Are you ready for an epic 5-day Da Nang itinerary while in Vietnam? This ultimate guide will provide you with the perfect itinerary and expert tips so that you can make the most out of your time in town.
Da Nang is full of incredible things to do and amazing day trips you can take, and we’ll go through all of them in this comprehensive itinerary.
From learning about the history of the Marble Mountains and taking a tour of the My Son Sanctuary to discover the renowned Golden Bridge and exploring the Imperial City of Hue, each day spent in this coastal town has something special in store.
With a wide selection of activities, experiences, and local gems to discover, Da Nang is definitely worth exploring!
So let’s get started, I can’t wait to tell you how to spend 5 days in Da Nang!
Da Nang Itinerary – Overview
Before discussing the main topic – the ultimate Danang Vietnam itinerary – let’s discuss the essentials you should know before visiting.
Where is Da Nang?
Located on the South China Sea, Da Nang is in Central Vietnam and is a popular tourist destination.
It’s close to nearby attractions like Hoi An, an old town just south of Da Nang, and Hue, the Imperial City. Da Nang is also close to other popular tourist spots like Ha Long Bay and Hai Chau District.
With so much to do and explore, Da Nang is the perfect destination for a 5-day itinerary!
How to Get to Da Nang?
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Da Nang International Airport. With direct flights from cities in Asia, such as Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Chiang Mai and Bangkok, as well as Singapore, getting to Da Nang is quick and easy.
Additionally, there are connecting flights to Da Nang’s own international airport from other destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option than flying, there are night buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang that offer an economical way to get to the city.
How to Get Around in Da Nang?
Getting around Da Nang is a breeze with the Grab app for motorbike or car rides, which is affordable and convenient.
You can just download the Grab app, create an account, put in your pick-up and drop-off locations, pick your ride option (motorbike or car), and confirm your booking – Basically, just like you would do with Uber.
Alternatively, you can also rent a scooter, but I only recommend this option if you have experience driving a motorbike as Vietnam’s traffic is chaotic to say the least.
What is the Best Time to Visit Da Nang Vietnam?
It’s best to go to Da Nang (and Central Vietnam) between February and May when the weather’s great and the humidity’s low. This is the sweet spot for visiting Da Nang and the ideal time to explore all the attractions this beautiful city offers.
The rainy season in Da Nang runs from September to January, so if you’re planning to visit then, be prepared for some wet days.
However, if you’re tight on time and can only make it to Da Nang in December, enjoying some time in the city is still possible. Just keep in mind that prices tend to be higher during this time.
How Long to Stay in Da Nang?
Spending 5 days in Da Nang is the perfect number of days and allows you to visit all the incredible attractions in town, such as the Ba Na Hills, the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang City, and My Khe Beach, to name only a few.
On top of that, you’ll have time to discover the towns around Da Nang, which are not only stunning but historically interesting. For instance, Hoi An Old Town, Hue, the imperial city, as well as My Son Sanctuary are must-sees.
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Ultimate 5-Day Da Nang Itinerary
Da Nang is famous for its beaches, mountains, and culture. From the Marble Mountains to My Son Sanctuary, there’s no shortage of attractions to explore.
With this complete 5-day itinerary, you’ll be able to hit up the main attractions in the city. Get ready to explore the old Imperial City of Hue, take a day tour to Hoi An, and take in the views from the Ba Na Hills.
Of course, there’s much more, so let’s get started and discuss the program on each day!
Day 1: Marble Mountains and Lady Buddha
The first day in Da Nang is all about exploring the Marble Mountains, as well as Son Tra Peninsula with Lady Buddha, which are some of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia in my eyes.
Here’s what you can expect to see at each stop:
Marble Mountains: Located just outside of Da Nang, Marble Mountains is a cluster of five limestone and marble hills, each one named after one of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The mountains are home to several caves and pagodas, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Son Tra Peninsula and Lady Buddha: Son Tra Peninsula is a beautiful nature reserve located just north of Da Nang. It’s home to some of the region’s most stunning beaches, as well as a 67-meter-tall statue of Lady Buddha, which overlooks the East Sea and offers panoramic views of the city.
The best way to visit to visit is to take a day trip from Da Nang to the Marble Mountains – Not only will you go with an expert guide, but you’ll get to see these must-sees easily. This is the one I joined and I had a great time without breaking the bank, which I was so grateful for.
This day tour includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide who knows the history at each stop, and free time to explore on your own, which is always nice.
I visited twice, the first time on my own and the second with a tour guide, and truth be told, having a guide telling you the history of each spot makes a world of difference.
Check out the tour below, you’ll love it!
Best-Rated Tour
Lady Buddha & Marble Mountains Tour
- Best tour from Da Nang
- Fun and convenient way to visit
- See Lady Buddha and the Marble Mountains
Includes
- Countless memories to be made!
- Entrance fees, lunch, bottle of water
- Expert guide, lunch, and hotel transfers
Day 2: Discover the Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills is an old hill station and resort that was built by the French in 1919. It’s totally worth the trip to Da Nang for its amazing views, theme park, and the iconic Golden Bridge.
It’ll take a whole day if you really want to experience it, and I highly recommend you stay here at least a few hours (I spent the whole day here).
There are two ways to get to Ba Na Hills in Da Nang:
- Call a taxi to get to the Ba Na Hills’ base and grab another one when going back
- Book a shuttle from Da Nang to the Ba Na Hills, and buy tickets separately
- Book a day tour, which includes transportation, entrance tickets, and lunch (the best option, which is the one I did)
A day tour to the hills from Da Nang is a great way to experience all that this amazing place has to offer. The journey takes about 45 minutes by car, and you’ll have spectacular views once at the top.
When you book your tour, you can choose the pick-up time and location, and I recommend going early before all the crowds arrive.
The theme park is massive, and you’ll get a map at the entrance. You don’t need to print your tickets, just download the Klook app and show the QR at the entrance.
You’ll find plenty of activities to keep you busy – from checking out the French village to enjoying thrilling rides like zip-lining, roller coasters, and 4D and 5D cinemas.
There are also plenty of shopping opportunities, as well as restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine. When joining a tour, you’ll go to a buffet restaurant with over 100 dishes – It’s the best option with countless options and I’m confident you’ll find your happiness.
If you want to get the ultimate experience, you can also spend the night at the Mercure Hotel Ba Na Hills, which is a cool way to experience the Ba Na Hills at night without the crowds, and that is nice!
If you stay in town, for dinner, I recommend heading to Bikini Bottom Express for dinner for great burgers or to iVegan restaurant, which are both incredibly delicious!
Want to know more?
Here’s a complete guide about all
the reasons to visit the Ba Na Hills.
Day 3: Go to Hoi An Old Town
Ah, Hoi An – Easily my favorite day trip from Da Nang, with its old town that’s known as a UNESCO World Heritage, its pretty lanterns on every corner, and stunning architecture and museums.
While you can stay longer in the area and spend 3 days in Hoi An, one full day should be enough to see the best places in town.
The Japanese Covered Bridge, the Old House of Tan Ky, the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation are some of the main attractions in Hoi An that you can’t skip.
Book here: Transfer From Da Nang to Hoi An Old Town
Visiting Hoi An Old Town is free, but you’ll need an entrance ticket if you want to visit the main spots in town, which I highly recommend.
You can buy your entrance ticket online and with that, you can pick 5 spots in town out of a dozen. It only costs a few dollars and it’s definitely worth it. I did the attractions below and loved my day out:
- Japanese Bridge
- Fujian Assembly Hall
- Hainan Assembly Hall
- Cam Pho Communal House
- Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre
Want to know more?
Check out this ultimate comparison
between Hoi an and Da Nang.
After that, you can roam around town and take nice photos around. Hoi An is an Instagrammer lover’s paradise, and you’ll love every corner of it. That being said, it does get busy, so keep that in mind.
At night, the lanterns are lit, and the boats float on the river, offering the best night on your Da Nang itinerary by far.
The most convenient option is to stay in Hoi An for the night, take a morning tour to My Son Sanctuary on Day 4 (more of this below) and get back to Da Nang the day after.
For the transfer, I recommend booking it beforehand for added convenience – Check it out here below.
Where to Stay in Hoi An?
Since I recommend staying in Hoi An for one night before going to My Son on day 4, let’s discuss the best hotels in town so that you make your stay a comfortable one.
You’ll want to stay as close as the old town as possible so you don’t have to walk far from the night market and river, where the magic happens!
Luxury: Bay Resort Hoi An
In Hoi An, Bay Resort offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, private parking, and room service. Facilities include free bikes, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and 24-hour front desk services.
Rooms feature a seating area, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and electric tea pot.
Some have terraces and city views. Enjoy a buffet breakfast and Mediterranean, Pizza, Seafood cuisine with various dietary options. The resort is close to local attractions and 19 miles from Da Nang International Airport.
Mid-Range: Hoi An Historic Hotel
Hoi An Historic Hotel is right in the old town and offers free bikes, parking, an outdoor pool, and a garden. This 4-star hotel features air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities, a terrace, and free WiFi.
Located near Hoi An Historic Museum and Japanese Covered Bridge, it’s 19 miles from Da Nang International Airport.
Budget: Thanh Van 1 Hotel
Located in Hoi An’s Old Town, close to An Bang Beach, Thanh Van 1 Hotel offers free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms with garden views, private bathrooms, and modern amenities.
Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant, bar, and various services like room service and laundry. The hotel’s tour desk can help organize local excursions.
Day 4: Take a Tour to My Son Sanctuary
Yes, there are tours that offer both Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary at once, but I feel like it’s all a bit rushed. There are many things to see in Hoi An, and you want to take your time in My Son to explore everything at your own pace, hence why I separated them into 2 days.
My Son Sanctuary is located about 40 kilometers southwest of Da Nang, and about the same distance from Hoi An. It was once the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries.
The sanctuary contains over 70 temples and tombs built in a unique style that blends Indian and Southeast Asian architectural elements.
The best day tour you can join is from Hoi An, early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and early enough to go back to Da Nang to spend the afternoon.
On the way to My Son, you’ll sip on Vietnamese coffee – a real kick-starter, and by 6:30 am, you’re already in My Son, wandering among the ruins and lush greenery, soaking up over two hours of history and mystery.
Think of it as an ancient city built a long time ago, around the 4th to the 14th century. It was made by the Champa people, who were really important in Vietnam’s history, and you’ll learn everything about it on this tour.
This tour includes coffee, breakfast, roundtrip transportation, and a walking tour about the site. You’ll be back in Hoi An around 11.00 AM, and you then spend some more time in Hoi An or go back to Da Nang for the afternoon.
Day 5: Visit Da Nang City
On Day 5, explore the city of Da Nang – Once you’ve visited all the incredible spots around, it’s time to give a chance to Da Nang itself, with the old town, its Central Market, the Da Nang Cathedral, and the endless delicious eateries.
Start the day by checking out the Han River and its Dragon Bridge, two of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Located on the banks of the Han River, the Dragon Bridge is a cool spot to take photos of.
After that, just a few minutes’ walk away, visit the awesome central market for good-quality copy goods, coffee and snacks, as well as shoes and other memories of Vietnam.
Then, visit the Cham Museum, one of the best museums in Vietnam, housing a variety of Cham artifacts and sculptures from digs around the central coast and My Son Sanctuary, ranging from the 5th to 15th century. The An Long Temple right behind is a must-do too!
If you want a more off-the-beaten-path kind of thing, you can check out the Fresco Village and its street art, the Museum of Da Nang City, or the Fine Arts Museum.
Of course, you can’t skip My Khe Beach, one of the best beaches in Vietnam, and you can definitely stay here and work on your tan for a while!
And of course, make sure to enjoy the city’s food and drink scene. Here below are some of the best restaurants in Da Nang for lunch and dinner:
- Adobo Mexican Grill
- Roots Plant-based Cafe
- Emo’s Vietnamese Restaurant
- Bravo Pizzeria
- Athena Souvlaki
I personally went to each of these places and loved them all, and I’m sure you will too.
If you didn’t do it on your first night, make sure to see the bridge show, which happens every Saturday and Sunday at 9.00 PM – a show you definitely don’t want to skip before leaving!
I have an ultimate guide about Da Nang with endless things to do here below, so make sure to read it before traveling!
Want to know more?
Here’s a complete guide with all the
best things to do in Da Nang Vietnam.
Da Nang Itinerary – FAQ
Now that we’ve covered the perfect Da Nang itinerary, including the Ba Na Hill, the Monkey Mountain, the Han Market, and all the other spots for the ultimate beach vacation, let’s give into some questions from first-timers in Central Vietnam.
Is 5 Days in Da Nang Enough?
5 days is enough to get a taste of the wonderful sights and culture of the region. With its incredible beaches, historic architecture, and gastronomic delights, this city has plenty to enjoy in a short time.
My Khe Beach is some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia with white sand and crystal clear waters. The city is also home to a number of historic sites that you don’t want to miss out on.
Where to Stay in Da Nang?
Last but not least, let’s talk about the accommodation options in Da Nang, whether you travel on a budget or looking for a boutique hotel.
It’s worth noting that the best area for a tourist is My An, right next to My An and My Khe Beaches, with countless restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
Want to know more?
Here’s a complete guide with all the
best areas in Da Nang Vietnam.
Luxury: Danang Marriott Resort & Spa
Nestled by Non Nuoc Beach and Marble Mountains, Danang Marriott Resort & Spa offers luxury with 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and fitness facilities.
Spacious rooms boast private balconies with sea or pool views, a 46-inch TV, and yoga mats. Guests can enjoy beachfront leisure, snorkeling, free internet, a business center, and diverse dining options.
It’s 15 minutes from Da Nang International Airport and close to Hoi An.
Mid-Range: Hotel Del Luna Boutique
Hotel Del Luna Boutique in Da Nang is a short 500m walk from My Khe Beach, offering guests 4-star accommodations with a range of facilities including a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant, and a bar.
You can enjoy amenities like an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, free WiFi, and 24-hour front desk service. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, kettles, and private bathrooms.
Budget: Amunra Ocean Hotel
Located in Da Nang’s My Khe Beach district, Amunra Ocean Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, a restaurant, and 24-hour front desk. Rooms include modern amenities, and guests can enjoy continental or buffet breakfast.
The hotel is close to local attractions and offers a paid airport shuttle service to Da Nang International Airport, 3.7 miles away.
More Vietnam Travel Guides
- All Vietnam Travel Guides
- Best Things to Do in Vietnam
- Awesome Things to Do in Hoi An
- Plan the Perfect 3-Day Hoi An Itinerary
- Plan the Perfect 7-Day Central Vietnam Itinerary
Conclusion
This 5-day itinerary of Da Nang is perfect for those who want to get the best of what Central Vietnam has to offer. From the historical sites such as the Marble Mountains and Lady Buddha to the natural wonders of Ba Na Hills and Son Tra Mountain, there’s something for everyone in this 5-day itinerary.
Not to mention, the delicious Vietnamese coffee and food, the fun theme parks, and the vibrant local markets will keep you entertained throughout the trip.
As this Da Nang itinerary day, a variety of Da Nang tours, activities, and attractions can be experienced in just 5 days so there’s no excuse not to indulge in the beauty and culture of Vietnam’s coastal city!
So, what are you waiting for? Discover all Da Nang has to offer and plan your next five-day getaway today!
