The Central Vietnamese coast should not be missed when you are visiting Vietnam. The two popular cities to visit in Central Vietnam are Da Nang and Hoi An. A lot of people wonder whether they should visit one city over the other, but it is recommended that you visit both!

Both Da Nang and Hoi An are located on the coast in Central Vietnam some 6 hours away from the cave paradise of Phong Nha. Da Nang is a beautiful and quiet city filled with fascinating historical sites, peaceful temples, fascinating bridges, wonderful restaurants, a stunning Da Nang beach and a fun amusement park. 

Hoi An is a magical town where you will find decorative lanterns hanging in different styles and colors, and, of course, Hoi An lantern festival. Hoi An is known as the “peaceful meeting place” and it is considered a historic trading port filled with wonderful sites and adventure.

There are a plethora of wonderful things to do in Da Nang and Hoi An. Discover the top 10 things you must see in these Vietnamese cities.

Where to Stay in Da Nang:

Luxury: Vinpearl Luxury Da Nang

Mid-Budget/Boutique: Bridges Da Nang

Budget: Seahorse Hostel

Where to Stay in Hoi An:

Luxury: Anantara Hoi An Resort

Mid-Budget/Boutique: Beach Haven Suites

Budget: Hoi An Vietnam Backpacker Hostel Hoi An

 Getting to Da Nang and Hoi An

The airport to fly into if you are looking to explore Central Vietnam is Da Nang International Airport. (It is easy to get a flight there from most Southeast Asia cities as well as large Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi). You could also get around the country by renting a car, taking the train or bus to and from Da Nang Railway Station or you could rent a motorbike. 

It is important to note that Uber does not run in Vietnam, but they do have a similar service called Grab, where you could haul a taxi at an affordable cost through an app. You cannot use Grab’s services unless you have a Vietnam phone number or SIM card.

If you are hauling a regular taxi, you will need to be aware of scammers. You should not pay more than 100 Vietnamese Dong (VND) for every 10 miles. It is easy for foreign travelers to be charged more when they travel from the airport to their accommodation. It is also important to always make sure that the meter is running when you enter a taxi. If there isn’t one, ensure you negotiate a price before you get into the cab.

The most convenient and cost-effective ways to get to and from Da Nang and Hoi An are by hauling a Grab ride or taxi. 

Check out this comprehensive guide on getting from Da Nang to Hoi An.

Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An by public transport

You could also take Bus #1 for only 30 VND from the Da Nang Bus Station to Ben Xe Hoi An Bus Station or vice versa. Even though taking the bus is the cheapest option, it will take a bit longer to get to and from Da Nang and Hoi An. 

Top 10 Things to do in Da Nang and Hoi An

Although it doesn’t matter if you start in Da Nang versus Hoi An, this blog post begins with the best things to do in Da Nang and then goes into all of the fun things to do in Hoi An.

Things to do in Da Nang

Linh Ung Pagoda and Lady Buddha:

One of the most peaceful spots in Da Nang is Linh Ung Pagoda. Located on the Son Tra Peninsula, Linh Ung Pagoda became a sacred spot because legend has it that a Buddha statue was found drifted along a sandbank. Locals saw that as a sign and established a shrine there for worship and later on, Linh Ung Pagoda was built at that exact spot. 

Linh Ung Pagoda is considered the largest pagoda in Da Nang and it brings together contemporary style combined with the inherent tradition of pagodas in Vietnam including those in Hanoi. The four main sites you have to see at Linh Ung Pagoda are the main shrine, which is considered the most dignified and pure. There are three statues, four guardians and 18 Arhats to protect the main shrine at Linh Ung Pagoda.

 You cannot miss seeing the beautiful Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda. She is the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam and is perched atop of a lotus-shaped temple. She has 17 floors and each level is dedicated to a different Buddha. If you climb to the top of Lady Buddha, you could witness some of the best views of the city.

Ba Na Hills

An exciting resort located in the Truong Son Mountains within the Da Nang area is Ba Na Hills. This resort is where you could find the iconic Golden Bridge, otherwise known as the hand bridge of Vietnam. In order to actually get to Ba Na Hills, you will need to take a cable car. That specific cable car holds several Guinness World Records for being the widest gap between the top and bottom stations and it offers the greatest change in elevation. 

When you eventually reach the top, you will enter Sun World amusement park. Sun World is European themed, so one part of the park will have you feeling like you are strolling through Paris and the other side will make you feel like you’re in the mountains of Bavaria with medieval castles. Some of the must-do rides and attractions at Sun World are the Wax Museum, the Alpine Coaster, the 4D Death Race, the Drop Tower, flower display and more.

The Golden Bridge is known as the most famous spot at Ba Na Hills’ Sun World. In order to get there, you will need to take another mini cable car to get to this 150-meter-long (492-foot) bridge and it is absolutely fascinating!

My Khe Beach

Named as “One of the Most Attractive Beaches on the Planet” by Forbes Magazine, My Khe Beach is a beautiful and clean beach to visit during your time in Da Nang. It features smooth white sand, clear and warm water, mountain views, coconut trees as well as stunning buildings and skyrises. This wonderful beach is located on the South China Sea and you could also see Lady Buddha from there. Clearly it is one of the best beaches in Vietnam!

Marble Mountains

Another enchanting place to visit in Da Nang are the Marble Mountains. According to ancient Vietnamese folklore, a dragon emerged from the water on Non Nuoc Beach and laid an egg. After a thousand days and nights followed before the egg hatched, out stepped a beautiful girl. The shell particles were left on the coastline and then grew into the five Marble Mountains. 

The Marble Mountains of Vietnam feature gates, Buddhas, fountains and also souvenir shops. In addition, there are also stalls to savor delicious street food and a comforting cup of Vietnamese coffee.

During your time at Marble Mountains, it is popular to hike and walk through the Mountain of Water, which is home to pagodas dating back to the 17th Century and a variety of caves that are really cool to walk through.

You can have a similar experience in Ninh Binh in northern Vietnam with ancient temples and karst mountains exactly like in Halong Bay.

Dragon Bridge Fire Show

The Dragon Bridge is known as the longest bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam and it presents a display of lights, fire and water. You cannot miss out on the Dragon Bridge Fire Show when you visit Da Nang!

During weekend evenings, annual festivities and holidays, this state-of-the-art bridge spits out water or breathes fire from its mouth from 9pm onwards. This cool bridge commemorates Da Nang’s liberation after the Vietnam War and the dragon itself symbolizes power, nobility and good fortune. The Han River features a waterfront area where you could sit at a park bench and watch the show. There are also riverfront bars, restaurants and cafés that offer outdoor and terrace seating for you to enjoy the show. 

Things to do in Hoi An

Bay Mau Coconut Forest Tour

One of the top things to experience in Hoi An is the Bay Mau Coconut Forest Tour. During an experience like this, you will be assigned a traditional basket boat with a guide who will lead you into a coconut forest.

(You will also be given an iconic rice hat to wear and if it is raining, you will be provided with a poncho.)

As you make your way into the coconut forest, you will see beautiful coconut trees as well as sea life such as crabs, fish and more.

Your guide will also take you to great photo spots and will bring you to a “dancing area” where there are performers rocking out on their basket boats to a DJ. You will also get your very own hands-on fisherman experience!

 Rice Fields Meal

Another great experience in Hoi An is having lunch or dinner on a picturesque rice field. The Field is a breathtaking restaurant where you could savor delicious and authentic Vietnamese dishes with stunning views of rice paddies, a peaceful river with lotus flowers and lily pads along with a beautiful garden.

It is recommended that you enjoy your meal in the dreamy bamboo gazebo that is secluded and peaceful. No matter what you indulge in at The Field, you will truly enjoy it.

 Hoi An Ancient Town

One of the top things to do in Hoi An is wander through the ancient town. Hoi An’s ancient town is where you will find homemade lanterns of all different shapes and styles hanging everywhere. This magical area in Hoi An is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is a lot of European influence and a plethora of great places to eat, drink, shop and have fun!

In addition, there is also a night market in Hoi An’s ancient town that includes 50 stalls of delicious street food, homemade artisanal handicrafts, colorful lanterns and so much more. You could also take a sunset or evening cruise on the Bon River. It Is absolutely beautiful 

My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary is another fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit in Hoi An. This Hindu-themed ruin complex features breathtaking sculptures, temples and towers. It was once a political center and royal burial ground devoted to Hindu gods and goddesses.

Throughout history, My Son Sanctuary was destroyed during various wars and it was rediscovered and restored by the French in the late 19th Century. It was later destroyed again by Americans during the Vietnam War.

Custom-Tailored Garment

One of the best authentic experiences in Hoi An is visiting a tailor shop to get new clothing custom made just for you. One of the best shops in Hoi An’s ancient town was Sam Cloth Shop. The designers will give you an iPad that displays different outfits found on Pinterest. As you scroll through, you could choose different styles that you like. You will be measured after that and then the outfit will be made overnight with a fabric of your choice. I believe that shopping is one of the best things to do in Hoi An! 

Author’s bio

Taylor is the millennial, boutique travel blogger, writer and content creator behind Brown Eyed Flower Child. Originally from New Jersey, outside of New York City, Taylor enjoys traveling all over the world and showcasing everything she experiences “through her eyes” on both her blog and social media. Along with traveling and blogging, Taylor’s hobbies include being active and going hiking, skiing and ice skating as well as doing yoga and dancing. She also loves to read; visit wineries and discover hidden food gems.  

All pictures in this article are the property of Taylor Deer and her blog.