Short answer: Spend 3 days for Da Nang and Hoi An, 4 days to add Ba Na Hills, and 5–6 days to add Hue and the Hai Van Pass. Stay in Da Nang for the beach and day trips, then move to Hoi An for one or two nights. Every day trip below can be done with a private car at a fixed price per car.
How many days do you need in Da Nang?
Days | What you can see | Plan |
|---|---|---|
2 days | Da Nang city + Hoi An evening | Day 1 city and beach, day 2 Hoi An |
3 days | City, Hoi An, Ba Na Hills or My Son | |
4 days | 3-day plan + a beach or family day | Add VinWonders, Mikazuki or a slow beach day |
5–6 days | Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Hai Van Pass |
Building blocks for your days
Most itineraries in central Vietnam are made from the same day blocks. Pick the ones that suit you:
- Da Nang city day: Linh Ung Pagoda, Marble Mountains, Han Market, the beach, Dragon Bridge at night. With a private driver: $40 for 6 hours.
- Ba Na Hills: a full day. Return car $35, the driver waits up to 8 hours.
- Hoi An: afternoon and evening. Day trip with Marble Mountains and the coconut forest: $50.
- My Son Sanctuary: a morning. Return car $50, or drop-off in Hoi An for $48.
- Hai Van Pass: a half day, or on the way to Hue. See Hai Van Pass from Da Nang.
- Hue: a day trip ($90 return city tour) or a night or two. See Da Nang to Hue and the Hue travel guide.
- Family day: VinWonders, Mikazuki or Nui Than Tai. See Da Nang with kids.
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Where to sleep on each itinerary
- 2–3 days: one hotel in Da Nang near My Khe Beach, with day trips out.
- 4–5 days: 2–3 nights in Da Nang, then 2 nights in Hoi An. Moving between them is $18 per car, and you can stop at Marble Mountains on the way.
- 5–6 days with Hue: fly into Da Nang, go to Hue first over the Hai Van Pass, then Hoi An, and fly out of Da Nang.
See where to stay in Da Nang and the Hoi An travel guide.
Best time to go
February to August is the dry season, with the calmest sea from April to August. September to December brings heavy rain and the occasional storm, so keep a flexible day. Read the best time to visit Da Nang and the rainy season guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Da Nang?
Yes, for the city, Hoi An and one of Ba Na Hills or My Son. Add a day or two for Hue or a beach day.
Should I stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?
Stay in Da Nang for the beach and easy day trips, and spend at least one night in Hoi An to see the lanterns after the day visitors leave.
Can I do Hue as a day trip from Da Nang?
Yes. A private car with a Hue city tour and the Hai Van Pass is $90 per car (5-seat) for the day, but it is a long day. One night in Hue is more relaxed.
How do I get between Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue?
By private car: Da Nang to Hoi An is $18, Da Nang to Hue $60 and Hoi An to Hue $65, per 5-seat car. Trains and buses are cheaper but slower.