Da Nang in 5 days

Vietnam's beach city: long sandy coastline, the Golden Bridge, Marble Mountains and Hoi An on the doorstep. Best time to visit: February-May (warm, dry, before peak heat). Average daily budget: $40 to $80 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: My Khe Beach, The long city beach with resorts, cafés and calm morning swims.

Morning: Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills. The viral bridge held by giant hands, reached by a record cable car.

Afternoon: Explore My Khe Beach, The long city beach with resorts, cafés and calm morning swims.

Evening: Dragon Bridge fire show. Weekend evenings the dragon breathes fire and water over the river.

Eat: Mì Quảng, the turmeric-noodle local specialty

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Riverside (Bach Dang), The Han River promenade with the Dragon and Love bridges.

Morning: My Khe Beach day. Swim, sunbathe and eat seafood on one of Vietnam's best beaches.

Afternoon: Explore Riverside (Bach Dang), The Han River promenade with the Dragon and Love bridges.

Evening: Marble Mountains. Limestone caves, pagodas and viewpoints just south of the city.

Eat: Bánh xèo, crispy savoury pancakes

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: An Thuong, The 'Western quarter' near the beach, full of bars and restaurants.

Morning: Sunrise over the sea from My Khe Beach.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore An Thuong, The 'Western quarter' near the beach, full of bars and restaurants.

Evening: The Lady Buddha statue and views on Son Tra Peninsula.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh grilled seafood by the beach

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Son Tra Peninsula, Forested headland with the Lady Buddha statue and viewpoints.

Morning: Local seafood at a no-frills beachfront grill.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Son Tra Peninsula, Forested headland with the Lady Buddha statue and viewpoints.

Evening: The Han Market for street food and souvenirs.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Bún chả cá, fish-cake noodle soup

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Ba Na Hills (nearby), Mountain resort with the famous Golden Bridge and cable car.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Ba Na Hills (nearby), then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Ba Na Hills (nearby), Mountain resort with the famous Golden Bridge and cable car.

Evening: Dinner at Mì Quảng, the turmeric-noodle local specialty, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Ba Na Hills (nearby).

Eat: Mì Quảng, the turmeric-noodle local specialty

Hidden gems

Sunrise over the sea from My Khe Beach.
The Lady Buddha statue and views on Son Tra Peninsula.
Local seafood at a no-frills beachfront grill.
The Han Market for street food and souvenirs.

Getting around

Grab (cars and motorbikes) is cheap and easy across the city. The beach and riverside are pleasant to walk or cycle. For Ba Na Hills, the Marble Mountains and Hoi An, hire a car or motorbike, join a tour, or take a Grab; Hoi An is about 45 minutes south.

Safety

Da Nang is clean, modern and very safe, even for solo travellers. Standard care applies: watch traffic when crossing, secure bags against the odd drive-by snatch, beware strong currents and swim between the flags at the beach, and use Grab to avoid taxi overcharging.

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