How Many Days In Da Nang? The Ideal Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

How many days in Da Nang do you need to see it all? With stunning beaches, ancient temples, vibrant bridges and delicious cuisine, this coastal city offers endless experiences. For most travelers, 3 days and 2 nights is just right to enjoy the best of Da Nang. In this guide, we’ll help you plan the perfect trip. Let’s dive in!

01 January, 1970

How many days in Da Nang is enough?

If you're planning your first trip to Vietnam’s central coast, you might be wondering: How many days in Da Nang is enough? The answer depends on what you want to experience - beaches, culture, food, or adventure.

For most travelers, 3 days and 2 nights is the sweet spot to enjoy the highlights while keeping things relaxed and memorable. This duration allows you to explore the highlights like Ba Na hills, Son Tra Peninsula,... relax on pristine beaches, and savor local cuisine.

Da Nang 3 days and 2 nights: Itinerary & travel Tips

Planning a quick escape to Vietnam’s coastal gem? The Da Nang 3-day and 2-night itinerary is ideal for first-time travelers looking to enjoy beaches, culture, and cuisine without rushing. From the majestic Marble Mountains to the vibrant Han River night scene, this compact trip offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation.

Day 1: Culture and coastline

Morning:

Marble Mountains: Kickstart your journey with a spiritual and scenic hike through caves and temples. Climb up to see panoramic views of the coastline and explore sacred sites like Huyen Khong Cave.
Linh Ung Pagoda: Just a short drive away, this tranquil spot on Son Tra Peninsula is famous for the towering Lady Buddha statue that watches over Da Nang.

Afternoon:

My Khe Beach: Sink your toes into the soft sand and enjoy some downtime. Try jet skiing or parasailing for a bit of excitement, or just relax with a coconut in hand.
Lunch tip: Head to Con Market (Chợ Cồn) or Banh Xeo Ba Duong for authentic local cuisine.

Evening:

Dragon Bridge: As night falls, head to this architectural marvel. On weekend nights, the dragon breathes fire and water - a true crowd-pleaser.
Riverside promenade: Wander along the Han River and enjoy street performances, ice cream vendors, and beautiful night views of the city.

Day 2: Adventure and heritage

Morning:

Ba Na Hills: Set off early for a morning adventure. Ride the world’s longest cable car to the mountain resort. Highlights include fantasy-themed gardens, a French-style village, an alpine coaster, and most famously, the Golden Bridge - also known as the Hand Bridge Da Nang. This stunning pedestrian bridge is held aloft by two massive stone hands emerging from the mountainside, offering panoramic views and one of the most iconic photo spots in Vietnam.

A must-visit destination – the Golden Bridge (Hand Bridge)

Afternoon:

When purchasing your cable car ticket to Ba Na Hills, you can also opt for a combo that includes a buffet lunch at one of the on-site restaurants.
After lunch, descend the mountain and begin your transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town (approx. 1 hour).

Evening:

Hoi An Ancient Town: This UNESCO-listed town is a haven of culture and charm. Walk or bike through lantern-lit alleys, visit old merchant houses, and get custom-made clothes from expert tailors.
Dinner tip: Don’t miss out on Hoi An’s famous dishes like Cao Lau, White Rose Dumplings, or a delicious Banh Mi Phuong
Nightlife: Stay for the magical lantern release or catch traditional performances at the Hoi An theater.

Day 3: Local vibes and hidden gems

Morning:

Basket Boat Ride in Hoi An: Start your day early with a unique basket boat ride through the water coconut palm forest in Cam Thanh village. Watch local fishermen perform traditional net casting and try your hand at paddling the iconic round boat — a true hands-on cultural experience.
Vietnamese Coffee Break: After your boat ride, unwind with a strong iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) at Cong Caphe or The Espresso Station. It’s the perfect recharge before heading back to Da Nang.

The basket boat experience in Hoi An is truly unique and unforgettable

Midday:

Lunch at a Local Spot: For lunch, enjoy a light meal at a local eatery in Da Nang, where you can try Central Vietnam specialties like mi Quang (turmeric noodles with pork and shrimp), bun cha ca (fish cake noodle soup), or banh trang cuon thit heo (pork belly wrapped in rice paper with herbs).
Cham Museum: Explore this museum dedicated to the ancient Champa civilization. It's quiet, air-conditioned, and deeply fascinating.
Asia Park & Sun Wheel: Visit Asia Park for fun photo ops and a ride on the Sun Wheel, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in Asia, giving you stunning views of Da Nang’s skyline and coastline.

Afternoon:

Wrap up with a seafood lunch at Madame Lan or Nen Restaurant.
Head back to your hotel, freshen up, and check out with a heart full of memories.

How to travel to and in Da Nang

How to travel to Da Nang

Getting to Da Nang is easy thanks to its central location and well-connected transport options:

By air: Da Nang International Airport (DAD) serves both domestic and international flights. It's only 10–15 minutes by car from the city center. There are direct flights from major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Seoul, and Singapore.
By train: The Reunification Express (North-South Railway) stops at Da Nang Station. The journey offers scenic views but can take 15–20 hours, depending on your departure point.
By bus: Long-distance buses from neighboring cities like Hue, Hoi An, and Nha Trang are affordable and comfortable. The central bus station is located about 6 km from downtown.
By car/private transfer: Ideal for those traveling from nearby destinations like Hue or Hoi An. You can hire a private car or join a tour transfer with scenic stops along the Hai Van Pass. If you’re traveling from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other provinces further away and want to experience Vietnam’s coastal or mountainous routes, a private car journey can also be a rewarding and flexible road trip.

How to travel in Da Nang

Getting around Da Nang is both simple and enjoyable, with a wide variety of transport options catering to every budget and travel style:

Grab App: The most convenient way to book car or motorbike rides on demand. Widely used, cashless, and safe.
Motorbike Rental: Ideal for confident riders wanting freedom to explore. Daily rates range from 120,000–150,000 VND. Helmets are provided, and a license is usually required.
Taxi Services: Reputable companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun offer metered taxis. Fares are fair, and drivers are generally honest. Always insist on the meter being turned on.
Public Bus: Da Nang’s yellow buses are budget-friendly and cover major routes like the airport, beaches, and bus stations. However, schedules are limited and signage is mostly in Vietnamese.
Cyclo (Xích lô): A charming way to enjoy short city tours, especially around the riverfront and Han Market. Negotiate the fare before boarding—typically 100,000–150,000 VND for a 30-minute ride.
Walking & Biking: Ideal for short distances. Da Nang’s river promenade, beach roads, and parks are clean, safe, and enjoyable for pedestrians and cyclists.

Pro Tip: Remember to download Google Maps and Google Translate before your trip. Most signage is in Vietnamese, and while many locals are friendly, not all speak English.

Travel tips for a smooth trip

To make your journey in Da Nang as smooth and enjoyable as possible, keep these practical tips in mind:

Use Grab or reliable taxi brands: Always use Grab (a popular ride-hailing app) or stick to reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun. This helps you avoid scams, inflated fares, or unregistered drivers. Grab also shows estimated prices in advance and lets you track your route.
Rent a motorbike carefully: Always check the bike’s brakes, lights, and tires before riding and make sure to wear a helmet and carry a valid driving license (international licenses are usually accepted).
Dress modestly at temples and pagodas: While visiting religious sites like temples and pagodas, remember to dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. It’s also customary to remove your shoes and speak respectfully in these sacred places.
Beware of tourist traps: Tourists should also be cautious of common scams or tourist traps. Be wary of overly aggressive vendors and offers that seem too good to be true, and always confirm prices in advance.
Watch the weather: The weather in Da Nang can be hot and humid, particularly during the dry season (April to August), so staying hydrated and using sun protection is essential. Carry water, apply sunscreen, and wear a hat and sunglasses. From September to November, the rainy season brings sudden showers, so packing a light raincoat or umbrella is advisable.

So, 3 days and 2 nights is the perfect answer to the question: “How many days in Da Nang?”. From sun-kissed beaches to ancient streets and sky-high bridges, Da Nang balances nature, history, and modern energy in one destination. Perfect for couples, solo travelers, or families, this itinerary helps you make the most of every hour.