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When I was planning the itinerary for my first trip to Vietnam, I wasn’t sure how many days in Da Nang would be enough. Was it going to be a quick beach stop, or somewhere worth spending a few days exploring?
After visiting, I quickly realised Da Nang offers the ideal mix of beaches, mountains, food and attractions. It was definitely worth taking the time to explore.
For most travellers, 4 days in Da Nang is the perfect amount of time. It gives you enough time to explore the highlights like the Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula, relax at the beach and take a day trip to Hoi An, all without feeling rushed.
This guide outlines the perfect 4 day Da Nang itinerary, covering all the highlights along with my top recommendations for activities, food and experiencing Vietnam’s coffee culture, so you can make the most of your time in the city.
Table Of Contents
How Many Days Do You Need in Da Nang?
If you’re wondering how many days in Da Nang you really need, spending 4 days allows the best balance of sightseeing, relaxing and a day trip to Hoi An.
Is 2 Days in Da Nang Enough?
If you only have 2 days in Da Nang, I’d suggest prioritising the highlights: Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, and a visit to the Dragon Bridge. Your itinerary might feel rushed and you’ll miss out on truly experiencing one of my favourite things about Da Nang, the food. You’ll have a hard time choosing where to eat because Da Nang has so many top restaurants to try.
Is 3 Days in Da Nang Enough?
Spending 3 days in Da Nang is enough to visit the main highlights, but you won’t have time for a day trip to Hoi An without rushing. If your itinerary includes spending a few days based in Hoi An, before or after Da Nang, this timeframe can work well.
Why 4 Days in Da Nang is Ideal
A 4 day itinerary in Da Nang means you’ll have time to explore the city and take your time enjoying relaxing massages and sunsets on the beach. It also allows you the time to take a day trip to experience the nearby historic town of Hoi An, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Four days is the right choice if you don’t want to feel rushed and enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace.
What to Do with 5+ Days in Da Nang
If you have more than 5 days in Da Nang, you’ll have time to take additional day trips or simply spend more time relaxing by the beach.
You could plan a day trip to Ba Na Hills, a large theme park around 25 kilometres from Da Nang. There you’ll find a French-themed village, an indoor amusement park with games and rides and the Golden Bridge, famous for its giant hand sculptures that appear to hold it up. It’s a unique experience and a fun day out.
You can reach Ba Na Hills by Grab, shuttle bus, or by booking a guided tour. I’ve shared my experience and more detailed information about visiting in this guide: Things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam: Best Attractions & Travel Tips
Another great day trip option is Hue, a city known for its rich history and culture. One of the main highlights is the Imperial City, a 19th century palace complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To reach Hue, you can travel by car, van or train, with tickets available on 12go.asia
Below is exactly how to spend 4 days in Da Nang to make the most of your time in the city.
4 Day Da Nang Itinerary Overview
This 4 day itinerary offers the perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxation, day trips and local experiences, giving you a well-rounded introduction to the city.
Day 1 – Beaches and city highlights
Day 2 – Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula
Day 3 – Day trip to Hoi An
Day 4 – Cafes, relaxation and local experiences
Each day is planned to give you a mix of sightseeing and downtime, so you can experience the highlights without feeling rushed. You can also rearrange the days depending on the weather. If possible, plan your visit to the Dragon Bridge on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening to see the fire show.
Let’s start with your first day in Da Nang.
Day 1: Beaches and City Highlights
Your first day in Da Nang focuses on getting familiar with the city and enjoying the beach. This is a relaxed first day, perfect after arriving or travelling.
Morning: My Khe Beach
Start your morning with a walk along the beachfront at My Khe Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Vietnam. Once you’ve finished your walk, settle into a spot on the sand to relax with a book or cool down with a swim in one of the designated netted areas. There are also plenty of beach bars and cafes nearby if you want a drink or a bite to eat.
Afternoon: Explore the City & Han River
Spend time exploring the city and walking along the Han River. Stop by Da Nang Cathedral, known for its pretty pastel pink exterior, which makes it perfect for a photo opportunity. You can also visit Han Market for some shopping or to pick up a souvenir.
For lunch, I recommend Pizza 4P’s, a popular chain that started in Ho Chi Minh City and now has two locations in Da Nang. They serve a great range of pizzas, pasta and other Italian-inspired dishes made with fresh and local ingredients. For more recommendations, see my guide to the best restaurants in Da Nang.
Evening: Son Tra Night Market & Dragon Bridge
In the evening, visit Son Tra Night Market for a mix of stalls selling everything from clothing and souvenirs to handmade crafts. Food is one of the highlights, with dozens of vendors cooking up local Vietnamese street food.
Once you’ve finished at the night market, walk over to the Dragon Bridge. It’s a long bridge stretching across the Han River, shaped like a golden dragon. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 9.00pm, the dragon breathes fire. It’s not as dramatic as you might expect, but it’s still fun to experience alongside the crowds.
Day 2: Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula
Day 2 is all about exploring the natural highlights around Da Nang, from mountain viewpoints to scenic coastal landscapes.
Morning: Marble Mountains
Visiting the Marble Mountains is best done in the morning, as you’re likely to get hot and sweaty making your way up to the highest peak. The Marble Mountains are a group of marble and limestone mountains located just a few kilometres south of Da Nang city centre. This spiritual site is made up of pagodas, caves and scenic viewpoints, and holds cultural significance for the Vietnamese.
To visit the Marble Mountains, you can take a Grab, which will drop you off directly at the entrance. If you’re short on time or would rather have transport and entry organised, you can also book a guided tour
Afternoon: Son Tra Peninsula
In the afternoon, head to Son Tra Peninsula, also known as “Monkey Mountain”, just a few kilometres north of the city. It’s a lush green nature reserve and one of the best spots in Da Nang for panoramic views.
One of the highlights here, as the name “Monkey Mountain” suggests, is seeing the monkeys. Son Tra is home to the rare and endangered red-shanked douc langurs. I would highly recommend a guided tour as I would have found it difficult to spot them on my own.
You can also visit Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha statue, the tallest statue in Vietnam. You can take a Grab car to visit or join this Da Nang Half-Day Tour, which combines a visit to the peninsula with the Marble Mountains.
Evening: Restaurant Guide
After a busy day exploring, spend the evening enjoying Da Nang’s incredible food scene. You’ll find everything from local Vietnamese cuisine and seafood restaurants to international dining options.
I’ve dedicated an entire blog post to the best restaurants in Da Nang covering everything from fusion and modern dining to cheap eats and beachfront bars. There’s something for every budget and craving.
For authentic Vietnamese cuisine, try Nhà Bếp Xưa Restaurant, where you can try traditional dishes like mi quang, noodles served in a light broth topped with meat and fresh herbs. If you’re looking for fresh seafood, MOC Seafood Restaurant is a great option. For international dishes, Rang is a restaurant serving Indian flavours infused with Mediterranean and European influences. They are listed in the Michelin Guide and have been awarded a Bib Gourmand for their good quality and good value cooking.
You’ll be spoilt for choice, with something to suit every taste and budget.
Day 3: Day Trip to Hoi An
Hoi An is one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam and is an easy day trip from Da Nang. It’s best known for its lanterns, historic Old Town and riverside. The easiest way to get to and from Hoi An is via Grab, which takes approximately 30 – 40 minutes.
Morning: Explore Hoi An Old Town
Spend the morning exploring Hoi An Old Town, also known as the Ancient Town. It is full of rich history and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Old Town is mostly pedestrianised, so it’s easy to walk along the riverside and wander through the narrow streets, browsing the local shops and boutiques.
Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in Hoi An. It’s an ornate wooden bridge crossing a canal, with a small temple at one end, adding to its cultural significance.
Afternoon: Basket Boat Experience
Hop on a traditional basket boat for a ride through the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest. These small circular boats are woven with strips of bamboo and were originally used by local fishermen. It’s a touristy activity, but a fun experience that I enjoyed, especially wearing the traditional leaf hat.
You can pre-book your Coconut Forest Basket Boat Ride Experience and arrange your own transport via Grab. If you’d prefer to have everything organised for you, book this tour that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off as well as a local snack: Coconut Forest Tour by Bicycle and Basket Boat in Hoi An.
Evening: Lanterns & Night Market
Hoi An really comes alive in the evening with glowing lanterns lighting the streets. There’s a lively atmosphere along the riverside with music, boat rides and lantern releases.
You can also visit the night market, which starts from around 5.00pm until late. Rows of stalls line the streets selling souvenirs, handmade crafts, colourful lanterns and street food. Vendors cook up skewered meats, prepare fresh juices and sell sweet treats, so you’ll have plenty of options for dinner or a snack as you wander.
For more ideas on what to see and do, check out my guide to the best things to do in Hoi An.
Day 4: Cafes and Local Experiences
Hoi An is one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam and is an easy day trip from Da Nang. It’s best known for its lanterns, historic Old Town and riverside. The easiest way to get to and from Hoi An is via Grab, which takes approximately 30 – 40 minutes.
Morning: Cafe Culture
Vietnam has a big coffee culture and you’ll find a range of unique options to try. One of the most popular is egg coffee, made with egg yolk and condensed milk that becomes a custard-like foam served over coffee. You’ll also find coconut coffee, a smoothie-like blend of coffee and coconut milk. Another unique variety is salted coffee, which originated in nearby Hue and is served layered with condensed milk, coffee and a creamy salted topping.
To learn about the background of Vietnamese coffee, brewing techniques and for the ultimate tasting experience, you can book a Phin Coffee Class With Egg, Salt & Coconut Styles.
Afternoon: Spa or Massage
After a few days of exploring, spend your afternoon unwinding with a spa treatment or massage.
Vietnam is known for its affordable, high quality spa experiences, and Da Nang has plenty to choose from.
You can find everything from simple massage parlours to luxury spas, offering a range of treatments such as traditional Vietnamese massages, hot stones and foot massages. Many places also offer packages which combine multiple treatments.
Spas are located close to the beach and city centre, you can walk in on the day or book in advance if you have a specific place in mind.
It’s a relaxing way to spend your final afternoon in Da Nang.
Evening: Beach Sunset and Dinner
For your final evening in Da Nang, head to My Khe Beach to watch the sunset. Afterwards, take a walk along the beachfront before heading to dinner.
You can choose from one of the beachfront restaurants and bars or explore more of the incredible restaurants in Da Nang.
How to Get Around Da Nang
Grab
Grab is the easiest and most convenient way to get around Da Nang. It works just like Uber and is the most popular ridesharing app in Vietnam. You can choose between a bike or a car, bikes are a great option for short distances if you’re travelling solo and are often quicker and cheaper than taking a car.
Always check that the driver’s license plate matches the one shown in your app. Many drivers will approach you while you’re waiting and it can be easy to get confused.
Taxis
I would recommend using Grab rather than traditional taxis because they allow for upfront pricing, GPS tracking and the option for cashless payment. Unfortunately, taxi scams can occur, so if you do choose to take one, make sure the meter is running or agree on a fixed price before starting the trip.
Walking
You can explore much of Da Nang and the beaches on foot, and it’s one of the best ways to experience the city. The streets are generally less busy than in cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, making it easier to cross the road and navigate your way around.
Private Transfer
If you prefer something more comfortable, booking a private transfer or hiring a driver is a popular way to get around Da Nang. Especially if you are taking day trips to Ba Na Hills, Hoi An or Hue. Depending on the number of passengers, you can choose from a sedan, SUV or van. You can check prices and book a private transfer here.
This is a great option if you’re travelling in a group or want a more flexible itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Da Nang
The weather in Da Nang is generally divided into two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
The best time to visit Da Nang is between February and August, during the dry season, when the weather is warm and less likely to rain. This is ideal for enjoying the beaches and exploring the city.
From September to January is the rainy season in Da Nang, when you can expect heavier rainfall and occasional storms. There are usually fewer crowds, but poor weather limits the activities you can do. I learnt this the hard way, as my first visit to Central Vietnam was during the rainy season and I ended up spending a few days indoors sheltering from a typhoon!
If you’re following this itinerary, visiting during the dry season will give you the best experience.
