Planning a three-day adventure in Da Nang? Buckle up, because you're in for a treat! This charming coastal city in Vietnam offers a mix of stunning sights, mouthwatering food, and a beach that practically begs you to kick back and relax. Let’s dive into your itinerary, making sure you squeeze every drop of fun from your trip!
Day 1: Discover the city’s highlights
Your first day is all about soaking in the best Da Nang has to offer. Start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café. A banh mi or pho will set you right up for the day ahead. Head over to the Cham Museum, which opens at 7:00 AM. Spend about an hour marveling at the stunning collection of Cham artifacts. Is it just me, or do ancient sculptures always make you feel a bit underwhelming about your own life choices?
Next, take a leisurely stroll to the Dragon Bridge. This engineering marvel breathes fire on weekends and holidays, so if you’re lucky enough to be visiting then, you’ll have a free show. Snap some selfies, because nothing says “I’m on vacation!” like a giant fire-breathing dragon in the background.
- 9:00 AM: Cham Museum (1 hour)
- 10:00 AM: Walk to Dragon Bridge (30 minutes)
- 10:30 AM: Photo op at Dragon Bridge (30 minutes)
By now, you’ll probably feel that familiar rumble in your stomach. Time for some lunch! Head to Mi Quang Ba Mua for a taste of the local specialty, Mi Quang noodles. You’ll want to savor every slurp.
- 11:00 AM: Lunch at Mi Quang Ba Mua (1 hour)
Post-lunch, make your way to Marble Mountains. A short taxi ride (about 20 minutes) will take you there. Spend a couple of hours exploring the caves and temples. Don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the panoramic views from the top. It’s a great spot for a deep, philosophical reflection like, “Why did I eat that second bowl of noodles?”
- 1:00 PM: Taxi to Marble Mountains (20 minutes)
- 1:20 PM: Marble Mountains exploration (2 hours)
As the sun starts to dip, make your way to My Khe Beach for a little relaxation. Kick off your shoes, stick your toes in the sand, and let the ocean breeze work its magic. Grab a coconut from a beach vendor to hydrate like a true tropical traveler.
- 3:30 PM: Head to My Khe Beach (20 minutes)
- 3:50 PM: Chill at the beach (2 hours)
Wrap up your first day with dinner at La Maison 1888 for a splurge-worthy meal. Yes, it’s a bit fancy, but you deserve it after a day of exploring. If you're feeling adventurous, try their signature dishes, and don’t skip dessert because calories don’t count on vacation, right?
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at La Maison 1888 (2 hours)
Day 2: Day trip to Hoi An
Day two is all about Hoi An, a place that looks like it was plucked straight from a postcard. You’ll want to leave early, so after breakfast, hop in a taxi or grab a shuttle bus to Hoi An (about 30 minutes). Once you arrive, start exploring the ancient town, known for its beautifully preserved architecture.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast and taxi to Hoi An (30 minutes)
- 8:00 AM: Explore ancient town (3 hours)
Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Hainanese Assembly Hall. Snap photos like you’re a travel influencer, and try not to trip over your own feet while doing it. After about three hours of wandering, it’s time to refuel. Stop by Morning Glory for a cooking class or just a delicious lunch. Who doesn’t want to learn the art of Vietnamese cooking while on vacation?
- 11:00 AM: Lunch at Morning Glory (1.5 hours)
After lunch, explore more of Hoi An or take a bike ride to the nearby rice paddies. You’ll feel like a local, and your Instagram followers will thank you for it. Spend your afternoon browsing local shops and markets for souvenirs. Remember, a magnet is always a good idea. It’s small, cheap, and you can pretend you went somewhere exotic when you stick it on your fridge.
- 1:30 PM: Bike ride or market browsing (2 hours)
As evening approaches, enjoy the lantern-lit streets by grabbing dinner at a local street food stall. Sample Cao Lau noodles or banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes). If you’re feeling brave, try some street food that’s a bit outside your comfort zone. Worst case scenario, it makes for a funny story later.
- 4:00 PM: Dinner at street food stalls (2 hours)
Finish your day by soaking in the atmosphere as the lanterns light up the night. Snap some last pics before heading back to Da Nang.
- 6:00 PM: Return to Da Nang (30 minutes)
Day 3: Indulge in local delights
On your final day, it’s time to dive into the local food scene. Start with breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong. Get ready to experience a sandwich that will change your life. No pressure, but this is serious business.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at Banh Mi Phuong (1 hour)
After breakfast, head to the Han Market. This bustling market is a feast for the senses. From fresh produce to unique souvenirs, you’ll find it all. It’s the perfect spot to practice your bargaining skills. Just remember, the more ridiculous your offer, the more they’ll laugh.
- 9:30 AM: Explore Han Market (1.5 hours)
Next, take a stroll along the riverfront. It’s a great way to work off that breakfast. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike to explore further. Pedal your way to the Love Lock Bridge, and don’t forget to add your own lock as a symbol of your trip. Who knows, you might just want to come back someday!
- 11:00 AM: Walk or bike along the riverfront (1.5 hours)
For lunch, treat yourself to some seafood at Be Man. Fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Afterward, you could spend your afternoon lounging at Non Nuoc Beach. Feel the sand between your toes and let the waves wash your worries away. It’s the perfect way to unwind before heading home.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Be Man (1.5 hours)
- 2:30 PM: Relax at Non Nuoc Beach (3 hours)
As the sun sets, grab a final dinner at Sky36 for stunning views of the city. You’ll want to toast to an unforgettable trip. And don’t forget to indulge in dessert—life is too short to skip the sweet stuff!
- 5:30 PM: Dinner at Sky36 (2 hours)
There you have it—a perfect three-day adventure in Da Nang, balancing culture, food, and relaxation. You’ve explored the highlights, ventured into Hoi An, and indulged in local delights. As you head home, remember to pack your memories and maybe a few extra snacks. After all, you never know when a travel craving will hit again!
