1. Why experience Da Nang Hoi An tourism
In the journey of exploring the Central region, the route combining Da Nang and Hoi An offers a diverse and unforgettable experience. Da Nang city center is known as a vibrant coastal city, nổi bật with many modern structures. In contrast, Hoi An attracts tourists with the tranquil, ancient charm of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The two destinations are only about 30 km apart, so tourists can conveniently travel and fully appreciate the two contrasting yet harmonious atmospheres.
The charm of the Da Nang Hoi An travel experience lies in the blend of clear blue beaches, ancient cultural relics, and rich cuisine. You can start your morning on My Khe beach, then visit Son Tra peninsula in the afternoon, and in the evening, head to Hoi An to enjoy cao lau under the shimmering light of thousands of lanterns. The interesting transition between modern life and ancient spaces contributes to a multifaceted journey suitable for many types of tourists.
Many new activities have emerged in these two localities. Da Nang continues to host international fireworks festivals, 3D mapping light shows at Dragon Bridge, along with a series of attractive music events held throughout the summer. Hoi An also enhances experiences with boat tours on the Hoai River, colorful night tours of the ancient town, and more systematically organized traditional cultural workshops and classes.
Da Nang continues to be the venue for international fireworks festivals. (Source: Collected)
2. Ideal time to travel to Da Nang Hoi An
The climate of the Central region has two distinct seasons, creating unique characteristics for the Da Nang Hoi An travel experience . The dry season runs from February to late August, during which the weather is pleasant with many sunny days, ideal for outdoor exploration and entertainment activities. In particular, festivals and events are often held at this time, the beaches are clear blue, and tourism services are vibrant.
On the other hand, the rainy season, lasting from September to January, brings a gentle and serene beauty. The cool weather is very suitable for visiting historical sites, exploring local culture, or strolling in the ancient space of Hoi An. During this period, tourists also have the opportunity to enjoy more preferential room and airfare prices compared to the peak season. Rain mostly falls in the evening, so you can still proactively take advantage of morning and noon sightseeing, just need to prepare raincoats and arrange a reasonable itinerary.
3. Transportation guide to Da Nang Hoi An
3.1. Traveling from Hanoi/Saigon and other provinces/cities
Airplanes are a means that significantly shortens your travel time, with a journey of only about 1.5 hours from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang airport. Round-trip ticket prices range from approximately 900,000 – 2,500,000 VND, depending on how far in advance of departure and the tourist season. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, Sun PhuQuoc Airways have many flights daily, convenient for choosing a suitable flight schedule. Booking tickets 2 to 3 months in advance and updating discount programs are effective ways to save costs.
Trains offer a relaxed experience, suitable for those who love the scenery along the North-South route, especially the section passing through Hai Van Pass. Ticket prices from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang range from approximately 600,000 – 1,100,000 VND depending on the seat type. Da Nang Station is located in the central area, convenient for taking a taxi or ride-hailing car to the hotel. Additionally, sleeper buses are also a reasonable option, suitable for those who prioritize budget savings and do not mind the extended travel time.
Trains offer a leisurely experience, suitable for those who love the scenery along the North-South route. (Source: Collected)
3.2. How to get from Da Nang to Hoi An and move around
Traveling by taxi from Da Nang airport to Hoi An is convenient with a travel time of about 45 minutes, costing from 350,000 – 450,000 VND. If you want to experience public transport and save money, you can choose the Da Nang – Hoi An bus route, operating from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with ticket prices ranging from 8,000 – 16,000 VND per trip.
Many young tourists choose self-drive motorbikes with rental prices ranging from 120,000 – 180,000 VND/day. The route from Da Nang to Hoi An is quite open, passing through famous landmarks like Dragon Bridge and along the coast. You can also use ride-hailing services like Grab or Xanh SM to move flexibly between these two points. Based on practical experience, combining different modes of transport helps manage costs and optimize travel time.
4. Accommodation experience in Da Nang and Hoi An
4.1. Characteristics and tips for choosing hotels, homestays, resorts
The location of your accommodation greatly influences your travel experience. In Da Nang, the My Khe beach area is an ideal choice if you love the sea atmosphere and want convenience for entertainment and dining activities. Hotels along the Han River also offer opportunities to admire the vibrant city at night, highlighted by iconic bridges like Dragon Bridge and Tran Thi Ly Bridge. If you prioritize proximity to shopping and dining spots like Han Market or international quarters, then the central area of Hai Chau ward is a reasonable choice.
In Hoi An, three notable main accommodation areas are the Ancient Town, the Hoai River banks, and Cua Dai Beach. Staying in the Ancient Town area makes it easy to fully experience the ancient charm and local life, however, it can be bustling and crowded at night. The Hoai River bank area is suitable for those who prefer a peaceful, nature-close space with homestays offering river views. Cua Dai Beach is about 4 km from the Ancient Town, suitable for those who want to combine relaxation with visiting historical sites.
To get the best prices, especially during the peak season from May to September, you should book rooms 2-3 months in advance. Proactively look for deals on platforms like Agoda, Booking.com or through the hotel's official website to receive preferential rates and attractive accompanying gifts. If traveling in a group or with a large family, consider apartments or villas to save costs and utilize convenient shared living spaces.
4.2. Suggestions for outstanding accommodation addresses and new services
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort on Son Tra Peninsula is frequently voted by international travel magazines as one of the most beautiful resorts in Asia.
Furama Resort Danang is a familiar stop for tourists with many years of experience, notable for its spa services and its uniquely multi-level swimming pool system.
Meliá Vinpearl Danang Riverfront, recently opened, makes an impression with its modern architectural style, located along the Han River and has a rooftop bar with a panoramic city view.
Mid-range options like Haka Boutique Hotel or Minh House Da Nang score points for their good balance between service quality and price.
In Hoi An, La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa is chosen by many people for its convenient location between Cua Dai Beach and the Ancient Town.
Anantara Hoi An Resort boasts Indochinese architecture and is located by the Thu Bon River, suitable for those who want a quiet resort experience.
The homestay accommodation trend in these two destinations is increasingly popular as they continuously update amenities such as free bicycle rentals, organizing cooking tours with hosts, or airport transfers. Many places also offer attractive promotional programs with accommodation packages combined with tickets to famous attractions.
InterContinental Danang Resort is voted as one of the most beautiful resorts in Asia.
5. Detailed 4-day 3-night Da Nang Hoi An Travel Itinerary
5.1 Day 1: Discover Da Nang with My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge, Son Tra Peninsula
The Da Nang Hoi An travel experience itinerary starts with exploring the fresh, vibrant atmosphere of the coastal city. The morning is spent at My Khe Beach, a destination rated by CNN as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its charm comes from the clear sea water, fine sand, and gentle waves, suitable for all swimming and water sports activities.
In the afternoon, visit Son Tra Peninsula to see Linh Ung Pagoda with its 67m high Lady Buddha statue facing the sea. Along the road to the summit, visitors will have the opportunity to stop at several scenic viewpoints. With a bit of luck, you might encounter the Red-shanked Douc Langur, one of the rare primate species.
In the evening, stroll along the Han River and be sure to catch the Dragon Bridge breathing fire at 9:00 PM on weekend nights. This area is known for its many fresh seafood restaurants and local pubs. Enjoying Mi Quang with shrimp and pork or Da Nang fish cake noodle soup (Bun Cha Ca Da Nang) is a culinary experience to try on the first evening of your trip.
5.2. Day 2: Sun World Ba Na Hills and return to Hoi An
You should depart early for Sun World Ba Na Hills to enjoy the cool air and minimize waiting times. The cable car takes you up to an altitude of 1,487 m, overlooking the majestic mountain and forest scenery. The Golden Bridge stands out with two giant stone hands supporting the bridge, which has become a new symbol of Vietnam's tourism on the world map.
After sightseeing, you can stop for lunch at the buffet restaurants within the resort complex, offering a variety of attractive Asian and European dishes.
At the top of Ba Na, the French village with its ancient style, Gothic architecture, Debay wine cellar, and Fantasy Park with hundreds of indoor games suitable for the whole family. The Le Jardin d’Amour flower garden is vibrant with seasonal flowers, creating a romantic scene.
In the afternoon, return to Hoi An, check into your hotel, then leisurely stroll through the ancient town in the late afternoon. As the town lights up, the colors of lanterns fill the streets. Dinner should feature Hoi An's Cao Lau or enjoy the world-renowned Hoi An chicken rice.
The cable car takes you up to an altitude of 1,487 m, overlooking the majestic mountain and forest scenery.
Day 3: VinWonders Nam Hoi An and releasing lanterns in the ancient town
The next day, VinWonders Nam Hoi An brings a vibrant atmosphere through its themed amusement areas. River Safari is a place to experience a journey of natural exploration by boat, immersing yourself with the world of wild animals. Visit the aquarium through the transparent tunnel to admire marine life from a novel and intimate perspective.
The cultural village area recreates the life and traditional crafts of ancient Vietnamese people with activities such as cake making, silk weaving, and traditional art performances. Satisfy your curiosity with ziplining and artificial rock climbing challenges. This place also enhances unique technology performance programs.
In the evening, you should participate in the experience of releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River. These small, sparkling lanterns drifting along the water are both a cultural ritual and contribute to the characteristic night scenery of the ancient town. Wandering through the small alleys, listening to street music helps complete a truly fulfilling Hoi An night.
Tourists should participate in the experience of releasing lanterns on the Hoai River. (Source: Collected)
5.4. Day 4: Visit Han Market for specialty shopping and end the journey
The last day should be spent visiting Han Market in Da Nang to choose local products such as beef sausage, specialty tre, shrimp paste, or grilled rice paper. The atmosphere here is bustling, the vendors are enthusiastic, and a little skill in price negotiation will bring an interesting experience.
Hoi An is also a place to find shops selling lanterns, custom ao dai tailoring, and traditional silk paintings, products that international customers love. Some workshops also offer high-quality, reasonably priced ao dai tailoring in just a few hours. Other notable specialties include candied ginger, lotus seed sweet soup, or civet coffee, suitable for bringing home as gifts for loved ones.
The last lunch before saying goodbye to Central Vietnam should be spent enjoying bun thit nuong or nem lui nuong at local traditional eateries. Pack your luggage, recheck your travel schedule to the airport, and you will carry beautiful impressions of the Da Nang Hoi An travel experience throughout the 4-day exploration.
Spend time enjoying bun thit nuong or nem lui nuong at traditional eateries. (Source: Collected)
6. Outstanding attractions and check-in spots in Da Nang Hoi An
6.1. List of outstanding destinations in Da Nang
My Khe Beach is famous for its long stretch of fine white sand and jade-green clear water, creating the most poetic and charming scenery in Da Nang. Beachfront resorts offer sun loungers, umbrellas, and water sports. The sunrise moments here are extremely brilliant, perfect for beautiful check-in photos.
Dragon Bridge not only serves as a transportation function but also as a cultural "material" for the city. The dragon's head can spray fire or water on weekend evenings, attracting a large number of tourists. Around the bridge area are a walking street, many cafes, and restaurants with poetic Han River views.
Sun World Ba Na Hills along with the Golden Bridge have become an ideal stop for all photo-loving tourists. The French Village on the high mountain is cool year-round, Fantasy Park is where many outstanding games are gathered. As for the water music performances, they promise to bring many new experiences in the coming years.
Dragon Bridge not only serves a transportation function but is also a cultural "element" of the city. (Source: Collected)
6.2. Hoi An Hot Spots Checklist
Hoi An Ancient Town gathers over 1,000 architectural works preserved intact over time. The Japanese Covered Bridge, built in 1593, is a symbol of this land, connecting two banks with its unique architecture. The small streets are brightly lit by lanterns when night falls, creating a romantic scene, very suitable for capturing beautiful photos.
The Hoai River winding around the ancient town is an ideal spot for releasing flower lanterns or renting a boat for a stroll and admiring the panoramic view of Hoi An at night. Many boat tours operate between 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, priced from 150,000 – 300,000 VND depending on the service type.
The Hoi An Night Market by the river bank is bustling with stalls selling handicrafts, fashion, and unique souvenirs.
Cua Dai Beach, 4 km from the ancient town, stands out with its long sandy beach, clear water, and gentle waves, suitable for swimming and camping.
Cham Islands, recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve, boasts a rich coral ecosystem. Many coral diving and fishing tours include transportation and a seafood lunch.
7. Da Nang Hoi An Cuisine: Must-Try Specialties and Suggested Addresses
7.1. Top Characteristic Da Nang Dishes You Must Try
Mi Quang is an outstanding representative of Da Nang cuisine with thick noodles and broth simmered from pork bones, dried shrimp, and roasted peanuts. Ba Mua's eatery has maintained its family recipe for many years. Mi Quang 1A eatery is also popular for its affordable price, starting from 35,000 – 45,000 VND per serving.
Da Nang fish cake noodle soup focuses on the flavor of fresh mackerel and fragrant grilled fish cakes in the local specialty style. Ba Lu's eatery on Le Hong Phong street receives high praise for its distinctive sweet and sour fish sauce.
Da Nang Banh Xeo is compact, filled with shrimp and meat, served with grilled rice paper and a rich dipping sauce.
Seafood is a major advantage of this coastal city. Eateries along My Khe beach always offer a variety of shrimp, crab, and fish, with prices ranging from 200,000 – 800,000 VND per kg depending on the type.
Don't forget to try Co Van's avocado ice cream, a standout dessert known for its rich aroma and refreshing feel, for just 15,000 VND per cup.
Do not forget to try Co Van's avocado ice cream, a signature dessert with its rich aroma. (Source: Collected)
Cost-saving tips and useful tips for self-guided travel to Da Nang Hoi An
Notes on booking tickets, rooms, and attraction passes
Booking flight tickets and hotel rooms as a combo can save 10-15% compared to booking separately. Many leading travel platforms like Klook, Agoda, Traveloka frequently offer discounts of up to 20%. Following announcements and taking advantage of "flash sale" periods is the fastest way to hunt for preferential prices.
Attraction tickets such as Sun World Ba Na Hills and VinWonders Nam Hoi An are better priced when purchased in advance on apps or as group combos.
Understanding local holidays and festivals will help you avoid periods of unexpected price increases. Practical experiences show that booking rooms or tickets from Monday to Wednesday is cheaper than on weekends.
Especially, using credit cards with reward points or cashback will help optimize your travel budget.
Smart transportation, saving costs on food and sightseeing
Renting a motorbike to share is also a reasonable suggestion: only 150,000 VND/day for two people to travel, including gasoline. Bring an offline map to navigate independently and reduce extra costs for mobile data.
Eating at local eateries or restaurants frequented by locals will save significant costs, only ranging from 40,000 – 60,000 VND per meal, while restaurants for tourists can cost up to 200,000 VND per person. Additionally, buying drinks at convenience stores helps save considerably compared to prices at tourist attractions.
If you want to explore more cuisine while staying within budget, you can plan your itinerary with friends, avoiding guided tours.
Prepare a list of famous food spots and buy group tickets at attractions like Ba Na Hills, VinWonders, which will also offer preferential prices for groups of 10 or more.
A compilation of Da Nang Hoi An travel experiences will help you easily plan a perfect trip from ideal timing, attractions to unique experiences. The harmony between modernity and antiquity, between nature and culture makes Da Nang and Hoi An the most outstanding destinations in the Central region. Let this trip leave a mark on you with wonderful experiences and unforgettable emotions.
