Da Nang

Grab to hotel(15 minutes)

30,000-80,000 VND (~$1.20-3.20). Stay near My Khe Beach or Han River for best location

My Khe Beach sunset(2 hours)

Forbes-listed most beautiful beach. 30 km of white sand. Beach chairs 30-50k VND. Surfboard rental ~200k VND/hr. The sunrise side, so sunset is behind the city — still beautiful

Dinner at Madam Lan(1 hour)

Popular local restaurant near the river. Mi quang (Da Nang's signature turmeric noodle dish, 35,000 VND) and banh xeo (crispy crepe, 20,000 VND). Authentic and affordable

Marble Mountains(2.5 hours)

8 km south. Entry: 40,000 VND. Elevator 15,000 VND. Climb Thuy Son (Water Mountain). Huyen Khong Cave with its skylight beam of light is spectacular. Multiple pagodas and viewpoints. Bring water and good shoes

Lunch at Ba Duong banh xeo(45 minutes)

Near Marble Mountains. The banh xeo here (15,000-25,000 VND) is legendary — crispy, stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Wrap in rice paper with herbs

Son Tra Peninsula afternoon(2.5 hours)

10 km north. The 67m Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda (free). Scenic coastal road. Wild monkeys. Panoramic views of Da Nang. Best by motorbike (~150k VND/day) or Grab

Dragon Bridge evening (Sat/Sun)(1 hour)

The 666m dragon-shaped bridge breathes fire and water at 9PM every Saturday and Sunday. Free to watch from the east bank near APEC park. Arrive 30 min early. If not weekend, still a beautiful illuminated walk

Ba Na Hills full day(8 hours)

25 km from city center. Cable car ticket 900,000 VND (~$36) includes all attractions. Buy online to skip queue. First cable car 7:30AM — arrive early for Golden Bridge without crowds. The 5.8 km cable car ride is one of the world's longest. Bring a jacket — 5-10C cooler at 1,487m

Golden Bridge(1 hour)

The massive stone hands holding a golden walkway is one of Vietnam's most photographed spots. Best photos in morning when fog lifts dramatically

French Village and Fantasy Park(2 hours)

European-themed village with restaurants and the Fantasy Park indoor amusement area. All included in cable car ticket

Return to Da Nang for seafood dinner(1.5 hours)

Hit the seafood strip on My Khe Beach. Quan Be Man is popular — choose live seafood from tanks. Grilled prawns, steamed clams, fried squid. Budget 200,000-400,000 VND per person

Grab to Hoi An(40 minutes)

~150,000 VND from Da Nang. Or rent a motorbike for the scenic coastal road

Hoi An Old Town morning walk(3 hours)

Entry ticket: 120,000 VND (~$4.80) covers 5 heritage sites. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and old merchant houses. The streets are car-free. Go before 10AM for the best light and fewer tourists

Lunch at Morning Glory by Ms Vy(1 hour)

Hoi An's most celebrated restaurant. Cao lau (the town's signature noodle dish, ~65,000 VND), white rose dumplings (~55,000 VND), and banh mi from Banh Mi Phuong next door (25,000 VND)

Tailor fitting (if interested)(1 hour)

Hoi An has hundreds of tailors. Yaly Couture and Bebe are reputable. A custom suit costs $80-150, dress $30-60. Allow 24-48 hrs for fittings — you'll need to return

Hoi An lanterns at dusk(1.5 hours)

The town transforms when lanterns light up. The Thu Bon River reflects hundreds of colored lanterns. Release a floating lantern on the river (10,000 VND). Full moon nights are most spectacular

Sleep in and beach morning(3 hours)

My Khe Beach is less crowded before 9AM. The water is warmest March-September

Lunch at Bun Cha Ca 109(45 minutes)

Near Han Market. Da Nang's fish cake noodle soup — 30,000 VND. A local breakfast/lunch staple you shouldn't miss. Packed with locals; queue is normal

Han Market exploration(1 hour)

Da Nang's main market. 2 floors of food, clothing, and souvenirs. Less touristy than Ben Thanh in Saigon. Good for local snacks and dried goods

Sunset drinks at Sky36 Bar(1.5 hours)

Rooftop bar on the 36th floor of Novotel. Cocktails 150,000-250,000 VND. 360-degree views of the city, bridges, and coast

Museum of Cham Sculpture(1.5 hours)

Entry: 60,000 VND. The world's largest collection of Cham sculpture and art — the Cham civilization flourished in central Vietnam from the 2nd-15th centuries. Beautiful Hindu and Buddhist carved sandstone. Near the Dragon Bridge

Lunch at Com Ga A.Hai(45 minutes)

Hoi An-style chicken rice. A simple dish but perfectly executed. ~35,000 VND. Near the museum

Afternoon beach or surfing(3 hours)

My Khe has beginner-friendly waves Sept-March. Surf lessons at Da Nang Surf School ~500,000 VND/2 hours including board

Seafood dinner at Nam Danh(1 hour)

Local favorite on the beach road. Grilled fish, salt and pepper squid, morning glory stir-fry. Budget 150,000-300,000 VND per person

Sunrise at My Khe Beach(45 minutes)

Da Nang's east coast means glorious sunrises over the ocean. Worth the early alarm

Last mi quang breakfast(30 minutes)

One final bowl of Da Nang's signature dish

Grab to DAD airport(15 minutes)

30-80k VND. The airport is so close you can leave late. Allow 2 hours before international flights

Dinner at Madam Lan(1 hour)

Mi quang 35k VND, banh xeo 20k VND

Marble Mountains(2.5 hours)

40k VND. Huyen Khong Cave

Ba Duong banh xeo lunch(45 minutes)

15-25k VND. Legendary

Son Tra Peninsula(2.5 hours)

67m Lady Buddha. Free. Monkey Mountain

Dragon Bridge (if weekend)(1 hour)

Fire show 9PM Sat/Sun

Ba Na Hills full day(8 hours)

900k VND cable car. Golden Bridge, French Village, Fantasy Park. Bring jacket

Seafood dinner on My Khe(1.5 hours)

Quan Be Man. 200-400k VND

Grab to Hoi An(40 minutes)

~150k VND

Old Town morning(3 hours)

120k VND ticket. Japanese Bridge, assembly halls

Lunch at Morning Glory(1 hour)

Cao lau 65k, white rose 55k VND

Lanterns at dusk(1.5 hours)

Floating lantern 10k VND

Bun Cha Ca 109 lunch(45 minutes)

Fish cake noodle soup 30k VND

Sky36 Bar sunset(1.5 hours)

36th floor. Cocktails 150-250k VND

Museum of Cham Sculpture(1.5 hours)

60k VND. World's largest Cham collection

Com Ga A.Hai lunch(45 minutes)

Chicken rice ~35k VND

Surfing at My Khe(3 hours)

Da Nang Surf School ~500k VND/2 hrs

Train to Hue(2.5 hours)

The Reunification Express along the Hai Van Pass is one of the world's great train rides. 65,000-120,000 VND depending on class. Ocean views, mountains, tunnels

Imperial Citadel(2.5 hours)

Entry: 200,000 VND. The Vietnamese Forbidden City — palaces, throne halls, and gardens modeled on Beijing's. The restoration is ongoing but the scale impresses. The Noon Gate entrance is magnificent

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant(1 hour)

Hue cuisine is distinct — more complex and spicier than other regions. Bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup, 35,000 VND) is the signature dish. Banh beo (steamed rice cakes) ~25,000 VND

Thien Mu Pagoda(45 minutes)

Free. Seven-story octagonal pagoda on the Perfume River. The car used by the monk Thich Quang Duc (who self-immolated in 1963) is displayed inside

Hoi An cooking class(4 hours)

Red Bridge Cooking School: ~700,000 VND. Boat ride to school, market visit, cook 5 dishes. Morning session starts 8:15AM

Hoi An beach (An Bang Beach)(2 hours)

3 km from old town. Less crowded than My Khe. Beach bars serve cocktails and seafood. Chair rental ~30,000 VND

Free afternoon and evening(5 hours)

Optional: pick up tailor order in Hoi An, explore Da Nang's café culture, or get a massage (~200,000 VND/hour)

Motorbike or car over Hai Van Pass(3 hours)

The 'Ocean Cloud Pass' — a winding mountain road with stunning coastal views featured on Top Gear. Motorbike rental 150k VND/day (helmets required). Or hire a car/driver 1,000,000 VND. The old French bunkers at the summit have panoramic views

Lang Co Beach and lagoon(2 hours)

A long white sand beach on a peninsula between the ocean and a lagoon. Much less developed than Da Nang. Seafood restaurants serve fresh catches. Swim and relax

Lunch at Lang Co(1 hour)

Fresh lobster, crab, and prawns at beachside restaurants. Budget 200,000-400,000 VND for a seafood feast

Boat to Cham Islands(6 hours)

Speedboat from Cua Dai port (near Hoi An). Tour 500,000-800,000 VND including snorkeling, lunch, and 2-3 island stops. The coral reefs are protected — good visibility March-September. Can see clownfish, parrotfish, and soft corals

Beach time on Hon Lao island(1.5 hours)

The main island has nice beaches and small fishing villages. Fresh seafood lunch included in most tours

Breakfast at Con Market(1 hour)

Da Nang's largest indoor market. Upstairs food court has everything: banh canh (thick noodle soup, 25k VND), banh mi, and fresh juices. Much cheaper than tourist areas

Mi quang comparison crawl(2 hours)

Try mi quang at 3 different spots to find your favorite: Mi Quang 1A (Hai Phong St, since 1985), Mi Quang Ba Mua, and a random street stall. Each ~30-40k VND

Afternoon Vietnamese coffee at 43 Factory Coffee(1 hour)

Specialty coffee roaster near the river. Single-origin Vietnamese beans. Pour-over ~50,000 VND. Far from instant coffee

Night market dinner at Son Tra Night Market(1.5 hours)

Less touristy than Hoi An's. Grilled meats, seafood, and nem lui (grilled pork on lemongrass skewers, ~20k VND). Open 6-11PM

Sunrise at My Khe(45 minutes)

East coast = glorious sunrise

Farewell lunch at Fatfish(1.5 hours)

Popular Western-Vietnamese restaurant on An Thuong Street. Good burgers and Vietnamese dishes. 100,000-200,000 VND per person

Final sunset from any bridge(1 hour)

Da Nang's bridges are all beautiful at night. Han River Bridge, Dragon Bridge, or Tran Thi Ly Bridge. Free to walk

Grab to airport(15 minutes)

30-80k VND. The most convenient airport departure in Vietnam

Dinner at Madam Lan(1 hour)

Mi quang 35k, banh xeo 20k VND

Marble Mountains(2.5 hours)

40k VND

Ba Na Hills(8 hours)

900k VND. Arrive early

Old Town(3 hours)

120k VND ticket

Cham Sculpture Museum(1.5 hours)

60k VND

Reunification Express train(2.5 hours)

65-120k VND. Hai Van Pass views

Imperial Citadel(2.5 hours)

200k VND

Bun bo Hue lunch(1 hour)

35k VND at Hanh Restaurant

Red Bridge Cooking School(4 hours)

~700k VND. Boat + market + cook 5 dishes

Massage(1 hour)

~200k VND

Hai Van Pass drive(3 hours)

Motorbike 150k/day or car 1M VND. French bunkers at summit

Seafood lunch(1 hour)

Lobster, crab. 200-400k VND

Cham Islands boat trip(6 hours)

500-800k VND. Snorkeling + lunch

43 Factory Coffee(1 hour)

Pour-over 50k VND

Check-in in Hue(30 minutes)

Hotels near the Perfume River from 300,000 VND

Tu Duc Tomb(1.5 hours)

150,000 VND. The most scenic of the royal tombs — set in a pine forest with a lake. Emperor Tu Duc wrote poetry here

Khai Dinh Tomb(1 hour)

150,000 VND. Strikingly different — European and Asian architectural fusion with elaborate mosaic interior

Dinner at Les Jardins de la Carambole(1.5 hours)

French-Vietnamese fine dining in a colonial villa. Mains 150,000-300,000 VND. One of Hue's best restaurants

Dragon boat on the Perfume River(2 hours)

Hire a dragon boat for 300,000-500,000 VND round-trip to Thien Mu Pagoda. The river is peaceful in the morning

Hue street food breakfast crawl(1.5 hours)

Banh loc (tapioca shrimp dumplings, 5,000 VND each), banh nam (flat steamed cake), and che Hue (layered dessert drink, 15,000 VND). Hue has the most refined street food in Vietnam

Citadel deeper exploration(2 hours)

Return with your existing ticket. Explore the Thai Hoa Palace throne room, the Forbidden Purple City ruins, and the quieter western sections most tourists skip

Tra Que Vegetable Village(2 hours)

3 km from old town. Visit a family farm, plant herbs, and cook a meal with your harvest. 200,000-400,000 VND. A unique farm-to-table experience

Hoi An after dark(2 hours)

After 9PM, day-trippers leave and the town belongs to overnight visitors. The lantern-lit streets along the river are magical and quiet. Craft cocktails at White Marble Restaurant bar or The Hill Station deli

Early morning Old Town(1.5 hours)

6-8AM Hoi An is deserted and gorgeous. Markets open, locals exercise by the river, and the light is perfect for photography

Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong(30 minutes)

Anthony Bourdain called it the best banh mi in the world. 25,000 VND. Arrive early — line forms by 8AM

Drive to My Son(1.5 hours)

60 km southwest. Tour ~300,000-500,000 VND or Grab ~400,000 VND each way. Entry: 150,000 VND

My Son sanctuary exploration(2.5 hours)

UNESCO World Heritage Cham temple complex dating to 4th-14th centuries. Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva. Many were damaged by US bombing during the war. The jungle setting is atmospheric. Traditional Cham dance performances at 9:30AM and 10:30AM

Spa morning(2 hours)

Herbal bath and massage ~400,000 VND

Farewell seafood dinner(1.5 hours)

Go all out at your favorite seafood spot

Grab to airport(15 minutes)

30-80k VND