Things to do in Da Nang and Hoi An, and which to choose

Da Nang or Hoi An: where should you stay?

Choose Da Nang for a beach holiday with city restaurants and easy transport: the My Khe and An Thuong area is close to the sand, while the Han River waterfront is better for evening walks and markets.

Choose Hoi An for heritage and atmosphere. Cam Pho is walking distance from the Ancient Town, Cam Chau is quieter, and An Bang has the beach but needs a short ride into town. With a week, three nights in Da Nang and four in Hoi An works well.

What are the best things to do in Da Nang?

Start at My Khe Beach early in the morning, then visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture for background before a trip to My Son. Walk the Han River and the Dragon Bridge in the evening, and visit Han Market. Try mì Quảng, the region's signature noodles.

On Son Tra Peninsula, visit Linh Ung Pagoda and its giant Lady Buddha, overlooking the bay; hire a car with a driver, as access on the mountain roads can be restricted. The Marble Mountains, about 20–30 minutes south, have caves, pagodas and viewpoints; wear shoes with grip for the steep steps.

What are the best things to do in Hoi An?

Walk the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town early, then return after dark when the lanterns are lit. A sightseeing ticket gives entry to the historic houses, assembly halls and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Try cao lầu noodles, white rose dumplings and the town's famous bánh mì.

Take a cooking class with a market visit, cycle through the rice fields and vegetable gardens of Tra Que and Cam Thanh, or ride a basket boat in the coconut palms. If you're having clothes tailored, allow time for at least two fittings.

Day trips: My Son, Hue and the Golden Bridge

My Son, a UNESCO-listed complex of Cham temples, is about an hour from Hoi An. Go early, with a guide, to beat the heat.

Hue, the old imperial capital, is about two to three hours from Da Nang by road over the Hai Van Pass, or by the scenic coastal railway. Focus on the Imperial City and one royal tomb, such as Minh Mang or Khai Dinh, or stay a night.

Ba Na Hills, about 45–60 minutes from Da Nang, is a mountaintop leisure park reached by cable car, home to the Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands. Allow most of a day; cloud can hide the views.

When is the best time to visit?

February to May is the best time for both sightseeing and the beach. June to August is hotter but still good, which suits UK and US summer holidays. From September to December, central Vietnam gets heavy rain and tropical storms, and Hoi An's riverside streets can flood.

Tết, the Vietnamese New Year, falls on 6 February 2027. It's a fascinating time to visit, but transport and hotels fill up and many businesses close for several days. Check your government's travel advice before you go.

Frequently asked questions