Da Nang and Hoi An: how they fit together
Da Nang is a modern beach city with an international airport. Hoi An is a small, historic trading town 30 km to the south, about 45 minutes by car. Most travellers fly into Da Nang and either stay in one city and day-trip to the other, or split their nights. If you love the beach and nightlife, base yourself in Da Nang. If you prefer old streets, food and evenings by the river, stay in Hoi An.
Getting between Da Nang and Hoi An
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private car | ~45 min | Door to door, easy with luggage. See our airport transfer. |
| Grab or taxi | ~45 min | Widely available, book in the app. |
| Public bus | 60–75 min | Cheapest, but less frequent and not convenient with bags. |
| Motorbike | ~50 min | Only if you are an experienced rider with a valid licence. |
Day 1: Da Nang
- Morning: sunrise swim at My Khe Beach, then breakfast with a strong Vietnamese coffee.
- Late morning: the Marble Mountains, five limestone hills with caves, pagodas and viewpoints. Allow about 2 hours and wear good shoes.
- Afternoon: drive up the Son Tra peninsula to Linh Ung Pagoda and its giant Lady Buddha statue overlooking the bay.
- Evening: seafood by the beach, then the Dragon Bridge. On Saturday and Sunday nights at 9:00 PM the dragon breathes fire and water.
Have an extra day? Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge make a full-day trip into the mountains west of the city.
Day 2: Hoi An basket boats, Ancient Town and lantern boats
- Morning: head to the Bay Mau coconut forest in Cam Thanh for a basket boat ride, with the spinning show, crab catching and a fishing net demo.
- Lunch: cao lầu, Hoi An's signature noodles, or a bánh mì from one of the famous stalls.
- Afternoon: explore Hoi An Ancient Town: the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky House, the Fujian Assembly Hall and the lantern shops. Order clothes from a tailor if you have time for a fitting tomorrow.
- Evening: a lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River at sunset, followed by the night market on An Hoi island.
Basket Boat + Lantern Boat Combo
The coconut basket boat tour by day and a lantern boat on the Thu Bon River at night, in one booking.
220,000 VND per person · minimum 2Day 3: Cooking class and beach, or a day trip
- Option A, food and beach: a morning Hoi An cooking class with a herb garden visit, then the afternoon at An Bang or Cua Dai beach.
- Option B, history: the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed complex of Cham temples about an hour from Hoi An. Go early to beat the heat.
- Option C, countryside: cycle through the rice fields to Tra Que vegetable village.
Best time to visit Da Nang and Hoi An
| Months | Weather | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| February – May | Warm, mostly dry | The best overall time. Comfortable for walking and boat trips. |
| June – August | Hot and sunny, often 35°C+ | Great beach weather. Do outdoor activities early or late. |
| September – December | Rainy season, storms possible | Heaviest rain in October–November, with occasional flooding in Hoi An. Keep plans flexible. |
| January | Cooler, some drizzle | Quieter, pleasant for sightseeing. |
Arriving by cruise ship?
If you only have one day, focus on Hoi An. Read our guides for Tien Sa Port and Chan May Port, or check which port your ship uses.
Quick travel tips
- Carry cash in Vietnamese dong. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants but not at street stalls.
- Grab is the easiest way to get around both cities.
- Hoi An Ancient Town has a heritage ticket for foreign visitors, which covers several historic houses and halls. It is not included in our tours.
- Book popular activities, such as cooking classes and lantern boats on full moon nights, a day or two ahead.
