This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. Read Disclosure.
Da Nang is a city in Vietnam that has a way of getting under travelers’ skin – the flavors of its cuisine, its beautiful beaches and ocean views, the verdant jungles and kiarst mountains dotting the landscape, and a culture unlike anywhere else in the world.
Though Da Nang is the fifth largest city in Vietnam, it has a small town feel. There are plenty of things to do in Da Nang to keep you busy for an age, but we feel that 3 days is plenty of time to see the highlights and get a feel of the place.
Hai Van Pass
If this is your first time visiting Da Nang and you’re not sure how to spend 3 days here, this guide is for you. We share all the top things to do in Da Nang for a three day visit, set out in a handy 3-day itinerary, so you can explore this Central Vietnam city with ease.
Day 1: Getting Orientated and Beaches
Arriving in Da Nang is super easy. You can either fly into the international airport, which is located right in the city, and then get a taxi to your accommodation which shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes. You can book a private transfer here.
Or you can get a train from Hanoi, bus from Hue, or do what everyone does when they visit Vietnam and rent a motorbike and drive!
Be sure to drive via the scenic Hai Van Pass is the imperial capital of Vietnam and the culinary hub of the country: Hue.
You will need a motorbike or scooter to get around, as you can get public transport but it takes so long you can only fit in one or two attractions a day – so rent a bike and drive around yourself if you can.
Stop 1: Rent a motorbike and go for a spin
Dan Nang Beach
If you’re comfortable driving a motorbike or scooter, you’ll love traversing the roads in Da Nang.
While still hectic at times, it’s not nearly as chaotic as Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi. If you’re not comfortable driving, or if this is the first time you’d try it, I wouldn’t recommend you go for it on Day 1.
Instead, download the app Grab and get a motorbike taxi. You can pick multiple points to get dropped off and just order another bike when you’re ready to move to the next stop.
The best way to see Da Nang is to drive aimlessly. The alleyways are endless and you’ll have a lot of fun simply seeing what you stumble across.
For the best self-guided tour, check out both the cityside and the beachside of Da Nang.
Da Nang is intersected by the Han River and the iconic Dragon Bridge is only 1 of 7 you can use to cross it.
Stop 2: stop for a coconut coffee at Cong Caphe
Coconut coffee
While you’re wandering around, be sure to stop and grab a coffee. Nowhere does coffee quite like Vietnam does.
For a local favorite, order a ca phe sua da, or iced coffee with condensed milk or for something really special, go for a ca phua dua, or coconut coffee.
Both are fantastic and deserve a taste while you’re visiting Da Nang.
Stop 3: Enjoy a Big Bowl of Mi Quang
Mi Quang
What I wouldn’t give to have my very first bowl of mi quang all over again. There are a lot of great Vietnamese dishes, but mi quang is simply my favorite and one of the local specialties.
This is a type of soup with a rich broth and thick, chewy rice noodles. You can order it with chicken, beef, pork, fish, shrimp, or even vegetarian. Personally, I recommend fish (mì quảng cá).
This is the most traditional street food in the Quang Nam province so you can easily find it on every street corner so I wouldn’t stress over where to get it from.
Just look for that name on any of the carts and go for one that has a good amount of locals munching away. It’s easily one of the most delicious things to do in Da Nang!
Stop 4: Relax on the Beach
Now that you’ve explored Da Nang and gotten a sense of the city and have tried its staple dish, it’s time to head to the beach.
The entire coastline of Da Nang comes with a huge sandy beach jutting into crystal-clear waters, so wherever you choose to go, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out.
Keep in mind though that the beaches with amenities, like umbrellas, coconuts to drink, and chairs, are found in the middle around My Khe Beach.
The further north you go towards Son Tra Peninsula, the more the beach becomes a fishing village, and the further south you go towards Hoi An, the beach gets quieter, with only a few luxury resorts dotting the shore.
Stop 5: Grab a Drink in An Thuong
Da Nang City at sunset | Deposit Photos
After you’ve had your fill of the sun and are ready to wind down your day or start your night, walk to nearby An Thuong for a drink.
An Thuong is a small neighborhood right off the beach that is well-known as the expat hub.
While I don’t typically recommend expat neighborhoods to tourists, especially if you only have limited time to see a place, grabbing a drink here will introduce you to locals who speak English and foreigners who have made their home here.
That means it’s a great place to get insider tips on what’s new and fun in the season you’re visiting.
Plus, it’s one of the best areas to get a cheap yet delicious cocktail while you listen to live music.
Just be sure not to stay out too late, day 2 in Da Nang will be a big one!
Check out this Night Tour with Drink at Rooftop Bar and Dinner when it is illuminated by lights. See the different styles of bridges, enjoy a Vietnamese dinner, and visit a rooftop bar overlooking the city. Reserve a spot here.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventure
Today is the day for outdoor adventures. Da Nang has plenty to choose from, with a plethora of waterfalls, a great beach, a river, and nearby mountains, you won’t lack incredible views in the fresh, albeit humid, air.
Stop 1: Look for the Monkeys on Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula, otherwise known as Monkey Mountain, is one of my favorite places in Da Nang. It’s absolutely stunning and while it’s so near the city center, you’ll feel hours away once you’re deep into its natural surroundings.
The best way to explore Son Tra Peninsula is by driving yourself on a motorbike. Keep in mind that the motorbike must be manual or semi-automatic because some of the hills you’ll encounter are quite steep. I recommend each person drive themselves unless you have a really powerful bike and a confident driver.
There is a loop that’ll take you around the peninsula and it’s simply spectacular. At times the road will be pretty narrow but you most likely won’t encounter anyone else out there, maybe just a few of the local monkeys!
Red-shanked Douc (Pygathrix nemaeus)
The endangered and incredibly beautiful Red Shanked Doucs call Son Tra home. Each time I’ve been to the peninsula, I’ve seen a handful of them so just be patient and you should catch a glimpse.
If you’re not comfortable or able to drive yourself, there are tour companies that offer a trip to see the monkeys and explore the peninsula.
Visit the Marble Mountains to see the pagoda, limestone hills, and cluster of hidden caves and grottoes. Enjoy views of Vietnam’s coast and visit the Son Tra Peninsula as well. Click here to learn more.
Stop 2: Have a drink at the InterContinental
One of the only places on Son Tra Peninsula is the luxury InterContinental Resort.
When we were living in Da Nang, people not staying at the hotel were invited to come and dine or grab a drink at the bar and enjoy the panoramic views of the South China Sea.
Be sure to call ahead and double check that their policy still allows outside visitors, just in case this has changed.
Why not enjoy a luxury stay in Da Nang at the Intercontinental Hotel? It’s known as Vietnam’s most Instagrammable hotel! Read reviews and see availability here!
Stop 3: Enjoy the Views at Lady Buddha
Lady Buddha | Souce Deposit Photos
Towards the end of your Son Tra Peninsula loop, you’ll want to stop and visit Lady Buddha, a popular Da Nang attraction.
The entire Linh Ung Pagoda offers great views and beautiful architecture but the shining jewel is definitely the Lady Buddha statue.
You most likely noticed Lady Buddha on your first day in Da Nang while at the beach but now you can see her up close and personal.
You don’t need too much time here unless the view is just that good. For added charm, plan to stop around 6 P.M. for sunset.
Enjoy a half-day tour to Marble Mountain, Monkey Mountain, and Am Phu Cave with a small group. Click to learn more
Stop 4: Eat delicious seafood at a local haunt
Beach dining in Da Nang
Now that you’ve had a big day in the sun, you’ve most likely built up an appetite. And what better way to appease it than by indulging in freshly caught seafood?
If you drive along the coast from Son Tra, you’ll pass countless seafood joints. Most of them offer a very similar menu so your best bet is to follow the crowds.
If you’re a fan of oysters and scallops, you have to try them while in Vietnam. Here, they grill them over a fire and sprinkle them with peanuts, green onions, and fish sauce.
Don’t knock it until you try it! I’m a huge fan of raw oysters but I really think the Vietnamese have optimized how to prepare shellfish.
Stop 5: Go shopping in a market
The best way to shop in Vietnam is to visit a market. This is not only a place to pick up souvenirs but also to try some of the best street food!
There are several markets in Da Nang. Han Market and Con Market are the most famous ones.
Han Market is where you can see a traditional market where local people are shopping for fruit and veg, as well as pick up handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Grab some chili paste, rice crackers, and dried squid to take home!
Con Market is more for souvenir shopping.
Day 3: Hoi An and Giant Stone Hands
Unfortunately, this is your last day in Vietnamese paradise, so we need to make the most of it!
Although there is a lot more to see and do within the confines of the city, most travelers come to Da Nang with hopes of seeing the Golden Hands Bridge, so let’s head that way.
Stop 1: Grab a Banh Mi breakfast
Vietnamese street food vendor | Deposit Photo
Before you head to Ba Na Hills, grab the ultimate breakfast sandwich: a banh mi op la.
A banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich and “op la” means fried egg. You’ll easily be able to find a banh mi cart at nearly every corner of Da Nang so go with the one closest to your hotel.
Always served in a baguette, the best bánh mì ốp las have pate, pickled veggies, greens, chill paste, and soy sauce. I’m hungry just thinking about it!
Stop 2: Drive up to the Ba Na Hills
Golden Hands Bridge
Ba Na Hills is the theme park that is home to the Instagram famous Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands.
A visit here is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. While that certainly brings people in, it’s not the only thing the park offers.
You’ll get to enjoy a European Village, an arcade, plenty of restaurants and bars, and a few amusement park rides if the weather is clear.
Located about 30 minutes outside of Da Nang city center, the best way to get to Ba Na Hills is by taxi.
You’ll want to get your taxi driver to stay and wait for you while you’re at the park because otherwise, it can be really tough to get a ride back home.
Trust me, the few extra dong VND (Vietnamese currency) it costs will be well worth the hassle of trying to find another ride.
Stop 3: Go shopping on Le Hong Phong Street
After you’ve had your fill of Ba Na Hills, ask your taxi driver to drop you off in the cityside, ideally around Le Hong Phong street. That entire area is a lot of fun.
You’ll have plenty of street food options, restaurants, bars, shops, and interesting things to see and do, like a visit to Da Nang’s baby pink church.
Give yourself some time to stroll aimlessly- it really is the best way to get to know Vietnam!
Stop 4: Drive to the ancient town of Hoi An
Hoi An is a must-visit destination, so if you’re not planning on visiting Hoi An on your trip to Vietnam, then be sure to add half a day and evening exploring this quaint village before you leave.
Walk along the quaint streets, visit the Japanese Covered bridge, and stay until after sunset to watch the vibrant lanterns light the streets and the Hoai River.
Stop 5: Sneak into Da Nang’s Speakeasy
Once your feet are fully worn out from a day of walking and exploring, treat yourself to a drink at Da Nang’s coolest bar, Te Bar.
Located upstairs from a coffee shop, you’ll need to go inside the cafe and up a few flights of stairs, including one that’ll make you feel as though you’re trespassing. Trust me, it’s the right way up.
The door to the bar is typically hidden in a dark room behind a black curtain so it can be hard to find. The moment you open the door though, you’ll be greeted by a swanky speakeasy, usually playing soft jazz.
Sit at the bar to watch the bartenders work their creative magic or grab a candlelit table for a romantic night.
Where to stay in Da Nang
What a difficult decision it is choosing where to stay in Da Nang. There are so many resorts that look beautiful and have many great amenities!
Here are a few we hand selected for you. See all Da Nang properties here.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, this is how we would spend 3 days in Da Nang.
Hopefully your adventures in Vietnam are hopefully just beginning, but even if you only have a long weekend in the country, I do feel like Da Nang is the best places to visit in Vietnam for the diversity it offers.
Whether you choose to go north or south from here, you’re in for a great time.
Vietnam is a warm and welcoming country so be open-minded and ready to try whatever comes your way while visiting this incredible Southeast Asian gem.
Da Nang is easily one of my favorite places in the world. The mix of urban amenities with incredible nature gives it the perfect balance that you don’t usually see in cities with over 1 million residents.
So, while I’ll certainly try and convince you to give living in Da Nang a go, if you only have time for a 3-day visit, you’re still in for a treat.
More Southeast Asia Travel Tips
Pin To Save It On Pinterest
Please visit our sponsor:
Our Sponsor