Ultimate Da Nang Itinerary for 4 Days

Are you planning a trip to Da Nang and looking for an itinerary with must-do things, restaurant recommendations, tips, and more? I’ve got you covered with this ultimate 4-day unforgettable adventure in Da Nang, Vietnam’s vibrant coastal gem.

This itinerary will take you through stunning must-visit landscapes, rich cultural heritage sites, and must-try restaurants in Da Nang. From the iconic Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills to the beautiful beaches, Hoi An Ancient Town, and more, you’ll experience the best of Da Nang in just four days!

In March 2024, I spent over a month in this lovely beachside city and got to know it quite well. I hope you enjoy this itinerary and my many recommendations!

4 Days Da Nang Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Arrival, My Khe Beach & Han River Cruise
• Day 2: Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & City Evening
• Day 3: Ba Na Hills Full Day Tour
• Day 4: Bai Tam Beach & Hoi An Ancient Town

TIP: If you visit Da Nang on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, visit the famous Dragon Bridge at 9:00 PM. The city lights up the dragon with a 10-minute fire show!

Next to the Dragon Bridge is the bustling Con Market. This local market is overloaded with sights, sounds, and smells that will give you an authentic taste of daily life in Da Nang. Don’t be shy – try some local snacks from the food stalls. I recommend the banh mi, a classic Vietnamese sandwich, and che (sweet dessert soup).

Day 1: Arrival, My Khe Beach & Han River Cruise

Morning/Afternoon: Arrival & My Khe Beach

Once you touch down at Da Nang International Airport, I recommend heading straight to your hotel to freshen up. To leave the airport, download and use the Grab app.

After a morning of settling in and a quick bite, I’ve included many restaurant recommendations below; it’s time to hit the beach!

My Khe Beach is often called “one of the most beautiful beaches in the world,” and I couldn’t agree more. The soft, golden sand stretches for miles, and the clear blue waters are incredibly inviting.

Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun, swimming in the warm waters of the East Sea, or trying your hand at some water sports. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a surfboard or take a beginner’s lesson – the waves here are perfect for novice surfers in Da Nang.

Evening: Han River Cruise

As the sun sets, embark on a romantic Han River cruise. These evening cruises typically start around 6:00 PM daily and offer a unique city perspective. You’ll glide past illuminated bridges and buildings, creating a magical atmosphere. Many cruises include dinner, allowing you to savor local specialties while enjoying the sparkling cityscape.

Day 2: Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & City Evening

Morning: Marble Mountains & Lady Buddha Adventure

Rise and shine early for a trip to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills just south of Da Nang. Each mountain is named after an element: water, wood, fire, metal, and earth. The most popular and accessible is Thuy Son (Water Mountain).

As you climb the steep steps (or take the elevator if you prefer), you’ll discover hidden caves, ancient pagodas, and stunning viewpoints. Take advantage of the Huyen Khong Cave, where shafts of sunlight create an otherworldly atmosphere. The panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking – on a clear day, you can see the entire Da Nang coastline.

After roaming around the Marble Mountains, you’ll head to the famous Lady Buddha, standing at 67 meters tall. This impressive statue is visible from many parts of Da Nang. Throughout the compounds, you’ll experience panoramic views of the beach city skyline!

Afternoon & Evening: City Center & Night Market/Amusement Park

Start your afternoon at the iconic Da Nang Cathedral, also known as the “Pink Church.” This Gothic-style cathedral is a unique architectural landmark and popular photo spot. Then head over to the APEC Park and walk around; shortly after, go to Banh Mi Ba Lan, one of the best Banh Mi shops in the city!

For lunch or dinner, I highly recommend you try mì Quảng, a local specialty of rice noodles in a savory peanut and pork or beef broth, available at many restaurants in the city center.

As evening approaches, head to the Khu Ẩm thực đêm Helio night market, it opens up at 5:30 PM. This vibrant market offers a wide array of street food, drinks, and entertainment. You can enjoy live music while trying many local dishes.

Finish off your night at the Da Nang Amusement Park, also known as Asia Park. This modern theme park features over 20 exciting rides and attractions, including a 115-meter-high Ferris wheel offering panoramic city views. The park also hosts cultural events and music festivals, providing a fun-filled end to your third day in Da Nang.

Day 3: Ba Na Hills Full-Day Adventure

Today is dedicated to exploring the magical world of Ba Na Hills, a mountaintop attraction that feels like stepping into a European fairy tale. The journey begins with a ride on one of the world’s longest and highest cable cars. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the lush countryside below.

Your first stop should be the Golden Bridge, an architectural marvel that has become an Instagram sensation. Walking along this 150-meter bridge held aloft by two giant stone hands is a surreal experience. The misty mountains in the background create an unforgettable, fantastic atmosphere.

Next, explore the charming French Village, a replica of a 19th-century French town complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and a Gothic-style cathedral. It’s like being transported to a different time and place!

For thrill-seekers, Ba Na Hills offers several exciting attractions. The Alpine Coaster is a must-try – it’s the longest single-track coaster in Southeast Asia. You control your speed as you zip through the forest, making it suitable for both adrenaline junkies and those who prefer a more leisurely ride.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the wine cellar to sample local and international wines. The flower gardens are also worth exploring, offering a riot of colors and fragrances.

Evening: Return to Da Nang

After a long day of exploration, you’ll want to take things nice and easy, considering that your next day is full of adventures as well!

Take a look on Google Maps, you’ll notice four streets by the beach named Ah Throng 1, Ah Throng 2, and Ah Throng 3. These charming, walkable streets have many restaurants, cafes, and bars to check out! Go for a walk and figure out what’s for dinner!

If you’re up for some dessert afterward, I recommend you try this local coconut ice cream shop on the side of the street!

Day 4: Bai Tam Beach & Hoi An Ancient Town

Morning: Bai Tam Beach

Start your day with a relaxing Vietnamese breakfast at a local eatery in Da Nang. Opt for a steaming bowl of Pho at Pho Thin, then follow that up with strong Vietnamese iced coffee at a nearby cafe to kickstart your morning.

After breakfast, make your way to Bãi tắm Phạm Văn Đồng Beach for a tranquil morning by the sea. This beautiful stretch of coastline is just a short distance northbound from the central My Khe Beach, offering pristine white sand and clear blue waters.

As the morning progresses into early afternoon, you might want to indulge in some fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants. Try local specialties like grilled fish or squid, accompanied by a cold drink to beat the heat. I recommend My Hanh Seafood, this restaurant is a city staple open since 1991.

Afternoon & Evening: Hoi An Ancient Town & Night Market

To end things with a bang, you’ll spend your last afternoon exploring the famous Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can either make your way there by taking a 30-minute taxi and creating your timeline or take a well-organized Hoi An tour from Da Nang to make things easier!

You can go through the narrow streets lined with yellow-walled buildings, many of which have been converted into charming cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Don’t miss the chance to visit some of the old merchant houses, like Tan Ky House, which offers a glimpse into the lives of wealthy traders from centuries past.

Hoi An transforms into a magical wonderland of colorful lanterns as the sun sets. The streets are closed to motorized traffic, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for an evening stroll. For dinner, I recommend trying one of the riverside restaurants.

Enjoy fresh seafood while watching the lanterns float down the river – it’s a mesmerizing sight that perfectly captures the romance of Hoi An. Before returning to Da Nang, participate in the tradition of releasing a lantern onto the river.

As you make a wish and watch your lantern float away, you’ll feel the magic of Hoi An and reflect on your incredible journey over the past four days in central Vietnam.

Where to Stay in Da Nang

Da Nang offers diverse accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. The city’s hotel scene includes everything from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious beachfront resorts.

Many hotels are concentrated along the coastline, particularly My Khe Beach, while others are scattered throughout the city center and surrounding areas. Below, I’ve shared a list of hotel recommendations!

Cheap / Hostels

Kon-Tiki Hostel: Located in Sơn Trà, Kon-Tiki offers affordable stays at around $9/night. Features include a city-view terrace, complimentary breakfast, and a bar. The hostel is known for its cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere.

Rom Casa Da Nang: Situated in Ngũ Hành Sơn, Rom Casa provides a slightly upscale hostel experience starting at $16/night. It is highly rated and popular among travelers for its comfort and amenities.

Mid-Range

Grand Sunrise Boutique Hotel: This budget-friendly option offers comfortable rooms and good value for money. Located in the city center, it provides easy access to local attractions.

FIVITEL King: A wallet-friendly choice with basic amenities and a convenient location. It’s suitable for travelers looking for a no-frills stay.

Luxury

InterContinental Da Nang: Nestled on Son Tra Peninsula, this luxurious resort offers stunning mountain and beach views. Known for world-class service, exquisite dining, and a blend of local heritage with modern luxury, it’s perfect for those seeking an unforgettable, high-end retreat in Da Nang.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa: This beachfront resort offers luxurious accommodations, multiple swimming pools, and excellent spa facilities. It’s ideal for those seeking a high-end beach getaway.

Best Restaurants in Da Nang

Da Nang’s restaurant scene offers a diverse culinary experience. The city is famous for its fresh seafood, with many restaurants specializing in local dishes like mì Quảng and bún chả cá.

Beyond Vietnamese cuisine, Da Nang also boasts international flavors, including Italian, Korean, Japanese, and Western options. From traditional eateries to trendy cafes and fusion restaurants, the city’s culinary landscape has something for everyone.

After spending over a month in Da Nang and eating out constantly, I’ve compiled a list of some restaurants I highly recommend. By the way, these aren’t in order!

Mì Quảng Dung – Noodle shop famous for Da Nang’s most-known dish, a steaming bowl of noodles with pork broth.

Korea BBQ House – This well-priced Korean BBQ restaurant’s flavors are very authentic.

Cây Me An Bàng – A small restaurant away from the main road serving all the Vietnamese classics, the restaurant owner is very friendly.

Bánh Mì Bà Đào – This spot is a local favorite; they serve all the Vietnamese classics. I loved their wide variety of Banh Mi options and noodle dishes.

L’Italiano Restaurant Danang – Known as Da Nang’s best Italian restaurant, you’ll find several pastas, pizzas, and other Italian classics here.

IRINI | GREEK RESTAURANT & BAR – Authentic Greek flavors serving gyros, moussaka, meat platters, and other Mediterranean flavors.

Roadhouse – Most known for its burgers, this restaurant & sports bar serves plenty of Western Food options.

Chân – Cánh Gà Nướng Hai Còi 08 – This place is as local as it can get; it’s located by the famous Dragon Bridge; they’re known for their charcoal grilled chicken wings and other excellent side dishes!

Getting Around Da Nang

• Grab Taxi or Scooter / Popular ride-sharing app in Southeast Asia.
• City Taxi / Taxis in the city are white, you’ll spot plenty of them around.

• Rent a Scooter or Motorcycle / Be careful when driving around Da Nang.
• Local Van Taxis / You’ll spot these long local van taxis by the beach you can take for a quick trip

Best Time to Visit Da Nang

Da Nang is fun to visit at any time of the year. However, most visitors prefer to visit during the dry season, as it’s a beach city!

Refer to my Da Nang weather guide for a detailed month-to-month breakdown of the weather in Da Nang!

Dry Season: January to July

The dry season in Da Nang is the best time to visit, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (90°F).

You can expect plenty of sunshine, clear skies, and low humidity. The driest months are typically February to April.

Wet Season: August to December

Da Nang experiences sporadic rainfall during the wet season, with showers often in the afternoon. Temperatures remain warm, ranging from 27°C (81°F) to 33°C (91°F), but humidity levels are higher compared to the dry season.

The wettest months are typically October and November. It’s important to note that Da Nang’s weather can be pretty consistent during the dry season, with a high likelihood of sunny days. However, rainfall can be unpredictable during the wet season, with some days experiencing heavier downpours.

Consider the season you’ll visit when packing for your trip to Da Nang. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended during the dry season, while a light rain jacket or umbrella is a good idea during the wet season to protect yourself from the occasional showers.

Da Nang Itinerary — Final Thoughts

Well, that concludes my complete 4-day itinerary for Da Nang. I hope you enjoy your trip and take advantage of all Da Nang has to offer!

I adored my time in Da Nang. The locals were friendly, and the city felt laid back and safe. Many ex-pats and digital nomads call Da Nang home, and I can see why: plenty of excellent accommodations, a city side, the beach, and mountains—Da Nang has it all!

For those who choose to visit Da Nang for longer than four days, I highly recommend spending a night or two in Hoi An rather than only visiting for the afternoon and evening. Hoi An, on its own, is worth visiting for longer!

Happy & Safe Travels

• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Instagram

Planning Checklist

• Find the best Hotels/Resorts

• Book a Vacation Home Rental

• Book a fun Tour in the Place you’re visiting

• Find the best Hostels

• Find/Buy the Cheapest Flights

• Get Travel Insurance when traveling

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links shared in this article might be affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, we will earn a small commission for any sales generated through this article and/or this website.

We recommend products/services we’ve either used or researched thoroughly – Thank you for supporting me so we can continue to share helpful travel content!