Central Vietnam gives you a beach city, a lantern-lit old town and an imperial capital within an hour or two of each other. Da Nang is the practical base, and Hoi An is the charming one.
Where to stay: Da Nang or Hoi An?
Da Nang has big beachfront hotels, restaurants and the airport, which suits a beach holiday with day trips. Hoi An is smaller and more atmospheric, but the old town is inland, so the beach is a short ride away. Many travellers split their time, with two nights in each.
Day 1: Da Nang highlights
Visit the Marble Mountains, five hills with caves and pagodas, then drive up to Ba Na Hills for the Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands. Arrive at opening to beat the crowds, and take a light jacket. In the evening, watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire and water at weekends.
Day 2: Hoi An's old town
Hoi An's old town is a UNESCO site with yellow-painted merchant houses, a Japanese covered bridge and riverside cafés. Buy an old-town ticket, which covers several sights. Come back after dark, when hundreds of lanterns light up the river. Have a suit or dress made at one of the tailors, with a day or two for fittings.
Insider tip: Hoi An is busiest in the evening and at weekends. Visit the old town early in the morning for the quietest streets.
Day 3: Hue or the coast
A full-day trip to Hue takes you over the scenic Hai Van Pass to the imperial citadel and royal tombs. If you prefer the beach, spend the day at My Khe or An Bang, with seafood at lunch. A cooking class in Hoi An is another popular choice.
Tailors, lanterns and the old-town ticket
Hoi An is famous for its tailors, who can make a suit, dress or shirt in a day or two. Choose a shop with good reviews, bring a photo of what you want and expect at least one fitting. Quality varies, so look at the fabric and stitching, and do not rush. Bargaining is normal, but quality costs more than the cheapest option.
The old-town ticket gives access to a choice of heritage houses, assembly halls and a museum, and is checked at the entrances. The Japanese Covered Bridge is the symbol of Hoi An. In the evening, the lanterns come on, and you can release a candle in a paper boat on the river for a small fee.
Beaches, cycling and countryside
Hoi An is flat and ideal for cycling. Most hotels and guesthouses rent bicycles, and many offer free ones. Take sun protection and water, and avoid the midday heat. A cooking class that includes a market visit and a boat ride is also very popular.
- An Bang Beach: relaxed, with beach bars and seafood.
- Cua Dai Beach: wide but eroded in places.
- Tra Que Vegetable Village: a farm where you can cook with local herbs.
- Cam Thanh Coconut Village: a basket-boat ride through water-coconut groves.
- Rice-paddy cycling around the countryside on a rented bike.
My Son Sanctuary and Hue
Near Hoi An, My Son is a Cham temple complex in a jungle valley, a UNESCO site that shows the Hindu kingdom that once ruled central Vietnam. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Hue, the former imperial capital, is a longer trip, with the Citadel, the Thien Mu Pagoda and the royal tombs.
If you are travelling north or south, you can also take the scenic train between Da Nang and Hue, one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Vietnam. See our Ha Long Bay guide, the Hanoi food guide and the Da Nang guide.
When to go
- February to May: dry and warm, the best months.
- June to August: hot, with good beach weather.
- September to December: rainy, with a risk of typhoons and flooding in Hoi An.
See the Da Nang guide, read about the Ha Long Bay cruise and plan Hanoi in our Hanoi guide.
Ready to go?
Book Da Nang tours
Da Nang: your questions answered
How many days do I need?
Three to four days is ideal.
How far is Hoi An from Da Nang?
About 30 km, 45 minutes by road.
Is the Golden Bridge worth it?
Yes if you go early. The cable car and gardens are fun for families.
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