If you only have 24 hours in Danang, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time.
Da Nang is known for its mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication. With a bustling city centre, stunning beaches and temples, natural attractions, and plenty of culinary delights to try, there’s no shortage of things to do in this vibrant Vietnamese city!
It’s an excellent choice for those looking to explore a buzzing city without the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Plus, the beautiful mountains and sandy beaches in the surrounding area make it a great destination for nature lovers!
Morning in Danang:
Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast. Try a bowl of pho (noodle soup) or banh mi (baguette sandwich) from a local street food vendor. My wife put together a list of our fave local vendors here.
Alternative: Grab a delicious Vietnamese coffee (called cà phê sữa đá) at one of the coolest cafés in town and enjoy the vibes.
Head to the Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) early to avoid the crowds. Explore the caves, temples, and pagodas while enjoying the stunning views of the city and coastline. Allocate around 2-3 hours for this visit.
Note: Walking around the marble mountains is free (so don’t get conned into paying for it), but you can pay extra to go inside some of the caves and visit the pagodas.
Midday in Danang:
After exploring Marble Mountains, make your way to My Khe Beach. Enjoy some beach time, relax, swim, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
For lunch, visit a local seafood restaurant near My Khe Beach. Savor the day’s fresh catch, such as grilled fish, squid, or shrimp, accompanied by rice or noodles and a cold drink.
Alternative: Choose a local restaurant offering delicious dishes like banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancake) or com tam (broken rice with grilled pork). You can view our fave spots to get these local dishes here.
Afternoon in Danang:
Next, visit the Con Market (Chợ Cồn) to experience a bustling local market. Taste various street food options and shop for souvenirs or local handicrafts.
If you’d prefer to skip the market, you can make your way to the Son Tra Peninsula (Bán đảo Sơn Trà) for a scenic drive or bike ride along the coast. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda and take in the panoramic views from the summit.
Read more about Linh Ung Pagoda and Lady Buddha statue below.
As the sun sets, you can head to the Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) and take a walk across this unique bridge. Enjoy views of the city and the Han River.
Evening in Danang:
You can explore the Chợ Đêm Sơn Trà night market for a variety of food choices.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable sit-down meal, the My Khe beach and Son Tra districts are crowded with amazing restaurants.
Night in Danang:
End your day by exploring the vibrant nightlife in Danang. Walk along the riverside promenade, enjoy the illuminated Dragon Bridge, or visit a local bar or pub for a taste of Vietnamese beer or cocktails.
You can even do a funny dance at the Dragon Bridge like we did 😛
Additional options:
Here are a few more ideas if you have additional time or energy:
– Son Tra Peninsula (Bán đảo Sơn Trà): For nature lovers, this lush green peninsula offers scenic hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and a chance to spot rare wildlife, such as the endangered Red-shanked Douc Langur. Entrance to the area is free, though some attractions within the peninsula may have a small fee. It is a two-hour hike to the top of Son Tra Mountain, so be sure to bring water and wear appropriate gear.
– Lady Buddha: Located on Son Tra Peninsula, Lady Buddha is one of Vietnam’s tallest statues, standing at an impressive 67 meters tall. Take a cable car up to the statue for beautiful views of Danang and nearby beaches.
– Ba Na Hills: Just a short drive from Danang, the Ba Na Hills is an excellent place to experience Vietnam’s natural beauty. Take the cable car up for stunning views of Danang and the surrounding area.
– Hoi An: The quaint and colorful city of Hoi An is just a short drive from Danang. Stop by for unique shopping opportunities (lots of tourists buy custom-made suits and traditional Vietnamese áo dài here), stroll through the picturesque Ancient Old Town (especially at sunset and evening when it’s cooler and the place comes alive), experience the full moon lantern festival (happens once a month), or take a Thu Bon River boat tour.
– My Son Sanctuary: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary are a must for any history buff. The site is about an hour away from Danang.
– Hai Van Pass: Hire a motorbike and take the scenic drive along Hai Van Pass. Be sure to stop at the top for breathtaking views of Da Nang, Lang Co beach, and the South China Sea. (Below is a video of our morning motorbike trip to Hai Van Pass one morning)
This itinerary ensures that you experience the best of Danang’s culture, food, and natural beauty within a short time frame.
You can easily take this 24-hour itinerary and spread it out over multiple days if you’d like more time to explore all that Danang has to offer!
Make sure to stay flexible and adjust the plan based on your interests and energy levels. Enjoy your 24 hours in Danang!
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