5D4N Da Nang itinerary introduction

Need help planning a 5D4N Da Nang itinerary? As the third biggest city in Vietnam behind Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, there is no lack of activities here, and we are here to show you the best things you can do in Da Nang. 

From the famous beach to the mountainsides, we cover a total of 5 days here, taking you to the best places to visit and finding the best food to eat.

If you want an organized and detailed 5D4N Da Nang itinerary, or to take parts of it to form your Vietnam itinerary, you should read on to get more details!

• Useful basics
• Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong, VND, and is approximately 23200 VND to US1.00
• Tap water is not safe to drink, so get bottled water instead
• 220V, 50Hz AC, Type A, C, and F plugs
• UTC + 7

What to do in Da Nang: Save to Google Maps

Here is a Google Map that contains all the places covered in this Da Nang 5 Days Itinerary.

It contains 6 layers:

• Days 1 – 5
• Recommended hotels in Da Nang
• Off the beaten path places

How to use: Take note you will have to be signed in to your Google Account. 

• Click on the map below. It will open up in a new window.
• If you are signed in to your Google account, the map will be saved automatically.
• Make sure to do this step so that you can easily refer back to the locations even when you are offline.
• Next time, simply open up Google Maps again and find this map under “Your Places” –> “Maps”.

Expert tip: Be sure to download offline maps in Google Maps when you have an internet connection. You might not have data or access to WiFi, and the offline version will come in super handy.

Background about Da Nang

While Southeast Asia has performed well economically, Vietnam has experienced a very high growth rate in the last decade, and Da Nang is one of the beneficiaries of this amazing spurt.

For the uninitiated, Da Nang is the capital of Central Vietnam, and functions as the hub for commerce and education, as well as being an important port city and has its own international airport.

Despite this, Da Nang remains a very laid back city and you will be glad that it is not as “crazy” as its bigger neighbours. 

While a lot of people are acquainted with the HCM and Hanoi, Danang is considered sort of off the beaten path for most visitors.

It is commonly used as a gateway to visit nearby towns such as Hoi An and Hue, where you can find some of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also, it is in close proximity to the French mountain resort of Ba Na Hills with its stunning Golden Bridge.

However, skipping Da Nang will be unwise, as it is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

Thanks to the strong growth in its economy, Da Nang is one of the fastest changing cities in Vietnam, and every few days you can see new restaurants, cafes and shops sprouting up.

If you are open to exploring a bustling city with excellent Central Vietnamese food, you need to set aside time for Da Nang!

When is the best time to visit Da Nang?

In short, avoid coming during the months of September to March, where the city experiences the highest rainfalls of the year. 

If you do come during this period, be sure to bring along rain jackets or small umbrellas. Good news is that usually the showers are just passing and will not last the entire day. 

A good time to visit will be during the cooler months of February to May, when it is transitioning to the hot season. In these few months, the weather is milder and rainfall starts to lessen. 

How many days in Da Nang?

We recommend spending at least 3 days in Danang, but 5 days in Danang would be better if you want to visit the nearby historical cities of Hoi An and Hue. 

Getting to Da Nang

By Land Travel

Da Nang is located about 780 kilometres away from Hanoi, and 605 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City, which means that land travel will typically take a pretty long time.

There are no bullet trains in Vietnam, and infrastructure is not at its best condition, so do take that in mind when searching for travel by either bus or train to Da Nang. 

For buses from Hanoi or Saigon, expect to take over 14 hours one way to reach Da Nang.

For trains, you will have to take the Reunification Express, which runs along the spine of the country. Train standards are not exactly high like those in Europe, so do manage your expectations. Rides from Hanoi and HCMC take over 15 hours.

It should be easy to see why we will not recommend using either of these options. We rather spend that time having fun!

By Air

For most visitors, it is likely that you will be arriving in Da Nang via air, and the city is served by a modern airport known as Da Nang International Airport (DAD). 

It is conveniently located just 3 kilometres outside of the city, so a quick taxi ride will take you there.

Be sure to tell your driver to use the meter and not negotiate a fixed price. These will most likely work only in the driver’s favour. Prices should be within US$7. Choose from Vinasun or Mai Linh taxi company. 

Alternatively, save all the hassle by booking a private transfer right to your accommodation. It is only US$13 per person and there is simply no guesswork at all. Driver waits for you at the arrival hall, handles your bags, and then straight to your hotel. 

Easy peasy.

Private Transfers to City Center

Getting around

Da Nang is pretty well developed in terms of the transport network, although they are sorely missing a metro system. 

Buses run often and are in pretty good condition, and in fact, in recent years there have been new fleets of buses being introduced. Prices are cheap, but getting around would take a longer time. 

Motorbikes could be useful if you know how to ride them. They are easily available for rental and the rates are pretty reasonable. This is one of the best ways to get around and gives you lots of flexibility. Check out Nguyen Hoang Motorbike at 114 Ly Thai To Street in Thanh Khe District.

Taxis are plentiful in the city of Da Nang, and therefore can be one of your best options to get around. As we mentioned, always insist on using the meter so that you will not be ripped off. It would be wise to write down the addresses of the places you want to visit so there won’t be any miscommunication. 

Grab is a ride-sharing app that is very popular in South East Asia, and much like how Uber works, you key in where you wanna go, place your order and wait for someone to pick you up. The benefit of this service is that you know upfront how much you are paying, and you can choose to pay by credit card too. They even have a GrabBike service where a bike comes to pick you instead. This is for short distances only. 

Which is the best area to stay in?

Da Nang is not exactly a huge city, but there are pretty diverse accommodations here. In general, your choice will be either to stay in the city center or by the beach, where there is quite a number to choose from. 

Here are our recommendations: (prices are estimates and will fluctuate throughout the year. Click through to get the lowest rates now!)

City Center
Vanda Hotel, US$59 per night
New Orient Hotel, King Suite, US$114 per night

My Khe Beach
Stella Maris Beach Da Nang, US$62 per night
Chicland Hotel, One Bedroom Apartment, US$223 per night

Son Tra Peninsula
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, $440 per night

Non Nuoc Beach
Abogo Apartment Resort Beach Da Nang, US$210 per night

Da Nang Itinerary: How much does it cost to visit Da Nang

• Accommodation: US$60, twin sharing
• Food: US$8, 2 meals, breakfast in hotel
• Transport: $3 per day, twin sharing
• Total per person per day: US$41

Da Nang Itinerary: Day 1

Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains stand out on the flat Da Nang landscape, and although the word mountain is a bit of a stretch since they are not that high, they do offer an excellent day excursion from the centre of Da Nang. 

The Marble Mountains are made up of 5 different limestone formations, each representing an element, Fire, Water, Metal, Earth and Wood. 

Back in the old days, it used to be sites of worship by the Cham people, who lived in parts of Southern and Central Vietnam. 

In this “mountain” range, you will find a myriad of activities, from exploring “Hell” and “Heaven” caves to rock climbing and abseiling. 

To get up there, you should start the day early before the crowd arrives, as this is a very popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. 

Once you are here, get ready to traverse seemingly infinite steps as you navigate around the area. There are 2 entrances here, one of which has an elevator to take you up, while you will have to climb up 156 steps on the other. Frankly, it does look steep, but it is actually a pretty easy walk up. 

Once you are up, take your time to explore the area. Most people only visit the Thuy Son, otherwise known as the Water Mountain, but do explore as much as you can, for there are surprises waiting to be discovered at every turn.

Some of the things you should not miss are: 

• Xa Loi Pagoda
• Linh Ung Pagoda
• Van Thong Cave
• Huyen Khong Cave
• Tham Thai Pagoda

While you are here, be sure to check out one of the viewpoints to get a nice view of the city. It is here where you can see clearly the flat plains of Da Nang and how it contrasts with its mountainous surroundings. 

You can take a public bus to Marble Mountains, as it is located quite close to Da Nang city. The bus ride should not take more than 30 minutes. The only problem is figuring out where the bus stop is. 

There are several bus stops in the city center, and if you want to be sure, we suggest you check with your hotel. 

Booking a driver or taking a taxi is the easiest and stress-free way to get there. 

Start time: 8.00 am
Address: 52 Huyền Trân Công Chúa, Hoà Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
Getting here: Take bus service 1 from Da Nang or hire a taxi or private driver
Fee: 40,000 VND
Opening hours: Daily 7 am – 5.30 pm
Time spent here: 2 – 3 hours

Explore Da Nang City Centre

The district of Hai Chau is considered the centre of Da Nang, where there is a ton of commercial and touristy activities going on. It is located to the West of the Han River, and you should take some time to explore this area. 

Walking along its busy streets, you can find lots of delicious street food, local designer shops and unique cafes. 

If you need a reprieve from the heat, consider popping in to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, where you can view the relics and antiques of the Cham Kingdom. This is also the largest exhibition museum in Vietnam, so history buffs are definitely going to love this. Tickets are US$2 per person. 

After the museum, step outside and head towards the riverside to admire the Dragon Bridge, which is the longest in Vietnam, stretching out to 666 metres in length. 

The unmistakable shape of the golden dragon bridge is a pretty special sight, and you can also find a hive of activities around this area. If you are still around in the evening, you will be treated to a fire show, where the dragon spits fire out of its mouth!

Further, if you are up for some local market exploration, head over to the Con Market. This is where locals head to for their daily necessities, from fresh vegetables to homewares. 

Even if you are not buying anything, it is worth a visit to learn how the locals go about their daily lives, and appreciate this unique open market. 

Grab your lunch while you are in the area.

Start time: 11.00 am
Address: Hải Châu District
Getting here: Take a taxi and drop off at your preferred start point. 
Fee: Depends
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
Time spent here: 2 – 3 hours

My Khe Beach

Most people visiting Da Nang will know about their famous beaches, and My Khe Beach is the star of the show. 

Situated on the eastern front of Da Nang, My Khe occupies a stretch of 10 kilometres starting from the Son Tra Peninsula all the way down to the Marble Mountains.

During the late afternoon, the weather should have cooled down, and it is a perfect time to walk down the white sandy beach and gaze into the clear blue skies, a combination that makes My Khe famous. 

The quality of the beach has been kept high despite huge numbers of tourists coming here, and along the beach front, you can find lots of luxurious resorts and excellent restaurants. 

Start time: 3 pm
Address: My Khe Beach
Getting here: Either walk over from Hai Chau district or take a taxi
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
Time spent here: 2 hours

Dinner at Com Nha Linh

Saunter down to the happening An Thurong street, where you will find one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Da Nang hidden in a quiet street.

Serving authentic local cuisine, you can consider getting a set meal if you are in a group, and we highly recommend the seafood fried rice!

The place is pretty clean, and offers both indoors and outdoor seating. 

Best part: prices are super reasonable!

Start time: 6 pm
Address: 35 An Thượng 26, Bắc Mỹ Phú, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
Getting here: Take a taxi from My Khe or walk around 15 minutes
Fee: From US$3
Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 10 pm
Time spent here: 1 -2 hours

Nightlife at An Thurong

We are not party animals, but we do enjoy hanging out, watching the world go by and downing a few beers.

Over at An Thurong, there are several cool eclectic bars that fulfils this need.

Take your pick from casual to sophisticated, and certainly be free to make friends with the warm local. Throughout the night, you are going to hear the phrase “Mot Hai Ba! Dzo!” repeatedly, which is kind of like a chant of sorts.

Basically, drink up! 

Da Nang is different from Saigon in this aspect, as you will hardly experience this atmosphere since most of them are drinking indoors. 

You will be spoilt for choice, and we suggest you hunt down bia hoi, a very popular local brew in Vietnam. It is made fresh everyday and can be found on street corners or family style bars. Super wallet friendly too, since a glass typically costs no more than US$0.50!

Start time: 8 pm
Address: 1 – 10 An Thượng, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
Getting here: Walk from Com Nha Linh
Fee: From US$0.50
Opening hours: Daily till late
Time spent here: Depends on how much you wanna drink!

Da Nang Itinerary: Day 2

Han Market

After a long day and late night, we sleep in a bit more than usual.

Starting the day off with a visit to the Han Market, this is where you will find 2 stories of locally produced food and wares. 

On the first floor is the food court, and be sure to try out local favourites such as Banh Xeo, Bun Cha Ca, Bun Bo Hue as well as the usual pho. You should also visit the snacks section and get some to bring home with you.

Moving up to the second floor, clothes merchants abound as they try to show you their latest designs, and you can even get your hands on a traditional Ao Dai, and for men, you can consider getting shirts and pants tailored here. The prices are cheaper than in Hoi An, but certainly not inferior in quality.

Although this market is slightly more touristy than Con Market, it is nevertheless as local as it gets. Definitely worth a visit any day.

Related: Phu Quoc Night Market Guide

Start time: 10 am
Address: 119 Đường Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
Getting here: Take a taxi or walk from hotel if nearby
Fee: From US$0.50
Opening hours: Daily 6 am – 7 pm
Time spent here: 1.5 hours

Da Nang Cathedral

Most of the time in Asia, temples are the commonplace religious sites, but there is a unique Church right in the heart of Da Nang, the Da Nang Cathedral. 

Built almost a hundred years ago in 1923 by a French priest, its facade is painted in a shade of light pink, distinguishing itself easily from all the buildings around it. 

Right now, it stands as the only church in Da Nang, and earned a nickname of the Rooster Church as it has a rooster weathercock right on top of its tower. 

While the insides are simply designed, it does offer a peaceful hall for followers to pray and give thanks. English sermons are held every Sunday at 9 am.

There’s a really nice courtyard outside the church where you can stroll around and admire the church.

Start time: 11.30 am
Address: 156 Đường Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
Getting here: 5 minutes walk from Han Market
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Daily 6 am – 4.30 pm
Time spent here: 30 minutes

Lunch at Pho Bac Hai

Take a short walk over to this local eatery to taste a classic Vietnamese dish, pho.

Over here at Bac Hai, super fresh ingredients are used and the broth is very tasty despite looking so clear and plain, a hallmark of a good pho. 

There are lots of local dishes that you can order too in this fuss free pho master. 

Start time: 12.15 pm
Address: 185 Đường Trần Phú, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
Getting here: 5 minutes walk from Da Nang Cathedral
Fee: From 30,000 VND
Opening hours: Daily 6 am – 11.30 pm
Time spent here: 1 hour

Lotte Mart

Surely some of you would have heard the name Lotte, which is a conglomerate in Korea that has businesses in things like hotels to construction. 

Over here in Da Nang, you can find Lotte Mart, a hypermart that has over 20,000 types of products on offer! Shopper’s paradise? 

Within that mall, there is a pretty good food court where you can enjoy local cuisines in comfort, or shop for local souvenirs at reasonable prices. 

The star of the show is the supermarket, carrying such a wide range of products that you can easily spend a couple of hours here.

When you are happy with your purchases, find a cafe, sit down and enjoy a nice cup of Vietnamese coffee.

Start time: 1.30 pm
Address: 6 Nại Nam, Hoà Cường Bắc, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
Getting here: 15 minutes taxi ride from Da Nang Cathedral
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Daily 8 am – 10 pm
Time spent here: 2 hours

Non Nuoc Beach

Spend the rest of the day relaxing at another popular beach in Da Nang, Non Nuoc Beach.

Located further south of My Khe, it is an excellent alternative where you can enjoy the clean, white sandy beach with lesser crowds. 

While some of you might want to relax on a mat reading a book and sipping a cocktail, the active ones can take part in surfing and other water sports. Don’t worry, they have lessons for beginners too. 

Start time: 3.30 pm
Address: Non Nuoc Beach
Getting here: 15 minutes taxi ride from Lotte Mart
Fee: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Time spent here: 2.5 hours

Dinner at Bep Hen Restaurant

We head back to Da Nang city centre to find Bep Hen, one of our favourite places to have a meal. 

They are a family style restaurant, specialising in home cooked Vietnamese food. While you can attempt to order something off the menu, there’s no harm in trying out the usual fares, which are excellent in their own right.

It has a really cozy environment, and we would suggest taking the outdoor sitting on the wooden furniture. Nothing like a good old shack setting. 

Start time: 6.30 pm
Address: 47 Lê Hồng Phong, Phước Ninh, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
Getting here: 25 minutes taxi ride from Non Nuoc Beach
Fee: From 40,000 VND
Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 9.30 pm, closed between 2.30 pm – 5 pm
Time spent here: 1 hour

Da Nang Itinerary: Day 3

Son Tra Peninsula

For day 3 of this travel itinerary, we head out to the Son Tra Peninsula, just north of the city centre. 

To get there, you will really need to have a driver or rent your own vehicle. A motorbike will offer the best option since the roads are quite narrow and some parts cannot be reached by car. 

If you need a private driver for the day, your best bet would be to check online, where there are several independent operators. 

On Son Tra Peninsula, there are a number of sights that you cannot miss out on.

People come here for its natural beauty and during sunset, you can get the best views of the city. 

As you approach this stretch of land, a prominent statue welcomes you: the Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda. 

However, before you even enter the peninsula, we recommend that you make a pit stop along Man Thai Fishing Village, where you can still catch a glimpse of the lives of local fishermen and how they go about performing their craft. Sadly, due to the modernization of the city, what remains today is only a tiny window to its past. 

As you make your way towards the tallest statue in Da Nang, measuring in at 67 metres, be sure to stop by the Green Lake, a natural beauty hiding in plain sight. Lots of people do not know about this spot, but you will be able to easily locate it on your way to Linh Ung Pagoda. Bring your bathing suit along!

At the Linh Ung Pagoda, you can make your way out to the courtyard, where the massive statue stands facing the sea. It is said that a statue of Buddha was washed up in this area, and hence prompted the locals to build this religious hall. Today the Lady Buddha stands watch over Da Nang, especially its fishermen. 

Next, you can easily drive around the small land mass and explore the beaches, lighthouse,s and forests. Here’s what you can explore: 

• Grand Banyan Tree
• Monkey Pass
• Ghenh Bang
• Monkey Mountain 
• Tien Sa Lighthouse
• Ban Co Peak
• Bai Cat Vang Beach

5D4N Da Nang Itinerary: Day 4 and 5

Day trips from Da Nang

For days 4 and 5 of this Danang itinerary, we head out of the city to its nearby towns. Take your pick from the following day trips.

• Hoi An Ancient Town
• Hue (make sure to go on Hai Van Pass!)
• Ba Na Hills
• My Son Sanctuary

Each of them will require at least one full day, so do bear that in mind when planning your transport and accommodation. 

Hoi An

Probably the most popular side trip from Da Nang, Hoi An is a UNESCO Heritage Site that is a great example of a SouthEast Asian trading port town. 

Take the day to walk the Ancient Town and check out the beautiful houses that remain from centuries past. One of the most iconic structures is the Japanese covered bridge, which lies in the heart of the town. There is a small fee you need to pay to go in, but we didn’t fancy that, and frankly it is outside where you can take the best photos.

If you really wish to walk through the bridge, come during late evening when the person collecting fees knocks off!

Beside the bridge, there are lots of little shops selling souvenirs and trinkets, and you should take the time to visit the main area as well as the small island where the night market is located. We love the Tan Ky old house, a well preserved manor from the 18th century that belonged to a merchant. 

When you need a break, we recommend that you walk along the Han River and get your hands on some delicious local food and wash them down with a beer.

Before leaving Hoi An, you might want to pick a lantern or two, which is an iconic local gift. 

Related: How to get from Da Nang to Hoi An

Hue

Hue was an imperial city that has a rich and long history, serving as the capital for 2 dynasties, the Da Trong and Nguyen. 

Massive stone structures were built during this period to fortify the Royal Palace, and within this huge expanse, there are lots to explore. 

Although the upkeep is not excellent, you can still witness some of the relics and monuments from the royal family, as well as appreciate how palace life was like through numerous exhibits. 

Since Hue is about 2-2.5 hours away from Da Nang, the best way to visit is by a private tour, which we did. 

The tour is a good option as it can bring you to nearby sights too, most importantly the Khai Dinh Tomb, a really unique mausoleum that combines both Western and Eastern designs.

Also, it takes you up on the Hai Van Pass, one of the best roads to drive on with stunning views all around. 

You will also not want to miss out Thien Mu Pagoda, the largest of its kind in Hue.

Ba Na Hills

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Da Nang, possibly the number one. And indeed, you can tell when you step out of the cable car that takes you up this mountain entertainment complex. 

Due to heavy French influence, Ba Na Hills has been built with them in mind, so everywhere you turn, you will find buildings designed in that manner. 

It is essentially a holiday resort and theme park and boasts the longest cable car ride in the world. 

The ride takes you across the mountain valley, where you can admire the beautiful views around you as well as the greenery and waterfall down below.

It was a bit nerve-wracking though, suspended in a cable car for half an hour and swaying when the wind speeds start to ramp up. 

Overall, this French village is suitable for you if you have not been to Europe, or you wish to see another side of Central Vietnam. 

We were not terribly excited as there were simply too many people, so much so that the queue to try out the Alpine Coaster, a luge ride, snaked inside the building next door. We estimated the number of people to be around 150. Yup. 

And with the opening of the Golden Bridge, where there are 2 giant hands holding it up, the tourist numbers have since increased. 

If you do want to visit Ba Na Hills, the best way will be to take a tour as well, as you will be able to get some cost savings on the transport. 

Da Nang Off the Beaten Path

It may seem to you that these activities are quite common, hence we decided to include some off-the-beaten-path activities in Da Nang for you to consider too: 

• Nam O Beach – secluded beach best for sunset or sunrise
• Hoa Trung Lake – a stunning lake about 40 minutes outside Da Nang. Doesn’t resemble Asia at all
• Paragliding at Son Tra – contact Viet Wings Hanoi
• Phong Nha caves – hiking, caving, and kayaking

Guided Tour Options

We don’t usually recommend going for tours, but we do understand that sometimes it does make sense. Especially when the place you are visiting has undeveloped infrastructure. 

In Da Nang, the most flexible way to get around is by renting your own motorbike or making use of the plentiful taxis that ply the streets. 

However, if you wish to visit some places that are further away, a tour is the sensible choice. Besides those recommended above, there are a few here that we think will make good sense for you. 

Da Nang Itinerary: Is it Worth Visiting?

Da Nang is young, up and coming, and vibrant. Without the madness of Saigon and Hanoi, it is definitely worth a visit to see another side of Vietnam.

Whether you are interested in culture or adventure, Da Nang has something suitable for you, and we were very pleased with our choice to go for Da Nang.

The only problem was that 5 days was too short! But it left a beautiful memory for us.

Hopefully, these travel tips were helpful to you.  

Have you travelled to Da Nang yet? Which day trip did you take? 

Don’t be shy, leave a comment!

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Logistics before visiting Da Nang Vietnam

Book a mobile router
While WiFi is readily available in Da Nang, you can opt to have your own coverage and stay connected to the internet with a mobile router. 

Find cheap flights.
Air tickets are usually the bulk of your expenses. Set up an alert and snag cheap fares with Skyscanner.

Find the best accommodation.
Book a place ahead of time to get good rates. Booking.com has transparent fees and excellent rates. 

Handy travel guide.
For the old school kid in you, get a travel guide book and get lost exploring the city.

Photos.
Your mobile phone can do a pretty good job, but if you need an upgrade, we recommend the Sony A6000 (US) (International)

Travel insurance.
You don’t need us to teach you to be a responsible adult, do you? Get a quote here.

Planned for you activities in Da Nang.
Need a guide to show you and your group around? Lots of operators here to choose from here. You know who they are and how they are reviewed. 

More resources to help you.
All other useful travel resources we use when we book our trips.