Welcome to the heart of Central Vietnam, where modern Da Nang meets timeless Hoi An. This 72-hour journey invites you to experience two distinct facets of Vietnamese life, beautifully coexisting side-by-side. In Da Nang, you’ll find a city with contemporary coastal energy – locals might enthusiastically point to its sun-drenched beaches and vibrant atmosphere.

Yet, this modernity is beautifully counterpointed just a short, scenic drive away. Journey south and you’ll be transported to Hoi An, a UNESCO treasure where time seems to slow. Here, ancient architecture and lantern-lit evenings preserve the soulful atmosphere of a bygone trading era.

Now that you’ve glimpsed the distinct personalities of Central Vietnam, let’s get practical. Here’s a three-day plan designed to capture the highlights without feeling rushed.

Day 1

Morning: Exploring Marble Mountains

First up on your Da Nang adventure, head just south of the city to the Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains). These five impressive limestone and marble hills stand out strikingly from the coastal landscape. Each is linked to one of the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth) and possesses a special, spiritual atmosphere.

Of the five hills, you’ll likely spend most time exploring Thuy Son (Water Mountain). It’s the largest and most accessible – you can choose to climb the stairs for a workout or take the lift that goes part of the way up. You’ll find numerous pagodas built into the mountainside. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes, as there’s a fair bit of walking and steps involved.

If you’re feeling up for a little more adventure, there’s a less obvious viewpoint offering what many feel is an even better perspective. It’s hidden within a cave system on Moc Son (Wood Mountain). Bring a torch for visibility and be ready to scramble carefully over some rocks – it’s manageable, but take your time. The view looking out from the darkness of the cave mouth is particularly rewarding.

Afternoon: Da Nang’s Coffee Scene

The afternoon is a great time to slow down and enjoy a classic Vietnamese pastime: coffee. After lunch, consider spending some time exploring the city’s vibrant café culture. Da Nang offers a variety of café styles: you can find modern, air-conditioned spots like 43 Factory Coffee Roaster (known for its specialty brews and minimalist design), perfect for escaping the heat.

Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere at popular places like Cong Ca Phe, with low stools on the sidewalk – ideal for observing city life. This is the perfect time to branch out from your usual order.

For instance, it’s worth trying the popular Cà Phê Cốt Dừa (Coconut Coffee), a blend of strong Vietnamese coffee and rich coconut cream. Another local specialty to consider is Cà Phê Muối (Salt Coffee). While it might sound unusual, the hint of salt surprisingly enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness. Then there’s the well-known Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee); although popularised in Hanoi, you can readily find versions here too.

Evening: Sunset Hues and Dragon Fire

As the day cools, head towards My Khe Beach to watch the sunset. Recognised as one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches, it’s an ideal spot to unwind. Find a place on the sand, grab a drink from a nearby seller, and simply watch the sun dip below the horizon. The sky often puts on a display of beautiful colours at this time, providing a calm transition into the evening.

After sunset, it’s time for dinner and Da Nang is celebrated for its seafood. Make your way to Bé Mặn (a popular local seafood spot). It’s common practice here to choose your fresh seafood directly and then specify how you’d like it cooked – whether steamed, grilled, or prepared with various local sauces. It’s a fantastic experience for seafood lovers.

For a final evening activity, head to the Dragon Bridge (Cau Rong). Find a good viewpoint near the riverfront to witness the spectacular show as the dragon’s head breathes fire and then sprays water! This special display usually happens on weekend nights (typically Saturday and Sunday) around 9PM – a memorable way to end your first day.

Day 2

Morning – Afternoon: Heading Up to Ba Na Hills

Located at nearly 1,500 metres, Ba Na Hills offers refreshingly cool air compared to the coast. The journey begins with a ride on one of the world’s longest single-rope cable car routes. As you glide upwards, look out over the dense green forests and mountainsides stretching below – it gives you a real sense of scale.

Once at the top, one of the first sights most visitors seek out is the iconic Cau Vang (Golden Bridge). You’ve probably seen photos; it’s the pedestrian bridge seemingly held aloft by two giant stone hands reaching out from the mountainside. It’s understandably very popular for photos, so be prepared for crowds!

Near the Golden Bridge, take some time for Le Jardin D’Amour, a series of distinct themed gardens offering a peaceful counterpoint to the bridge’s bustle. Featuring colourful floral arrangements, it’s a calm area for a leisurely walk, with pleasant spots to pause and take photos.

Afterwards, head over to the French Village, which feels like stepping into another place and time. The buildings feature intricate designs intended to evoke a classic French town, creating a charming atmosphere. While these areas offer plenty to see, the resort is quite large and also includes attractions like the Alpine Coaster, Fantasy Park, and even a wine cellar.

Evening: Local Flavours and City Lights

Back in Da Nang after your day trip to Ba Na Hills, dinner is likely the first order of business. For a satisfying and authentic local meal, consider heading to Bún Chả Cá 109. It’s a popular, no-frills spot known for its flavourful fishcake noodle soup broth. You can customise your bowl by adding extra toppings like tuna, mackerel, or crab cakes.

With dinner sorted, it’s time to experience Da Nang’s vibrant nightlife. Grab a drink at Sky36 Bar for panoramic views over Da Nang. From this height, you can easily trace the Han River sparkling with reflected lights and spot the different bridges. It’s a relaxing change of pace after your day exploring the mountains. While the riverside itself is certainly lively, seeing the city laid out beneath you from a rooftop spot offers a fantastic way to experience Da Nang after dark.

Day 3

Morning: A Walk Through Hoi An’s Ancient Town

The drive south from Da Nang to Hoi An usually takes under an hour, but arriving feels like stepping into a different era. Hoi An’s Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, exceptionally well-preserved and reflecting its past as a bustling international trading port centuries ago. You’ll immediately notice the distinct atmosphere – streets lined with traditional yellow-walled buildings, colourful lanterns strung overhead (even during the day).  

You’ll need the Ancient Town entrance ticket, which typically grants access to five historical sites within the core zone. Start by heading towards the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. This structure, dating back centuries, is both a bridge and a temple, easily recognisable – a true must-see landmark. From there, visit one of the ornate Assembly Halls, like the Fujian Assembly Hall. These historic buildings, once hubs for Chinese merchant communities, showcase intricate carvings and offer a fascinating glimpse into Hoi An’s multicultural past.

Afternoon: Discovering the Streets of Custom Tailoring

For lunch near the Ancient Town, Thìa Gỗ Restaurant is a great spot, known for its pleasant setting and tasty Vietnamese food. While you’re there, consider trying their Vietnamese Spring Rolls – they come highly recommended as fresh and flavourful. Once refreshed, take a stroll to explore Hoi An’s legendary tailoring scene. You’ll find tailor shops practically everywhere, displaying colourful silks and linens.

Step inside a shop such as Tuong Tailor to browse books filled with clothing designs, get a feel of the different materials, and see the tailors busy at work. Hoi An has a remarkable reputation for creating custom-made clothes relatively quickly. While getting something complex like a suit perfectly fitted usually requires more than just one afternoon, simply exploring the shops, discussing designs, and even getting measured is a quintessential Hoi An experience.

Evening: Lanterns and Floating Wishes

A popular and characteristically ‘Hoi An’ choice for the late afternoon is the fun Coconut Basket Boat tour. Here, you’ll be paddled around in those distinctive round woven boats traditionally used for fishing. Guided by a local, you’ll float along quiet, green channels, enjoying the lush riverside scenery. Some tours also include lighthearted boat spinning performances on the water. It’s a popular activity with visitors and offers some great photo opportunities.

Hoi An takes on a completely different feel at night, as thousands of colourful silk lanterns light up the narrow streets and heritage shop-houses. This warm, atmospheric light reflecting on the Thu Bon River is perhaps the town’s most defining and magical characteristic. Lots of visitors enjoy taking a short boat trip on the river to see all the lanterns up close. While you’re there, you can join the tradition of buying a paper lantern, making a wish, and sending it floating down the river with countless others.

You can easily have dinner here, enveloped in beautiful lantern light, perhaps even finding a table near the river. It’s quite the setting to sit back and reflect on your journey through Da Nang’s shores and Hoi An’s storied streets – a fitting conclusion to your adventure.

Image Credits: Imran Sulaiman