Wanderlust Guide: 5 Days in Da Nang

Unleash the beauty of Da Nang on a shoestring budget and experience an unforgettable adventure.

21 June 2023

Da Nang, Vietnam offers a great blend of beautiful coastline, rich culture, and delicious cuisine all on a limited budget. Visit the Marble Mountains and explore the pagodas and caves with low entrance fees. Stroll along the Han River and enjoy the stunning Dragon Bridge show that lights up the night sky every weekend for free.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Beach Bumming

  • Check into the ECO Hotel, a budget-friendly option that boasts a rooftop pool and ocean views
  • Spend the morning lounging at My Khe Beach, a stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise water
  • Grab banh mi at Banh Mi Queen, a local favorite for crispy baguettes stuffed with savory meats and veggies
  • Head to Dragon Bridge for the 9pm show, where the dragon breathes fire and water to the beat of music
  • Indulge in some late-night street food at the Da Nang Night Market, where you can try grilled squid, Vietnamese pancakes, and more
Day 2

Cultural Exploration

  • Start the day with a visit to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five sacred hills with caves, temples, and panoramic views
  • Stop by Cham Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of Cham artifacts, to learn about the ancient civilization
  • Wander around Han Market, a bustling indoor market where you can haggle for souvenirs, clothes, and local products
  • Eat seafood cooked to your liking at Be Man, a no-frills seafood joint where you pick your own fresh catch
  • Catch the sunset at Asia Park, an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and a rotating observation tower
Day 3

Hoi An Adventure

  • Take a day trip to Hoi An, a picturesque town that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Walk around the Old Town, which is filled with well-preserved Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and French colonial buildings
  • Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, a charming bridge with ornate decorations and a legend behind it
  • Try the famous cao lau noodle dish, which can only be found in Hoi An, at Ba Be or Ms. Ly's
  • Take a lantern-making class or watch the nightly lantern parade by the Thu Bon River
Day 4

Nature Immersion

  • Wake up early and drive to Son Tra Peninsula, a nature reserve that's home to diverse flora and fauna
  • Hike up Monkey Mountain to see the 67-meter-tall Guanyin statue and catch panoramic views of the city below
  • Relax at Bai But Beach, a secluded cove with clear water and white sand
  • Have a picnic at Linh Ung Pagoda, a serene temple complex with courtyards, statues, and gardens
  • Have dinner at Bamboo2, a restaurant that's nestled in a bamboo grove and serves delicious Vietnamese dishes with a twist
Day 5

Farewell, Da Nang

  • Take a cooking class at Red Bridge Restaurant & Cooking School, where you learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho and spring rolls
  • Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture to see the intricate sandstone sculptures that date back to the 7th to 15th centuries
  • Shop for gifts at Con Market, a huge market that sells everything from clothes and jewelry to ceramics and electronics
  • Dine at Tam's Pub & Surf Shop, a quirky spot that serves cold beers and comfort food while showcasing local surf culture
  • Depart from Da Nang with a full heart and memories to last a lifetime.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Da Nang by plane is to fly into Da Nang International Airport, which has both domestic and international flights. Many airlines operate flights to Da Nang, including Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific, AirAsia, and Korean Air.

Car

The best way to get to Da Nang by car is to drive along the scenic Hai Van Pass from Hue or Hoi An. The journey takes around 2 hours from Hue and 1 hour from Hoi An. Along the way, you can stop at various viewpoints to enjoy the stunning views of the coastline and surrounding mountains.

Train

The best way to get to Da Nang by train is to take the SE1 or SE3 train from Hanoi to Da Nang. The journey takes around 16 hours and passes through some beautiful scenery. The train station in Da Nang is located in the city center, making it convenient to reach your destination.

Boat

There is no way to get to Da Nang by boat as it is not a port city. However, you can take a boat tour from nearby cities such as Hoi An or Hue to explore the coastline and nearby islands. These tours usually operate from Cua Dai or Bach Dang ports and last for a few hours or a full day.

Bus

The best way to get to Da Nang by bus is to take the Sinh Tourist bus from Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An. The bus journey takes around 17 hours from Ho Chi Minh City and 5 hours from Hoi An. The bus station in Da Nang is located close to the city center, making it easy to get to your destination.

More travel plans

Da Nang Delight: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

Da Nang offers budget travelers an abundance of affordable accommodations and delicious street food. Must-see attractions include the Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountains, and Golden Bridge. Travelers can also enjoy the city's beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife without breaking the bank.

Da Nang Delight: A Family-Friendly Adventure in Vietnam

Da Nang, Vietnam is an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip, offering a blend of beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and amusement parks suitable for all ages. Take a leisurely stroll along the iconic My Khe Beach, indulge in delicious local seafood, and visit the famous Marble Mountains and Dragon Bridge. The city's theme parks like Asia Park and Sun World Da Nang Wonders provide endless entertainment with thrilling rides and exciting shows for the whole family.

Discover Da Nang: A Fun 2-Day Getaway

Da Nang is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Visit the Marble Mountains for breathtaking panoramic views and explore the charming ancient town of Hoi An. End your trip with a sunset cruise on the Han River, savoring the romance of this enchanting Vietnamese city.

Wanderlust Guide: 5 Days in Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam offers a great blend of beautiful coastline, rich culture, and delicious cuisine all on a limited budget. Visit the Marble Mountains and explore the pagodas and caves with low entrance fees. Stroll along the Han River and enjoy the stunning Dragon Bridge show that lights up the night sky every weekend for free.