A Traveler’s Guide to Da Nang, Vietnam: Discover the Heart of Central Vietnam (4-Day Itinerary)

Nestled along Vietnam’s central coast, Da Nang is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and warm, welcoming people. This dynamic destination boasts a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern attractions, making it a must-visit spot for travelers exploring Vietnam. The city’s tropical climate ensures warm weather year-round, with the best time to visit being from February to May, when the skies are clear and the temperatures are pleasant.

Da Nang’s charm lies in its versatility: from the ancient allure of Hoi An to the majestic Marble Mountains, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or someone looking to unwind by the beach, Da Nang has it all.

A few days ago (June 2, 2024), I was able to visit this beautiful place along with my friend, Ruth Dela Cruz. It was a trip planned months ago and we are lucky enough that it wasn’t that rainy at all when we visited. This guide I created is somehow fit for relaxed travelers who enjoyed a mix of luxury and comfort with a sense of adventure.

4-Day Itinerary for Da Nang

Day 1: Direct Flight via Cebu Pacific

• Flight from Manila to Da Nang: Start your adventure with a direct flight from Manila to Da Nang, with Cebu Pacific now offering convenient connections. As of this writing, Cebu Pacific only offers a few flights every other day with flights mostly at night. I suggest staying at least 4 days in Da Nang to fully emerge yourself into the place. 

Day 2: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

Travel Tip: Arrive as early as possible so you can get on the cable cars faster. You can go directly at the Golden Bridge and go back to the French Village, just make sure to ride the right cable car or else you’ll go back directly to the entrance. 

• Ba Na Hills: Begin your day with a visit to Ba Na Hills. Take the world’s longest cable car ride up to the French Village, where you can explore cobblestone streets, stunning gardens, and historical architecture. We booked this attraction via Klook. And to save money we booked Klook Da Nang Pass (2 Attractions + Ba Na Hills) for only Php 4,179. This includes a premium destination like the Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge and 8 standard choices. We picked Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park and Marble Mountains & Non Nuoc Stone Carving Memory Museum.
  
  Must Do: Take advantage of riding the different rides especially at the Fantasy Park. Do not missed to try the Alpine Coaster for VND 70,000 (USD 2.75) 
• Golden Bridge: Don’t miss the iconic Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  
  Must Do: This place gets too crowded, make sure to be here as early as possible for a smaller crowd. Best spot to take photos is at the walk way down found at the end of the bridge. 
• Dinner at EMO’S Vietnamese Taste Restaurant: End your day with a delightful dinner at Emo’s Vietnamese Taste Restaurant. Emo’s offers an exquisite blend of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. Known for its elegant ambiance, warm hospitality, and homey feel, Emo’s serves a diverse menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor a variety of authentic dishes, from flavorful pho and savory banh xeo to delicately prepared seafood and succulent grilled meats.

Day 3: Hoi An Exploration

Travel Tip: Rent a motorcycle going to Hoi An for only VND 150,000.00/day. Travel time is around 45 minutes. Bring extra clothes and make sure to stay there until the evening for everything look different at night. 

• Reaching Out Coffee: Start your Hoi An experience with a visit at Reaching Out Coffee, a peaceful café that supports the local deaf community.
• Banh Mi Phuong: Try the famous Banh Mi Phuong, known for serving some of the best banh mi in Vietnam. You can have this for lunch. 
• Hochampa Cafe: Enjoy a relaxing break at Hochampa Cafe, known for its charming decor and excellent coffee. This was our meet-up place for the Hoi An Tour. There is parking in front so this would be the perfect place to leave your motorcycle. 
• Hoi An Day Tour: Join a guided tour to explore the historic sites, traditional markets, and scenic spots around Hoi An. We booked this trip via Klook (Hoi An City Tour and Coconut Basket Boat Tour) priced at Php 2,129. We picked the 2pm tour just perfect so we can explore the city at night. The tour includes the following: Chinese Assembly Hall, Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan ky House & Museum of Folk Culture. We also drop by at the famous herbal tea house called MOT Hoi An. And lastly went to Cam Thanh Coconut Village to do the Coconut Basket Boat Tour. The Coconut Basket Boat tour lasted for about 30-40 minutes. At the end of the trip, we had dinner which is also part of the tour. And was brought back to the city to explore on our own. 
• Hoi An Night Market: In the evening, stroll through the Hoi An Night Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample local street food. You can also do the river lantern ride for a unique evening experience. 

Day 4: Adventure and Relaxation

• Paragliding: Kick off the day with an adrenaline rush by going paragliding over the stunning coastline. Paragliding in Da Nang offers an exhilarating experience for adventure enthusiasts, providing a unique perspective of this beautiful coastal city from the skies. This activity combines the thrill of flight with the stunning scenery of Vietnam’s central coast, making it a must-try for visitors seeking an unforgettable adventure. We booked this Paragliding in Da Nang via Klook as well for Php 4,172. This includes a camera that you will be using during the flight. 

Must do: If you got extra money, spend additional VND 200,000 for a drone shot to make this jump memorable. 

• Lunch at Vietnom Eatery: Vietnom Eatery is a delightful dining spot in Da Nang, celebrated for its authentic and flavorful Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect place for both casual meals and special occasions. With a menu that features a wide array of traditional dishes, from fresh spring rolls and hearty Pho to delectable banh xeo and savory grilled meats.
• Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park: Spend your afternoon relaxing at the Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park, known for its therapeutic waters and beautiful surroundings. Do not forget to bring extra clothes and a towel when visiting this place. 
• Cho Dem Son Tra Night market: Explore the bustling Son Tra Night Market, filled with food stalls, local crafts, and live entertainment.
• Dragon Bridge: Just a few corners away from the Night Market, you can visit the iconic Dragon Bridge. There is a viewing deck just right at the corner. The best day to go here is during Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm when the dragon breathes fire and water.
• United Bar: End your day with a drink at United Bar, a speak-easy bar famous for its very unique door. This place gets to be crowded easily and can only house a handful of people. Visiting this place at an earlier time is recommended. 

Day 5: Final Day – Cafe Hopping

Travel Tip: Enjoy your morning inside the hotel in preparation for check out. It is the time to relax and check out the other amenities you can enjoy inside. Do a late breakfast so you can skip lunch and head straight to your next destination.

• Marble Mountains & Non Nuoc Stone Carving Memory Museum: Visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills with pagodas, caves, and stunning views. From our hotel the Marble Mountain was just a 15 minute drive away. If you booked it via klook, remember to drop by at Non Nuoc Stone Carving memory Museum first to get your tickets. Don’t forget to explore the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Memory Museum which you can do for 10-15 mins only. 
• Coffee Shop Hopping:  Experience Da Nang’s coffee culture with visits to Dream House, Nam’s Cafe, and Xiu Cafe. Dream House coffee shop is a cute coffee shop tucked within a residential area. It has a cute garden and fence and offers different coffee and tea. Nam’s Cafe on the other hand has this vintage feel that looks like an old house. Every corner is sure to be picturesque. While Xiu Cafe is like a little Hoi An in the middle of the city. 
• My Khe Beach: After the coffee shop stroll, you can spend your afternoon at My Khe Beach, known for its white sand and clear waters. Find a good spot to do people watching or enjoy the beach as well by swimming. 
• Pho Long Hoi: Instead of having dinner by the beach, we decided to look for a hole-in-a-wall restaurant near our hotel and found out about Pho Long Hoi, which serve traditional Pho for as low as VND 30,000 or Php 69.38. A good hot soup to end our day. 
• Flight back to Manila: Remember to book your flight later at night and be at the airport at least 3 hours before boarding. Our flight via Cebu Pacific was at 10:30pm and we landed in Manila a few minutes before 3pm. The flight was about a little more than 2 hours.

Flights and Transportation:

Cebu Pacific now offers direct flights from Manila to Da Nang, making it easier than ever to reach this beautiful destination. If you are booking about 4-6 months before the flight, you can get a one way ticket for as low as Php 4,000.  Once in Da Nang, the best way to get around is by renting a motorbike, which provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. Motorbike rentals cost only Php 347 per day (VND150,000) plus a full tank that could last for 3 to 4 days for about VND 70,000 (Php 161). Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

Budget Allocation

– Accommodation: $30-100 per night, depending on your preference. We booked our accommodation at Diamond Sea hotel which is in front of the beach, it’s around Php 3,000 per night. 

– Food: Less the Breakfast, if you are doing additional 2 meals per day, allocate around USD 2-5 per meal. Bottle of water is around VND 15,000 (Php 34).  A cup of coffee is around VND 35,000 (Php 80).

– Attractions: Php 500-Php 5,000 per day, depending on the activities you choose.

Suggested Hotels

– Luxury: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

– Mid-range: HAIAN Beach Hotel & Spa / Diamond Sea Hotel Da Nang

– Budget: Fivitel Boutique Da Nang

Additional Tips

– Currency: The local currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are widely available. You can even change dollars to VND at the hotel you are in. 

– Language: While Vietnamese is the official language, many people in tourist areas speak English. Hotel wouldn’t be a problem and other destinations but having a translator on your phone can really help specially when dealing with stores and drivers. 

– Renting a Motorbike: You can ask the hotel and usually the guard on duty already has contacts where you can rent a bike. Motorbikes are brought to the hotel for you to check. 

– Etiquette:  Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Always ask permission before taking photos of people.

– Safety: Da Nang is generally safe, but always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

Da Nang offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring ancient towns, relaxing in hot springs, or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, this city has something for everyone. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to discover the wonders of Da Nang, Vietnam!