7 Best Places to Visit Near Da Nang: Easy Day Trips & Tours from Da Nang
Da Nang, Vietnam is a modern beach city along the central Vietnam coast. Its convenient location and well-connected international airport makes Da Nang a perfect launchpad for exploring the surrounding iconic attractions and historic cities of central Vietnam. In this blog post I list some of the best places to visit in a day trip from Da Nang and recommend some Viator tours you can join to take the logistics off of you when visiting these places, allowing you to fully enjoy and immerse in the experience.
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Marble Mountains, Da Nang
When to Visit Da Nang & How Many Days
Best Time of Year to Visit Da Nang
Da Nang is a year-round destination in Vietnam, with two seasons - wet and dry.
The dry season typically lasts from January to August. The temperatures are higher, and this is the busiest time of year for tourism (especially from June to August), but you’ll have more blue skies, making them perfect for beach days. Many notable Vietnamese holidays and events also fall during these months. See this list below!
The wet season is typically September to December, sometimes into January. There is more rain, but the temperatures will be cooler. Typhoon season usually occurs from June to the end of November, with the most active months being August to November.
I visited Da Nang for 2 weeks in November-December and personally prefer the cooler temperatures and rain over sweltering heat. It rained almost every day during that time, and light jackets were needed even during the day. Typhoon Kalmaegi had come through about 2 weeks prior.
How Many Days Should You Stay in Da Nang?
I recommend staying in Da Nang for 3-5 days. On the lower end of that, you should have enough time to squeeze in some of the most popular Da Nang sights and activities. For 5+ days, your visit can be more leisurely, and you can even fit in a day trip to the historic cities of Hoi An or Hue.
Vietnam Holidays & Festivals to Plan Your Trip Around
Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically falls in January or February
Quan The Am Festival: Held annually in Da Nang at Marble Mountains, typically from the 17th to the 19th day of the second lunar month (around March)
Hùng Kings' Festival: Held annually from the 1st to the 10th day of the third lunar month (around April)
Reunification Day: April 30 annually
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF): June-July
Vietnam National Day: September 2 annually
Mid-Autumn Festival: Held annually on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar month (Hoi An is recommended for this festival)
View of Da Nang from plane
How to Get to Da Nang
Da Nang is located on the central coast of Vietnam, along the South China Sea. There are several convenient ways to reach Da Nang, Vietnam, suitable for all budgets.
Fly into Da Nang International Airport
The easiest way to get to Da Nang is to fly into the Da Nang International Airport and either order a Grab or taxi to your hotel, or arrange airport transport with your resort prior to arrival. The airport is within a 20-30 minute drive of most hotels in Da Nang.
Train
Trains are a slower but rewarding way to get to Da Nang, traveling through the countryside and landscape you wouldn’t otherwise see if you flew. Reunification Express Train, operated by Vietnam Railways, is the most connected and well-known rail system in Vietnam. You can hop on in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or anywhere in between to get to Da Nang.
Here are a few more train options with routes to/from Da Nang:
Lotus Train Express - Hanoi to Da Nang
Violette Express Train - Hanoi to Da Nang
Laman Express Train - Hanoi to Da Nang
Halo Express Trail - Hanoi and Ninh Binh to Da Nang
Damitrans Express - Hanoi and Hue to Da Nang
The Vietage by Anantara - Luxury train Nha Trang and Quy Nhon to Da Nang
Train travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang by train is approximately 17-18 hours.
Train travel time from Hanoi to Da Nang by train is approximately 15-16 hours.
Sleeper Bus
The sleeper bus system in Vietnam is the cheapest option for traveling around and popular amongst backpackers, but it is the least reliable and comfortable for most.
Here are a few popular bus companies to Da Nang:
Futa Bus- Most cities to Da Nang
The Sinh Tourist- Hue and Hoi An to Da Nang
Queen Bus - Hanoi to Da Nang
Train travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang by bus is approximately 19-21 hours.
Train travel time from Hanoi to Da Nang by bus is approximately 15-17 hours.
12Go is my favorite source for searching various modes of transportation and routes to get from one place to another, especially in Asia. I highly recommend browsing their app or website for car, bus, train, ferry, flights, and more routes across Asia and beyond!
Bạch Đằng Street in Da Nang
How to Get Around Da Nang
The best way to get around Da Nang is by the Grab app (essentially the Southeast Asia version of Uber). Just as with any rideshare app, choose the type of vehicle you need, pay through the app, and meet your driver at the selected pickup location. The city is well-connected via Grab, offering efficient, safe, and affordable transportation.
More ways to get around Da Nang
Walking
Da Nang is very walkable! Beach and river boardwalks, bustling neighborhood streets, and sidewalks make walking around the city enjoyable. Be sure to be careful crossing streets, as in Vietnam, traffic doesn’t stop for anyone. (Even pedestrians).
Taxi
Metered taxis can be flagged down all around Da Nang, although there is a mix of reviews and opinions from travelers regarding the legitimacy of the running meters. I have not personally taken a taxi here to have an opinion on the matter, but it is still a viable option for transportation!
Local Bus Route (Dana Bus)
For budget travelers in Vietnam, utilizing the local bus system is an affordable option for getting around Da Nang. Download the Dana Bus app for routes and rates.
Motorbike Rental
With caution! If you have experience on a motorbike, this is a fun and authentic way to get around. Companies like Tuan Motorbike Rental make this easy.
Left: Danang Marriott Resort & Spa, Right: Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa
Where to Stay in Da Nang
Da Nang offers hotels and resorts for all budgets. Whether you are traveling on a shoestring budget or are looking for beachfront luxury resorts to be pampered, you will find something suitable in Da Nang.
Budget
I recommend browsing Hostelworld for budget rooms! Refer to reviews from other likeminded travelers and find an affordable spot that suits your vibe. There are backpacker hotels for as low as $8 USD a night in Da Nang!
7 Best Day Trips from Da Nang, Vietnam
Left: Photo by Jess Silaya on Unsplash; Right: Photo by Ronin on Unsplash
1. Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town, located on the idyllic Thu Bon River, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, established in 1999. This title was granted for Hoi An being a well-preserved trading port dating from the 15th to 19th century.
Because of this cultural and historic significance, Hoi An has grown into a frequented tourist town with unique activities, attractions, and sights.
Hoi An Bucket List:
Take a lantern-lit boat ride
Cycle through the streets of Ancient Town
Eat Cao Lầu noodles - a noodle dish from Hoi An
Visit the 18th century Japanese bridge at night (Chùa Cầu)
Ride and spin in a traditional basket boat through a coconut forest
Take a Vietnamese cooking class
Relax on An Bang Beach
Walk around the Hoi An Night Market
2. Cham Islands
The Cham Islands are a group of 8 small islands off the coast of Hoi An. These islands are protected nature reserves with the largest island, Hòn Lao, having overnight accommodation options.
Cham Islands is a perfect day trip from Da Nang for people interested in snorkeling and pristine beaches.
Photo by Prasopchok on Unsplash
3. Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills, and particularly the Golden Bridge (pictured above), is one of the most notable tourist attractions in Vietnam. This is a mountaintop resort and amusement park with unbelievable views.
Ba Na Hills bucket list:
Walk along the Golden Bridge
Ride the Ba Na Hills Cable Car
Theme park rides at Fantasy Park
Walk around French Village
Ride an alpine coaster
4. Bach Ma National Park
For outdoor lovers who want to get into nature and off the beaten path near Da Nang, check out Bach Ma National Park.
This national park offers birdwatching, hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, and more, only about 1.5 hours from Da Nang.
Photo by Jaye Hernandez on Unsplash
5. My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Champa Kingdom ruins dating between the 4th and 13th centuries CE.
The impressive, towering architecture of an ancient civilization stands protected in a valley about 1 hour from Da Nang.
Photo by Phương Anh Nguyễn on Unsplash
6. Hue Imperial City
The Imperial City of Hue is a walled royal complex dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty serving between 1802 and 1945. It is also another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam (specifically The Complex of Hue Monuments).
Among the city is beautiful Vietnamese architecture, palaces, and shrines. Though there is more to do and see in Hue than just the Imperial City.
Hue bucket list:
Walk around the Dong Ba Market
Take a Dragon Boat Cruise on the Perfume River
Visit the Tu Hieu Pagoda
Enjoy a bowl of Bun Bo Hue (beef noodle soup)
Explore Thuy Tien Lake
Walk the streets at night
Photo by Toàn Vinh on Unsplash
7. Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Pass is a must-see, 21 kilometer mountain road winding through switchbacks and along Central Vietnam coastline. It’s often noted as one of the most beautiful scenic drives of Vietnam and a popular route to take when traveling between Da Nang and Hue.
One of the most popular ways to explore this road is by motorbike. There are many tours to choose from!
Tips & Things to Know Before Visiting Central Vietnam
You can get an eSIM card ahead of your arrival in Vietnam using the app Airalo. Get $3 off your first eSIM card with my referral code, ANNA5384
English is widely spoken in Da Nang city center, but I like to have Vietnamese downloaded on my Google Translate app just in case, especially when visiting more locally owned vendors, restaurants, etc!
Credit cards are accepted at most places in Da Nang, but I recommend carrying cash (Vietnamese Dong - VND) with you, especially when visiting more local establishments or venturing outside the main city area.
Hire a local Grab driver for the day! If you aren’t confident driving around on your own, hire a local driver who knows the area and can take you to all the places on your Da Nang bucket list. Many Grab drivers we got to take us on a single ride around the city would offer their business cards for hourly rates. Contact them via WhatsApp to schedule a date, hours, your destinations, and get their rate.
Timing is important when visiting popular tourist spots. Arrive at destinations as early in the morning as you can to avoid the mid-day crowds and weather.
Traffic in Vietnam typically doesn’t stop for pedestrians. When crossing the street, look both ways and use extreme caution. When you start to get the hang of it, it can be quite fun - like playing Frogger, lol!
As with the rest of Vietnam, do not drink tap water. Most hotels supply your room with bottled water. If not, you can order from restaurants or go to nearby convenience stores to grab some litres.
Dress respectfully, particularly when visiting sacred sites such as temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Dress appropriately for the weather. Summers are very hot, winters are cold and rainy in Central Vietnam.
Map
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