Vietnam is definitely having a moment right now, and if you’re looking for the perfect mix of city vibes, beaches, and ancient towns, Da Nang is where it’s at.
If you’re ready to book your flights, here’s the exact Da Nang DIY itinerary I followed to make the most of my trip.
Day 1: Arrival
I flew from Manila to Da Nang via AirAsia. For my home base, I stayed at Grand Sunrise Boutique Hotel. It’s super affordable and only 5 minutes away from My Khe Beach. Plus, the main road is right there, so you won’t run out of places to eat.
Book this hotel on Agoda and use my code FINNAGODA for an extra 8-10% off. Claim the code in Agoda app’s Deals Page or follow this link.
Since I wanted those aesthetic shots, I booked an Instagram Cafe Tour on Klook. It includes transportation, which is a lifesaver. We visited:
- Linh Ung Pagoda: Home to the most massive Buddha statue you’ve ever seen.
- Cua Ngo Café: You need to try their coconut coffee. This is the best one I’ve had in my whole stay.
- Han Market: Great for initial pasalubong scouting.
If you’re there on a Sunday, you can catch a mass at the pink Da Nang Cathedral nearby. At night, the city comes alive, so go chill by My Khe Beach or hit up some local bars.
Day 2: Hoi An
Day 2 is all about Hoi An. It’s a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, so it deserves a full day. Book a tour via Agoda Activities or Klook (whichever one is cheaper) and make sure it includes your transportation for the day.
The first half is very “cultural adulting” with visits to the Fujian Assembly Hall, Ceramics Museum, and the famous (and historically-relevant) Japanese Covered Bridge. After that, it’s time for the Hoi An Basket Boat Tour. You can do a karaoke session or let them spin you around until you feel like a beyblade.
Pro-tip: Buy your silk souvenirs here because the quality is top-tier. I also bought a custom stamp during my free time (the pinned location is Xuanh Trinh Souvenir Shop). Once the sun goes down, the Night Market and the Lantern Boat ride are absolute musts.
Day 3: Ba Na Hills
You can’t have a Da Nang DIY itinerary without Ba Na Hills. Again, book a tour via Agoda or Klook (whichever one is cheaper) and make sure it includes your transportation for the day.
The Golden Bridge (the one with the giant hands) is usually the first stop. If you’re into collectibles, they actually have a huge Pop Mart Castle up there. They have the typical fun games and rides for amusement parks in Fantasy Land. For the thrill-seekers who are low-key scared of heights, try the Alpine Coaster. You can control your own speed, so no pressure!
Food is pretty pricey at the top, so I highly recommend booking a tour that includes the Four Seasons Buffet. It’s actually worth it. Oh, and don’t forget to use your voucher for 2 free beers at the Beer Factory.
Day 4: Free Day & Pasalubong Shopping
Day 4 is your “choose your own adventure” day. You can go to Marble Mountain, My Son Sanctuary, or even take a Hue half-day tour.
I decided to do a coffee-making class because you can’t leave Vietnam without learning the secrets of their brew. For last-minute shopping, I hit up Lotte Mart and Vincom.
At 9 PM, head to Dragon Bridge. The dragon literally breathes fire and water, which is such a cool core memory. Right beside it is the Son Tra Night Market. It’s actually cheaper here than in Hoi An, so save your souvenir budget for this spot!
Day 5: Departure
On my last day, I just spent it chilling at My Khe Beach. If you’re a morning person, go at 4 AM to catch the sunrise. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and the perfect way to end the trip.
I visited the famous Bread & Butter Bakery for breakfast, and woooow their pastries look so good!!!
Final Tips for the Besties
If you want to save more on your hotel, use the code FINNAGODA on the Agoda app or website. Every peso saved is another cup of coconut coffee, right?
That’s it for my Da Nang DIY itinerary! Follow for more travel tips and side quests.
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