5 Incredible Day Trips from Da Nang (Most Are Less Than 2 Hours Away) – Love and Road

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We’ve visited Vietnam three times, but one of the best travel decisions we made last year was spending two weeks in Da Nang. Between surfing sessions, delicious food and amazing day trips, we discovered that Da Nang is much more than a beach destination, it’s the perfect base for exploring Central Vietnam.

From Da Nang you can easily visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient imperial cities, mountains and beaches, all without changing hotels every couple of days. 

If you’re planning a trip to Central Vietnam, these are our five best day trips from Da Nang, plus everything you need to know to plan them.

Our recommendation:

If you have to choose only one day trip from Da Nang, make it Hoi An. It’s the easiest to reach and offers the perfect mix of history, local culture and incredible food. It’s one of my favorite cities in Vietnam. Ok, it’s touristy and busy, but it’s also amazing 

1. Hoi An: our favorite day trip from Da Nang

• Travel time: about 1 hour.

If there’s one place that deserves a spot on every Central Vietnam itinerary, it’s Hoi An.

It is an hour and a few minutes from Da Nang, and it’s one of Vietnam’s most unique towns. Also, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

It has lovely narrow streets, centuries-old merchant houses, colourful lantern shops and cute cafes. It’s one of those places where you can easily spend hours wandering around without a plan. 

But Hoi An is much more than its postcard-perfect Old Town.

The city’s history as an important trading port is reflected in its mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture. Temples sit next to traditional wooden houses that have been converted into cafés and boutiques, and almost every street seems to lead back to the Thu Bon River.

Food is another reason many travelers fall in love with Hoi An. Try Hoi An’s mi quan, please!

From humble street food stalls to elegant riverside restaurants, the city is packed with excellent places to eat. Local dishes such as cao lau, white rose dumplings and Hoi An chicken rice are specialties you won’t want to miss.

Arrive in the morning to explore the quieter streets before the crowds arrive, it happens around 3 to 4 pm. Spend the afternoon browsing shops and cafés, then stay until sunset. As the lanterns begin to glow and small boats drift along the river, Hoi An becomes even more magical.

How to get from Da Nang to Hoi An:

Traveling between Da Nang and Hoi An is easy. You can travel by shuttle bus, local bus, taxi or private transfer, with services running throughout the day.

It’s worth comparing the available options before you travel. I like to check 12Go for transport schedules, travel times and prices. They have all in one place, making it easy to choose the option that best fits your itinerary instead of searching multiple websites separately. 

Don’t miss in Hoi An:

• Japanese Covered Bridge
• Ancient Town
• Riverside cafés
• Lantern market
• Local food specialties

You can read more about Hoi An here.

2. Da Nang to Ba Na Hills: touristy but worth visiting

• Travel time: about 1 hour to the entrance, then you get a cable car to the mountain.

Love it or hate it, Ba Na Hills is one of the most talked-about attractions near Da Nang.

Most people visit it for the famous Golden Bridge, and you probably already saw it on social media. It’s the pedestrian bridge held up by two giant stone hands. It’s impressive, but there’s more to see at the mountaintop than the Instagram-famous beautiful viewpoint.

The journey begins with one of the world’s longest non-stop single track cable cars climbing above dense forests before reaching the summit. On a clear day, the views stretch all the way to the coastline.

Once you’re at the top, you’ll find landscaped gardens, temples, walking paths, viewpoints and an entertainment complex inspired by a European village. Keep in mind it’s designed as a fun escape rather than a cultural attraction, making it especially popular with families.

If you’re expecting an authentic Vietnamese cultural experience, Hoi An or Hue should be higher on your list.

However, if you want incredible mountain scenery, an unforgettable cable car ride and one of Vietnam’s most recognisable landmarks, a trip from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills is well worth a day.

Travel advice:

Go early! The earlier, the better. Tour buses start arriving mid-morning, meaning the Golden Bridge becomes increasingly crowded throughout the day. Arriving shortly after opening gives you the best chance to enjoy the views before the largest groups arrive.

How to get from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills:

Ba Na Hills is about 30 km from Da Nang, and the journey takes around an hour, depending on traffic.

The easiest and most popular way to get there is by shuttle bus. Many hotels can arrange it, but if you are like me and love to have everything organized, you can book it in advance, especially in peak season.

If you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, a private transfer is often worth the extra cost. It gives you the flexibility to leave when you want and return to Da Nang at your own pace.

You can compare shuttle services and private transfers here. It’s an easy way to see departure times and prices, then choose the earliest one possible.

What not to miss in Ba Na Hills:

• The Golden Bridge
• The cable car ride
• Le Jardin D’Amour gardens
• Mountain viewpoints

If you are short on time, you can combine Hoi An and Ba Na Hills in a one-day trip from Da Nang. Here is a day tour with good reviews that you can join. 

3. Day trip to Hue: Vietnam’s imperial capital is amazing

• Travel time: 2:30h by bus/van and 3 hours by train.

Hue is the longest day trip from Da Nang, but if you’re interested in Vietnam’s history, it’s one of the most rewarding. If it was a good experience for Anthony Bourdain, it will be for you. 😉

As the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue was the country’s political and cultural heart for more than a century. Today, it’s best known for its impressive Imperial City, royal tombs and distinctive cuisine. Plus, it’s a completely different experience from Da Nang and Hoi An.

Hue’s main attraction is the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by massive stone walls and a moat. Inspired by Beijing’s Forbidden City, the complex once housed emperors, royal families and government officials. It’s beautiful to see, and you can spend hours wandering its gardens and buildings. 

If you have time, head beyond the citadel to visit one of Hue’s royal tombs. The Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh is impressive and a place you want to see. 

Leaving Da Nang early gives you enough time to explore the Imperial City, enjoy lunch and visit one or two royal tombs before heading back. 

And no visit to Hue is complete without trying bun bo Hue, the city’s famous spicy beef noodle soup. Rich, fragrant and packed with flavour, it’s one of Vietnam’s best regional dishes. To be honest, I didn’t like it that much, but Rob loved it. 

Getting from Da Nang to Hue

One of the best things about this journey is that the route is almost as memorable as the destination.

The road between Da Nang and Hue crosses the spectacular Hai Van Pass, famous for its dramatic coastal scenery. If you’re traveling by train, you’ll enjoy equally impressive views as the railway runs through the coastline.

You can choose between trains, buses and private transfers here. 

Hue Highlights:

• Imperial City
• Khai Dinh Tomb
• Minh Mang Tomb
• Perfume River
• Bun Bo Hue

4. My Son Sanctuary: another Vietnam’s UNESCO Site near Da Nang

• Travel time: 1 hour by shuttle bus or 50 min by private taxi.

While Hoi An and Hue attract most of the attention, My Son Sanctuary is a little less well-known.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the religious and political centre of the Champa Kingdom, a civilisation that ruled much of Central Vietnam for centuries before the Vietnamese expansion south.

You can explore dozens of ancient temple ruins dating from the 4th to the 13th centuries that are hidden in a lush valley surrounded by jungle-covered hills. My Son is compact enough to explore in a few hours. It’s an easy visit that combines history, archaeology and beautiful scenery.

Walking through the site, you’ll notice intricate carvings, Hindu influences and temples slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding forest. Stunning!

Getting from Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary

You can get to My Son Sanctuary by guided tour, shuttle bus or private transfer. 

Tours are the best option if you want to learn more about the history of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Many tours include hotel pick-up, entrance fees and a local guide, making them a hassle-free option for first-time visitors.

You can search how to travel from Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary here.

Don’t miss at My Son Sanctuary

• Group B, C and D temple complexes
• The small museum near the entrance
• Traditional Cham dance performances
• The peaceful jungle surroundings

5. Son Tra Peninsula: a beautiful scape a few minutes from Da Nang

• Travel time: 20 to 30 minutes.

If you only have half a day to spare, head to Son Tra Peninsula. And if you have the whole day, go there as well.

Located just a few kilometres from Da Nang city centre, this peninsula feels surprisingly remote. Instead of busy streets and beachfront cafés, you’ll find winding coastal roads, lush rainforest, hidden beaches and spectacular viewpoints overlooking Da Nang.

The peninsula’s best-known attraction is Linh Ung Pagoda, where the towering 67-metre Lady Buddha watches over the coastline. The temple is beautiful, as are its gardens and views. Don’t forget to dress appropriately to visit the temple. You must cover your shoulders and knees.

Beyond the temple, the roads continue through the forest, leading to panoramic viewpoints and quiet stretches of coast that many visitors never discover.

Stop at a viewpoint, enjoy a Vietnamese coffee overlooking the sea or spend a couple of hours relaxing on one of the peninsula’s quieter beaches.

Getting from Da Nang to Son Tra Peninsula

The most popular way to explore the peninsula is by motorbike, giving you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, beaches and cafés along the scenic coastal road. 

If you’re not comfortable riding in Vietnam, consider hiring a Grab, taxi or private driver for the day. This lets you explore at your own pace without worrying about navigating the winding roads.

For travelers who prefer an organised experience, here is a guided tour that includes stops at the main attractions, such as Linh Ung Pagoda, the Lady Buddha and the peninsula’s best viewpoints.

We explored it by motorbike and loved the experience. If you choose to visit by motorbike, drive safely and wear a helmet. Also, don’t forget your travel insurance. 

Top attractions on Son Tra Peninsula:
Linh Ung Pagoda
Lady Buddha
Hidden beaches
Scenic coastal roads
Vietnamese coffee with a view

Which Da Nang day trip is better for you?

One of the best things about staying in Da Nang is that you can have many different experiences in a couple of hours.

If it’s your first time in Central Vietnam, Hoi An is the one destination we wouldn’t miss. Its historic streets, exceptional food, and a unique atmosphere make it the perfect introduction to the region.

Traveling with kids or looking for spectacular mountain views? Spend a day at Ba Na Hills.

Interested in Vietnam’s royal history? Hue is worth the longer journey.

Prefer ancient ruins without the crowds? Choose My Son Sanctuary.

And if you’re craving fresh air, coastal scenery and a slower pace, Son Tra Peninsula is the easiest escape from the city and a lovely motorbike ride.

The good news is that you don’t have to choose just one. Da Nang’s central location makes it easy to combine several of these destinations over a few days. While there we managed to create an itinerary that balanced history, culture, nature and adventure.

Talking about itinerary, you can use 12GO app in ChatGPT to plan your trip and transportation at the same time. 

Wherever you decide to go, these day trips prove that Da Nang is much more than a beach destination, and I would go back in a blink of an eye. 

Enjoy Da Nang and its surroundings!

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