3 Days in Da Nang Itinerary: Things to Do, Eat & Where to Sleep

Da Nang City is Vietnam's up-and-coming digital nomad destination and is popular with beach lovers. As the largest city in Central Vietnam, it boasts both an attractive beach with a bustling boardwalk and a riverside strolling street with luxury metropolitan charm.

It's devoid of the chaos of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh but offers every modern amenity. In this Da Nang itinerary, I'll share my favorite spots to eat, all the best things to do, and a few great spots to lay your head too!

The Perfect 3-Day Da Nang Vietnam Itinerary

I recently spent a month in Vietnam, and almost all of that was in the coastal city of Da Nang. I found the city perfect for an extended stay, and all my backpacker friends who passed through for a day or two fell in love too!

Not only is it very liveable with excellent walkability, but it has a plethora of great restaurants and plenty of nightlife. It's also a beautiful city. It's one of those places where you can stack your itinerary with attractions or lay back and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the beach doing absolutely nothing!

A Quick Da Nang Vietnam Run-Down

On day one of this Da Nang itinerary you'll hit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son Sanctuary and Da Nang Cathedral before lounging on one of the most attractive beaches in Southeast Asia. The evening will be spent exploring Han Market.

Day two is all about the views! You'll take a day trip to the famous Ba Na Hills amusement park and the Marble Mountains before having some drinks on the glitzy riverside.

On day three you can choose between a cultural and fashion experience in the adorable ancient town of Hoi An, or bike the Hai Van Pass – a route with some of the most stunning views in the region!

Day 1: My Son Sanctuary and the Beach

Morning One in Da Nang

Start your first day in Da Nang with a healthy breakfast bowl. I highly recommend Tropical Cafe for tasty, healthy treats and great prices.

You'll be visiting the My Son Sanctuary today, a collection of temples in the Shaiva Hindu tradition, built over several centuries by the Cham civilization.

Once you're properly caffeinated, head to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture to learn a little about this intriguing Cham culture before venturing to the sanctuary. “The Cham Museum” is rated as one of the best in Vietnam and contains the world's largest collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts.

On the way, pop into the Da Nang Cathedral. With its elaborate pink edifice, it feels like something out of Candyland!

Take a Grab, or join a guided tour out to the sanctuary and snap some photos of the seventy-ish temples on-site. It is a cultural and religious site, so be sure to dress respectfully.

Afternoon One in Da Nang

Once back in Da Nang, spend the afternoon lounging on the beach. Da Nang has an absolutely massive coastline on both sides of the Son Tra Peninsula. There are technically dozens of beaches, but in reality, it's one long stretch of sand. This is great because you can almost always find a corner of paradise all to yourself.

Stroll along the golden shores. Take a dip in one of the designated swimming areas, or enjoy a famous Banh Mi sandwich from one of the vendors on the boardwalk. If you walk to the far northern end of the beach, you can get a view of Lady Buddha, the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam, set on her perch overlooking Son Tra Peninsula.

For wildlife lovers, it's worth grabbing a tuk-tuk and going to Son Tra Mountain… if you have time left in your day. Also known as Monkey Mountain, it's not only the home of the Lady Buddha and Linh Ung Pagoda but also over 1,000 species in its primordial forest! Over 100 endangered species live on the mountain including the brown-shanked douc langurs, red-faced chicken, and the brocade python.

Evening One in Da Nang

For dinner, you have no shortage of delicious cuisine in Da Nang! Try out fresh seafood at one of the many pick-your-plate restaurants along the shore. They range from local and cheap to high-end. I liked My Hanh Seafood for its balcony beach seating, but you're spoiled for choice.

As you stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy a dance with the locals, or pop in to see the huge array of sea creatures in the live tanks outside the restaurants. Some of the seaside eateries feel more like an aquarium than a dining joint!

The Vietnamese love a game of pool, so if you're feeling sporty, finish your night with a friendly competition at The Filling Station! It's on a fun side street, running parallel to the beach, that's full of great restaurants and outdoor hangouts. GioiA Gelati is just across the street from the bar. There's no better way to end a night than gelato and cocktails!

Day 2: Ba Na Hills and Marble Mountains

Morning Two in Da Nang

Okay, I promised you views on day two, and you're going to get them! Exploring Ba Na Hills and the Marble Mountains makes for a pretty magical day. You can easily organize this day on your own, or take a guided tour from Da Nang City.

Sun World Ba Na Hills is a theme park modeled on a French village. It contains castles, a fun cable car, rides, and the famous Golden Bridge, held up by two giant stone hands. The bridge is the star feature of the resort and offers a view of the hills that isn't to be missed!

You'll need at least half a day to visit Sun World. The drive from Da Nang City Center is approximately 40 minutes, and the resort is very large! The Golden Hands Bridge is also a very popular destination year-round, so prepare to battle the crowds.

Opening Hours: 8 am to 10 pm

Price: US$30

Best Time to Visit: January to early May – During the rainy season (May to November), the bridge is most often covered in fog. To avoid crowds, you'll want to be on that first cable car at 8 am. However, this is also the foggiest time of day, so it's a gamble.

Afternoon Two in Da Nang

Spend the afternoon exploring Ngu Hanh Son Mountain, a hilly complex more commonly referred to as Marble Mountain, just south of Da Nang City. The Marble Mountains are a series of five limestone karsts named after the five elements of Eastern philosophy – Kim Son (metal), Thuy Son (water), Moc Son (wood), Hoa Son (fire), and Tho Son (earth).

The complex includes a series of pagodas, caves, and Hindu/Buddhist temples built by the Nguyen Dynasty. Don't miss Huyen Khong Cave, Am Phu Cave, Tam Thai Pagoda, and Linh Ung Pagoda with its imposing white Buddha statue.

Wear comfortable shoes and pack some water. There are a lot of stairs!

Opening Hours: 7 am to 5.30 pm

Price: US$1.60; extra fee of US$0.60 for elevator up Water Mountain

Best Time to Visit: Dry season from January to May. Avoid the hottest part of the day (10 am to 3 pm).

Evening Two in Da Nang

You spent last night in the beach neighborhoods, so hop over to the riverside for night two and explore the sculptures and hip vibe of Bach Dang Street.

The riverside glitters at night under towering, modern skyrises aglow with dancing light shows, and the firey Dragon Bridge puts on a show each weekend for the hoards of onlookers with blasting fire and water. It's a fantastic spot for an evening stroll.

If you want a truly local meal, Hải Sản Năm Rảnh, near the Dragon Bridge, is always packed! It can be a bit intimidating as it's busy, they don't speak English, and there's no menu posted, but if you go in, they'll make you feel right at home and have an English menu they'll bring you!

If that's too much for you after a long day, there are fantastic American-style restaurants all along the Han River boardwalk. The burgers at La Cabana House of BBQ were very tasty!

Finish off your night with a wander through the bustling Han Market for cheap beer, fun souvenirs, and tasty sweet treats!

Day 3: Day Trip Options: Hoi An vs. Hai Van Pass

When you visit Da Nang, there are so many great day trips from the city that it can be hard to choose.

Day three could be spent getting a tailored suit in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Hoi An or exploring the dynamic Hai Van Pass! Both of these day trips will take a bit of time, so prepare to spend your afternoon and evening exploring them as well.

Day 3: Option 1 – Hoi An

Hoi An is a marvelous ancient city about 45 minutes south of Da Nang. It's famous for its lantern-lit riverside, traditional architecture, and a host of talented tailors who can whip up a custom wardrobe in one day flat!

I highly recommend Corner Tailors. They are fast and detailed. Plus, all the work is done in-house by the family. Note that many of the larger shops in town outsource the sewing to bigger factories, and the quality is generally not as good.

If you're into leather goods, Hoi An is a fantastic place to snag a new bag or hand-made boots as well!

Spend your day exploring the adorable clothing stores and pop into Old Town to see the ancient architecture. Enjoy lunch at The DeckHouse – a beachside bar with excellent seating options, fun cocktails, and a fantastic view of An Bang Beach.

Make sure to hang around for evening drinks along the river. Hoi An is famous for its nighttime river cruises and lanterns. Though crowded, the atmosphere on the river is pretty magical at night. As a tourist hub, you'll have no trouble finding great food in Hoi An. Reserve a table at The Sea Shell for tasty bite-sized dishes, or go local at Na Huy. Try the mango slushies!

The easiest way to get to Hoi An is to take a Grab taxi which will cost you about US$12-15. There are also buses and shared vans that leave from Da Nang Central Bus Station for about US$3-5.

For more information on adorable Hoi An, check out this perfect 3-day Hoi An itinerary!

Day 3: Option 2 – The Hai Van Pass

Once a barrier between ancient Imperial Cities and a military hot spot during the Vietnam War, the Hai Van Pass is now a contender for Vietnam's most famous joyride.

The curving road wraps itself through the mountainous landscapes of Central Vietnam and offers some seriously stellar ocean views. The most famous portion runs from Hoi An or Da Nang to the ancient Imperial city of Hue.

The pass was featured on the famous motoring show Top Gear and includes several of the stops we've already talked about, like Marble Mountains and stunning Lang Co Beach. You can rent a motorbike in Da Nang if you have an international license, or join a guided tour.

Road Trip Disclaimer

The ride from Da Nang to Hue can take 3 to 5 hours, depending on stops. If you choose to do a roundtrip in one day, you won't have much time to explore Hue. Several of the guided jeep tours are one-way, starting in Hoi An or Da Nang and ending in Hue. It's a stretch for a day's ride, but if your next destination is Northern Vietnam, then there's no better way to transfer than a jeep ride through the pass!

If you're heading north, Hue is a must-visit spot on your Vietnamese culture tour. It's just north of Da Nang and is the natural next stop. No need to search for the best spots to stay, here's a list of favorites!

The Best Places to Stay in Da Nang

River or beachside? The choice is truly tough! I personally slightly favor Riverside, but Da Nang is not a large city. You can easily get from the river to the beach in a few minutes, so you can't go wrong! Here are a few great options.

The Best Riverside Hotels in Da Nang

($$$) HAIAN Riverfront Hotel Da Nang – Highrise hotel with river views, on-site restaurant, indoor pool, and sauna, from $US61/night

($$) Seahorse Tropical Da Nang Hotel by Haviland – Private suites with excellent location near Love Lock Bridge and rooftop pool, from $US37/night

($) Kon Tiki Da Nang Hostel – Clean hostel in a great location and with free breakfast, fromUS$5/night

The Best Beachside Hotels in Da Nang

($$$) Minh Toan SAFI Ocean Hotel – 4-star accommodation with pool deck overlooking the beach and free bike rentals, from $52/night

($$) Babylon Garden Da Nang – Clean, well-appointed rooms, a short walk from My Khe Beach, from US$25/night

($) Capecia Da Nang Hotel & Apartment – Large suites with a good location and an airport shuttle service, from $US19/night

What to Eat in Da Nang

While we've already hit some great restaurants in the above itinerary, I wanted to detail a few of the must-eat items in Da Nang! The city is a cultural fusion and it's a satisfying place to eat.

You get a bit of the spice of Hue to the north but with a more delicate twist. The broths and dipping sauces have a slightly different taste in this region, and the variety is huge, so there's truly something for every palate!

1. Banh Mi

This favored street food of Da Nang consists of a French baguette filled with a variety of meats (boiled pork or chicken are common), pate or spicy mayo, cucumbers, and pickled veggies. Yum!

2. Mi Quang

Popular with locals and tourists alike, Quang-style noodles are made with shrimp or other meat, grilled rice paper, turmeric, lime, and roasted peanuts. In Da Nang, Mi Quang is served on a bamboo leaf woven plate.

3. Quail Eggs

These little delicacies are served boiled in noodle and soup dishes, in packets at street stalls, and in the fertilized balut version if you dare! You can find these delicacies, as well as full grilled quail, in Da Nang's Son Tra Night Market.

3 Days in Da Nang Itinerary – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is Da Nang worth visiting?

Da Nang is absolutely worth visiting! It's Central Vietnam's premier city and boasts the perfect location for a beach vacation, road trips on the Hai Van Pass, and famous Vietnamese culture hot spots like Hoi An and Hue.

❓ What is Da Nang Vietnam known for?

Da Nang is one of the fastest-growing cities in Vietnam and is ranked one of the top ten digital nomad cities in the world by Outlook Traveler, ranking just behind Tokyo. It boasts the dazzling My Khe Beach, the famous Dragon Bridge, and easy access to Son Sanctuary and Marble Mountains.

📍 Should I visit Hoi An or Da Nang?

Hoi An and Da Nang have very different vibes. While Hoi An has long been a tourist hub for its ancient architecture and quaint vibe, Da Nang is fast emerging as a digital nomad spot. I personally prefer Da Nang, as there is more to do, and it feels lived in rather than purely a tourist destination.

3 Days in Da Nang Itinerary – Final Words

If you're looking for a well-rounded city to make your hub while visiting Vietnam, you can't beat Da Nang. It's a fantastic spot to experience local culture, drench yourself in Vietnam's past, and see its future unfolding right in front of you.

On this Da Nang itinerary, you'll explore a bustling city that also doesn't feel overwhelming like its bigger counterparts in the north and south. With plenty of attractions, low-key nightlife, and sunny days by the beach, Da Nang is the ideal place to hang your hat for a few days while you explore Central Vietnam!

For more details on visiting Vietnam, take a look at this list of the best places to stay in Vietnam and some of the most unique places to visit!