guide here .

Activities in Hoi An Old Town

Besides sightseeing and taking pictures around, visitors have other activities to do. There are cooking classes, handicraft workshops, watching traditional or art performances, food sampling tours, river cruise and more. All classes and workshops are hands-on, in which visitors will learn and make things from scratch by themselves with instruction from the artist. One of the cultural shows is included in the Hoi An Old Town ticket, available several times of the day, at the Traditional Art Performance House. A local food safari can be made by yourself, or with a guide who knows all secrets behind every dish. Approaching the waterfront, there are various boats and sampans there to pay and begin a ride across Thu Bon River. The best time is in the sunset. Should go to carpentry and pottery villages (and return), if liking to know more about local industry.

Fact: Lantern making class is most booked activity, giving a fun experience in creating a signature souvenir in Hoi An.

Highly recommended to read: Hoi An’s cooking classes, Craft workshops in Hoi An, Hoi An cultural shows, Hoi An’s food tours, Hoi An (Thu Bon) river cruise

Restaurants in Hoi An Old Town

Restaurants in and around Hoi An Old Town are so many and have a variety of style, wide range of prices. Due to cheap cost and many choices, locals often eat at the Central Market. If seeking a famous local specialty, visitors can come to Banh Mi Phuong to try its yummy sandwiches, which were loved by Anthony Bourdain. For a flavourful vegetarian dish, locally-run Quan Chay Dam is most visited. Besides Vietnamese foods, it’s possible to see South-east Asian, Indian, Northeast Asian, European and American cuisines. Bach Dang waterfront’s venues provide the best view down the canal.

Note: Street foods are diverse in Hoi An Old Town, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Therefore, many visitors choose to taste them instead of a meal in a classic restaurant. To understand deeply, book a guided food tour.

Highly recommended to read: Hoi An Old Town Restaurants, Hoi An’s Street Foods

Hoi An Old Town at Night

Lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Old Town is iconic and fairy beauty at night that is widely known around the world. Especially, in the Full-moon festival, visitors can expect thousands of colorful lights, folk games and signings to participate. There are so many photo opportunities. In addition to wandering around, getting a lantern boat ride in the canal is another way to enjoy, and see the town from a different point. Locals often light up a candle lantern, and drop it to the water (to pray). Walking across the bridge, the Night Market deserves a stroll, due to its diversity of products to buy, foods to try and chaotic ambience. Opened after it’s dark, lantern shops there are great backgrounds for instagram pictures. In the surroundings, visitors can take a cocktail in happy hours to unwind before going back to Da Nang (not recommended if riding a motorcycle).

Travel guides: Hoi An Lantern Festival , Hoi An Night Market , Hoi An Old Town Boats

An Bang Beach (if need more beach)

Only 3 km away from the Japanese Covered Bridge, An Bang is a stretch of fine sand edged by clear, rock-free waters. Sun beds to relax, and spaces to sunbathe are so many. A small fee is charged if using a bed but free if taking something from the menu. Visitors can have a sunset cocktail with breezy air and dinner with seafood platters here prior to going back to the town, to see lanterns and stroll along the night markets. On some selected nights, live music is held, giving such awesome dining experience. The best known venues are all by the coast.

Travel guide: An Bang Beach

Day Trips from Da Nang – Day 3

Ba na hills, my son sanctuary or cham island.

Because of the world-record cable car, breath-taking landscapes, mild weather, Golden Bridge, and lots of entertainment, half of the tourists in Da Nang choose Ba Na Hills to visit. It’s 40 km west of the city center. 5 more kilometers to the southwest, My Son Sanctuary comprises 70 Hindu temples and ruins dated back from 4 th century. It became a Unesco world heritage in 1999. With the same distance, visitors can go to Cua Dai harbour to reach Cham Island (marine park). A day tour there often includes snorkeling, beach, seafood lunch and walking tour to historic sites.

So which is the best for the 3 rd day? The answer is up to your style and budget, and the weather. In the typhoon seasons (October to December), Cham island tours are not available. On a rainy day, outdoor activities and sceneries in Ba Na Hills are limited, because of dense fog. Crowds and long queues are common in the hills in peak seasons. My Son holy land is a religious, archaeological site that your little ones may feel bored about. So, we highly recommend reading complete travel guides about Ba Na Hills , My Son Sanctuary , Cham Islands prior to making up your mind.

Dinner: Da Nang Vietnamese Restaurants

A Vietnamese restaurant is our choice for dinner in 3 rd day, because we know that we come to Da Nang to try local flavours. A bowl of Mi quang ech (frog variant of mi quang noodles) is only found in the city. That may be a special experience. If would like to know how a local family has dinner, some good places are close to the Dragon Bridge. Travelers will see different foods served at the same time, and arranged around the table. Besides a small bowl and chopsticks, it’s not difficult to ask for folks and plates. Heading over to a barbecue restaurant or a pavement stall definitely gives something interesting, or memorable about the city. Find out Da Nang’s best Vietnamese restaurants near you in our article here .

A Night Market

A stroll around the night market is a fun thing to do after dinner. Da Nang center has several markets like the Son Tra by the Dragon Bridge (largest), the Helio by the Asia Park. Both provide the chance to see, try, and shop from a variety of choices, with a reasonable price. Live music is performed every weekend. On Saturday or Sunday, people often come to Son Tra Night Market because of the fireshow in the Dragon Bridge.

Travel guide: Da Nang’s Night Markets         

Nightlife: My Khe Beach Bar

Before calling it a night, travelers can get a cocktail on the top floor of a high-rise building or a bar by the sands in My Khe Beach. While the venues with a view are chilly and breezy, the seaside ones provide a vibrant, social ambience. If you are seeking a late night party, go there and have fun. To meet more international friends, there are some awesome bars around An Thuong area to take a drink from bartenders and start conservation. See the best bars in My Khe Beach here . 

Hue Day Trip from Da Nang – Day 3

Why should i visit hue.

2 hours drive from Da Nang, Hue is the former capital of Vietnam, a seat of power for Nguyen emperors from 1802 to 1945. If visiting this city, travelers have the chance to marvel at the best (last) imperial citadel and mausoleum in the country. In addition to lots of history knowledge, there are plenty of photo opportunities in these Unesco-inscribed sites, such as the red corridors in the Forbidden Purple City or solemn statues at Khai Dinh tomb. Hue is also known for its hundreds of Buddhist temples, and the grandest (oldest) Thien Mu Pagoda is always in the guided itineraries. What travelers can expect next are dragon boat cruises along the beautiful Perfume River, a source of inspiration for artists and yummy local dishes from a very sophisticated cuisine. Between Hue and Da Nang, fantastic ride in Hai Van Pass and breath-taking scenery in Lang Co Lagoon definitely make the trip to Hue so worth it, good value for money.

Hue Day Trip from Da Nang by Yourself

Travelers can arrange a Hue day trip from Da Nang by themselves. If visiting with a local guide, everything is easier, from transport, do to don’t throughout the day. He/she is the key, because thanks to his/her explanations, travelers will understand deeper about places. Compared to organized tours, the largest advantage may be the cost that is cheaper than booking the same experience in travel agencies. See details here before making your decision to make a self-guided trip to Hue.

Guided Hue Day Trip from Da Nang

Booking a guided day trip from Da Nang to Hue is most popular. It often includes a ride up and down in Hai Van Pass and a stop to sightsee in Lang Co Lagoon before entering Hue city. There, travelers will learn about local history and culture in 3 of the Complex of Hue Monuments world heritage: the Citadel, a Buddhist temple and an emperor tomb. The dragon boat ride along the Perfume River and lunch with local foods are other highlights. See further details in Hue Day Trip from Da Nang .

Read travel guides also: Hue Imperial City , Perfume River Cruise , Tomb of Khai Dinh Tomb

What to Do in Da Nang for 3 Days with Kids?

There are many places that are suitable for all members of the family in 3 days. See our recommendations as following below:

– Museums: 3D Museum Art in Paradise, Upside Down World Danang

– My Khe Beach:

– Da Nang Childen Culture Center

– Amusement parks: the Asia Park, Mikazuki Water Park, Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park and the Wheel,

– Ba Na Hills cable car, gardens, French village and theme park

Da Nang Private Tour Guide

A local guide is needed in Da Nang (and Hoi An nearby) because it has historical places, museums and a large entertainment complex. Definitely with him/her, the 3-days trip will be arranged properly just for yourself. Not only learning lots of knowledge about the city and its attractions, travelers also save time (because don’t research) and use that to fully enjoy and relax. If the guide is a man, he may be a good buddy to chat, drink and have fun in nightlife spots. Ladies show how sweet they’re on the trip, on the other hand. English-speaking guides are easiest to find, and then to Asian languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean. Read our guide to know the best way to book a private tour guide in Da Nang here .

To be quicker, you can contact us and leave a message with your own requirements. Our whatsapp number is +84968009827 or email ([email protected]).

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Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is a highlight of the Han river waterfront. It’s established by French archaeologists to preserve intricate works of art of Champa kingdom, which ruled

Dragon Bridge Da Nang: The Fire-Breathing Da Nang Bridge

Praised to be the world's 30 most unique bridges recently, Dragon Bridge became the new icon for a Han river bridge in Da Nang. Spanning from the 100-years-old Cham Museum,

Ba Na Hills Travel Guide: A First Timer’s Complete Guide

50% of visitors to Da Nang plan to visit Ba Na Hills in their itinerary. It’s larger for first timers who may know about its inspirational Golden Bridge, world-record cable

Golden Bridge Da Nang: A Guide to The Iconic Da Nang Bridge

Recently-built but at the present time, the Golden Bridge Da Nang is one of the awaited attractions in Vietnam. On a slope of high foggy mountain, this delicate bridge and

Da Nang Bridge: A Guide to Famous Bridges in Da Nang

Da Nang has many bridges, and some of them are famous nationally and internationally. Before the recently-built Golden Bridge which made a boom in social media, people only knew bridges

Ba Na Hills Cable Car: World Record, Cost, Reschedule, Map

Cable car is one of the first ideas travelers think about Ba Na Hills, a Da Nang’s top attraction. It helps to shorten the time to get to the hills

Da Nang Mountain Temple: Marble Mountain’s Pagodas, More

Da Nang has many mountain temples where handmade architecture, natural sceneries and religious values are combined perfectly. So, travelers will see, enjoy and learn a lot about different things just

Da Nang Caves: Underground World of the Marble Mountains

  One of the priceless gifts Mother nature gives to Da Nang is an array of caves and caverns. Almost all are located in the Marble Mountains, a complex of

The Marble Mountains: Guide to Da Nang’s Iconic Mountain

Had been an offshore group of islands, geological activities shifted the Marble Mountains to the land some thousands of years before. Today, its marble hills rise suddenly up to over 100

Featured Tours and Experiences

Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills Night Tour

Golden Hands Bridge Tour In Sunrise or Sunset (1/2 Day)

Cam Kim Island Bicycle Tour From Hoi An

Cham Island Tour From Hoi An (Group Tour)

Cham Island Tour From Da Nang (Group Tour)

Hoi An Vegetarian Food Tour

Hoi An Evening Walking Food Tour Through Laneways

Private Hoi An Basket Boat Tour (Shuttle Bus, Bicycle, Bike)

Half-day Am Phu Cave Tour (Private)

Hoi An Countryside Tour (Bicycle, Car, Electric Shuttle)

Da Nang Tour Package From Singapore

Hoi An Evening Tour From Da Nang

Hoi An Walking Food Tour Through Laneways

My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Old Town Tour with Thu Bon River Cruise

My Son Day Trip From Hoi An including Marble Mountains and Basket Boat

Half Day Hoi An City Tour With River Cruise

Son Tra Peninsula Tour with Marble Mountains (Private/Small Group)

Hue Day Trip From Hoi An with Hai Van Pass, River Cruise & Lunch

Hoi An Ancient Town and Countryside Tour (Bests of Hoi An Tour)

Hoi An Tour From Da Nang Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)

Hoi An Day Trip From Da Nang (Marble Mountains, Basket Boat, Old Town)

Da Nang City Tour From Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)

Hoi An City Tour with Lantern Class, Lantern Boat, Night Market & Local Food Sampling

Marble mountains, basket boat ride & hoi an old town walking tour.

Marble Mountains & Golden Bridge Day Tour with Buffet Lunch

Marble Mountains & Monkey Mountain Tour (Half-day, Private)

Private Golden Bridge Sunrise Tour (Half-day, Optional Lunch)

Hoi An Ancient Town & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)

My Son Sanctuary & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)

Private My Son Sanctuary Sunrise or Sunset Tour

Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Countryside Experience With Local

Full Day My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Countryside Tour With Local

Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Coconut Village Experience

Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountains and Hoi An City Tour

Half-day Marble Mountains Tour from Da Nang or Hoi An

Da Nang Cave Tour (Half Day Underground Tour in Da Nang)

Hoi An Old Town & Lantern Making Class (Morning Tour, Half-day)

Full Day Bests of Da Nang & Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour

Full Day My Son Tour From Da Nang with Da Nang City Tour

My Son Sanctuary Tour From Hoi An or Da Nang With Local Guide

Hue Day Trip from Da Nang or Hoi An via Hai Van Pass with Lunch

Full Day Golden Bridge & Ba Na Hills Tour With Buffet Lunch

Full Day My Son Sanctuary Tour & Hoi An Old Town With Local

Half Day Da Nang Museums and Bridges

Da Nang City Discovery

Da Nang at a Glance (The Best Half Day Da Nang City Tour)

Full-day My Son Tour From Da Nang or Hoi An & Marble Mountains

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The only 5D4N Da Nang itinerary you need: including off the beaten path spots!

• May 17, 2023
• Asia , Destinations

5D4N Da Nang itinerary introduction

Need help planning a 5D4N Da Nang itinerary? As the third biggest city in Vietnam behind Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi , there is no lack of activities here, and we are here to show you the best things you can do in Da Nang. 

From the famous beach to the mountainsides, we cover a total of 5 days here, taking you to the best places to visit and finding the best food to eat.

If you want an organized and detailed 5D4N Da Nang itinerary, or to take parts of it to form your Vietnam itinerary, you should read on to get more details!

• Useful basics
• Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong, VND, and is approximately 23200 VND to US1.00
• Tap water is not safe to drink, so get bottled water instead
• 220V, 50Hz AC, Type A, C, and F plugs

Tip: Get yourself a VPN service to connect to the internet safely while traveling. It allows you to access your home content like Netflix and protects your online identity and privacy , all in a secure network. Try out NordVPN , one of the most affordable, reliable, and reputable companies out there, for only $0.10/day.

What's covered in this post

What to do in Da Nang: Save to Google Maps

Background about da nang, when is the best time to visit da nang, how many days in da nang, by land travel, getting around, which is the best area to stay in, da nang itinerary: how much does it cost to visit da nang, marble mountains, explore da nang city centre, my khe beach, dinner at com nha linh, nightlife at an thurong, da nang cathedral, lunch at pho bac hai, non nuoc beach, dinner at bep hen restaurant, son tra peninsula, day trips from da nang, ba na hills, da nang off the beaten path, guided tour options, da nang itinerary: is it worth visiting, logistics before visiting da nang vietnam.

Here is a Google Map that contains all the places covered in this Da Nang 5 Days Itinerary.

It contains 6 layers:

• Recommended hotels in Da Nang
• Off the beaten path places

How to use : Take note you will have to be signed in to your Google Account. 

• Click on the map below. It will open up in a new window.
• If you are signed in to your Google account, the map will be saved automatically.
• Make sure to do this step so that you can easily refer back to the locations even when you are offline.
• Next time, simply open up Google Maps again and find this map under “Your Places” –> “Maps”.

Expert tip: Be sure to download offline maps in Google Maps when you have an internet connection. You might not have data or access to WiFi, and the offline version will come in super handy.

While Southeast Asia has performed well economically, Vietnam has experienced a very high growth rate in the last decade, and Da Nang is one of the beneficiaries of this amazing spurt.

For the uninitiated, Da Nang is the capital of Central Vietnam, and functions as the hub for commerce and education, as well as being an important port city and has its own international airport.

Despite this, Da Nang remains a very laid back city and you will be glad that it is not as “crazy” as its bigger neighbours. 

While a lot of people are acquainted with the HCM and Hanoi, Danang is considered sort of off the beaten path for most visitors.

It is commonly used as a gateway to visit nearby towns such as Hoi An and Hue, where you can find some of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Also, it is in close proximity to the French mountain resort of Ba Na Hills with its stunning Golden Bridge.

However, skipping Da Nang will be unwise, as it is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

Thanks to the strong growth in its economy, Da Nang is one of the fastest changing cities in Vietnam, and every few days you can see new restaurants, cafes and shops sprouting up.

If you are open to exploring a bustling city with excellent Central Vietnamese food, you need to set aside time for Da Nang!

In short, avoid coming during the months of September to March , where the city experiences the highest rainfalls of the year. 

If you do come during this period, be sure to bring along rain jackets or small umbrellas. Good news is that usually the showers are just passing and will not last the entire day. 

A good time to visit will be during the cooler months of February to May , when it is transitioning to the hot season. In these few months, the weather is milder and rainfall starts to lessen. 

We recommend spending at least 3 days in Danang, but 5 days in Danang would be better if you want to visit the nearby historical cities of Hoi An and Hue. 

Getting to Da Nang

Da Nang is located about 780 kilometres away from Hanoi , and 605 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City, which means that land travel will typically take a pretty long time.

There are no bullet trains in Vietnam, and infrastructure is not at its best condition, so do take that in mind when searching for travel by either bus or train to Da Nang. 

For buses from Hanoi or Saigon, expect to take over 14 hours one way to reach Da Nang.

For trains, you will have to take the Reunification Express, which runs along the spine of the country. Train standards are not exactly high like those in Europe, so do manage your expectations. Rides from Hanoi and HCMC take over 15 hours.

It should be easy to see why we will not recommend using either of these options. We rather spend that time having fun!

For most visitors, it is likely that you will be arriving in Da Nang via air, and the city is served by a modern airport known as Da Nang International Airport (DAD) . 

It is conveniently located just 3 kilometres outside of the city, so a quick taxi ride will take you there.

Be sure to tell your driver to use the meter and not negotiate a fixed price. These will most likely work only in the driver’s favour. Prices should be within US$7. Choose from Vinasun or Mai Linh taxi company. 

Alternatively, save all the hassle by booking a private transfer right to your accommodation. It is only US$13 per person and there is simply no guesswork at all. Driver waits for you at the arrival hall, handles your bags, and then straight to your hotel. 

Easy peasy.

Private Transfers to City Center

Da Nang is pretty well developed in terms of the transport network, although they are sorely missing a metro system. 

Buses run often and are in pretty good condition, and in fact, in recent years there have been new fleets of buses being introduced. Prices are cheap, but getting around would take a longer time. 

Motorbikes could be useful if you know how to ride them. They are easily available for rental and the rates are pretty reasonable. This is one of the best ways to get around and gives you lots of flexibility. Check out Nguyen Hoang Motorbike at 114 Ly Thai To Street in Thanh Khe District.

Taxis are plentiful in the city of Da Nang, and therefore can be one of your best options to get around. As we mentioned, always insist on using the meter so that you will not be ripped off. It would be wise to write down the addresses of the places you want to visit so there won’t be any miscommunication. 

Grab is a ride-sharing app that is very popular in South East Asia, and much like how Uber works, you key in where you wanna go, place your order and wait for someone to pick you up. The benefit of this service is that you know upfront how much you are paying, and you can choose to pay by credit card too. They even have a GrabBike service where a bike comes to pick you instead. This is for short distances only. 

Da Nang is not exactly a huge city, but there are pretty diverse accommodations here. In general, your choice will be either to stay in the city center or by the beach, where there is quite a number to choose from. 

Here are our recommendations: (prices are estimates and will fluctuate throughout the year. Click through to get the lowest rates now!)

City Center Vanda Hotel, US$59 per night New Orient Hotel, King Suite, US$114 per night

My Khe Beach Stella Maris Beach Da Nang, US$62 per night Chicland Hotel, One Bedroom Apartment, US$223 per night

Son Tra Peninsula InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, $440 per night

Non Nuoc Beach Abogo Apartment Resort Beach Da Nang, US$210 per night

• Accommodation : US$60, twin sharing
• Food : US$8, 2 meals, breakfast in hotel
• Transport : $3 per day, twin sharing
• Total per person per day : US$41

Da Nang Itinerary: Day 1

The Marble Mountains stand out on the flat Da Nang landscape, and although the word mountain is a bit of a stretch since they are not that high, they do offer an excellent day excursion from the centre of Da Nang. 

The Marble Mountains are made up of 5 different limestone formations, each representing an element, Fire, Water, Metal, Earth and Wood. 

Back in the old days, it used to be sites of worship by the Cham people, who lived in parts of Southern and Central Vietnam. 

In this “mountain” range, you will find a myriad of activities, from exploring “Hell” and “Heaven” caves to rock climbing and abseiling. 

To get up there, you should start the day early before the crowd arrives, as this is a very popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. 

Once you are here, get ready to traverse seemingly infinite steps as you navigate around the area. There are 2 entrances here, one of which has an elevator to take you up, while you will have to climb up 156 steps on the other. Frankly, it does look steep, but it is actually a pretty easy walk up. 

Once you are up, take your time to explore the area. Most people only visit the Thuy Son, otherwise known as the Water Mountain, but do explore as much as you can, for there are surprises waiting to be discovered at every turn.

Some of the things you should not miss are: 

• Xa Loi Pagoda
• Linh Ung Pagoda
• Van Thong Cave
• Huyen Khong Cave
• Tham Thai Pagoda

While you are here, be sure to check out one of the viewpoints to get a nice view of the city. It is here where you can see clearly the flat plains of Da Nang and how it contrasts with its mountainous surroundings. 

You can take a public bus to Marble Mountains, as it is located quite close to Da Nang city. The bus ride should not take more than 30 minutes. The only problem is figuring out where the bus stop is. 

There are several bus stops in the city center, and if you want to be sure, we suggest you check with your hotel. 

Booking a driver or taking a taxi is the easiest and stress-free way to get there. 

Start time: 8.00 am Address: 52 Huyền Trân Công Chúa, Hoà Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam Getting here:  Take bus service 1 from Da Nang or hire a taxi or private driver Fee:  40,000 VND Opening hours:  Daily 7 am – 5.30 pm Time spent here:  2 – 3 hours

The district of Hai Chau is considered the centre of Da Nang, where there is a ton of commercial and touristy activities going on. It is located to the West of the Han River, and you should take some time to explore this area. 

Walking along its busy streets, you can find lots of delicious street food, local designer shops and unique cafes. 

If you need a reprieve from the heat, consider popping in to the Museum of Cham Sculpture , where you can view the relics and antiques of the Cham Kingdom. This is also the largest exhibition museum in Vietnam, so history buffs are definitely going to love this. Tickets are US$2 per person. 

After the museum, step outside and head towards the riverside to admire the Dragon Bridge , which is the longest in Vietnam, stretching out to 666 metres in length. 

The unmistakable shape of the golden dragon bridge is a pretty special sight, and you can also find a hive of activities around this area. If you are still around in the evening, you will be treated to a fire show, where the dragon spits fire out of its mouth!

Further, if you are up for some local market exploration, head over to the Con Market . This is where locals head to for their daily necessities, from fresh vegetables to homewares. 

Even if you are not buying anything, it is worth a visit to learn how the locals go about their daily lives, and appreciate this unique open market. 

Grab your lunch while you are in the area.

Start time: 11.00 am Address: Hải Châu District Getting here:  Take a taxi and drop off at your preferred start point.  Fee: Depends Opening hours: Daily 24 hours Time spent here:  2 – 3 hours

Most people visiting Da Nang will know about their famous beaches, and My Khe Beach is the star of the show. 

Situated on the eastern front of Da Nang, My Khe occupies a stretch of 10 kilometres starting from the Son Tra Peninsula all the way down to the Marble Mountains.

During the late afternoon, the weather should have cooled down, and it is a perfect time to walk down the white sandy beach and gaze into the clear blue skies, a combination that makes My Khe famous. 

The quality of the beach has been kept high despite huge numbers of tourists coming here, and along the beach front, you can find lots of luxurious resorts and excellent restaurants. 

Start time: 3 pm Address: My Khe Beach Getting here:  Either walk over from Hai Chau district or take a taxi Fee: Free Opening hours: Daily 24 hours Time spent here:  2 hours

Saunter down to the happening An Thurong street, where you will find one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Da Nang hidden in a quiet street.

Serving authentic local cuisine, you can consider getting a set meal if you are in a group, and we highly recommend the seafood fried rice!

The place is pretty clean, and offers both indoors and outdoor seating. 

Best part: prices are super reasonable!

Start time: 6 pm Address: 35 An Thượng 26, Bắc Mỹ Phú, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam Getting here:  Take a taxi from My Khe or walk around 15 minutes Fee: From US$3 Opening hours:  Daily 10 am – 10 pm Time spent here:  1 -2 hours

We are not party animals, but we do enjoy hanging out, watching the world go by and downing a few beers.

Over at An Thurong , there are several cool eclectic bars that fulfils this need.

Take your pick from casual to sophisticated, and certainly be free to make friends with the warm local. Throughout the night, you are going to hear the phrase “Mot Hai Ba! Dzo!” repeatedly, which is kind of like a chant of sorts.

Basically, drink up! 

Da Nang is different from Saigon in this aspect, as you will hardly experience this atmosphere since most of them are drinking indoors. 

You will be spoilt for choice, and we suggest you hunt down bia hoi, a very popular local brew in Vietnam. It is made fresh everyday and can be found on street corners or family style bars. Super wallet friendly too, since a glass typically costs no more than US$0.50!

Start time: 8 pm Address:  1 – 10 An Thượng, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam Getting here:  Walk from Com Nha Linh Fee: From US$0.50 Opening hours:  Daily till late Time spent here:  Depends on how much you wanna drink!

Da Nang Itinerary: Day 2

After a long day and late night, we sleep in a bit more than usual.

Starting the day off with a visit to the Han Market , this is where you will find 2 stories of locally produced food and wares. 

On the first floor is the food court, and be sure to try out local favourites such as Banh Xeo, Bun Cha Ca, Bun Bo Hue as well as the usual pho. You should also visit the snacks section and get some to bring home with you.

Moving up to the second floor, clothes merchants abound as they try to show you their latest designs, and you can even get your hands on a traditional Ao Dai, and for men, you can consider getting shirts and pants tailored here. The prices are cheaper than in Hoi An, but certainly not inferior in quality.

Although this market is slightly more touristy than Con Market, it is nevertheless as local as it gets. Definitely worth a visit any day.

Related: Phu Quoc Night Market Guide

Start time: 10 am Address: 119 Đường Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam Getting here:  Take a taxi or walk from hotel if nearby Fee: From US$0.50 Opening hours:  Daily 6 am – 7 pm Time spent here:  1.5 hours

Most of the time in Asia, temples are the commonplace religious sites, but there is a unique Church right in the heart of Da Nang, the Da Nang Cathedral . 

Built almost a hundred years ago in 1923 by a French priest, its facade is painted in a shade of light pink, distinguishing itself easily from all the buildings around it. 

Right now, it stands as the only church in Da Nang, and earned a nickname of the Rooster Church as it has a rooster weathercock right on top of its tower. 

While the insides are simply designed, it does offer a peaceful hall for followers to pray and give thanks. English sermons are held every Sunday at 9 am.

There’s a really nice courtyard outside the church where you can stroll around and admire the church.

Start time: 11.30 am Address: 156 Đường Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam Getting here:  5 minutes walk from Han Market Fee: Free Opening hours:  Daily 6 am – 4.30 pm Time spent here:  30 minutes

Take a short walk over to this local eatery to taste a classic Vietnamese dish, pho.

Over here at Bac Hai , super fresh ingredients are used and the broth is very tasty despite looking so clear and plain, a hallmark of a good pho. 

There are lots of local dishes that you can order too in this fuss free pho master. 

Start time: 12.15 pm Address: 185 Đường Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam Getting here:  5 minutes walk from Da Nang Cathedral Fee: From 30,000 VND Opening hours:  Daily 6 am – 11.30 pm Time spent here:  1 hour

Surely some of you would have heard the name Lotte, which is a conglomerate in Korea that has businesses in things like hotels to construction. 

Over here in Da Nang, you can find Lotte Mart , a hypermart that has over 20,000 types of products on offer! Shopper’s paradise? 

Within that mall, there is a pretty good food court where you can enjoy local cuisines in comfort, or shop for local souvenirs at reasonable prices. 

The star of the show is the supermarket, carrying such a wide range of products that you can easily spend a couple of hours here.

When you are happy with your purchases, find a cafe, sit down and enjoy a nice cup of Vietnamese coffee.

Start time: 1.30 pm Address: 6 Nại Nam, Hoà Cường Bắc, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam Getting here:  15 minutes taxi ride from Da Nang Cathedral Fee: Free Opening hours:  Daily 8 am – 10 pm Time spent here:  2 hours

Spend the rest of the day relaxing at another popular beach in Da Nang, Non Nuoc Beach .

Located further south of My Khe, it is an excellent alternative where you can enjoy the clean, white sandy beach with lesser crowds. 

While some of you might want to relax on a mat reading a book and sipping a cocktail, the active ones can take part in surfing and other water sports. Don’t worry, they have lessons for beginners too. 

Start time: 3.30 pm Address: Non Nuoc Beach Getting here:  15 minutes taxi ride from Lotte Mart Fee: Free Opening hours:  24 hours Time spent here:  2.5 hours

We head back to Da Nang city centre to find Bep Hen , one of our favourite places to have a meal. 

They are a family style restaurant, specialising in home cooked Vietnamese food. While you can attempt to order something off the menu, there’s no harm in trying out the usual fares, which are excellent in their own right.

It has a really cozy environment, and we would suggest taking the outdoor sitting on the wooden furniture. Nothing like a good old shack setting. 

Start time: 6.30 pm Address: 47 Lê Hồng Phong, Phước Ninh, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam Getting here:  25 minutes taxi ride from Non Nuoc Beach Fee: From 40,000 VND Opening hours:  Daily 10 am – 9.30 pm, closed between 2.30 pm – 5 pm Time spent here:  1 hour

Da Nang Itinerary: Day 3

For day 3 of this travel itinerary, we head out to the Son Tra Peninsula , just north of the city centre. 

To get there, you will really need to have a driver or rent your own vehicle. A motorbike will offer the best option since the roads are quite narrow and some parts cannot be reached by car. 

If you need a private driver for the day, your best bet would be to check online, where there are several independent operators. 

On Son Tra Peninsula, there are a number of sights that you cannot miss out on.

People come here for its natural beauty and during sunset, you can get the best views of the city. 

As you approach this stretch of land, a prominent statue welcomes you: the Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda. 

However, before you even enter the peninsula, we recommend that you make a pit stop along Man Thai Fishing Village , where you can still catch a glimpse of the lives of local fishermen and how they go about performing their craft. Sadly, due to the modernization of the city, what remains today is only a tiny window to its past. 

As you make your way towards the tallest statue in Da Nang, measuring in at 67 metres, be sure to stop by the Green Lake , a natural beauty hiding in plain sight. Lots of people do not know about this spot, but you will be able to easily locate it on your way to Linh Ung Pagoda. Bring your bathing suit along!

At the Linh Ung Pagoda, you can make your way out to the courtyard, where the massive statue stands facing the sea. It is said that a statue of Buddha was washed up in this area, and hence prompted the locals to build this religious hall. Today the Lady Buddha stands watch over Da Nang, especially its fishermen. 

Next, you can easily drive around the small land mass and explore the beaches, lighthouse,s and forests. Here’s what you can explore: 

• Grand Banyan Tree
• Monkey Pass
• Monkey Mountain 
• Tien Sa Lighthouse
• Ban Co Peak
• Bai Cat Vang Beach

5D4N Da Nang Itinerary: Day 4 and 5

For days 4 and 5 of this Danang itinerary, we head out of the city to its nearby towns. Take your pick from the following day trips.

• Hoi An Ancient Town
• Hue (make sure to go on Hai Van Pass!)
• My Son Sanctuary

Each of them will require at least one full day, so do bear that in mind when planning your transport and accommodation. 

Probably the most popular side trip from Da Nang, Hoi An is a UNESCO Heritage Site that is a great example of a SouthEast Asian trading port town. 

Take the day to walk the Ancient Town and check out the beautiful houses that remain from centuries past. One of the most iconic structures is the Japanese covered bridge , which lies in the heart of the town. There is a small fee you need to pay to go in, but we didn’t fancy that, and frankly it is outside where you can take the best photos.

If you really wish to walk through the bridge, come during late evening when the person collecting fees knocks off!

Beside the bridge, there are lots of little shops selling souvenirs and trinkets, and you should take the time to visit the main area as well as the small island where the night market is located. We love the Tan Ky old house, a well preserved manor from the 18th century that belonged to a merchant. 

When you need a break, we recommend that you walk along the Han River and get your hands on some delicious local food and wash them down with a beer.

Before leaving Hoi An, you might want to pick a lantern or two, which is an iconic local gift. 

Related: How to get from Da Nang to Hoi An

Hue was an imperial city that has a rich and long history, serving as the capital for 2 dynasties, the Da Trong and Nguyen. 

Massive stone structures were built during this period to fortify the Royal Palace, and within this huge expanse, there are lots to explore. 

Although the upkeep is not excellent, you can still witness some of the relics and monuments from the royal family, as well as appreciate how palace life was like through numerous exhibits. 

Since Hue is about 2-2.5 hours away from Da Nang, the best way to visit is by a private tour, which we did. 

The tour is a good option as it can bring you to nearby sights too, most importantly the Khai Dinh Tomb, a really unique mausoleum that combines both Western and Eastern designs.

Also, it takes you up on the Hai Van Pass, one of the best roads to drive on with stunning views all around. 

You will also not want to miss out Thien Mu Pagoda , the largest of its kind in Hue.

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Da Nang, possibly the number one. And indeed, you can tell when you step out of the cable car that takes you up this mountain entertainment complex. 

Due to heavy French influence, Ba Na Hills has been built with them in mind, so everywhere you turn, you will find buildings designed in that manner. 

It is essentially a holiday resort and theme park and boasts the longest cable car ride in the world. 

The ride takes you across the mountain valley, where you can admire the beautiful views around you as well as the greenery and waterfall down below.

It was a bit nerve-wracking though, suspended in a cable car for half an hour and swaying when the wind speeds start to ramp up. 

Overall, this French village is suitable for you if you have not been to Europe, or you wish to see another side of Central Vietnam. 

We were not terribly excited as there were simply too many people, so much so that the queue to try out the Alpine Coaster, a luge ride, snaked inside the building next door. We estimated the number of people to be around 150. Yup. 

And with the opening of the Golden Bridge, where there are 2 giant hands holding it up, the tourist numbers have since increased. 

If you do want to visit Ba Na Hills, the best way will be to take a tour as well, as you will be able to get some cost savings on the transport. 

It may seem to you that these activities are quite common, hence we decided to include some off-the-beaten-path activities in Da Nang for you to consider too: 

• Nam O Beach – secluded beach best for sunset or sunrise
• Hoa Trung Lake – a stunning lake about 40 minutes outside Da Nang. Doesn’t resemble Asia at all
• Paragliding at Son Tra – contact Viet Wings Hanoi
• Phong Nha caves – hiking, caving, and kayaking

We don’t usually recommend going for tours, but we do understand that sometimes it does make sense. Especially when the place you are visiting has undeveloped infrastructure. 

In Da Nang, the most flexible way to get around is by renting your own motorbike or making use of the plentiful taxis that ply the streets. 

However, if you wish to visit some places that are further away, a tour is the sensible choice. Besides those recommended above, there are a few here that we think will make good sense for you. 

Da Nang is young, up and coming, and vibrant. Without the madness of Saigon and Hanoi, it is definitely worth a visit to see another side of Vietnam.

Whether you are interested in culture or adventure, Da Nang has something suitable for you, and we were very pleased with our choice to go for Da Nang.

The only problem was that 5 days was too short! But it left a beautiful memory for us.

Hopefully, these travel tips were helpful to you.  

Have you travelled to Da Nang yet? Which day trip did you take? 

Don’t be shy, leave a comment!

If you found this guide useful, be sure to share this post on social media or simply Pin it to Pinterest!

Book a mobile router While WiFi is readily available in Da Nang, you can opt to have your own coverage and stay connected to the internet with a  mobile router . 

Find cheap flights. Air tickets are usually the bulk of your expenses. Set up an alert and snag cheap fares with Skyscanner .

Find the best accommodation. Book a place ahead of time to get good rates. Booking.com has transparent fees and excellent rates. 

Handy travel guide. For the old school kid in you, get a travel guide book and get lost exploring the city.

Photos. Your mobile phone can do a pretty good job, but if you need an upgrade, we recommend the Sony A6000 (US) (International)

Travel insurance. You don’t need us to teach you to be a responsible adult, do you? Get a quote here.

Planned for you activities in Da Nang. Need a guide to show you and your group around? Lots of operators here to choose from here. You know who they are and how they are reviewed. 

More resources to help you. All other useful travel resources we use when we book our trips.

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Da Nang itinerary: What to do and see in 1,2,3 days?

• Updated: September 8, 2022 Lina in Vietnam Itineraries 0 comment.

Da Nang- A paradise on Earth

The best time to visit Da Nang

Da Nang’s weather is described as hot, humid, and rainy during times of the year. Annually, the average amount of atmospheric humidity is around 83.4 percent. The rainy season lasts from September through December.

Visitors may select the ideal time to visit Da Nang, Vietnam based on a variety of variables, including personal interests. If you want to spend your holiday soaking up the rays,the best season to visit is from April to August, when there is less rain and more daylight, making it excellent for sightseeing and outdoor sports. It’s summer during this time, yet it’s not too hot. This is also Da Nang’s prime tourist season.

One day itinerary in Da Nang – Enjoy a true beach holiday

One day is too little for an interesting city like Da Nang. Obviously, you couldn’t visit many places in Da Nang. We highly recommend you spend most of your time enjoying the lovely beach in Da Nang and filling your stomach with delicious food. Here are some suggestions for your local sightseeing.

Climb Marble Mountain.

What can be better way to start the day than by climbing a mountain? The Marble Mountains, located in the city’s south on the way to Hoi An, are a cluster of five mountains named after the elements – water, metal, earth, fire, and wood.

Non Nuoc Pagoda – Marble Mountains

Since you will not have time to see all of the mountains, you can visit the largest and most popular, Water Mountain. Because all of the attractions are at the top, you can either climb a steep flight of steps or take an elevator. Getting up early and then climbing to the top of the mountain means you have a wonderful morning workout.It takes about 10 minutes to get there. Then you can visit the Sea Watching Tower for a beautiful perspective of the other four mountains.There are various pagodas on the mountain, including Linh Ung Pagoda and Tam Thai Pagoda. Check out the Lady Buddha when you’re at the Linh Ung Pagoda; it’s one of Danang’s three Lady Buddhas.

Lady Buddha – Linh Ung Pagoda

If you’re interested in caves, visit Linh Nham Cave and Van Thong Cave. A concealed route at the rear of the Van Thong Cave climbs to the summit for further views of the shoreline.

Visit Linh Ung Pagoda

Around the mountain, you can find Linh Ung Pagoda, a Buddhist shrine located on the Son Tra peninsula. You’ll see exquisite groupings of maintained bonsai trees as you enter the temple grounds.

The primary attraction of the pagoda is witnessing the renowned Lady Buddha, which stands 67 meters tall (219 feet). It is the city’s highest Lady Buddha – Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills. You may easily locate a location to enjoy the city’s breathtaking vistas.

Enjoy My Khe beach.

After spending the first half of the day exploring Marble Mountain, it’s time to treat yourself to an afternoon at My Khe beach.

My Khe Beac h

My Khe Beach is a 20-mile expanse of white sand located about 6 kilometers east of Da Nang. It was named by American servicemen who visited during the Vietnam War and is regarded as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches. My Khe Beach, which is home to a number of high-end resorts and seafood restaurants, is also a popular site for sunbathing, fishing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and surfing.

Visit Dragon Bridge (especially during weekend)

Going for a walk along the Han River is the best way to end a day in Da Nang. If you visit this city on the weekend, you will have a chance to appreciate the performance on Dragon bridge.

Dragon Bridge

The Dragon Bridge is the longest bridge in Vietnam, measuring 666 meters in length. The 6-lane bridge crosses the Han River and is designed in the style of a golden dragon, which people think represents strength, royalty, and good fortune. While it’s a spectacular sight at any time of day, Dragon Bridge is especially stunning – and packed – on weekends since it’s lighted with colorful LEDs and breathes fire and spits forth water from 9 p.m. (on Saturdays and Sundays only).

Da Nang must-try food

Da Nang is such a heaven for foodies, but with only 24 hours, you can not try all the food there. Choose wisely, and make sure you don’t miss any of the signature foods of Da Nang. Here are some must-try dishes.

Have only one day in Da Nang, and what are you waiting for except to enjoy the fresh, delicious seafood there? Da Nang is located on a 74-kilometer-long coastline with several wild islands and a magnificent peninsula to the north of the city. With so much coastline, Da Nang provides a lot of fresh seafood available all year. Moreover, the price is very reasonable, allowing you to fill your stomach with a whole ocean of seafood.

Da Nang fresh seafood

Banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling crepes)

Another must-try dish is Banh Xeo,  which are delicious Vietnamese crepes that are commonly filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, spring onions, and mung beans. The thin cracking crepe is created with rice flour, water, and turmeric and fried till golden on a hot pan.

This Danang specialty is served with a selection of fresh herbs and vegetables as well as sheets of rice paper. For fantastic taste, roll everything together and dip it into the peanut and pork sauce.

Banh xeo- Vietnamese sizzling crepes

Two day itinerary in Da Nang – Get out of town!

Having a 2- day trip in Da Nang will make your journey much more fun when you can visit Hoi An and experience many things there.You can use the previous schedule for the first day and here is the suggestion for the 2nd day.

Ba Na Hill – Enjoy the calm weather

A hill station called Ba Na Hills is about 45 minutes west of Da Nang’s downtown. It is a well-liked resort among both locals and tourists.

The most recent attraction is the famous Golden Bridge, which is also known as the Hands Bridge and is supported by two huge hands. The bridge stands at an amazing 1414 meters (4639 ft) above sea level. While you’re there, take in the spectacular views of the mountains from the bridge.

Golden bridge- iconic sign of Da Nang

Other enjoyable activities include visiting a French town and dining on European-inspired cuisine, strolling through well-kept flower gardens, and even visiting a Buddhist monastery. The temple is where you’ll find Danang’s third Lady Buddha. (The other two are in the Linh Ung Pagoda and the Marble Mountain).

Most people take a day trip to get here. Even though you can buy tickets and arrange your own transportation to get here, it will still be less expensive if you sign up for one of those all-inclusive guided day excursions that show you the park. This includes at least three cable car trips, plenty of time to visit the Golden Bridge, Linh Ung Pagoda (similarly called but not the same as the one in Son Tra), French Village, and a buffet lunch.

Hoi An- The Ancient Town

After a day tour of Ba Na Hill, instead of returning back to Da Nang downtown, head to Hoi An to enjoy the wonderful night life there.For good reason, everyone falls in love with this attractive city. Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that should be visited. It’s a simple 30-minute car trip from Danang to Hoi An, which we took with Grab.

Nightlife in Hoi An

Because Hoi An is very small, you can easily get to all the famous destinations by walking. The city is much more attractive at night, with illuminated lanterns throughout the walking area.

Da Nang- Hoi An must-try food

Bun cha ca (vietnamese fried fish cake noodle soup).

Bun Cha Ca is a noodle soup prepared with many types of fish cakes that is a must-try Danang local dish.

This fragrant, sweet, tangy, and savory broth is topped with fish cakes. The texture of the fish cakes is one of the most prominent and distinguishing features of this Da Nang dish.Springy and rich textures are preferred, and the variety of fish serves an important role.

Bun Cha Ca- Fried Fish Cake Noodle Soup

This aromatic soup is traditionally served with fresh herbs, limes, and chiles, as well as a tiny scoop of shrimp paste.The flavors are expertly matched, with a lemony, savory broth and flavorful fish cakes. It’s also nutritious because of the light broth and veggies. It is best to have this for breakfast before going to Ba Na Hill.

Com Ga – Hoi An chicken rice

Com Ga originated in China and was brought to Hoi An by Chinese traders who settled in Quang Nam Province. Many of these traders came from Hainan, which is just around 450 kilometers northeast of Hoi An.

Com ga Hoi An- Hoi An Chicken Rice

Com ga is a dish of shredded poached chicken with seasoned pilaf rice, shredded green papaya and carrot, fresh herbs, and a bowl of chicken broth with offal and cubes of congealed blood that may or may not contain offal and cubes of congealed blood. It’s one of those foods that appears bland yet is bursting with flavor.

Banh Mi Hoi An

Outside of Vietnam, banh mi and pho are two of the most well-known Vietnamese meals. Banh mi may be found pretty much anywhere in the country, but the tastiest sandwiches are thought to originate from Hoi An, and it all comes down to the bread. No one knows for certain why the bread in Hoi An is superior, although some believe it is due to recipes left by the French in the mid-1800s.

Banh mi Hoi An

Three day itinerary – A journey to the islands around Da Nang

Having 3 days in Da Nang is enough for you to visit all the best destinations in Da Nang. For the first 2 days, we have already given the detailed itinerary in the previous sections. So let’s start this itinerary from the morning of the 3rd day.

Cham Museum

From the 2nd to the 15th century, central and southern Vietnam were part of Champa. You’ll notice the Cham Structures, which are tall towers built of red bricks and decorated with stone carvings, as you journey across the nation.

Inside Cham Museum

The Cham Museum has nearly 2,000 Cham statues and artifacts acquired throughout the years as a result of the Cham people’s impact. You’ll find that Hinduism has influenced a lot of the artwork. Learning about Vietnam’s indigenous people is definitely worth the effort.

Cu Lao Cham ( Cham Islands)

After a visit to the Cham Museum, you can spend the whole day exploring Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands). This perfect destination is blessed with magnificent mountain slope topography and ecological variety.

Crystal water in Cu Lao Cham

Cham Island’s vast range of recreational activities in a scenic and unspoiled location attracts travelers. Swimming on crystal-clear beaches, sunbathing on extensive stretches of white sand, and exploring the forest are all traditional kinds of relaxation. Water sports such as swimming, water skiing, paragliding, kayaking, kite flying, boat racing, and scuba diving are accessible for individuals interested in marine life discovery activities. This kingdom of aquatic organisms includes marine algae, sea grass, sea critters, and, most notably, coral reefs. Tourists may expect to see a wonderful marine environment full of colorful fish, lobsters, and mollusks beneath the clear water’s surface.

Da Nang- must try food

Banh Canh (Thick Noodle Soup)

Bánh canh is a thick, sticky noodle soup popular in Vietnam. Tapioca flour or a rice-tapioca flour blend is used to make the thick and round noodles.The thick sheets of uncooked dough from which the noodles are cut give the dish its name.

The flavor of banh canh is determined by what it is served with. We had banh canh tom with both pork and shrimp, as well as banh canh ca loc (fish). The soup or broth has a strong taste. It is served with fried yellow breadsticks for dipping into the soup.

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (Rice Paper Pork Rolls)

A lesser-known Da Nang native dish is banh trang cuon thit heo, which consists of pork and vegetables wrapped in rice paper.It’s another participatory food in Danang that comes with a divisive special sauce. Paper thin slices of wrapped belly pork are served with a variety of fresh vegetables and seasonings. This is served with thin slices of cucumber and carrot.

Rice Paper Pork Rolls

A unique dipping sauce called “mắm nêm” is served alongside the pork and vegetables. This dish is distinguished by an anchovy fish sauce, which differs from traditional Vietnamese fish sauce. Simply stack up different textured rice papers with pork and a variety of fresh herbs to consume this meal. When dipped in the sauce, the flavors come to life. Fresh noodles are served alongside.

Kem Bo (avocado ice cream)

After a 2-day food tour with a lot of savory dishes, it is best to pamper your stomach with a sweet dessert. Avocado ice cream is the most delicious dessert in Da Nang. Enjoying the cold, soft, creamy coconut ice cream with an avocado smoothie on a hot summer night after a long, exciting journey,nothing could be better than that.

Avocado ice cream

We hope you will have amazing memories from your vacation to Da Nang based on our recommendations. This is a promising destination. What are you waiting for? Book a Da Nang trip right now to enjoy it.

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Hello, everyone. I'm Lina and I'm very passionate about travelling. I've been to almost all the destinations in Vietnam. Therefore, I'm here to provide you exciting informations about my country- Vietnam.

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Things to Do in Da Nang Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on April 21st, 2024

Da Nang is a modern and vibrant city in Vietnam. There is definitely a lot more to see and do in Danang. In this Da Nang Travel Guide blog post, I will outline the things to do in Danang as well as travel information and tips to make your trip easier.

Da Nang was the first destination I start exploring Vietnam. I enjoy coming here for the unbeatable value, delicious Vietnamese food, and fascinating things to see in the city’s streets. It is an amazing place that would not disappoint anyone.

As a developing coastal city, Da Nang is a growing tourist hotspot full of adventures and pristine sandy white beaches. It is voted by Forbes as 1 of the 6 most breathtaking beaches on the planet, making this an ideal beach gateway for visitors.

Alongside Da Nang’s beaches, there are also many more beautiful and scenic spots to slowly discover. It is even best to plan a day trip to visit surrounding attractions and the UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby such as Hoi An and My Son. A great beach city that is a great introduction for beginner travelers who are looking to travel in Vietnam.

This Da Nang Travel guide is essential for a short trip to this Vietnam’s most vibrant city. We’ve included the most fun and best things to do in Da Nang as well as recommendations for the best beaches, accommodation, and food in Danang to make the most out of your trip.

Table of Contents

Best time to visit Da Nang

The best time to visit Da Nang for tourists is from February through April. The weather is not too hot and slightly chilly. Many visitors flock from all over the world to enjoy the fine weather and all the outdoor activities the city has to offer.

From May to August, the weather is noticeably hotter and it is to reach up to 40 degrees. Sightseeing is quite exhausting at this time due to the high temperatures. The rainy season begins from September until January. Rainy season means that you need to expect more rain showers and the climate is relatively unpredictable.

How To Get To Da Nang City

It’s easily accessible to Da Nang city center from the Da Nang International Airport. It is about 10 minutes away from the city center. Generally, there are three ways to get into Da Nang city from Da Nang (DAD) International Airport.

Taxi is the fastest option with plenty of taxis waiting just outside the arrival hall. One-way of the 10-minute ride will cost around 110,000 VND depending on the distance

GRAB (South-East Asia of Uber) is another option when getting into Da Nang airport to the city. You can also use this e-hailing service when traveling in Da Nang. You just need to have the app ready on your smartphone before your travels and pinpoint exact pick-up and drop-off locations. A one-way 10 minutes trip will cost around 100,000 VND.

If you are going straight to Hoi An, you can pre-book the private transfer which will take you to your hotel in Hoi An directly. The price is reasonable and hustle-free without worrying too much about being cheated by the taxi scam.

PRE-BOOK: Private Transfer from Da Nang Airport

Where To Stay

I would highly recommend staying in the beach resort if you are looking for relaxation and tranquility on Da Nang. There are many beautiful resorts and accommodations available for your perfect gateway in Danang. Most importantly, the accommodation price in Da Nang is relatively cheap for the world-class facilities and services.

We recommended Premier Village Danang Resort at Bac My An Beach and Four Points by Sheraton Danang at MyKhe Beach. Both are popular picks among travelers to Da Nang.

Alternatively, you can also consider staying in Star City Hotel & Apartments . It is perfectly situated along the bank of the Han River, offering a splendid panoramic view of the Han River, the Dragon and Han Bridges, and the city.

Things To Do in Da Nang

There are many things you can do in Danang that we included in below Da Nang Travel Guide.

Within the Danang city itself , you can get lost in the downtown area by visiting the local market, watching the Dragon bridge performance, or strolling in the romantic love bridge. You can also go to pristine beaches to enjoy the sun and sea, or travel to Son Tra Peninsula for a birds-eye view of the city

Outside the Danang city , we recommended planning a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary. Besides, the Ba Na Hills, a hilltop French-colonial entertainment park is also best to plan into the Da Nang Travel Guide.

In short, here are the best things to do in Da Nang Travel Guide :

Relaxing on Da Nang Beaches

Shopping in han market, have a vietnamese breakfast in local market, visit da nang pink cathedral, rent a motorbike to son tra peninsula, visit linh ung pagoda, admire tallest lady buddha in vietnam, watch performance at dragon bridge, romantic stroll at love bridge, eat da nang quang noodles, enjoy the cool weather at ba na hill.

• Explore Hoi An Ancient Town 
• Take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary

If you’re a fan of outdoor activities, relaxing on Da Nang beaches is one of the best things to do in Da Nang. The city is blessed with beautiful beaches and some are easily accessible right from the city itself.

Most of the beaches in Da Nang are open for tourists all day long and can be visited any time of the year. Grab your swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen and head to the beaches in Da Nang.

Among all the beaches in Da Nang, the most popular beaches are My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach.

My Khe Beach is considered one of the best beaches on the planet by Forbes. The 20-mile stretch of white sands and majestic blue water will give you a luxurious vibe when step on the soil of this beach. The beach is popular for sunbathing, fishing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and surfing. You’ll also find many high-end resorts and seafood restaurants nearby the beach.

Another one of Da Nang’s famous beaches is Non Nuoc Beach . It takes about a 20-minute drive from Da Nang City. The Non Nuoc Beach takes up five kilometers of Hoa Hai Ward’s coastline and featuring with soft white sands, a gentle slope, unpolluted waters, and mild waves. It tends to be quite calm and you’ll love to go for a barefoot walk along the pristine shoreline. Many visitors come here for leisure activities such as sunbathing, jet-skiing, and surfing whilst enjoying local seafood dishes.

Visiting a local traditional market is always a great experience to get a fantastic glimpse into local life. In Da Nang, the Han Market or Chợ Hàn is a great example of the ASEAN market. This is a great place to interact with the local people for a taste of the local life and also find a good bargain at the Da Nang’s local markets.

Han Market is the central market, located in the heart of Da Nang city , near the Han River Bridge. The 2 stories covered building is operated since the French occupancy in the 1940s. There are hundreds of stalls in the markets and you can find almost everything here. From local produces handicrafts, T-shirts, accessories, and dried food to bring back home (nuts, coffee, pickles, and snacks). Even locals love visiting Han Markets to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats for their daily living.

Enjoy the shopping sphere and bargain for the best prices with the vendors. The price was reasonable in Han Market. But be prepared to be squished in the crowd.

If you are visiting Han Market in the morning, consider having an authentic Vietnamese breakfast to kick start your day. There is a small food court in the center of the market, selling the local Vietnamese dish you can think of.

From Mi Quang(Vietnamese turmeric noodles), pho (beef noodles soup), Banh Xeo (crispy pancake), Bun Thit Nuong (dry Bun with grilled pork ), Goi Cuon (Vietnamese spring rolls), and many more Vietnamese local foods. Each of the food should cost you no more than VND 30,000. A tasty yet cheap breakfast in Da Nang.

Nothing beat having a cup of Vietnamese coffee and Vietnamese noodles in the morning like a local. We love our bowl of pho with their local sauce in Han Market.

Da Nang Cathedral is one of the famous catholic churches in Vietnam thanks to its amazing design features. It is built by the French in 1923 and serves the local Catholic community until today. The cathedral has a signature pink-painted edifice as well as colorful stained-glass windows and an imposing bell tower topped with a rooster weathercock.

Entrance to Da Nang Cathedral is free of charge and you could visit this place irrespective of your religious orientations. It is highly recommended to visit the church once as a tourist if not on a day when Mass is held.

• Opening Hours : Opening hours 11:30-14:00
• Mass Time : Monday-Saturday 5:30, 17:30, Sunday 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 15:30, and 17:30.

Also known as the Monkey Mountain, The Son Tra Peninsula is a breathtaking national park located in the northeastern part of Da Nang. It is about 13 km from the city center, away from the hustle and busy life of the city. The mountain is about 693 meters above sea level and could be reached by a 35-minute drive from the center of the city.

Son Tra Peninsula is spoilt with lush green, hilly landscapes and is surrounded by pristine beaches such as Bai Bac, Bai Nam, Bai But, and Tien Sa Beach. The winding road to the peak is a popular spot for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the natural scenery. You’ll find the verdant jungles and also spot rare species such as the red face monkeys.

Traveling to Son Tra Peninsula would be a good morning or afternoon excursion. If you’ve got a scooter or are planning on renting one while in Da Nang then going for a ride around Son Tra Mountain is a must-do in Da Nang. The views of the hills and the Pacific Ocean are fantastic, and it is very chill when driving to the mountain. This is the most experience you need to get when you come to Da Nang city for sure.

Da Nang Travel Tips : You can reach the peak by car, motorbike, and even a bike if you are strong enough. If you are a little scared of the traffic in Vietnam, you can always hire a taxi, or go on a private tour, which will take you to all of the most important places.

Visit Linh Ung pagoda is another thing to do on your Da Nang Travel guide. The pagoda is on a hill while making your trip to the Son Tra Peninsula. A perfect high point with a panoramic view of Da Nang.

After you enter the entrance gate, the lovely courtyard will mesmerize you with the well-maintained gardens with several kinds of bonsai, a small pond, and 18 different statues having different expressions. Besides, the temple houses a 1.1-meter-high seated Buddha statue and brass statues of the Goddess of Mercy (Avalokitesvara), and Dai The Chi Bodhisattva.

Despite the bustling Da Nang city center, the atmosphere here is very serene with locals praying in the morning and monks going about their daily lives. The entry to this place is free of charge, but remember to avoid it during the special occasions when it gets crowded with pilgrims. Many locals come to worship on the first and fifteenth of each month.

When walking up the steps in Linh Ung temple, you’ll find the tallest lady Buddha statue in Vietnam . It is one of the highlights when visiting the Son Tra Peninsula.

The landmark statue of Lady Buddha dominates the skyline view and is visible from many locations in Da Nang. It is 67 meters in height and 35 meters in diameter at its base. Standing at its base to admire the lady Buddha is awe-inspiring.

Da Nang possesses various beautiful bridges that’s why somehow this city is called The city of bridges. Among them, the Dragon bridge constructed in the shape of a golden dragon stands out. Locals believe the dragon symbolizes power, nobility, and good fortune.

Dragon Bridge is the longest bridge in Vietnam with 666-meter in length. The six-lane bridge is crossing the Han River, connecting the important places in Da Nang.

In the morning, the dragon bridge is busy with motorbikes and cars crossing over the bridge. It turns into one of the stunning views in Da Nang at night when the dragon is lit-on and illuminated with a colorful light display. The river reflects the sparkling and twinkling colors off the water which creates a charming scene.

Every weekend from 21:00 onwards , the dragon bridge will schedule for fire and water performance. You’ll see the dragon spit water and breathe fire from its mouth. It may not be a reason in itself for coming to Da Nang but once you’re here it would be a shame to miss it.

Just a few steps away from the Dragon Bridge is the Da Nang’s love bridge on the Han River. It is inspired by the famous love lock bridges around the world with lots of personalized locks that have been locked onto arc shape bridges. Many young couples travel to love bridge just to put their lock on the pier, hoping for a good relationship.

In the evening, the love shape lights are lit up along the waterfront, creating a romantic scene when strolling along the bridge. There are also restaurants, pubs, and bars all around the area that serve tourists at any time of day to enjoy the beautiful view.

When it comes to central Vietnam regional local cuisine in particular, you probably will eat the Cao lầu (Hoi An Style Noodles) at Hoi An. But in Da Nang, mì quảng (Quang Noodles) is the one that you’re not to be missed when you visit here.

Da Nang is heavily influenced by other regions like Hue or Quang Nam. So, it is not surprising many Vietnamese cuisines have become the regional popular cuisine. Originated from Quảng Nam Province, mì quảng is one of the best noodles from Central Vietnam, especially Da Nang city.

The turmeric rice noodles are made from rice flour and cut into flat fibers. It is commonly served with meats, vegetables, herbs, and a small amount of broth. Most restaurants in Danang are serving this regional dish and you can enjoy it in restaurants, or even food stalls in the street.

Located 40 km west of Da Nang, the Ba Na Hills has become one of the popular things to do when visiting Da Nang. This comprehensive entertainment attraction is located in the Truong Son Mountains with constant cool temperatures throughout the year.

Klook Exclusive : Roundtrip Shuttle Bus from Da Nang to Sun World Ba Na Hills

To get to Ba Na Hills, you will ride the world record longest 5801-meter long single-cable from the foot of the mountain to the top. Once you are at the top, you can start exploring the hilltop resort. The resort has a French village that looks like a medieval castle, amuse park with several adventure rides, a wax museum, and many more attractions.

The most popular attraction in Ba Na Hills is the golden bridge where the bridge is built at an elevation of 1400 mete with two hands holding on it. You will feel like being at the hands of God when you stand in the middle of the bridge.

Due to the nice weather, many people love to spend one night in this hilltop resort to experience the beauty of the 4 seasons. The Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills is the popular pick if you plan for overnight at Ba Na Hill.

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

If you have more days to spend in Da Nang, we recommended visiting the Hoi An. The ancient town of Hoi An is about 30 km from downtown Da Nang. It is a great option for a day trip. But you can also stay there for days or even a weekend.

Hoi An is a well-preserved ancient town with a historic heritage building. It was once a trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century and has a long history of exposure to foreign cultures. You will find Chinese, Japanese architecture, and French colonial buildings blend into this Vietnamese town.

The ancient town is very dreamy when the yellow town is lit up with colorful lanterns at night. You will fall in love with the ancient traditional culture and the local atmosphere.

Do you want to visit Hoi An? Check out how to plan your trip.

• Things To Do in Hoi An: A Complete Travel Guide

Where To Stay in Hoi An: Best Homestay and Hotels

Take a day trip to my son sanctuary.

My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of a collection of ruins by the kingdom of Champ. The ruins are about 1,300 years old now. It marks history and evokes the civilization they represent.

During your trip to My Son, you’ll see the remaining 70 temples which survive the Vietnam war, ornate carvings as well as impressive stone pillars and buildings. It is like a small version of Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

For me, there isn’t much to see here but it still provides a great insight into the country’s past. Good for a day trip to understand more about a beautiful old-time of Vietnamese central region. A guided tour is recommended if you want to know more about the history of My Son Sanctuary.

Recommended guided tour : My Son Sanctuary Tour from Da Nang

More Da Nang Travel Guide Tips

All in all, Da Nang is blessed with not only beautiful beaches but also much stunning scenery, and mouth-watering cuisine. You’ll easily find yourself being lost in a myriad of things to do and want to spend a few days exploring everything the city offers.

Lastly, we hope our detailed Da Nang travel guide blog will help you enjoy this charming city to the fullest. If you’re still unsure of what to see, we’ve packed all of our tips at the Central Vietnam travel guide blog article so you can plan out your perfect travel route through Da Nang. Find out more here.

• 5 Days in Central Vietnam Itinerary
• Da Nang & Hoi An Food Guide: What To Eat
• Where To Stay in Da Nang: Best Areas and Hotels

Traveling to Northern Vietnam :

• Things To Do in Sapa Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Sapa: Best Hotels and Homestays
• A Trip To Halong Bay: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Things To Do in Hanoi Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Hanoi: Best Areas and Hotels

Lastly, traveling to Phu Quoc? Feel free to read on our Phu Quoc travel stories.

• Ultimate Travel Guide Blog to Phu Quoc itinerary

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Da Nang Vietnam 2 Day Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: February 13, 2024

Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city located in central Vietnam. Situated on the Han River, Da Nang has long been an important port city. Today, it is a bustling metropolis with a population of over one million people and plenty of tourist attractions for visitors of all interests.

If you can only spend 2 days in this city, check out our Da Nang Itinerary below that will help you make the most of your time there. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, Da Nang is sure to have something for you.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet? The Insurance companies I recommend are  Hey Mondo and Safety Wing Hey Mondo  is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing  is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy. Read my full  travel insurance post  here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Day 1 in Da Nang Vietnam

Have Xoi GA (Chicken Sticky Rice) For Breakfast

Start your first day in Da Nang with a delicious and filling breakfast of Xoi ga (Chicken sticky rice) – one of the locals’ favorite. 

This dish is often made with sticky rice, shredded boiled chicken, chili sauce, herbs, fried shallots and quail eggs. The best places to eat chicken sticky rice in Da Nang are Ba Vui (55 Le Hong Phong Street) and Ngo Gia Tu (Opposite to 27 Ngo Gia Tu Street). Since this dish is relatively inexpensive, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast without breaking the bank. 

Enjoy an Active Day on Son Tra Peninsula 

Located 10 km from Da Nang’s city center, Son Tra Peninsula charms visitors with its pristine beaches, beautiful religious landmarks, and fresh seafood dishes. There are so many things to see and do on Son Tra Peninsula that you can spend the whole day here without getting bored.

The beaches on Son Tra Peninsula, namely Bai But, Tien Sa , and Bai Nam, are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring. There are also plenty of water activities to enjoy, such as kayaking, jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving , and windsurfing.

If you’re interested in visiting one of the most iconic religious landmarks in Da Nang, head to Linh Ung Pagoda where you can admire delicate marble statues of different Buddhists. Situated at nearly 700 meters above sea level, Linh Ung Pagoda is also the perfect place for you to enjoy the stunning views of the coast amid the pagoda’s serene ambience. 

Finally, when it’s time for lunch, be sure to stop at one of the local restaurants on Son Tra Peninsula to enjoy fresh seafood while overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the bay.

Have Fun at the Helio Night Market in Da Nang

The Helio Night Market in Da Nang is a must-visit for anyone who loves an evening of good food and great vibes. You will be spoilt for choice here with more than 30 food stalls offering a variety of Vietnamese street food from only VND 10,000 per dish. From banh mi and fried rice to fresh spring rolls, there’s no shortage of deliciousness to be found. 

And if you work up an appetite dancing to the live music at the outdoor stage, there’s also an area especially for beer and fresh seafood to chill out. Best of all, admission is free! The Helio Night Market is open from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM every day, so be sure to come by and enjoy the best of Da Nang’s nightlife!

Day 2 in Da Nang Vietnam

Savor Mì Quảng for Breakfast

Mì Quảng or Quảng noodle is a type of Vietnamese noodle that originates from Quang Nam province. It is made with rice noodles, pork (sometimes also chicken or frog meat), shrimp, garlic, peanuts, and green onions, and usually served with a side of vegetables and a small bowl of broth.  Mì Quảng’s unique flavor and chewy texture has made it a popular dish throughout Vietnam as well as a much loved breakfast in Da Nang city.

To savor Mì Quảng for breakfast in Da Nang, be sure to head to Mi Quang Ba Mua (19 Tran Binh Trong Street) or Bep Trang (26 Le Hong Phong Street). Since these restaurants specialize in this dish, their versions of Quảng noodles are some of the best in the city. 

Visit the Marble Mountains

After enjoying a full breakfast, it’s time to explore other attractions in Da Nang city! 

Our suggestion is the Marble Mountains , which are a cluster of five limestone and marble outcrops that jut out of the central Vietnam coastline in Da Nang. They are named after the five elements of Vietnamese cosmology: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The highest peak is almost 1,100 feet tall and offers stunning 360-degree views of the area. The main mountaintop also houses several Buddhist temples, which are worth a visit even if you don’t make it to the summit. There are also some beautiful caves to explore at the Marble Mountains. Inside these caves are mesmerizing Buddhist statues that bring about a unique holy atmosphere. 

The best time to visit the Marble Mountains is between December and April when the weather is cooler and dryer. However, even in the wetter months, the mountains offer a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of Da Nang city. 

The Marble Mountains are best visited early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest hours of the day. While visiting this area, remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some steep climbs.

To get there, simply take a taxi or motorbike from anywhere in Da Nang – it’s only about 8-10 kilometers away. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike up one of the many trails that crisscross the mountains.

Have Lunch With Da Nang’s Special Rice Paper Pork Rolls

A local specialty, rice paper pork rolls are a must-try while you’re visiting Da Nang. 

To eat this dish, you first need to line rice noodles, boiled pork slices, vegetables and herbs, peanuts and some other ingredients inside a sheet of rice paper and wrap them all together to make a roll. Then, dip this roll into a special sauce flavored with chili and pineapple and take a bite! 

Some popular restaurants where this dish is served are Ba Huong (126 Duy Tan Street), Ba Mua (93 Nguyen Chi Thanh), Quynh Dai Loc (176 Nguyen Hoang Street) and Quan Mau (35 Do Thuc Tinh Street). 

Relax on My Khe Beach

With its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, My Khe Beach is the perfect place to soak up the sun, chill out in the afternoon, and take a few photos . Every day, hundreds of locals gather here to swim, participate in various water activities, or simply relax at one of its vibrant beachfront bars. After a busy day exploring the Marble Mountains , you can comfortably sit down at one of the restaurants or cafes lining the shore here and just watch the sun set over the horizon .

Watch the Fire Show at Da Nang’s Famous Dragon Bridge

If you happen to visit Da Nang on the weekend, be sure to check out the Dragon Bridge ! Spanning the Han River, this beautiful bridge is a sight to behold. From 9 PM every Saturday and Sunday, the bridge really comes alive as the dragon statue starts to spew fire for 2 minutes and then water for an extra 3 minutes. This spectacular fire show is definitely not to be missed! 

Be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot though, as there are usually lots of people gathering around the Dragon Bridge half an hour before the show starts!

Escape to Hoi An

After 2 days in Da Nang, you might be ready for a change of pace. If so, consider taking a short trip to Hoi An . This picturesque town is located just a few hours south of Da Nang, and it offers a welcoming respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are also lots of things to do in Hoi An for people of all interests.

When you’re ready to explore, head to Hoi An Ancient Town, where you can stroll through historic temples and homes. If you’re looking to relax, head to one of Hoi An’s stunning beaches , some of which have even been selected among the best beaches in Asia and the world. 

And be sure to save room for dinner: Hoi An is known for its delicious local cuisine. From fresh seafood to mouthwatering Cao Lau noodles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Summary of Da Nang Vietnam 2 Day Itinerary

Da Nang is an amazing city with something for everyone. With a little planning, you can make sure to have an unforgettable trip. Even with only 2 days in Da Nang, there are lots of exciting things to see and do as you can see in this Da Nang Vietnam itinerary. 

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Da Nang today! 

Looking for a Place to Stay in Da Nang?

Centre Hotel

Danapearl Riverside Condotel

Cozy Danang Boutique Hotel

Author Bio:

Fiona Mai is a 20-ish Vietnamese travel blogger who has been to 21 countries so far. She was lucky enough to call herself a past resident of Helsinki, Berlin, Brisbane, Hanoi and Kingston upon Hull. Even more fortunate right now to be back to where she comes from: Saigon, Vietnam. Read more about her journeys in her blog .

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Claire Summers

Hi I’m Claire!

At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road.

I started Claire’s Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. With no plans to stop anytime soon I’m always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano I’ll try (almost) anything once!

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

10 Days Da Nang Itinerary: Things to do in this beach city of Vietnam! (Part 1)

Need ideas on where to travel to? Check out our 10 Days Da Nang Itinerary . We’d thought 10 days was more than enough time to spend in the beach city of Vietnam. But it wasn’t. 

Towards the end of the trip, we were sad that the holiday was coming to an end and were hoping to have a few more days to enjoy the magnificent sea view at our last hotel of the trip .

Let me share with you our very relaxing and loose 10-day itinerary in Da Nang, Vietnam. Remember, the theme of this trip is “RELAX & REJUVENATE!”.

10 Days in Da Nang: Is it too long? 

Thought I should provide some background on why we decided to spend 10 days in Da Nang. Having come out of a 2-year Covid pandemic, I’ve had too many days of leave to clear.

Therefore, even though most online resources suggested 3 to 5 days in Da Nang, we planned a 10 days trip. We thought that could make our stay there more relaxing. Indeed, it was! Planning was easy as we basically did just one or two things a day.

>> MUST-READ: Da Nang Itinerary Part 2 (Day 6 to 10)

But if you aren’t dying to clear your leave, then you could possibly combine some activities into one day (which I’ll share tips on how you can do so). 

Without any further ado, let me share with you a day-by-day account and tips on our wonderful Da Nang trip. It was a great trip and we were so sad to leave Da Nang, Vietnam.

Oh, had I said it already? :)

Which airline should you choose? 

I went to Da Nang first via Singapore Airlines and paid over $400, while my partner travelled by VietJet and we met in Da Nang like lovers! LOL! Let me share the pros and cons of each airline. 

1. SIA (Singapore to Da Nang)

SIA’s flight to Da Nang was via an old airplane (737-800) and it didn’t have personalised entertainment system. Though they said that you can watch entertainment using your own device, it didn’t work for me and it wasn’t an easy process. So, that’s the con. 

But the pros are: 

• No delay in flight date and time
• Served with food, including wine and all
• No long queue when checking-in as plane was small (not so many passengers)

How about VietJet? Well, I didn’t fly on one, but here’s what I know from my partner.

2. VietJet (Singapore to Da Nang)

The reason why my partner flew via VietJet was because he didn’t want to sit in an old plane. Furthermore, since he’s taller, he wanted to upgrade the seat. With VietJet, even after upgrading for a more spacious seat and topping up for food, the price was about half of what I’d paid for SIA’s ticket. 

However, there were downside to the cheap ticket. Both his flights – to and fro – were delayed. His flight to Da Nang was delayed by one day , and this leaves me to enjoy the sea view hotel and have its king-sized bed all to myself which I totally appreciated. Ha Ha Ha! 

His return flight was also delayed, but fortunately by only a few hours. I also heard that the food he topped up for was mediocre. 

So, you can decide your comfort level. If you fly by VietJet, you may want to leave your hotel booking opened. Do also buy travel insurance which may help with some compensation.  

Day 1: Arrive in Da Nang, Enjoy Sea view & Evening Spa

Hello, Da Nang! I was welcomed by a beautiful sky view of Da Nang when the plane was about to land.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t book any 4G SIM card via Klook as it was somehow unavailable. That forced me to buy an expensive SIM card within the transit area of Da Nang (180k VND).

I then booked a Grab transport and paid about 100k VND to get to the beach area where the first hotel of my trip was located. 

Check out this view of the Grand Suite at Minh Toan Safi Ocean Hotel . I totally don’t mind a solo stay here. It’s all mine! Ha ha ha! 

>> RELATED: How we spent 8 Days in Phu Quoc Island & Ho Chi Minh City!

I lingered for a short while, before deciding to take a short 8-minute walk to Min Luxury Spa at 6.40pm . It was short indeed but scary as night fell early in Vietnam. And it seemed like no one really walked on street as the path was so quiet.

In hindsight, I should have taken a detour and walked along the “big” main road.

Thankfully, Min Luxury Spa had an available slot and the price was within my expectation (because I didn’t have a second choice). I chose a Vietnam Traditional Body Massage (60 minutes) for about 420k VND (and added 100k VND as tips) and enjoyed a relaxing session.

If you like to pre-book your session online, there’s this very popular spa package here .

How much to tip for Spa in Da Nang?  Some spa mandated tips within their price, while others leave it open. It was said that tips would normally be about 50k VND for a 60-minute massage and higher if the duration is longer. I paid more because I enjoyed the massage and felt it would help the masseur a lot more than how it would affect our pocket, considering our strong currency exchange. 

After the massage, I had my first meal of the trip in Vietnam. To be honest, it was quite difficult for me to choose an F&B outlet for solo-dining as most of them were seafood restaurants. I sat in one initially and struggled to order as each dish was meant for many. Ha Ha! You can read about that restaurant here as I revisited it on Day 9.  

Anyway, I was happy with my ultimate choice at Am Thuc Xeo restaurant where I ordered a Banh Xeo that seemed small enough to be eaten by one person. But what came was a huge platter of veggies which caught me by surprise. The waitress explained through Google translate that those were “accompaniment”.

She was so kind to come back with a pair of gloves to demonstrate how I should enjoy the local dish, i.e. to wrap the Banh Xeo (crepe) with rice paper with veggies and all. It was delicious…exactly the kind of thing a salad lover would enjoy. By sheer luck, I happened to order something that suited my palate to a tee – that’s nice!

The young waitress was rewarded with a tip. :) And the whole meal that filled the entire table didn’t even cost me S$10. 

Map Location for Day 1 Da Nang Itinerary

Da Nang Airport >> Buy SIM card >> Grab to Hotel >> Check in Minh Toan Safi Ocean Hotel >> Min Luxury Spa >> Dinner at Am Thuc Xeo

Day 2: Sun World Asia Park & Family-Friendly Night Market

Another precious day of “solo-ness”. Ha Ha! See what I woke up to.

I started the day with a good spread of buffet breakfast at Minh Toan Safi Hotel , before returning to the room to do some blogging.

Woah…I could and should stay a day in the room doing nothing, but admiring the view . But I forced myself to leave by noon as there was something I wanted to do solo, i.e. to have fun at Sun World Asia Park.

My partner is prone to motion sickness and isn’t a fan of theme park…so there’s no point having him there – it would be torturous for him. 

I took a Grab ride to Lotte Mart first, as I thought it would be a happening mall. But, umh…..think that mall was badly affected by Covid?

I don’t know, but I struggled to spend time there. There were some F&B outlets, but limited retail shops (most were closed. Even food court was closed).

There was of course a Lotte Hypermart , but seemed like things weren’t cheap by local or even international standard. 

I got a little hungry and decided to have a drink at Phuc Long Cafe (coffee chain in Vietnam). Woah, the caffeine of my iced latte was “powerful” man! I felt a bit dizzy drinking it.

Also ordered an Oreo cheese cake that was more spongy than I was expecting from a cheese cake. 

>> MUST-READ: How we spent a day in Hoi An Ancient Town 

Finally, it was 3pm and I strolled to Sun World Asia Park  in the drizzle. Admission was cheap, at 200k VND. You can get even cheaper Asia Park tickets here . 

If you like to skip the rides and just do the sun wheel, you will pay just half the price – select the option accordingly here . But I felt the former (all-in-one) was a much better deal. 

TIP: Do not bring all your precious belongings to Sun World Asia Park, because you would be asked to deposit your bag in a locker before each ride. The locker has no locks, and is merely guarded by “surveillance camera”. I declined the first few rides but realised I had to succumb to the system if I wanted to have any rides there at all.

Sun World Asia park was too quiet, but the good thing was the minimal queue to each ride. When my partner finally arrived in Da Nang, he checked into hotel before meeting me at Asia Park nearing evening.

We took the Sun Wheel together and took in the night scene of the city. The theme park also looked more happening at night, with the colourful lightings and all. 

>> RELATED: Ba Na Hills Guide: Is this Da Nang Resort worth a visit?

Thereafter, we walked to a nearby night market known on Google map as Khu Ẩm thực đêm Helio ( see map ) . It was a family-friendly night market with live performance, mini amusement rides and local food, of course!

Saw lots of people posing for photos with its Instagram-friendly façade. After dinner, we grabbed back to hotel and called it a day.

>> MUST-READ: How we spent a day in Hoi An Ancient Town

Map Location for Day 2 Da Nang Itinerary

Lotte Mart >> Sun World Asia Park >>  Night Market ( Khu Ẩm thực đêm Helio )

Day 3: Bac My An Market, Son Tra Night Market & Dragon Bridge

Once again, we started the day with a sumptuous breakfast spread from Minh Toan Safi Ocean Hotel . Since it’s a relaxing trip which we have 10 days to spare, we decided to spend the morning at the gym, beach and hotel pool. 

TIP: If you don’t want to waste this much time on gym and pool like us, you can take a look at this Da Nang day tour that brings you to Da Nang’s signature attractions, such as Marble Mountains and Linh Ung pagoda. 

By 3.30pm, we were ready to venture out to a day market – Bac My An Market. Google review of the market was good, but I didn’t quite enjoy my stay there as it was a little “too local” and cramp for me. 

Think this day market could be good for domestic tourists or expats who would be staying there in the longer term (and buying fresh produce). 

Happened to see people crowding at a popular stall selling Avocado Coconut Ice Cream and we had to try it (50k for two cups). It was not bad! 

Then, randomly ordered a main dish not knowing what it was as nothing was in English here. It tasted ok….a bit cold, and came with an intestine, probably from pork?  

The alley was wet and crowded. Beware of opportunistic person with wild hands. If possible, dress conservatively here because people here were mostly well covered-up.

The trip to Bac My An Market didn’t last long and we found ourselves walking quite an uncomfortable journey to the river side (Da Nang is not friendly for walking or road-crossing). Had a break at a random cafe – River Coffee – which like many of the shops and cafes in Da Nang were not air-conditioned.

Here’s my salty coffee which I found too sweet for my palate! But oh well, I have to get used to local coffee, which made use of condensed milk more than unsweetened milk or creamer.

TIP: We had too much spare time and found it a drag to kill time. In hind sight, we could have gone for this very affordable Han River Cruise .

Finally dragged our time till Son Tra Night Market was opened in the evening, and ordered a 700k VND worth of  seafood bundle . That’s about SGD42, and comprised two lobsters, prawns, octopus, clams, oysters and more. What a steal! 

Just really really hot dining there because part of the seafood was served in a hot pot. Eating this in a hot Vietnam would make one sweat profusely. So maybe we should revisit Da Nang during colder months like January to March. 

TIP : Vietnam was very hot in Jun/Jul…hotter than in Singapore. Not surprising to see 34 to 36 degree Celsius. And very common to be soaked to undies if you venture out in the day. 

After the meal, we walked past DHC marina and took photo with a water-spouting dragon (Tượng Cá Chép Hóa Rồng) that reminded me of our Merlion.

It was a also a great spot to see the Dragon Bridge though it was way too early for the fire-spitting show at 9pm.

TIP: Fire-spitting show takes place at 9pm on Sat and Sun. 

We almost wanted to give the weekend “fire” show a miss, which we should have in hind sight. Had we known the massive crowd such a fire-spitting show would draw, we would have “siam” ( avoid ) the show at all cost!

Look at the crowd, not just along the pavement, but along the road. Traffic basically came to a standstill! Can you believe it? 

It was painful getting out of the crowd or getting back to hotel. Calling grab was quite impossible due to the traffic jam and we had to walk more than half an hour away from the “hot” spot, before the path was clear enough to call for Grab.

TIP: Do google Vietnam’s public holiday or school holiday when planning your trip as Da Nang was well visited by domestic travellers.

I was deadbeat by the time I returned to hotel. What a day! ;~)

Map Location for Day 3 Da Nang Itinerary

Hotel Gym & Pool >> Phuoc My Beach >> Bac My An Market >> River Coffee Cafe >> Son Tra Night Market >> Water-spouting dragon >> Dragon Bridge 

Day 4: Beach Hopping Day in Danang

Chanced upon sunrise when I got up early for a toilet run, at around 5am. To my surprise, there were so many people at the beach, with some in the water enjoying the sun rising while others were jogging. 

>> RELATED: Sunrise view over Han River at Hilton Hotel (Day 7)

I went back to sleep, and later woke up once again for my daily buffet breakfast at Minh Toan Ocean Hotel . How not to get fat? Check out this post to see how much weight I’d put on after the trip. :~(

Went to the gym again, before deciding that the day’s itinerary would be to walk to a western restaurant – Bikini Bottom Express , which would require us to walk past My Khe Beach.

Google must have underestimated the distance as it took us about 50 minutes to reach the restaurant…by foot! :~)

Luckily, the food at Bikini Bottom Express was good! Having had Vietnamese cuisine for so many days in a row, the western burger was refreshing and I enjoyed my classic burger, truffle fries and coconut coffee!

On the way back, we spent some time at My Khe Beach . This part of the beach definitely has a lot more beach vibes than the area we stayed in which was further north of the stretch.

In hindsight, we should have stayed a couple of days here as it has more “beach feel” and amenities. We were initially considering Haian Beach Hotel , which is located at this more happening part of the beach. Do take a look if you are interested.

One memorable thing during our long walk along the beach was the sheer number of people in the water . That really killed our interest in getting into the water. 

For info, we were there in June/July, during Vietnam’s summer holiday. 

By the time we walked back to the hotel, my legs were jelly and I was deadbeat.

Took the opportunity to enjoy a tub-soaking session and sheet mask, since I didn’t have the energy to do anything else. Whee! The hot water was such a relief to my aching calves.

Map Location for Day 4 Da Nang Itinerary

Sunrise view at Minh Toan Ocean Hotel >> Walk along the Beach >> Bikini Bottom restaurant >> My Khe Beach  

Day 5: Shift to Da Nang City Centre (enjoyed river view)

Today, we would check out of Minh Toan Safi Ocean Hotel and shift to a hotel on the other side of the river. That is, we would be staying away from the beach and within the City Centre.

After our last round of buffet breakfast at Minh Toan Hotel, we returned to the room to enjoy the last few moments of the superb sea view. 

By noon, we checked out and “grabbed” to our second hotel of the trip – Hilton Da Nang Hotel , which was located next to the river. Since Hilton didn’t allow check in till 3pm, we decided that it would be good to send our clothes to the laundry.

Then, the man got hungry (again) and had Pho at Quan Pho Hong restaurant ( see map ). It was an extremely hot day and we struggled within the non-airconditioned restaurant, sipping our coconut water.

The plan was to go to Da Nang Museum , but the place wasn’t opened during lunchtime, and we had to wait till 2pm, which was torturous due to the heat.

When it was finally 2pm, we tried to make our way to Da Nang Museum which seemed so near based on Google Map. But you won’t believe how many people I had to ask for directions to get there. LOL!

Finally, I got into the museum, but was soaked thoroughly in perspiration within my jogging pants. Nope, I had no mood to tour the non-airconditioned museum in this state.

After walking one quick round on the first floor of the dated museum, I told myself I would return to complete the tour but didn’t. :P

We then returned to check in Hilton Hotel , took a quick shower to freshen up and then went out to look for food (again). Our first try was at Indochina Mall , but food option was limited at this small mall. We were in and out within minutes. :P

Han Market was our next try and it was supposed to offer lots of food and merchandise. But we were still reminded of our earlier experience at a day market (Bac My An) and preferred to eat in comfort (space-wise), and to know what we would be eating. 

TIP : If you are near Han Market, you can walk to Da Nang Cathedral which is another attraction in Da Nang.

While scanning for reviews on Google Map, we found a random street stall selling Banh Mi . Ordered a grilled chicken Vietnamese bread and enjoyed the crispy bread which was surprisingly easy to bite into. 

The next stop was at Aroi Cafe , which was popular for its bear bear mousse cake and river view from its 3rd floor terrace. Due to personal preference, I didn’t exactly enjoy the sweet mousse cake, but read that many loved it. The price of drinks and dessert was also very reasonable.

Went up to the third floor via a spiral staircase and found the terrace too hot to enjoy in the day. But the view of the river was nice!

It may be a better idea to come here when the sun is about to set.

When night fell, we revisited Son Tra Night Market again. Instead of a bundle seafood set, the man ordered a big lobster (550k VND), a dozen of oysters (100k VND) and some prawns plus a lot of local snacks.

It was once again a day of indulgence (and I admire his stomach space and his calories-killing muscles). But the sad thing was that his big lobster wasn’t that fresh as compared to the bundle seafood we had the previous round. 

Map Location for Day 5 Da Nang Itinerary

Check in Hilton Da Nang Hotel >> Laundry >> Quan Pho Hong restaurant >> Da Nang Museum >> Indochina Mall >> Han Market >> Da Nang Cathedral >> Street-side Banh Mi >> Aroi Cafe >> Son Tra Night Market

Alright, that’s all to Part 1 of our 10-day Da Nang itinerary. Do check out Part 2 to see the fun-filled things we did from Day 6 to Day 10 , such as visiting Hoi Ann and Ba Na hills. 

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The Perfect Itinerary For Hoi An, Da Nang and Hue In Central Vietnam (2024 Updated Travel Guide)

August 10, 2023 by Bino 20 Comments

The central part of Vietnam where the cities of Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang are located, is considered to be one of the main touristic centers of the country. The region contains a diversity of attractions ranging from a UNESCO World Heritage town to archeological sites and even Vietnam’s former imperial capital. For outdoorsy types, the area also has plenty to offer in terms of beaches and you can find plenty of award-winning luxury resorts here. The world’s largest cave – Hang Son Doong – can also be found in the region.

If you are also visiting Hanoi during your trip to Vietnam, check out my suggested Hanoi itinerary here

If you are visiting Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue and thinking how to organize your itinerary and long you need to spend in the area, I would suggest you go for 5 days / 4 nights minimally. The three cities are accessible from each other to be day trip destinations but I would suggest spending at least a night per city to really appreciate the distinct vibe in each place.

Where you start really depends on your personal preference and where you are coming from. During my trip to Central Vietnam, I arrived via Da Nang International Airport and headed to Hue right away as it was the farthest of the three cities. From Da Nang, Hue is around a 2 hour drive.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Da Nang

Da Nang has developed rapidly over the last few years. I remember seeing a construction frenzy of hotels during my very first visit around a decade ago. When I returned recently, I found the coast lined with lodgings catering to all budgets – from local hotels to private full-service resorts. That being said, Da Nang is also one of Vietnam’s larger cities so those intending to come here to experience the country’s fast-paced commerce can also find a less congested version of that here.

Son Tra Peninsula

linh ung buddhist temple

Da Nang itself does not have many tourist attractions. Most places worth including in your Da Nang itinerary are at the outskirts of town. I would personally suggest exploring those attractions located in the city on your first day here especially if you arrive some time during midday or the afternoon. You can easily get a cab (Grab) to the Son Tra Peninsula . Here, the Linh Ung Buddhist Temple comes with a large 67-meter tall statue of Guan Yin facing the sea, a pagoda as well as several vantage points from where one can view the ever-changing skyline of Da Nang. If these views aren’t enough, one can also hire a motorbike for a ride up the mountaintop view point of Ban Co .

Marble Mountain

marble mountain

Another popular religious site in Da Nang to include in your itinerary is Marble Mountain – a series of limestone rock formations with temples and shrines hidden inside caves. It is located on the opposite side of town, on the road going towards Hoi An. You can stop by for lunch somewhere in Da Nang after visiting Son Tra Peninsula and before heading to Marble Mountain. If you’d rather have someone arrange all the transport for you, you can check out this Da Nang day tour which covers Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountain and even a short sojourn to Hoi An. 

Unwind at My Khe Beach

aerial view of my khe beachIt would be late afternoon by this time, just nice for a walk or to lounge by the beach. After returning to town, stop by My Khe Beach which is said to be one of the best beaches in Vietnam. Its curved shape does look impressive when seen from an elevated area, such as from the roof decks of one of the many beachside hotels, but don’t expect to find translucent waters or great snorkeling opportunities here.

Home-style Cooking at Bep Hen + Supper Idea in Da Nang

hearty homecooked dishes at bep hen

For dinner, I recommend going to Bep Hen for some hearty homecooked dishes. During my visit, I saw a number of local Vietnamese folks dining there which was a good sign. Recommended dishes include their Chicken with Chili and Lemongrass as well as Caramelized Pork Belly in Claypot. Alternatively, head to Banh Xeo Ba Duong , hidden deep within a narrow alley, for some authentic Vietnamese pancakes (Banh Xeo). For the latter, do note that there are multiple Banh Xeo places in that alley with similar sounding names. The one you should go for is the one at the end. 

Day 2: Enjoy the Cool Climes of Ba Na Hills

ba na hills

Originally built by the French as a mountain retreat, Ba Na Hills is a hill station located west of Da Nang city center (around 45 minutes away). Sitting at an elevation of almost 1,500 meters, it is a popular resort among locals and foreigners alike – thanks to a plethora of insta-worthy sights.

golden bridge – ba na hills

Getting here usually involves a day tour . While you can purchase tickets and hire your own transport to get here, it is still more economical if you join one of those all-inclusive guided day tours that take you around the park. Another advantage of the guided day tour is that the guide can help you navigate through the crowds / tourist hordes that are present in Ba Na Hills almost everyday. A typical trip involves at least 3 cable car rides, ample time to explore the Golden Bridge , Linh Ung Pagoda (similarly named but different from the one in Son Tra), French Village as well as a buffet lunch. You can book this Ba Na Hills tour here or purchase standalone tickets to Sunworld Ba Na Hills separately.

Tip: As a rule of thumb, Ba Na Hills is 10 degrees celsius cooler than the city center of Da Nang. During summer, you can probably get by wearing light t-shirt and shorts when it’s 26 degrees celsius in Ba Na Hills (means it’s 36 degrees in Da Nang City) but do note that temperatures can fall to 20 degrees in Da Nang during winter which means 10 degrees in Ba Na Hills. Also, rain is fairly common in Ba Na Hills in the afternoon regardless of the season.

After heading back to Da Nang, get your luggage and head to Hue which you can easily do through a private car transfer. Do note that it’s generally cheaper to book private car transfers than getting a car from Grab.

Day 3: Hue – Vietnam’s Imperial Capital

At first glance, Hue seems just like one of your typical midsized Vietnamese cities but spend a little more time here and you’ll soon realize its cultural importance to the Vietnamese people. The city is divided into two sides by the Perfume River (it no way smells like perfume) with the imposing Imperial Citadel situated at the north side while the commercial area is situated to the south.

Visiting the Royal Tombs

Start your Hue itinerary by heading to the royal tombs first. There are 6 such tombs but the ones worth checking out are the Tomb of Minh Mang , Tomb of Tu Duc and the best one being the Tomb of Khai Dinh . For the latter, you’ll have to climb a number of steps with statues of soldiers and horses surrounding the pathway leading to the top. The tomb itself is quite grand with plenty of carvings and you can spot a distinct European influence as well.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Afterwards, head to Thien Mu Pagoda . One of the most iconic sights in Hue, the pagoda was built in 1844 during the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri. While the tower is undoubtedly the highlight, it’s also worth checking out the main temple within the inner courtyard. Thien Mu Pagoda is an excellent place to visit in the morning as most tour groups would be exploring the Imperial City at that time.

Imperial City of Hue & Purple Forbidden City

If you are arriving in the afternoon, make your way to the Imperial Enclosure as most of the tour groups would have already visited in the morning. Enter via the Ngo Mon Gate , the main entryway to the Imperial City. While inside the complex, check out the Thai Hoa Palace , the emperor’s coronation hall. The Truong San Residence or the Queen Mother’s Palace, The Mieu – the ancestral temple of the emperors, the Purple Forbidden City as well as the Pavilion of Splendor . The bulk of the Imperial City was destroyed during the Vietnam War and restoration is a painfully slow process.

Tip: For more of Hue, check out this dedicated guide

If you find yourself just in time for dinner after exploring the Imperial City, do check out Les Jardines de La Carambole (not to be confused with another restaurant called La Carambole in the other side of town) for fine French food at super affordable prices. The setting is in a colonial villa which adds to the charm. This is also a wonderful place to sample Hue favorites such as ban nam (rice cake wrapped in banana leaf) and ban khoai (crispy pancakes) in a hygienic setting.

delicious mee hen from com hen hoa dong

Alternatively, have a taste of authentic Hue cuisine by checking out one of the local eateries in town. I highly recommend making the trip to the island of Con Hen for a bowl of Com Hen or Baby Clam Rice. The most popular place to have this is at Com Hen Hoa Dong which is located in a narrow alley in the middle of the island. Prices are extremely reasonable and instead of rice, you can also have the baby clams together with noodles or vermicelli. I chose to have mine with noodles. It was one of my favorite finds in Hue. Noodles were springy and the baby clams carried a most delightful briny flavor.

Day 4: Hoi An Old Town

Tip: This itinerary assumes a 2 day/1night stay for the Hue segment but if you have an extra day to spare, you can check out the UNESCO World Heritage Phong Nha Cave which has one of the longest underground rivers in the world. Going there and back requires one whole day. You can join a private tour to get there.

Leave Hue for Hoi An. If you are not in a hurry, drop by Hue’s less touristy Japanese Covered Bridge which is located at the town outskirts. The setting is much more charming than the one in Hoi An with a lily pond adding color to the relatively narrow stream that the bridge serves to connect.

On the way to Hoi An, you will pass by some stunning scenery such as the Hai Van Pass and Lang Co , the latter which now has a couple of upscale resorts such as the Banyan Tree Lang Co. You will reach Hoi An in approximately three hours if coming from Hue.

Hoi An is just the kind of town I’d imagine people would stay in when they want to take it slow. I personally returned to Hoi An a couple of years after my first visit to spend 3 days just exploring the nooks and crannies of this charming community. Compared to Vietnam’s other cities, Hoi An really centers itself in tourism and everywhere you go, you’ll find establishments catering to them.

Tip: You don’t have to pay a fee to enter the old town of Hoi An but if you are thinking of visiting the clan associations or some of the top temples, you will have to buy the ticket which allows you to visit up to 5 attractions. Hoi An’s entrance fee costs VND 120,000 for international visitors.

Hoi An is not the kind of place I imagine people would go to in order to see some iconic attraction. The attraction is the town itself and not some specific monument. However, there are plenty of “smaller” attractions to keep the traveler busy. Some of my picks include the clan associations such as the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall , Hainan Assembly Hall , Trung Hoa Assembly Hall and the Cantonese Assembly Hall which are best explored by bike. The Japanese Covered Bridge is probably the most well-known place in Hoi An and the area is the waiting point for most tour groups making day trips in the town.

white rose dumpling from miss ly

Food-wise, the culinary scene in Hoi An mostly caters to travelers but it’s pretty good. My top picks include Morning Glory (near the Japanese Covered Bridge), Miss Ly Cafe and Cao Lau Thanh  for delicious Cao Lau or Vietnam’s version of roast pork noodles. If you don’t mind queuing, also check out Banh Mi Phuong – the famous banh mi eatery recommended by Anthony Bourdain and is hugely popular even among Vietnamese people.

Tip: While in Hoi An, you will find several people asking for your business for tailor-made suits / business shirts / dresses. Quality varies and as a general rule of thumb, those tailors with actual storefronts can churn out clothes with better quality. Those without an actual shop end up routing all the work to a centralized outsourced tailor at the second floor of the Hoi An Market. If you intend to have a suit or dress done, try to do it at the start of your Hoi An stay. While you may be promised a turnaround of 1 day, you’ll need to allocate an extra day or two for alterations, if needed. 

Day 5: Day Trips From Hoi An

Hoi An offers a couple of decent day trip possibilities including ancient Khmer style ruins and some outlying islands. I love checking out ancient ruins so I decided to go to My Son , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is around an hour away from Hoi An. My Son is an ancient Hindu archeological complex, built by the Champa people who used the inhabit the region around Central Vietnam. There were originally over 70 temples around My Son as documented by the French during the 19th century but much of these were destroyed during the Vietnam War. Today, only around 18 structures remain. My Son is around 1 hour away by car from Hoi An. To get there, your best bet is to join an inexpensive day tour . These tours usually last half a day and include a modest lunch.

After returning to Hoi An, one of the fun activities to do is to go aboard one of Vietnam’s iconic round basket boats that wade through coconut palm tree-lined mangroves. The boat ride itself takes roughly an hour and passengers are given the opportunities to throw a fishing net and to paddle for part of the journey. An especially fun part of the ride is when the paddler spins rapidly in circles, with or without the passengers on the boat. 

These boats are located in the eastern part of Hoi An. Trips can be booked via Grab or by including round trip transfers when you book the attraction. 

Day 6: Da Nang

After having visited Da Nang’s attractions the previous day, you can head back to your place of origin / Da Nang Airport on the 6th day or spend more time chilling in one of Da Nang’s many resorts. The city is blessed with a nice shoreline facing the South China Sea and there are plenty of compelling resort options here such as the InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula or the Banyan Tree Lang Co .

Where to Stay in Central Vietnam

As the three cities are quite far apart from each other, it is probably best to split your hotel between Hue and Hoi An. Stay in a Da Nang hotel if you would like to have a nice beach experience. Stay in a Hoi An hotel for at least a night if you wish to witness the contrasting scenes of the ancient town both in the day and at night.

Hoi An: I have visited Hoi An multiple times and have stayed in these hotels: Allegro Hoi An as it’s one of the few good boutique hotels to be within short walking distance to the old town. If convenience is your priority, then go for this hotel especially if you are in Hoi An only for 1 night. The overall feel was quite luxurious and the guestroom was huge despite room prices being reasonable. You could also use their bikes for free. The other hotel I stayed in was Lantana Riverside Boutique Hotel & Spa . This property is around 20 minute walk from town but hotel guests can rent a bike for $1 a day. What I loved about Lantana despite the distance is that the room price was especially cheap and even came with breakfast. You can also compare prices for more hotels in Hoi An here .

Hue: In Hue, I stayed in the Indochine Palace Hotel which is located in the newer and more commercial part of town. It is a large hotel with a nice imperial feel. Breakfast was one of the best I’ve had at the same price range. During my third visit to Hue, I stayed at Melia Vinpearl Hue which is also the tallest building in the city. Service was excellent and the hotel also has a shopping mall in the same building. You can also compare prices for more hotels in Hue here .

Da Nang: Most visitors who come to Da Nang opt to stay in one of the coastal hotels. The Sala Da Nang Beach Hotel is a popular hotel with sweeping views of the beach and the cape from the rooftop pool level. Further up the cape is Le Sands Oceanfront . If you need a hotel room with apartment-like facilities (i.e. separate living area, microwave), you can check out their 1-bedroom residence category. If you prefer to stay in a newer hotel you can check out Radisson Da Nang .

Getting Around Between Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue

Best way to get around is to hire your own car with driver although these days, it is also feasible to do a mix of Grab and joining local tours. The bulk of the places listed here (except for the more isolated My Son, Ba Na Hills and the imperial tombs in Hue) can be easily visited via ride sharing apps. For intercity transfers, it is cheaper to pre-book transport (i.e. to travel between Da Nang, Hoi An, Ba Na Hills and Hue). For transfers originating from Da Nang, you can check here . For transfers originating from Hoi An, you can check here . 

Here is a rough guide for the travel time between Da Nang and the key cities in Central Vietnam:

How to travel from Da Nang Airport to Da Nang City Center (~15 minutes) – book here How to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An (~45 minutes) – book here How to travel from Da Nang to Hue (~2 hours) – book here How to travel from Hoi An to Da Nang (~45 minutes) – book here

You can arrange your airport transfer HERE .

Travel Tips for Central Vietnam

• In this age of uncertainty, it may be advisable to have travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage. If you reside in Singapore, check out Starr Travelead , one of the cheapest travel insurance. They have a promotion running until 29th Feb that comes with FREE Apple AirTag (worth S$45) that may even be worth more than the cost of the insurance itself. 
• Unless staying in one of Da Nang’s exclusive resorts is part of the plan, I would personally recommend basing yourself in either Hoi An or Hue as there’s simply much more to do in those two towns. However, if you intend to visit Ba Na Hills, a one-night stay in Da Nang may be warranted.
• It is still possible to pay for purchases in USD in several places including shops, restaurants and other establishments used to dealing with tourists. I ran out of Vietnamese Dong once and my cab driver even accepted USD. However, do note that small local eateries and grocers might accept only local currency. If you urgently need to change money and can’t find a bank that is still open, look out for jewelry stores. Their rates are often better than banks. 

Alternatively, you can check out this great resource with easy-to-use itinerary planners to various destinations.

You May Also Like

Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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Older posts.

December 17, 2017 at 8:07 pm

Perfect post! I’m just starting to plan my May trip to Vietnam

December 17, 2017 at 10:46 pm

Hope it helps! Enjoy your upcoming trip!

October 22, 2022 at 8:44 pm

Thank you so much! I wanted to fly to Danang but didn’t how much I plan. I’ll just follow your itinerary!

March 14, 2018 at 8:31 am

Hi, it’s really helpful. would you be able to recommend any driver with car please? many thanks

March 19, 2018 at 10:20 am

Hi there, I booked my transfers with Klook – cheaper than Grab.

May 4, 2018 at 5:20 pm

Awesome post !! Can I ask how do u go hue and my son ? By grab too ?

May 7, 2018 at 10:35 am

Hue – yes. For My Son, you might have a problem getting a GRAB back. I would suggest joining a local day tour.

May 24, 2018 at 2:26 pm

how did you get around between cities? from hue to hoi an to da nang?

May 24, 2018 at 2:42 pm

I booked my transport thru Klook – see above

August 1, 2018 at 6:27 pm

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. I’m planning Hanoi, Ha Long, and Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) first. Then take a train to Hue reaching in the morning. Hire a car, see sights and proceed to Hoi An (nice to the drive is scenic). In my country Uber is point to point. Is it the same there? Will the Uber guy be Ok with a bit of sight-seeing in Hue before taking me to Hoi An?

August 3, 2018 at 9:22 pm

Hi Satty, it’s also point to point there.

August 30, 2018 at 8:36 am

In a few weeks, I will be travelling for a few days in Central Vietnam by myself, and considered taking the train from Danang to Hue. I note that this mode is not one you recommend, as you refer to shared-app rides like Uber or Grab instead. Is there any reason for your recommendation of a car ride instead of the train?

I would appreciate your take on this question.

Many thanks

August 31, 2018 at 5:09 pm

Yes my assumption is whoever using this itinerary is traveling with others. In that case, it’s not a bad idea to use a ride-sharing app. For solo travelers, the train option may be more economical.

April 17, 2019 at 1:58 pm

Hi Bino Your site is very useful. we are travelling from Hanoi to central Vietnam and then we need to proceed to Ho chi. We have like 2 days and one night and are 2 ladies. Kindly suggest, whether we need to take flight from hanoi to Hue /Hoi an. How about the onward flight to Ho chi, from where to we have to book it.(Hoi an, Hue or Danang)

June 4, 2019 at 12:39 pm

This is most helpful as i’m looking at making a short trip to explore the said cities in Vietnam! Thank you! 🙂

October 18, 2019 at 1:36 pm

Hi Bino, Thanks for your informations. May i know roughlu how much would you need to prepare for the 4D3N trip to these three cities ? im planning a trip there by train jn a few days time leaving from Hanoi.

November 23, 2022 at 9:00 pm

Hi Helpful blog Planing a trip to Vietnam in first week of Dec First Hanoi,then to Da bang ,Hue, Hoi an and then to Hochimin Is light warm cloths sufficient,we r elderly people Can we do Phong Nha Cave Thanks

November 23, 2022 at 10:42 pm

Hello. I don’t think Phong Nha Cave will be suitable for elderly people.

December 1, 2022 at 9:01 pm

Suggest Hanoi to Hue. Flight or train. Hue is definitely good for a whole day if not more. Then drive down to Da Nang via Hai Van pass. Halt at Lan Co Bay for seafood. It’s a fabulous drive. You may stay at Da Nang or proceed directly to Hoi An. Minimum 2 to 3 nights at Hoi An. If you’re flying out of Da Nang then spend a day there. All the sights of Da Nang can however be done from Hoi An

January 17, 2023 at 8:38 am

Hi Bino, I live between Paris and New York. I’m planning my March south Vietnam trip. I want to see Saigon, the Mekong Delta, Nha Trang, Dalat, Hoi An. How many days do you suggest I should stay in each town? I was thinking of skipping Danang because it seems like a big Disneyland, what do you think? All the best for 2023! Marie-Anne

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5-Day Central Vietnam Itinerary — Off The Beaten Path In Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An

Planning your Vietnam itinerary? Find out how you can score 1-for-1 deals and up to 50% off transport, activities, and other travel essentials from now till 14 Oct 2022 — more at the end! Having already been to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, I thought I’d already tried all the straw hats and egg coffees on offer. Little did I know of Central Vietnam’s extraordinary attractions — a bizarre bridge that shoots actual fire, a three-storey arcade hidden in a cave, and a lantern festival on the river straight out of a Disney flick!

By stepping away from the mainstream, you’ll learn some new things — how buffalo hair feels like, how prone to motion sickness you really are, and what duck foetus feathers taste like (spoiler: crunchy).

Get crazy on this 5-day Central Vietnam itinerary where you’ll explore off-beat Da Nang, historical Hue, and colourful Hoi An, for the quirkiest, coolest Vietnam trip ever!

Psst* Klook is celebrating its 8th birthday with deals for a different destination each day from 30 September to 14 October — Vietnam is on day 7 (6 Oct)! Expect 1-for-1s and up to 50% off deals — more about this later!

Pre-trip Essentials

Getting around in Vietnam:  We got an airport pickup (~S$11.65 for three pax) which brought us to our accommodation in Da Nang. On days two and three (Da Nang and Hue), we recommend a 12-hour private charter   (~S$112.50) to cover the city’s many attractions. For everything else, the Grab app (Southeast Asia’s Uber) comes super handy.

Staying connected: We collected our pre-booked 6GB 5G SIM Card (30 days)  (~S$10.45) directly upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport.

Flights to Central Vietnam:  It’s easiest to fly in and out of Da Nang International Airport, with direct flights from Singapore from just ~S$72.

Check Flights to Da Nang

Check flights from Singapore to Da Nang here .

Central Vietnam Itinerary Route

We enjoyed two days in Da Nang before travelling north to spend two days in Hue. We then travelled down to Hoi An for one day. From Hoi An, it’s a 45-minute drive back to Da Nang International Airport.

Day 1: Lose Yourself in Ba Na Hills, Da Nang’s Odd Utopia

Start your trip at Da Nang, a laid-back coastal city known for its strong food scene, backpacker culture, and one of Asia’s best beaches. New attractions like Ba Na Hills tips Da Nang as the next big holiday destination, so better visit before the crowds do!

Have a Blast at Ba Na Hills

If “extra” is your middle name, you’ll love  Ba Na Hills , undoubtedly Da Nang’s craziest attraction. Sitting atop the Truong Son Mountains, this humongous theme park is full of surreal surprises that’ll keep you entertained all day.

Take Ba Na Hills’ record-breaking cablecars over waterfalls and lush forest. You’ll soon arrive at the Golden Bridge , modelled like two giant hands holding a delicate golden thread. With rolling clouds in the background, it’s definitely among the most awesome sights I’ve ever seen.

Take another cablecar to Ba Na Hills’ French Village , complete with its own cathedral, village square, and quaint cafes — very romantic!

Grab lunch at Arapang Hall , for a huge international buffet spread (225,000₫) that left us spoilt for choice.

*Pro-tip: Come before 12PM to avoid the tour groups and get first dibs on food!

Let your lunch settle before taking a ride on the Alpine Coaster , a luge ride that gives you complete control over the brakes and speed! If you intend to zoom down at the top speed of 40km/hr, let the ride attendant know and he’ll be sure to clear enough distance between you and the previous rider.

Next to the Alpine Coaster is another unusual sight — a three-storey arcade tucked inside a cave! The largest indoor arcade in Vietnam, Fantasy Park  boasts free VR rides, a free drop-tower, free rock-climbing, free bumper cars, free arcade games… okay, basically it’s all free!

Our favourites were the classic SEGA racing machines, and the genuinely scary 360° cinema horror show Fear Train (be warned: jump-scares aplenty!). For the old-school romantics, there are also traditional carnival games like ring toss and beanbag throws, at (100,000₫) for three tries.

Entrance fee:   ~S$49.80 (incl. round trip cablecar) Opening hours: 8AM – 5:30PM, closes 7:30PM on Sat How to get there:  From Sun World Ba Na Hills Gateway, take the Toc Tien–L’Indochine cablecar line, which brings you to the Golden Bridge. Alternatively, a  Ba Na Hills package tour  covers everything from transport and admission to the buffet lunch.

Read also:  Ba Na Hills Guide — Vietnam’s Breathtaking Hidden Playground

Dinner at Quan Pho Hong

End the day with affordable and authentic pho at Quan Pho Hong . We recommend the classic beef pho (55,000₫) and tasty fried prawn and meat spring rolls (160,000₫ for 10 rolls).

Cost: From 55,000₫ (~S$3.30) a bowl Opening hours: 7AM – 9PM Address: 10 Ly Tu Trong, Thach Thang, Hai Chau, Da Nang 550000

Day 2: Experience Water and Fire in Da Nang

Eat like a local at c ồ n market.

Despite what its name suggests, you’re not gonna get conned at  Cồn Market . It’s the perfect place to start your day like a local, and soak in authentic Vietnam vibes!

Cồn Market’s food street hosts tiny stalls selling unidentifiable meats — no thanks to the lack of translated signs — a sight that’ll make you feel nothing like a regular tourist. We managed to snag grilled pork and veggies in paper-thin rice rolls topped with a dollop of peanut dipping sauce for 100,000₫ — completing our local lunch!

Wander down the neighbouring lanes and spot interesting sights like garlic cloves decorated to look like Christmas trees, bare-bones manicure stations and trendy banana-print tees that go for ~100,000₫ each.

Cost: ~100,000₫ (~S$5.90) for a meal for two pax Opening hours:  7AM – 7PM Address:  290 Hung Vuong, Vinh Trung, Hai Chau, Da Nang 550000

Catch Waves at My Khe Beach — the US Marine’s Favourite Surf Spot

Spend the afternoon at My Khe Beach , one of the most beautiful and historically significant beaches in Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, this charming paradise was a beloved recreation spot for the US Marines — and it’s easy to see why.

My Khe Beach is a lovely stretch of white sand with sparkling turquoise waves perfect for casual surfers (surfboard rentals at  100,000₫/hour) . With a backdrop of misty mountains, beach bars, cheap parasailing ( 500,000₫) , and very few tourists , My Khe Beach has it all. Entrance fee: Free Opening hours:  7AM – 9PM, 5AM – 6:30PM in Winter (Nov – Apr) How to get there: Take an 11-min Grab ride/taxi from Cồn Market (public transport will be too complicated for non-Vietnamese speakers)

Dinner at Burger Bros 

Da Nang’s history as a base for US Marines resulted in some of Vietnam’s yummiest Western food. We don’t normally recommend non-local food, but for the buttery, juicy goodness at  Burger Bros , we’ll make an exception.

We ravaged the NN Burger (110,000 ₫ ), which came stuffed with bacon and avocado, and the double-pattied Mykhe Burger (140,000 ₫ ). Judging by the hundreds of rave reviews online, the other options are excellent too.

Make your meal extra satisfying by adding fries/coleslaw and a drink (we loved the homemade lemonade) ranging from 30,000 ₫ to 50,000₫ , based on your drink of choice.

Cost: From 70,000₫ (~S$4.20) per burger Opening hours:  11AM – 2PM, 5PM – 9PM (or until sold out) Address:  30 An Thuong 4, Bac My An, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang 550000

*Pro-tip: Visit at least an hour before closing time, as they sell out pretty fast!

See a Fire-Breathing Dragon

Photo credit: CNN

The longest bridge in Vietnam is also its most badass: A 666m-long golden dragon!

Opened in 2013 for the 38th anniversary of Da Nang’s liberation from the war, the bridge is a symbol of prosperity and power. Visit after sunset to see the bridge light up in a dazzling display of changing colours. On weekends, the dragon even spits actual fire!

Cost: Free Show times: 9PM on weekends How to get there: Head to the waterfront along the Han River, where you’ll find eateries offering great views of the Dragon Bridge

Day 3: Immerse Yourself in Hue’s Historical Landmarks

Getting From Da Nang to Hue: We took a 12-hour private charter for the ~2-hour drive from Da Nang to Hue, followed by a day of sightseeing.

Hue is filled with royal monuments and gorgeous architecture from its history as Vietnam’s former capital from the 17th to the 19th century, during the Nguyen Dynasty. This grand city is also your gateway to the marvellous caves at Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Admire the Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh

Of the six royal tombs around Hue, King Khai Dinh’s is the most impressive. A real testament to the controversial Nguyễn Dynasty emperor, this majestic mausoleum took 11 years to build with three gorgeous levels to explore.

Entrance fee: 150,000₫ (~S$8.90) Opening hours: 7.30AM – 5PM How to get there:  A 30-minute drive (Grab/cab) from Hue. Do note that if you’re not on private transfer/motorbike, you’ll need to ask your cab to wait for you as cabs aren’t readily available from the tomb.

Feast on Hue Specialties at Quán Cơm Hến 03

At the cosy  Quán Cơm Hến 03 , try Hue’s specialty, com hen  (clam rice), which tastes satisfyingly buttery, salty, and spicy all at once. Pair the iconic dish with another Hue fave, nem lui  — grilled skewers of finely-ground beef and pork, wound around stalks of lemongrass. The friendly owner will even teach you how to eat nem lui  like a local!

Cost:  ~185,000₫ (~S$10.90) for 3pax Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM Address: 3 Han Mac Tu, Vy Da, Thanh pho Hue, Thua Thien Hue

Wander around Hue’s Imperial City

Dive into ancient history at Hue’s Imperial City , the site of Vietnam’s former capital. There’s an actual moat, and ten grand gates guarding the lavish remains of a palace, tombs, and gardens. Walking through the royal ruins, it’s easy to imagine the grandeur and glory back in the days of ancient Vietnam’s Nguyễn Dynasty.

Entrance fee:  ~200,000₫ (~S$11.90) Opening hours: 6:30AM – 5:30PM in summer, 7AM – 5PM in winter How to get there: Take private charter or bike (parking at the east exit costs 25,000₫, ~S$1.50) to this central location within Hue.

Catch the Sunset at Thien Mu Pagoda

The seven-storied Thien Mu Pagoda (The Pagoda of the Celestial Lady) is the unofficial symbol of Hue city. Sitting just outside the city centre, the pagoda is in a perfect position overlooking the Perfume River.

In the vicinity, you’ll also spot the car that once belonged to Thich Quang Duc, the Buddhist monk who set himself on fire in protest against President Diem’s discriminatory policies.

Entrance fee:  Free Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM Address:  Huong Hoa, Thanh pho Hue, Huong Hoa Thanh pho Hue Thua Thien Hue 532761

Beef Noodles at Bun Bo Hue My Tam

Enjoy some bun bo (Vietnamese rice noodle dish with sliced beef or pork knuckles) for dinner in the city where it originated! Like a punchier-tasting version of the classic pho,  Bun Bo Hue My Tam  generously heaps beef tendon, pork ribs and juicy pork balls on top of soft vermicelli. Hot tip to eat like the locals do: dip the free baguette slices into the yummy soup!

Cost: 40,000₫ (~S$2.40) Opening hours:  3:15PM – 2AM Address: 3 Tran Cao Van, Vinh Ninh, Thanh pho Hue, Thua Thien Hue

Day 4: Day Trip to Phong Nha’s Crazy Caves  

Spot magical creatures among phong nha’s magnificent formations.

Spend the day adventuring at  Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The caves can be quite a pain to get to, as they’re a 4-hour drive each way from Hue. It’s well worth it though — there’s something  surreal about standing amongst caves that are over 400 million years old. 

To make the journey a little easier, book an all-inclusive  Phong Nha Cave tour  (~S$57 per pax), which comes with roundtrip transfer, entrance fees, and lunch along the way.

There are different caves to explore in the area, including the adventure-filled Tra Ang Cave and tragic 8 Ladies Cave. We loved the Paradise Cave — aptly named for its breathtaking stalagmites and magically cool temperature of 17° – 19°, no matter the season!

Don’t forget to put your imagination to the test by spotting outlines of gnomes and other fantastic creatures amongst the karst limestone formations.

Entrance fee:  250,000₫ (~S$14.90) Opening hours: 7AM – 4PM How to get there:  A 4-hour drive each way, it’s easiest and most cost-efficient to get to Phong Nha-Ke Bàng National Park via private charter.

*Pro-tip:  Wear comfortable walking shoes as the hike up to the cave entrance gets pretty strenuous.

Read also:  2-Week Vietnam Itinerary — Heart-Pumping Experiences through Northern and Central Vietnam from Hanoi to Da Nang

Dinner at Nina’s Cafe

Photo credit: Buffalo Trip

Enjoy authentic local dishes at this popular family-run restaurant. Have a spread of Nina Cafe’s  signature items, including squid with lemongrass and chili (85,000₫), steamed rice cakes (40,000₫), and banana flower salad (70,000₫).

Cost: From 40,000₫ (~S$2.40) Opening hours: 10AM – 9:30PM Address: 34 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Phú Hoi, Thành pho Hue, Thua Thien Hue 530000

Day 5: Spin Through Hoi An’s Coconut Forest 

Round off the trip with some colour and culture at Hoi An, a former trading port that blends together architecture styles from the Chinese, French, Japanese, and Vietnamese. This lovely town features quaint cafes, lantern-lit streets, and a gorgeous river that comes alive at night.

Go on a Family-run Coconut Tour 

This super-cute tour through the Coconut Forest is non-stop excitement, beginning with an actual buffalo ride in the countryside!

We then cycled through scenic paddy fields, lush vegetation, and beside shimmering streams. Along the way, our guide pointed out interesting sights and even crafted us our very own grass hats and accessories!

Once we reached the coconut forest, the real highlight of the tour began. Hopping onto a round basket boat — a creative concoction of oil and bamboo — we paddled out on the river and right into the middle of a party.

You’ll be brought to the river’s designated party spot with boomboxes blasting energetic music, while a friendly paddler spins the boat round and round and round. One of us actually puked — just like a Friday night at Zouk!

On a serious note, you might want to skip this if you have bad motion sickness (or prep some pills beforehand).

Other highlights include a chance to try net fishing, and learn more about this interesting aspect of local life. For example, the coconut forest used to be an area of frequent bombing during the Vietnam War. Our guide’s father — our basket boat paddler — even fought in the war, and showed us pictures to prove it.

After all that spinning and adventure, we enjoyed a local spread of fried spring rolls,  banh xeo (Vietnamese egg pancakes), and of course, fresh coconut!

I can’t recommend this tour enough — the English-speaking husband-and-wife team were amazing guides who went above and beyond to give us a fun time and even helped us take great photos.

Cost: ~S$34/pax for a 3hr tour Tour timings: 9AM, 2PM Meeting point: Hotel pick up within central Hoi An available

Explore Hoi An’s Colourful Streets

Whether on foot or by bike, spend an afternoon exploring Hoi An’s quaint streets and cosy eateries.

We visited the White Rose Restaurant , founded by a Fujian-Vietnamese couple and named after their iconic white rose dumplings, with a secret recipe they fiercely guard. What’s not-so-secret though is getting to see ladies skilfully filling and shaping the dumplings into flowers. It’s also no coincidence that all the staff look alike — only family members are allowed to make the food!

Apart from the white rose dumplings (70,000₫ for ~10 pieces), try the one other menu offering, fried wanton (100,000₫ for ~7 pieces), which are  topped with tomato roulade, shrimp, black mushroom, and other veggies. Resembling a tortilla, the soft and crunchy snack is also known as “Hoi An Pizza”.

White Rose Restaurant Cost:  From 70,000₫ (~S$4.20) Opening hours:  7:30AM – 8:30PM Address: 533 D. Hai Bà Trung, Phuong Cam Pho, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Another cool spot is Phai Pho Cafe (meaning “Faded City”), a vintage-looking cafe in Old Town. Get a cup of their strong, sweetened coffee (15,000₫) and drink it the Vietnamese way — one sip of coffee followed by one sip of their complimentary tea, and repeat. The delicious beans from Da Lat give the coffee a distinct, chocolatey taste. Phai Pho Cafe Cost:  15,000₫ (~S$0.90) Opening hours:  7AM – 10PM Address: 59 Phan Chu Trinh, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam

*Pro-tip: You’re allowed to bring in your own food to enjoy with the coffee.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, go on a guided bike tour , where you’ll brave busy streets to sample Hoi An’s best-kept culinary secrets. We went through narrow alleyways and even found ourselves on a tranquil farm and in locals’ homes for home-cooked Vietnamese food.

The entire way, our knowledgeable guide told us everything we needed to know about the food, and even accompanied us to try street-side balut (fertilised duck egg)!

Bike and Bite Tour Cost: ~S$55/pax for a 5hr tour Tour timings: 3:30PM Meeting point:  567 Hai Ba Trung St, Son Phong, Hoian, Quang Nam

Light Up the River at Hoi An’s Lantern Festival 

Hoi An’s romantic streets become even lovelier at night, as the riverside lights up with the rainbow glow of paper lanterns and decorated boats.

You can even make a wish on your own little lantern, and set it afloat along the river (20,000₫ each)!

While the tradition has become so popular that it now happens every night, it’s still most beautiful on the eve of the full moon each month, when the lights of the town are shut off at 8PM to create a truly magical scene.

Activity timing: From sunset to around 9PM How to get there:  Walk to the riverside in the centre of Hoi An’s Old Town

*Pro-tip: Arrive just before sunset (around 6PM) to catch the gorgeous pink sky and watch the river slowly light up.

Dinner at Madam Khanh the Bahn Mi Queen

Without a doubt, the owner Madam Khanh deserves her title as the Bahn Mi Queen. These bahn mi (short baguette with savoury ingredients) from Madam Khanh the Bahn Mi Queen were the best Vietnamese sandwiches I’ve ever had. 

My favourite was the Mixed Bahn Mi (20,000₫), which came stuffed with vegetables, pork, ham, eggs, pate, and egg sauce on a crisp yet chewy baguette.

Cost: From 20,000₫ (~S$1.20) Opening hours: 6AM – 7PM, opens 12PM on Tue Address: 115 Tran Cao Van, Phuong Minh An, tp. Hoi An, Quang Nam

Getting from Hue to Hoi An: It’s a 2hr 40min drive to Hoi An. As Hoi An is best explored on foot or via unique local tours, we took an inter-city transfer (~S$72.59 for three pax). Leave Hue by 6AM if you intend to take the Coconut Forest Tour (9AM – 12PM) and the Bike and Bite Tour (3:30PM – 8PM) on the same day. Otherwise, leave by 2PM to catch the afternoon Coconut Forest Tour (2PM – 5PM).

Getting from Hoi An to Da Nang (Airport): Take a 45-min airport transfer  (~S$15.69 for three pax) to Da Nang International Airport.

Getting Around Central Vietnam

We loved the flexibility of customising our day and itinerary, free to continue exploring or move on from each attraction throughout Central Vietnam as we pleased.

Our 12-hour private charter  (~S$112.50) made this possible directly from touchdown. Having our own car was a godsend especially when exploring quirkier attractions like the local market and Khai Dinh’s tomb, which aren’t central areas frequented by most tourists (and harder to get to via public transport!).

That said, we also opted for the following full-length tours as they included great add-ons like lunch or admission fees, with knowledgeable guides who gave us insight on Vietnamese history and hidden gems:

– Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Custom Day Tour incl. Buffet Lunch (~S$65) – Phong Nha Cave Exploration Tour (~S$57) – Hoi An Coconut Forest Tour (~S$34) – Hoi An Bite and Bite Tour (~S$55)

Personally, I’m already itching to return to these underrated cities, especially Da Nang’s My Khe Beach. So try something new with our itinerary and head to Central Vietnam for a colourful getaway like no other!

Read also:   7 Adventurous Day Trips from Hanoi – Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Trang Vu and more

Enough to inspire you for your next trip? Check flight prices from Singapore to Da Nang here !

1-For-1 Deals and Up to 50% off Vietnam Travel Essentials

Celebrating their 8th birthday, from 30 September – 7 October 2022, Klook will be  releasing daily deals  for a different destination each day. If you’re planning your Vietnam itinerary, set an alarm for 6 Oct!

How this works: at 8PM each day, there will be a code released for 18% off for that featured destination — that means 18% off your train passes, activities, accommodations, and other travel essentials!

And if you’re planning to add Sun World Asia Park (Da Nang) to your Central Vietnam Itinerary, enjoy an extra 100,000₫ voucher as part of the 8PM flash deal for Vietnam!

More savings for your Central Vietnam itinerary

On top of daily destination-specific deals, log into the app daily between 30 Sep – 14 Oct to  spin the Joy Roulette .

Collect the three coins to spell J-O-Y and you’ll stand a chance to win one of 88 attractive prizes! Prizes include a Resorts World Cruises 5-Night Sail Package, Royal Albatross Tickets, and Klook e-Gift Cards to book any experience you’ve been dying to try.

*Pro-tip:  Existing DBS/POSB Cardmembers can score an $80 off sitewide code so look out for that when you’re checking out!

Know any other quirky activities in Vietnam that we should include? Let us know in the comments!

This post was brought to you by  Klook .

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Hi. Are you staying the 5 days in danang? Hue and hoi an only day trip?

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