Vietnam Part One: Two Days in Da Nang – Much More Than Just a Transit City
Last updated on : June 5, 2026
Part One: Da Nang
When we started planning our trip to Vietnam, our intention was clear: to explore the central and northern parts of the country while truly taking the time to settle into each destination.
We decided to begin in central Vietnam and gradually make our way north, where the temperatures would become more pleasant as the trip progressed. For us, it felt like the best way to follow both the rhythm of the seasons… and our own rhythm as travelers.
Since our main interests in central Vietnam were Hoi An and Hue, Da Nang quickly stood out as the ideal gateway thanks to its well-located airport.
Originally, our plan was simple: arrive in Da Nang… and then head fairly quickly to Hoi An.
But considering our late arrival after a stopover in Bangkok – and especially remembering our previous experience in Bali, where jet lag and exhaustion hit us hard – we decided to approach things differently this time.
We chose to spend two nights in Da Nang.
Not to “see everything”… but to slow down.
To settle in. To breathe. To let our bodies catch up with the journey.
And honestly? We weren’t expecting much from Da Nang. To us, it mostly seemed like a transit city with a few activities here and there.
But as is often the case when traveling… the places we expect the least from sometimes end up becoming the biggest surprises.
In this article, I’m sharing what we discovered in Da Nang – between temples, mountains, spirituality, and our very first moments adapting to Vietnam.
🎥 On Video: Da Nang | The City We Completely Underestimated
Between beaches, temples, mountains, and our first discoveries of Vietnam, this first stop in Da Nang allowed us to ease gently into the journey.
In this video, I’m taking you along to discover the Dragon Bridge, the Cham Sculpture Museum, Marble Mountain, the Lady Buddha, the Hai Van Pass, as well as some of the simpler moments of the trip – from walks along the beach and beautiful landscapes to immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of central Vietnam.
⚠️ The prices mentioned in this article reflect our visit in march 2026 and may vary over time.
In addition, some links are affiliate links: this doesn’t change anything for you, but it allows me to support the blog if you choose to purchase or book through these links. Thank you for supporting my work as a travel blogger 🌎🩵
Day 1 : Late Arrival
We arrived in Da Nang later in the evening, a little after 9:30 PM.
Between landing, going through customs – where there was quite a large crowd – and taking the time to find our transportation, it was already fairly late by the time we finally left the airport.
To avoid any stress upon arrival, we had booked a taxi in advance through Booking, an option we had already used in Bali and found very reassuring. As expected, a driver was waiting for us, which made the arrival process much smoother.
We arrived at the hotel just before midnight, tired but relieved to finally be there. After quickly settling in – and pleasantly discovering that our room was more spacious than expected – the only thing we really needed was a good night’s sleep.
Day 2 : Settling In Gently
The next morning marked our very first real day in Da Nang.
After enjoying a nice buffet breakfast at the hotel, we had our first culinary discoveries in Vietnam. As is often the case in Asia, breakfast is very different from what we are used to back home: noodles, rice, soups… an interesting contrast alongside the more “Western” options that were also available. Honestly, when you’re hungry after a long journey, the mix works surprisingly well.
For this first day, we wanted to keep things simple.
So we started by heading to the beach with one clear goal in mind: reconnecting with the present moment. Walking barefoot in the water, feeling the warmth, breathing deeply… it was exactly what I needed after all those hours of flying.
In the afternoon, we continued exploring by heading toward the famous Dragon Bridge, which we crossed on foot. Unfortunately for us, our stay didn’t line up with the evenings when the Dragon Bridge breathes fire, so we only got to see it during the day before continuing on to the Cham Sculpture Museum.
That museum was actually one of my personal must-sees in Da Nang, and it did not disappoint. It showcases an impressive collection of sculptures from the Cham civilization, with an artistic style completely different from anything we had seen on our previous trips. Here, there were no grand columns or massive ruins like in Greece or Morocco, but instead beautifully carved stone sculptures filled with intricate details and symbolism. It was a fascinating and very unique discovery.
To end the day on a relaxing note, we decided to get a massage – probably one of the best decisions after such a long journey. It was the perfect way to release the tension we had built up and help our bodies recover.
In the end, this first day in Da Nang was exactly what we needed: a balance of rest, discovery, movement, and relaxation.
Day 3 : Final Moments in Da Nang — Between the Sea and Transition
For our final morning in Da Nang, we chose not to plan anything at all.
Knowing that we would be leaving the city later that morning – with check-out around 11 AM or noon – we simply took the time to enjoy one last moment with what had felt most soothing about Da Nang: its beach.
That was important to me.
I knew that for the rest of the trip, we probably wouldn’t see the ocean again anytime soon.
So we went back one last time, slowly and without any rush.
Walking barefoot in the sand, sitting in front of the waves, watching surfers trying to tame the sea, observing people simply living their daily lives… nothing spectacular, yet exactly what we needed.
A quiet moment, simple but deeply rooted in the present.
Back at the hotel, we packed our bags before checking out.
We were ready for our next destination. For the first time during the trip, we used the Grab app. Extremely popular across Asia, it was surprisingly still something new for us, even after several trips to this part of the world.
And honestly, the experience was incredibly simple and efficient.
About 15 minutes later, we were already on our way to the next chapter of our adventure, knowing we would definitely use the app again on future trips to Asia.
Day 6 : From Hoi An to Hue via Da Nang – A Transfer Day That Was Far From Ordinary
Even though this day was not technically part of our original stay in Da Nang, it definitely deserves a place here.
During our transfer from Hoi An to Hue, we chose to book a full-day excursion through GetYourGuide, allowing us to turn what could have been a simple transfer day into a full day of discoveries.
And honestly? It was an excellent decision.
Our first stop was Marble Mountain.
The site is absolutely beautiful – no question about it. Between the caves, temples, and stunning viewpoints, it’s truly a place worth visiting.
👉 The site is quite large, so if you plan to explore everything, allow at least a few hours, or possibly even half a day.
That said – and this is exactly the kind of detail I personally like sharing – we kind of got tricked into taking the elevator.
We assumed the climb would be difficult, so we paid to use it… but in reality, the stairs are completely manageable. And more importantly, there is often a long wait for the elevator.
👉 Looking back, my advice would be: save your money and walk up instead. The site is full of stairs anyway, so you’ll still end up climbing plenty of them.
Even though the site is very touristy (and fairly crowded at the time we visited), it’s still a place I absolutely do not regret visiting. To avoid the crowds, many people recommend arriving right at opening time. Since we didn’t personally test that option, I can’t confirm it myself — but it may be worth considering.
We then headed toward the Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain, to visit the famous Lady Buddha.
And honestly… total surprise.
Despite visiting in the middle of the day under strong heat, there were very few people on the site. Our driver explained that most visitors come either early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
As a result, we were able to enjoy the place in an almost unexpected calmness.
And what a place it is…
The Lady Buddha statue is absolutely impressive (standing around 70 meters tall), and you can even spot it from Da Nang Beach. But seeing it up close is a completely different experience.
The site itself is beautiful, with temples, gardens, and stunning viewpoints overlooking both the sea and the city. And on top of that, entrance is completely free – something that definitely deserves to be mentioned.
Afterward, we continued along the famous Hai Van Pass.
This mountain road is known as one of the most scenic drives in Vietnam, and it quickly becomes clear why. The roads are winding and surrounded by lush greenery, while the views gradually open up over the sea.
We stopped at one of the highest points near the Hai Van Gate, where you can enjoy a full 360-degree panoramic view.
The scenery was breathtaking… but also incredibly windy!
The atmosphere there felt very raw and unique, which only added to the charm of the place.
Many travelers choose to experience this route by scooter with local guides (often called “Easy Riders“), and it’s easy to understand why. That kind of experience probably allows for more freedom to stop along the way and enjoy the viewpoints even more fully.
Still, even by car, we truly felt it was worth it.
We then stopped at a beach in the region: Lan Co Beach.
The place was… surprising.
There was clearly a setup designed for tourism, with a restaurant and several photo-friendly installations that felt a bit “Instagram-oriented.”
But when we arrived, there was almost nobody there.
Maybe one or two other groups at most.
Our driver explained that the area had once been much more popular, but that tourism had declined over time, partly due to tragic events that had happened there in the past.
Despite the somewhat unusual atmosphere, we still took the time to enjoy the moment.
While our driver was eating, we walked along the beach with our feet in the water – once again.
A simple moment, but just as enjoyable as before, especially with such a beautiful setting around us.
Our final stop before continuing toward Hue was Lap An Lagoon.
The area is known for its aquaculture, particularly oyster and mussel farming, which offers an interesting glimpse into local life.
The scenery there is very peaceful, with mountains in the background and calm water reflecting the landscape.
We only stayed a few minutes — just enough to take it all in and breathe for a moment — before getting back on the road.
By then, the fatigue was definitely starting to catch up with us, and we still had some distance left before reaching Hue.
If I Had More Time
Even though we were pleasantly surprised by Da Nang and managed to see many of the region’s highlights, there are still a few experiences I wish we could have enjoyed differently… or simply at the right time.
The first one is without hesitation the Dragon Bridge fire show.
On Friday and Saturday nights (usually around 9 PM), the dragon breathes both fire and water in what seems to be a very lively and festive atmosphere.
Unfortunately, we weren’t in Da Nang on the right days to experience it, but it’s definitely something I would have loved to see. The whole atmosphere around the bridge seems completely different once night falls.
I also wish we had spent more time at Marble Mountain.
During our visit, we decided not to explore one of the large caves on the site because we were worried about running out of time for the rest of our transfer day.
Looking back, I think we probably could have done it.
The site is huge and very touristy, and after a while we were mostly craving a bit more calmness… but that part of the visit still remains a little “what if?” in my mind.
And of course… I simply wish we had spent more time enjoying the beach.
Those moments by the sea in Da Nang were probably among the most relaxing parts of the beginning of our trip. Walking barefoot in the water after so many hours of flying, slowing down, and simply observing what was around us… it honestly did us a lot of good.
I had also noticed a few small river cruises in Da Nang that could have been interesting to try if we had stayed an extra day.
But in the end, I think Da Nang mostly fulfilled exactly the role we needed it to play at that point in the journey:
allowing us to gently land into Vietnam.
✨ What About the Famous Ba Na Hills?
It’s impossible to talk about Ba Na Hills without mentioning the famous Golden Bridge, which has become one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the region.
With its massive bridge supported by two giant hands, the site attracts huge numbers of visitors every year, and many excursions are available from Da Nang, including tours like this one on GetYouGuide.
For our part, however, we decided not to visit.
Even though the site looks visually impressive, everything I had seen and heard about it gave me more of the feeling of a highly touristy theme park rather than the kind of experience we were looking for during this trip to Vietnam.
Personally, when I travel, I’m more drawn to places that have historical, cultural, or spiritual significance — or simply places where you can feel a stronger sense of local authenticity.
But as always, everyone travels differently.
I completely understand why many travelers love the experience, and if this type of attraction appeals to you, it could very well become a must-see addition to your Da Nang itinerary.
How to Get Around Da Nang
As is often the case when we travel… our favorite way of getting around in Da Nang was simply: walking.
Even though some distances were fairly long – especially between the beach, the Dragon Bridge, and the Cham Sculpture Museum – we still chose to do many of our transfers on foot.
And honestly, we loved it.
Walking always allows us to feel a place more deeply, notice the little details of everyday life, and discover scenes we would otherwise completely miss… in short, it helps us truly immerse ourselves in the local atmosphere.
That said, the distances may feel a bit long for some travelers, especially with Vietnam’s heat and humidity.
In that case, taxis and especially the Grab app 🚕 are excellent options.
We used Grab at the end of our stay to move around more easily with our luggage, and the experience was incredibly simple and efficient. It’s definitely an app we would use again without hesitation on a future trip to Asia.
For longer distances – particularly during our transfer between Hoi An and Hue – we had a driver included with our GetYourGuide excursion, which made transportation much easier during such a full day.
Of course, it’s also possible to rent a scooter 🛵 in Da Nang, as in many parts of Vietnam. It’s a very popular option among travelers, especially for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace or driving scenic roads like the famous Hai Van Pass.
However, it’s important to carefully verify everything related to driver’s licenses and insurance before getting on the road. In Vietnam, the rules may be very different from what we are used to, and many insurance policies do not necessarily cover scooter driving without the proper permits.
For our part, we chose to avoid that option during this trip.
In the end, Da Nang is a city that can easily be explored on foot in certain areas, while still offering several easy and affordable transportation options for longer distances.
Where to Stay in Da Nang
During our stay in Da Nang, we chose to spend our two nights at the Alani Sea View Hotel.
Overall, we really enjoyed our experience there.
Our room was very spacious, bright, and offered a beautiful view of the sea. It also included a “balcony” — or at least a small outdoor space that allowed us to fully open the patio door and enjoy the ocean air. It wasn’t a large furnished balcony, but it was still very pleasant.
The hotel also features a rooftop pool with a view, which we unfortunately didn’t really have time to enjoy since we spent most of our days exploring the city and relaxing by the beach.
One of the highlights of our stay was definitely the service.
The staff was very welcoming and especially attentive. The concierge working during our stay even helped us find a reasonably priced massage place, which was greatly appreciated after the long flights at the beginning of the trip.
The buffet breakfast included with the room was also very good, offering a nice variety of both Asian dishes and more Western-style options.
Location-wise, the hotel was also very well situated, close to the beach and within easy walking distance of several areas around the neighborhood.
The only small downside of our stay was the soundproofing.
We could hear quite a bit of noise coming from outside as well as from neighboring rooms. During our second night, we happened to have particularly noisy neighbors, which made the night a little less restful.
That being said, considering the price we paid, we felt the hotel offered excellent value for money, and overall we had a very enjoyable stay there.
💲Price in March 2026: approximately 2,404,008 VND (around $135 CAD including credit card fees) for 2 nights in a Double Room with Balcony and Sea View – including breakfast.
Where to Eat in Da Nang
All of our breakfasts were eaten directly at the hotel and, as mentioned earlier, they were honestly very good. The buffet offered a nice variety of both Asian and Western options, which was perfect for easing gently into our adaptation to Vietnam.
With the jet lag and fatigue from the long flights, our first few days mostly consisted of small snacks here and there. However, we did enjoy a very good dinner at Bottega 5, an Italian restaurant located very close to our hotel.
The restaurant itself was beautifully decorated and had a very pleasant atmosphere. We also ended up having a lovely conversation with a couple from France seated next to us, which made the evening even more enjoyable.
The food was good overall, although the service was a little inconsistent at times. We experienced quite a bit of waiting during certain parts of the meal, along with a few communication difficulties with the young server. Despite that, we still had a really nice evening overall.
In Conclusion
Before leaving for Vietnam, Da Nang was mostly, in our minds, a convenient gateway to explore the central part of the country.
We expected to spend two quiet nights there to recover from jet lag, enjoy a bit of beach time… and then quickly continue on toward Hoi An and Hue.
But in the end, Da Nang surprised us far more than we expected.
Between the sea, the mountains, the temples, the cafés, the viewpoints, and the more relaxed atmosphere compared to other major Asian cities, we truly enjoyed our stay.
In my opinion, it’s a destination that deserves more than just a quick stop.
What I especially loved about Da Nang was the balance it offers.
You can spend time relaxing by the beach and slowing down… while also being able to explore impressive places like Marble Mountains, the Lady Buddha, or the Hai Van Pass.
And with its well-located airport, Da Nang also makes an excellent base for exploring the entire central Vietnam region.
In fact, even though many travelers choose to stay directly in Hoi An, it’s completely possible to stay in Da Nang and visit Hoi An as a day trip or excursion.
In the end, Da Nang turned out to be exactly what we needed to begin this journey: a place to land gently, catch our breath after the long flights, reconnect with the present moment… before diving deeper into our Vietnamese adventure.
And honestly?
If we had to do it again, I think we would probably spend a little more time there.
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