Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering how many days you should spend in Da Nang and Hoi An? Look no further! In this blog post, we will explore the vibrant cities of Da Nang and Hoi An, highlighting the must-see attractions and providing recommendations on how many days you should allocate for your visit. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or a beach enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in these two enchanting destinations.
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1. How Many Days Should You Spend in Da Nang and Hoi An?
Now that we’ve explored some of the top attractions in Da Nang and Hoi An, let’s talk about how many days you should allocate for your visit. While it ultimately depends on your interests and travel preferences, we recommend spending at least two to three days in this region to fully experience all that it has to offer.
During your stay, we suggest dedicating two days to exploring Da Nang’s attractions, including the Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, and the Dragon Bridge. This will give you ample time to enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere and soak up its natural beauty.
For Hoi An, we recommend allocating two days to explore its Ancient Town, participate in a cooking class, and experience the enchanting Lantern Festival if your visit coincides with the full moon. This will allow you to immerse yourself in Hoi An’s rich cultural heritage and savor its delectable cuisine.
If you have more time available, consider extending your stay by an additional day or two to visit nearby attractions such as Ba Na Hills or Cham Islands. Ba Na Hills offers stunning mountain vistas and a unique French-inspired village, while Cham Islands provide an opportunity for snorkelling and exploring pristine beaches.
Getting to Know Da Nang
Da Nang is a coastal city located in central Vietnam, known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant nightlife. This modern city has quickly become a popular tourist destination due to its strategic location, which allows easy access to several attractions in the surrounding area. Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss in Da Nang:
Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills located just south of Da Nang. Each mountain is named after one of the five elements: Thuy (Water), Moc (Wood), Hoa (Fire), Kim (Metal), and Tho (Earth). Visitors can explore caves, climb to the summit for panoramic views, and discover ancient Buddhist pagodas and shrines.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9VDpQY3H4Bs3sLQg9
My Khe Beach
Known as one of the most picturesque beaches in Vietnam, My Khe Beach offers golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a range of water sports activities. Whether you’re looking to relax under the sun or catch some waves, spending a day at My Khe Beach is a must-do when visiting Da Nang.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6YeL1d6dTxFboHAVA
Dragon Bridge
One of the iconic symbols of Da Nang, the Dragon Bridge is an impressive architectural feat that spans across the Han River. The bridge is especially enchanting at night when it is lit up with colourful LED lights. On weekends, visitors can witness the dragon breathing fire and water, making for a memorable experience.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e8BduPAS53aJveVy6
Discovering the Charm of Hoi An
Just a short drive from Da Nang lies the charming town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture and lantern-lit streets. Hoi An offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and is a haven for history buffs and food enthusiasts alike. Here are some highlights of what Hoi An has to offer:
Ancient Town
Hoi An’s Ancient Town is a maze of narrow streets lined with beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the 15th century. The town’s unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and European architectural styles creates a captivating atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. Take a leisurely stroll through the colourful streets, visit historic sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Halls, and indulge in local street food along the way.
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kgw2eDfvDFSFr6TQ9
Lantern Festival
Hoi An is famous for its monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival, also known as “Hoi An Night.” During this festival, the town’s streets are adorned with countless colorful lanterns, creating a magical ambiance. Visitors can release lanterns into the river for good luck, enjoy traditional music performances, and savor local delicacies.
- Time: 18:00 – 22:00 PM on the 1st, 14th, 15th lunar days and 7th of every month.
- Location: Hoai River – a branch of the Thu Bon River
- Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/t9DsgdBFnurtA4ca7
- Ticket: Free
Cooking Classes
Hoi An is renowned for its delicious cuisine, which blends Vietnamese flavors with influences from China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Taking a cooking class is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culinary scene and learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as banh mi, cao lau, and white rose dumplings.
You can join at Hoi An Beach Resort
- Website: https://www.hoianbeachresort.com.vn/
- Class information: https://www.hoianbeachresort.com.vn/activities/cooking-class/
More Cooking Class at The BEST Hoi An Cooking classes 2023
FAQs for How Many Days You Should Spend in Da Nang and Hoi An?
How Many Days Do You Need in Hoi An?
Hoi An is a charming ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture, colorful lanterns, and relaxing riverside atmosphere. To fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Hoi An, it is recommended to spend at least 2 to 3 days in the town. This will allow you to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, visit historical sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, and indulge in the local cuisine.
During your stay in Hoi An, you can also take part in activities like cycling through the countryside, visiting nearby traditional villages, or even trying your hand at a lantern-making workshop. The town comes alive at night with lantern-lit streets and floating candles on the river, so make sure to allocate some time to experience the magical ambience after sunset.
Should I Spend More Time in Da Nang or Hoi An?
Da Nang is a vibrant coastal city located just a short distance north of Hoi An. It offers a different experience from Hoi An, with modern skyscrapers, bustling markets, and a lively nightlife scene. While both destinations have their own charms, the ideal duration for your stay in Da Nang depends on your preferences and interests.
If you are primarily interested in exploring the city’s attractions such as the Marble Mountains, Dragon Bridge, and Linh Ung Pagoda, 1 to 2 days in Da Nang should be sufficient. However, if you also want to enjoy the beautiful beaches and take day trips to nearby attractions like Ba Na Hills or My Son Sanctuary, you may want to allocate 3 to 4 days for your stay.
How Many Days Is Enough for Da Nang?
As mentioned earlier, 1 to 2 days in Da Nang is generally enough to explore the city’s main attractions. During this time, you can visit landmarks like the Marble Mountains, which offer stunning views of the city and house several caves and pagodas. You can also marvel at the impressive Dragon Bridge, especially when it breathes fire and water on weekend evenings.
If you have an extra day or two, consider spending some time at My Khe Beach or Non Nuoc Beach, both of which are known for their pristine sands and clear waters. Da Nang is also a great base for day trips to nearby destinations such as Hoi An or Ba Na Hills.
How Long is the Trip from Da Nang to Hoi An?
The distance between Da Nang and Hoi An is approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles), and the journey usually takes around 30 minutes by car or taxi. The route is well-connected and easily accessible, making it convenient for travelers to visit both destinations during their trip to Central Vietnam.
Can You Do a Day Trip from Hoi An to Da Nang?
Yes, it is possible to do a day trip from Hoi An to Da Nang. As mentioned earlier, the two cities are located relatively close to each other, allowing for easy transportation between the two. If you are short on time or prefer to stay in one location but still want to explore both destinations, a day trip from Hoi An to Da Nang is a great option.
In Da Nang, you can visit attractions like the Marble Mountains, explore the local markets, and enjoy a stroll along the Han River. You can also indulge in delicious street food or dine at one of the many seafood restaurants along My Khe Beach.
How Long is a Taxi Ride from Da Nang to Hoi An?
A taxi ride from Da Nang to Hoi An usually takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Taxis are readily available in both cities and provide a convenient mode of transportation for travellers who prefer not to drive or use public transportation.
It is advisable to negotiate the fare with the taxi driver before starting your journey or use reputable ride-hailing services such as Grab or GoViet for more transparency and convenience.
Is Ba Na Hills Closer to Da Nang or Hoi An?
Ba Na Hills is closer to Da Nang than Hoi An. It is located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Da Nang city center. The journey from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills usually takes around 1 hour by car or taxi.
Ba Na Hills is a popular tourist attraction known for its French village-inspired architecture, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The highlight of Ba Na Hills is the Golden Bridge, which has become an iconic symbol of Vietnam.
How Much is a Taxi from Da Nang to Hoi An?
The cost of a taxi from Da Nang to Hoi An can vary depending on factors such as the time of day, traffic conditions, and the taxi company. On average, a one-way taxi fare ranges from 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND (approximately $13 to $22 USD).
It is always recommended to agree on the fare with the taxi driver before starting your journey or use reputable ride-hailing services for more transparency and convenience.
Is 3 Days in Da Nang Enough? Is 4 Days in Da Nang Enough?
The ideal duration for your stay in Da Nang depends on your preferences and interests. If you only want to explore the city’s main attractions and enjoy some beach time, 3 days should be sufficient. This will give you enough time to visit places like the Marble Mountains, Dragon Bridge, and Linh Ung Pagoda, and spend a day relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches.
However, if you wish to take day trips to nearby attractions like Ba Na Hills or explore more of Central Vietnam’s natural wonders such as Son Tra Peninsula or Hai Van Pass, you may want to consider extending your stay to 4 days or more.
What is the Best Month to Visit Danang?
The best time to visit Da Nang is from February to May when the weather is mild and pleasant. During this period, temperatures range from around 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F), making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying the beaches.
Avoid visiting during the rainy season from September to December when heavy rainfall is common. The summer months from June to August can be hot and humid, so if you don’t mind higher temperatures, these months can still offer an enjoyable experience.
Related posts:
- When Is The Best Time To Visit Danang?
- How To Get To Danang From Singapore?
- How Far Is Da Nang From Hanoi?
Final Thought
In conclusion, when planning your trip to Hoi An and Da Nang, consider spending at least 2-3 days in each destination to fully experience their unique offerings. Whether you choose to divide your time equally between both cities or opt for day trips from one location depends on your personal preferences and interests. Remember to plan your itinerary accordingly and take into account transportation times between the two cities. Enjoy your trip!