Day 1: Cultural and Riverside Vibes
Morning: Begin your journey in Da Nang at the fascinating Museum of Cham Sculpture, located right in the city center near the Han River. Even if you’re not a history buff, this museum will captivate you with its detailed stone carvings and tranquil courtyards. It holds the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts, showcasing the intricate artistry and spiritual traditions of the ancient Champa civilization. Wander slowly through the halls and let the stories behind each sculpture bring the ancient kingdom to life.
Once you’ve had your fill of culture, walk along the nearby riverside park or grab a refreshing sugarcane juice from a street vendor. The pace in Da Nang is calm, even in the heart of the city.
Afternoon: Next, head south of the city for a hands-on cultural experience with a basket boat tour. These unique round bamboo boats, known locally as “thung chai,” are steered with surprising precision by local fishermen. Glide through peaceful coconut palm canals near the fishing villages and watch lively demonstrations of traditional net fishing or boat spinning—a local favorite that’s both impressive and fun. It’s a great way to experience rural life just minutes away from the city buzz.
This isn’t just a ride; it’s an interactive slice of daily life, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to try paddling the boat yourself. Just be warned—it’s harder than it looks!
Evening: Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll along the Han River, where Da Nang truly comes to life in the evening. Locals gather along the riverbanks to jog, chat, and relax, while couples and families enjoy the illuminated bridges. Don’t miss the Han River Bridge, Vietnam’s only rotating bridge, which swings open late at night to allow ships to pass—a remarkable feat of engineering.
Nearby, the Dragon Bridge steals the show. Shaped like a golden dragon flying across the river, it breathes fire and water every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM. The spectacle draws quite a crowd, so arrive early if you want a good view.
Save Tip:
Explore downtown Da Nang on foot or by bicycle. Walking between landmarks like the Cham Museum, riverside parks, and bridges is free, scenic, and relaxing.
Splurge Tip:
Book a sunset dinner cruise on the Han River. You’ll enjoy skyline views, a cool breeze, and delicious Vietnamese dishes while gently floating past the city lights.
Day 2: Mountains and Monasteries
Morning: Kick off the day with a drive to Ba Na Hills, Da Nang’s mountaintop amusement and cultural park located about 1.5 hours from the city center. Your ascent begins with a ride on one of the world’s longest cable cars, offering sweeping views of lush mountains and waterfalls.
At the summit, you’ll cross the famous Golden Bridge, a curved pedestrian walkway held up by two giant stone hands. The view from here is otherworldly, especially in the early morning mist. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a scene from a fantasy film.
Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Ba Na Hills by wandering the quaint French Village, designed to resemble a European mountain town with cobblestone streets, gothic cathedrals, and cozy cafes. There’s also a sprawling amusement park underground—perfect if you’re traveling with kids or need a break from the sun.
Before leaving, make time for Linh Ung Pagoda at the top, where a 27-meter tall Buddha statue looks out over the mountain ranges. The serenity and cool air are a refreshing change from the bustling city below.
Evening: Return to Da Nang in the late afternoon and head straight to My Khe Beach, one of Vietnam’s most stunning coastlines. This long, wide beach is clean, well-maintained, and known for its soft white sand and gentle waves. Watch the sunset, go for a swim, or simply kick back under a parasol with a cold drink. There are beach vendors offering everything from tropical fruits to inflatable loungers, so take your pick and relax.
Save Tip:
Book your Ba Na Hills combo ticket online in advance—many platforms offer discounts that include the cable car, park access, and shuttle service.
Splurge Tip:
Upgrade your Ba Na Hills experience by staying overnight at one of the mountain hotels to enjoy a peaceful evening and early access to popular spots without the daytime crowds.
Day 3: Marble Marvels and Local Nightlife
Morning: Start the day with a short drive to the iconic Marble Mountains, a group of five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Climb the steep stone steps and explore caves like Huyen Khong Cave, which has a skylight that casts an ethereal beam of light onto a Buddhist altar below.
Wander through pagodas and meditation sites as the scent of incense lingers in the air. Don’t skip the summit views—they’re some of the best in Da Nang, with panoramas over the coastline and city.
Afternoon: Next, drive to the lush Son Tra Peninsula, a natural reserve teeming with wildlife, including the rare red-shanked douc langur. Visit the majestic Linh Ung Pagoda (yes, there are three by this name in Da Nang!) with its massive Lady Buddha statue, the tallest in Vietnam at 67 meters. The views from here are incredible, stretching across the city, the bay, and the mountains.
Take your time walking the temple grounds and snapping photos of the peaceful lotus ponds, bonsai trees, and delicate carvings.
Evening: As the sun sets, head to the Son Tra Night Market, a vibrant maze of over 150 stalls. Browse local crafts, pick up souvenirs like silk lanterns or handmade soaps, and sample a smorgasbord of Vietnamese street food. Grilled seafood, sticky rice, and fresh fruit smoothies are just a few favorites. The market is conveniently located near the Dragon Bridge, so if you missed the weekend fire show on Day 1, now’s your chance!
Save Tip:
Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Be to get to Marble Mountains and Son Tra—they’re cheaper than taxis and easy to use.
Splurge Tip:
Hire a private guide to lead you through the Marble Mountains and explain the spiritual and historical meaning behind each cave and pagoda.
Day 4: Ancient Town of Hoi An
Morning: Take a scenic drive to Hoi An Ancient Town, just under an hour from Da Nang. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautifully preserved trading port that blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Stroll through lantern-lined streets and visit landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and colorful assembly halls.
Afternoon:
Get hands-on with a lantern-making workshop, a fun way to connect with local craftspeople and take home a handmade souvenir. Or hop on a traditional wooden boat and cruise the tranquil Thu Bon River, admiring the town’s colorful facades from the water.
Evening: As night falls, Hoi An transforms into a glowing wonderland. The streets light up with hanging lanterns of every color and shape. The Hoi An Night Market bustles with energy—perfect for one last round of food sampling and last-minute shopping. Try sweet coconut pancakes or grilled banana sticky rice as a farewell treat.
Save Tip:
Rent a bicycle for the day—Hoi An is flat, scenic, and easy to navigate on two wheels, and it’s the best way to avoid crowds and expensive taxis.
Splurge Tip:
Book a cooking class at a riverside villa with a local chef. You’ll visit the market, learn to prepare Vietnamese dishes, and enjoy a meal in a serene setting.
Book a private car for your whole stay—many Grab drivers offer this including those you hailed from the airport. Rates are similar if you book per trip via Grab, but it’s way more convenient than hailing rides each time.