Da Nang – Hoi An – Hue in 5 Days: The Complete Itinerary

Da Nang is the perfect hub: Hoi An is about 30 km south and Hue about 100 km north through the Hai Van tunnel. This itinerary suggests 3 nights in Da Nang and 1 night in Hoi An.

Day 1: Arrive in Da Nang – beach and city

Check in and swim at My Khe in the afternoon. In the evening walk the Han River, Dragon Bridge and Love Bridge and have dinner at Son Tra Night Market. If you have energy, ride the Sun Wheel to watch the city light up.

Day 2: Ba Na Hills

A full day on Ba Na: Golden Bridge, French Village, gardens, Fantasy Park and a lunch buffet. Join the Ba Na Hills day tour so you don't have to worry about transport or tickets. In the evening try rice paper rolls with pork.

Day 3: Imperial Hue (day trip)

Leave early via the Hai Van tunnel or pass, stopping at Lap An lagoon – Lang Co. Visit the Imperial City, the tomb of Khai Dinh or Minh Mang and Thien Mu Pagoda on the Perfume River; eat bun bo Hue and clam rice. Return to Da Nang in the evening. The Hue day tour from Da Nang has guides who bring the Nguyen dynasty to life.

Day 4: Cham Islands or Bay Mau coconut forest – overnight in Hoi An

• Dry season (roughly March–August): take the Cham Islands tour to snorkel and swim at Bai Chong, then check in to Hoi An in the afternoon.
• Rainy season or a gentler day: the Marble Mountains – Bay Mau coconut forest – Hoi An tour with basket boats and a basket-spinning show.
• Evening: lanterns in the old town, flower lanterns on the river and the Hoi An Memories show – a spectacular open-air show by the Hoai River.

Day 5: Hoi An morning – back to Da Nang airport

Wake early to walk the old town before the crowds, then cycle to Tra Que vegetable village or An Bang Beach. Lunch on chicken rice or cao lau, then transfer to Da Nang airport (about 45 minutes).

Where to stay and costs

Indicative cost per person (excluding flights): about 5 – 8 million VND with 3–4-star hotels and join-in tours; about 12 – 20 million with resorts and private cars.