Perfect 4-Day Da Nang Hoi An Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

Are you planning to visit Central Vietnam and need help with Da Nang Hoi An itinerary? 

No worries! This perfect 4-day Da Nang Hoi An itinerary will give you the best and most detailed recommendations for each day so that you can make the most out of your Da Nang and Hoi An trip! 

Let’s dive in!

How Many Days Should I Stay in Da Nang and Hoi An

If you want to have a whale of a time and hit up all the famous spots, plan to spend 4-5 days on your Da Nang Hoi An itinerary. Of course, if you have more time, it’s definitely worth it to spend even months exploring these beautiful destinations. But if you try to rush through in less than 4-5 days, you may end up feeling like you’re racing against the clock and missing out on the true beauty of the region.

So that’s why we’ve compiled the perfect 4-day itinerary for Da Nang and Hoi An, with local tips and insights from experienced local guides. Our itinerary includes not only must-visit destinations but also tips to help you make the most of your time and minimize transportation costs.

Get ready to be blown away as we take you from the lively city to charming ancient towns and breathtaking beaches! 

When is the Best Time to Visit Da Nang and Hoi An?

To have the best experiences while exploring this iconic tourist hub, you must keep an eye on the weather. So let’s find out the best time to visit Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue.

Lying in Central Vietnam, the weather in Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue mixes the characteristics of both the North and the South. There are two seasons that can be clearly seen: the dry from January to July and the monsoon from August to December. In addition, you should be aware that the peak domestic tourism season runs from May to August – a perfect time for family trips when children are on summer vacation.

My suggestion for your Da Nang Hoi An itinerary is to hit up Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An during the spring season (January – March). This way, you can avoid taking soggy photos in rain gear, and you won’t have to hustle through hordes of people.

What to Prepare for Your Da Nang and Hoi An Trip? 

• Valid identity papers. You’ll need to bring your passport and any necessary visas. Don’t forget to double-check the expiration dates and make photocopies of your documents, just in case.
• Currency exchange. The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Be sure to exchange your currency beforehand. Here are some places where you can exchange currency:
  • Local markets. Local markets, such as Han Market and Con Market in Danang, or Dong Ba Market in Hue city, are the most convenient and popular places for international visitors to exchange money. Currency exchange places can also be found near jewelry shops. In Hoi An, it’s easy to exchange money while wandering through the ancient town. Keep an eye out for signs indicating currency exchange services along the way. 
  • Banks. There are many banks where you can exchange currency. Some of the most popular banks include Vietcombank, BIDV, and Techcombank. But the rate is low and they may require identification and paperwork, as well as have limited hours of operation.
  • Airport and hotels. Travelers can exchange their money at the airport when landing in Da Nang or hotels. It’s pretty convenient but it’s important to keep in mind that they may have low exchange rates. 
• Weather-appropriate clothing. Da Nang and Hoi An have a tropical climate, so pack light and comfortable clothing. If you plan on visiting Ba Na Hills, it’s important to note that the weather can get colder at the top. Therefore, bring jackets and scarves if you want to fully enjoy this Disneyland in Vietnam.
• Comfortable footwear. There are plenty of sights to see in Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue, and you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. So bring comfy shoes that can withstand long walks and uneven terrain.
• Medical necessities. If you have any health problems, it’s important to bring your medication and prescription with you. And remember to prepare pills for motion sickness, you may need them for cable cars and boat rides.

Where to Stay in Da Nang and Hoi An?

Da Nang and Hoi An are both worth staying overnight. They have their own uniqueness and interests, amazing you and bringing to you different experiences. 

Da Nang is the symbol of a young, modern city representing Vietnamese development. It’s  famous for Ba Na Hills and stunning beaches. You should spend 2 nights in Da Nang. One in the center, so you can feel how vibrant and energetic the city is. 

We suggest the Brilliant Hotel. It is located in the city center, close to popular tourist spots like the Han River, Dragon Bridge, and Da Nang Cathedral. With prices ranging from $36 to $54 per night, the hotel provides excellent services and a comfortable stay. 

Another night you should stay at a hotel near the beach. Imagine waking up at the crack of dawn, taking a few steps to the beach, sitting on the fine white sand, and watching a peaceful sunrise.

If you seek a comfortable and luxurious place to stay, Intercontinental Da Nang is the perfect getaway after a day of exploring. This stunning resort is situated on the pristine Son Tra Peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and easy access to the city’s top attractions. You can indulge in multiple dining options, and world-class spa treatments, and relax in spacious accommodations.

However, if you’re on a shoestring budget, here are some recommendations for you with the price from $13 per night: 

• Touch Da Nang Hostel: This hostel is located in Son Tra Peninsula, and offers affordable dormitory-style rooms while providing good services. 
• Memory Hostel Danang: This hostel is located in the city center and offers affordable dormitory-style rooms with a simple and clean design.

Compared to Da Nang, Hoi An has a unique ancient beauty characterized by antique architecture. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss the Hoi An lantern festival. It will allow you to immerse yourself in a landscape rich in culture and tradition and participate in a party of colors that is truly one-of-a-kind.

You should choose hotels close to Hoi An Ancient Town to admire colorful lanterns that light up in the evening and brighten the whole town with romance and charm. Here are some recommendations:

• If you are looking for something luxurious, River Suites would be a fit for you with the Old Town view and excellent services. The price is $35 per night. 
• If you want to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank, you can consider Hoi An Rustic Villa, just from $15 to $30 per night. A bit far from the town, but they have bicycles for rent, and riding bicycles is a great way to discover every corner around. 
• Another option you can put on your list is Little Hoi An Hotel. It’s proud to be chosen by Netflix Film Studio as one of the filming locations for A tourist’s guide to love. With only $60, you can get experiences in this unique boutique hotel in Hoi An. 
• If you’re looking for something affordable that also provides good services and is close to famous spots and must-try restaurants, consider  NGO House Villa & Homestay and Flame Flowers Homestay. Both options will satisfy all of your requirements. The price is ranging from $10 to $15 per night.  

Booking your accommodations in advance is a good idea for any travel season to secure a comfortable place to stay. Use apps like Traveloka or websites like Expedia and Booking.com to simplify the process and potentially receive discounts. 

The Ideal Da Nang Hoi An Itinerary for 4 Days

For this itinerary, I recommend you book two hotels, 2 nights in Da Nang and 2 nights in Hoi An to enjoy both places to the fullest and minimize the transportation cost. So the Da Nang Hoi An itinerary for 4 days would be

• Day 1: Arrival – Da Nang city – Hoi An ancient town – Hoi An hotel check-in.

• Day 2: Water Coconut Village – Tra Que Vegetable Village – My Son Sanctuary 

• Day 3: Hoi An hotel checkout – Ba Na Hills – Da Nang hotel check-in

• Day 4: Hue Imperial City 

Day 1: Arrival – Da Nang city – Hoi An Ancient Town – Hoi An Hotel Check-in

After arriving in Da Nang city, while heading to Hoi An Ancient Town, you will explore famous destinations in Da Nang on the road. Read our Da Nang Hoi An tour to get a picture of your Da Nang Hoi An itinerary. 

Start your adventure at the beautiful Son Tra Peninsula, home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Relax on soft white sand, swim in crystal clear waters, or simply take a stroll and enjoy the breathtaking views. 

The peninsula also boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, including macaques, deer, and many species of birds. Make sure to visit the sacred sites, such as the Linh Ung Pagoda with its 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha statue and Monkey Mountain. 

The next destination on your itinerary is the bustling Con Market. Here, you can find a diverse range of local goods and traditional delicacies, such as Bánh tráng (rice paper), and Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup). 

The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with enthusiastic vendors and locals bargaining for deals. Enjoy exploring the different stalls and sights, trying local specialties, and picking up souvenirs for friends and family back home! 

Leaving the Con Market, you will head to the Marble Mountains – a series of stunning natural formations that are believed to be over 400 million years old. They are home to several Buddhist sanctuaries and pagodas, including the Linh Ung Pagoda and the Tam Thai Pagoda. 

Water Mountain, also known as Thuy Son, is the largest and most famous of the five mountains. It is well-known for several important religious sites, including the Tang Chon Cave and the Huyen Khong Cave. Visitors can climb the stone steps to the summit of Water Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Finally, top off your trip by visiting the charming Hoi An Ancient Town, where you can get lost in the beautiful architecture and learn about the rich cultural history of the area. At 2 p.m, check in to your hotel in Hoi An and get ready to roam around the ancient town.

Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a well-preserved example of a South-East trading port from the 15th to 19th century. All visitors fall in love with Hoi An at first sight because of its ancient, romantic vibe and antique structures. 

Let’s stroll or ride a bicycle to discover the town’s highlights: the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Vietnamese House, the Chinese Assembly Hall, and Hoi An market. And don’t forget to try traditional games that bring you a taste of the local culture. 

The entrance ticket price is 80,000 VND (3.50 USD)/person/time for domestic guests and 120,000 VND (5 USD)/person/time for international guests. 

Day 2: My Son Sanctuary – Tra Que Vegetable Village – Water Coconut Village 

My Son Sanctuary was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, an artwork of the Cham people, illustrating the rich Cham civilization. Just 60 minutes from Hoi An by car, so it would be the perfect choice for the second day of the Da Nang Hoi An itinerary. 

You can discover ancient roads leading to the holy site and admire the unique architecture of the sanctuary. Don’t forget to enjoy a traditional Cham dancing show – a beautiful and mesmerizing display of the local culture and history. 

The show is held three times a day at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 15:30 p.m., and each show takes about 20 minutes.

The traditional Cham dancing show in My Son Sanctuary (source: privatecartransferhoian)

The sanctuary is open every day, including holidays and Tet, from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee for international visitors is 150,000 VND (6.50 USD)/person /time, which includes the fees for electric shuttle service and artistic performances. 

Leaving My Son Sanctuary, we will head to Tra Que Vegetable Village which is about 3 kilometers away from the Northeast of Hoi An city’s center.  

Source: VinWonders

What makes vegetables in Tra Que Village famous is the absence of chemicals used in the fields and special farming techniques of locals. Farmers harvest algae from a nearby lagoon to fertilize instead of using chemical fertilizers. It makes sure that what is on your table has the best quality, it’s less harmful, cleaner, and crisper. 

Cosplaying as a farmer is a way for you to have authentic experiences about rustic life here. With the fresh and crunchy cooking ingredients, it’s highly recommended to join cooking classes and enjoy your lunch. 

The ticket fee is only 35.000 VND/person/day (about 1.5 USD) for both sightseeing and farming activities. 

The peaceful life of locals (source: viator)

If Tra Que Vegetable Village makes your jaw drop by lush green fields and how peaceful the rural life is, then Coconut Village will put you in high spirits with exciting activities. Located just about 5 kilometers from the southeast of Hoi An Ancient Town, Cam Thanh Coconut Village or Coconut Water Village is famous for its vast and beautiful coconut forests. 

Let’s make things from coconut leaves or fish in the river using traditional techniques and take a basket ride. Sightsee tranquil scenery, and enjoy fresh and sweet coconut water. It’s a great chance for you to discover the coconut water ecosystem and dive into local habitats. 

Joining basket boat spinning if you are an adrenaline junky and don’t have any problems with the vestibule. However, just watching the shows with vibrant music is enough to help you create exciting and memorable moments. 

Basket boat dance in Cam Thanh Coconut Village

The entrance fee is 30,000 VND (1.30 USD)/person. For a basket boat tour, it usually lasts from 30 to 45 minutes and you can negotiate with riders to get even cheaper prices. 

Day 3: Hoi An Hotel Checkout – Hue Imperial City – Da Nang Hotel Check-in

Check out of your Hoi An hotel early and start your Hue adventure.    

Hue Imperial City is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Central Vietnam. Spending a full day exploring this incredible historical site is absolutely worth it. 

To get to Hue, you’ll travel about 125 kilometers from Hoi An, passing through Da Nang City and taking in the breathtaking Hai Van Pass – the top 10 most beautiful drives worldwide. 

If you want to get a sense of excitement and achievement when conquering winding roads, riding a motorbike is perfect for you. However, if you’re not confident about your driving skills, just sit in the car, put on your seatbelt and behold the magnificent panoramas. 

Once in Hue, you’ll be transported back in time to the days of the Nguyen dynasty, the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 through the Complex of Hue Monuments. This UNESCO heritage site includes the citadel, royal palaces, tombs, gardens, and pagodas. 

Don’t miss the King’s Tomb, Imperial City, and Thien Mu Buddhist Temple, which are highlights of Hue. Check out our Hue tour itinerary  for more information and activities. You won’t regret it!

Venue	Adults	Children
Hue Imperial City (Hue Imperial Citadel – Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities)	200.000 VNĐ($8.70)	40.000 VNĐ($1.74)
Hue Royal Tombs: Emperor Minh Mang’s tomb; Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb; Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb	150.000 VNĐ($6.50)	30.000 VNĐ($1.30)
Combo of 03 venues: Hue Imperial City, Emperor Minh Mang’s Tomb, and Emperor Khai Dinh’s Tomb	420.000 VNĐ($18.26)	80.000 VNĐ($3.48)
Combo of 04 venues: Hue Imperial City, Emperor Minh Mang’s Tomb, Emperor Tu Duc’s Tomb, and Emperor Khai Dinh’s Tomb	530.000 VNĐ($23.00)	100.000 VNĐ($4.35)
Tickets of all venues	580.000 VNĐ($25.22)	110.000 VNĐ ($4.78)

Khai Dinh Tomb – a famous architecture in Hue (source: artandculture)

Take a 2-hour drive from Hue to Da Nang and check in to your hotel. Enjoy your night in Da Nang with food sampling in Son Tra night market or watching the Fire-Water Show on Dragon Bridge (at 9 p.m. every Fri, Sat, and Sunday night.)

Day 4: Ba Na Hills – Departures

On the last day of Da Nang Hoi An itinerary, you’ll spend the whole day visiting Ba Na Hills. Nestling in the stunning Truong Son Mountains in Central Vietnam, Ba Na Hills is a true paradise all in one, whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, or a taste of history in Vietnam.

It’s called “Disneyland in Vietnam” with impressive records – the cable car system with 4 Guinness records or the Golden Bridge – one of the most attractive destinations in the world in 2018 voted by Times Magazine. 

There are lots of activities to keep you busy. Take a stroll on the Golden Bridge, walk through the lush gardens, enjoy a wine tasting at the wine cellar or experience thousands of free indoor games at the Fantasy Park.

Hopefully this 4-day Da Nang Hoi An itinerary, whether you’re a first-time visitor or repeater, you can find useful information for your trip. Have a nice and wonderful adventure in Vietnam! We welcome you all and wish you the most!

Explore Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue with Phoebe & Besties

There are no words or pictures that can truly describe the beauty of Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. So come and experience it by yourself! 

You need a companion during your trip, not a normal tour guide? Phoebe & Besties is here for that. 

Our Besties will help you explore the sights and sounds of Da Nang and Hoi An without minding the crowded and touristy bus tours. So that you can sink your teeth into authentic experiences and your jaw will drop when harkening to interesting local stories that we share along the way. 

Check out our blog Phoebe & Besties or email us at xinchao@phoebeandbesties.com for free tour recommendations now!

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