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Wondering what day trips you can take from Hoi An or Da Nang that go beyond the usual lantern-lit strolls or beachside lounging? I get it—Hoi An is magical, but after a few days of tailoring appointments and ambling through the Old Town, you might be craving something more. A change of scenery. A deeper dive into Vietnam’s rich culture, or simply a moment of quiet away from the crowds. Let me show you the best ways to enrich your Central Vietnam itinerary with easy, unforgettable escapes that spark reflection, connection, and a little thrill.

A woman in a blue skirt and tank top sits on a large rock overlooking sweeping views of forested hills and the ocean — a must-visit viewpoint in any Hai Van Pass guide.
The Hai Van Pass is one of the best day trips from Da Nang or Hoi An

The best day trips from Hoi An or Da Nang

No time to read the full guide? Here are the most popular day trips from Hoi An & Da Nang you can book right now — I’ve included tours I recommend and that other travellers consistently rate 4.7★ or higher.

✨ I personally booked via GetYourGuide for my Hai Van Pass trip – the attention to safety and hotel drop- off made it totally stress free!

Vietnam, Unlocked is a culture-rich travel guide with itineraries, transport guidance, and planning tools — built for independent travellers who want depth, not rush.

👉 Download the Vietnam guide

Or, if you’re just getting started, you can sign up for my free Culture-First Traveller’s Guide to Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia — focused on history, everyday culture, and travelling thoughtfully.

👉 Get the free guide

And if you’d prefer someone to build a personalised itinerary just for you, I also offer

custom trip planning.

👉 Request a custom Vietnam itinerary

Why take a day trip from Da Nang or Hoi An?

Both Hoi An and Da Nang have a range of things to do without leaving the city. You can spend time exploring the beauty of Hoi An, a UNESCO Heritage city, or jumping between delicious cafes in Da Nang.

But after spending three months living in this corner of Vietnam—and visiting Hoi An three times since 2010 —I know firsthand how rewarding it is to explore beyond the city limits. There are countless rewarding day trips from Da Nang and Hoi An that will take you beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you’re riding pillion with an Easy Rider through the cloud-kissed Hai Van Pass (an experience I’ll never forget) or sipping local salt coffee in a book-filled café hidden among the rice fields, there’s a world of contrast and beauty just a short trip away.

A cozy outdoor café by a calm river features wooden tables shaded by large white umbrellas, surrounded by tropical plants and bright red flowers, all under a clear blue sky.
The cafes among Hoi An’s rice fields are absolutely stunning

Vietnam is stunning, and compared to other countries in Southeast Asia, it’s still easy to find unique and authentic experiences outside of the cities. This guide is crafted especially for the curious and culturally minded. If you’re looking for day trips that blend history, natural beauty, and a touch of adventure—like visiting the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary, climbing through the mystical Marble Mountains, or catching the sunset at An Bang Beach—you’re in the right place.

An ancient red-brick temple with a weathered entrance and stone carvings, located in a lush forest—one of the culturally rich sites explored during day trips from Hoi An.
The beautiful, ancient My Son ruins

Marvel at the Marble Mountains

Cost:

  • 40K VND entrance fee + 15K VND to get the lift (recommended)
  • 50K VND to hire a guide for your group (if not on a guided tour)

As you drive into Da Nang, you can’t help but notice the Marble Mountains. These limestone karsts jut from the ground dramatically, looming above the otherwise flat landscape in this part of Vietnam.

A panoramic view of a vibrant town nestled below the Marble Mountains, a popular destination offering caves, pagodas, and scenic vistas on day trips from Hoi An.
The Marble Mountains jut dramatically from the landscape

The temples in the mountains date back to the 17th Century, and were named after the five key elements in Buddhist Tradition: Water, Metal, Wood, Earth and Fire. While four have been destroyed by overmining, it’s still possible to visit the Water Mountain, which has both beautiful temples and dramatic caves.

As you enter on your day trip from Hoi An, you’ll first descend into Hell (literally), climbing down into dank caves full of moisture and dripping water. They’re also full of carvings and statues, depicting scenes from Buddhist Hell, with demons torturing sinners. This is absolutely not what I was expecting when I visited, but it was very interesting (and definitely worth the fact that the dampness in the caves makes the heat and humidity even worse than outside).

A woman in a black-and-white floral dress stands at a rustic wooden railing, looking out over a sprawling town with a lush, green mountain in the background under a vibrant blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds.
The view from the top of the Marble Mountains

After exploring the Hell Cave, you’ll ascend toward the Heaven area. I recommend taking the lift (elevator), as there are a lot of steps – over 150 to get to the Heaven area. If you’re worried about missing out on exercise, don’t worry – there are plenty more steps to reach the absolute top of the mountain even after you’ve taken the lift.

The Heaven area of the Water Mountain is truly beautiful, offering different temples and photo spots. You’ll find the Tam Thai Pagoda, a beautiful temple originally built in the 17th Century, and the stunning Huyen Khong Cave, where light streams in from above.

A dramatic cave temple with towering rock walls and a golden altar, bathed in natural light—one of the striking spiritual sites explored on day trips from Hoi An.
The cave in the Heaven area of Water Mountain

At the very top, you’ll climb again to a pagoda at the side of the mountain, offering stunning views of the other mountains and Da Nang in the distance.

Practicalities:

It’s easy to visit the Marble Mountains independently, as they are between Da Nang and Hoi An. However, if you do, you’ll miss out on a lot of the nuance of their history and religious significance. I recommend hiring a guide when you get there.

A traditional Vietnamese pavilion perched above a hill blanketed in lush greenery, offering a peaceful viewpoint on scenic day trips from Hoi An.
The pagoda at the very top of the mountain

If you choose to take a guided tour, this is likely to be combined with the Lady Buddha, and a couple of tourist stops: a visit to a marble workshop (fascinating, but well out of my price range) and a trip to a family-run rice paper shop. I Ioved the rice paper experience. We got to meet the older lady who ran the business, and learn about her family history, dating back to the turn of the century.

👉 See the Marble Mountains & Lady Buddha on a half-day guided tour (⭐ 4.7 3.8k+ reviews) — transport and guide included. Check availability

You might also be able to visit the Marble Mountains as part of a tour of the Hai Van Pass.

Understand Vietnam’s ancient past at the My Son archaeological site

Cost: 150K VND entry fee

Before Vietnam became a fully unified country, the central region was part of the Champa Kingdom, a powerful kingdom that ruled central and southern Vietnam from the 2nd to 17th century. The Champa Kingdom was eventually conquered by the Viet Kingdom, which absorbed their provinces one by one.

A towering, intricate Cham temple ruin made of red bricks, showcasing centuries-old architecture and carvings—perfect for history enthusiasts on day trips from Hoi An.
Stunning architecture at My Son

This popular day trip from Hoi An is only about an hour south of the city. My Son is one of the most significant Champa sites in Vietnam, and also has a strong link to Vietnam’s more recent history. There are a number of stunning Hindu temples, with brickwork that is so intricate that modern archaeologists and builders have been unable to recreate the construction method. You’ll also get a chance to see a traditional Champa dance show during your visit.

Like Hoi An, My Son is a UNESCO Heritage site, and one of the things I most enjoyed at the site was understanding the different conservation methods being used – for example, there were different areas of the site being overseen by archaeologists from different countries.

My Son is also an important site to understand Vietnam’s significantly more recent history. It was badly damaged during the Vietnam War, and this is still visible in many of the buildings. More alarmingly, there are still huge bomb craters around the site, preserved to show the impact of war on archeology.

A bomb crater filled with still water reflecting the sky and trees, located at the historic Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary—an evocative reminder of war history often seen during day trips from Hoi An.
One of the bomb craters left at My Son

Practicalities:

While you can visit My Son independently, as with any historic site I strongly recommend a guided tour. Without a competent guide, you’re unlikely to get much out of the visit, as you’ll miss the history and nuance.

This is usually a half day trip, lasting 3-4 hours. I visited My Son as a morning trip, but sunrise options are also very popular. As the site is in a valley, it’s significantly more humid than other areas of central Vietnam (our guide even brought a spare shirt and changed at lunchtime) – so a sunrise tour could help avoid this heat as well as the crowds there when I visited.

👉 Explore My Son with a top-rated small group tour (⭐ 4.7 – 1,200+ reviews) — includes hotel pickup from Hoi An or Da Nang. Reserve your spot now

👉 Prefer to beat the heat? Join the sunrise My Son tour (⭐ – 4.8 -2 .2k+ reviews) — it’s the most popular choice and often sells out. Book early here

Be awed by the serene beauty of the Lady Buddha

Cost: free to enter

The beautiful Lady Buddha statue towers over Da Nang, visible from My Khe beach on a clear day. Built between 2004-2010, she is 67 metres tall and the largest Lady Buddha in Southeast Asia. When I visited, our guide told us that locals in Da Nang credit her presence with saving them from serious damage during Vietnam’s annual typhoon season – locals say there hasn’t been serious storm damage since she was built.

A towering white statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) stands against a bright blue sky with light clouds. The statue rests on a lotus pedestal and holds a small vase in one hand.
The Lady Buddha watches over Da Nang

You can visit her at the Monkey Mountain, about 15 minutes from the main tourist area of central Da Nang. The site also includes a temple in her base, as well as other temples on site and stunning panoramic views over Da Nang.

Be aware that Monkey Mountain has that name for a reason – the first time I visited, I didn’t see any monkeys, but more recently there were a huge group up at the statue. While they don’t have the same reputation for aggression as those in Ubud and the Batu Caves in Malaysia, they will steal things that are left unattended – I saw one steal a drink from someone’s motorbike!

A close-up shot of a monkey sitting in the fork of a leafy tree branch, partially hidden among green leaves. The monkey faces forward with its paws resting on its lap, and a rocky background is visible behind the tree.
A thief!

Practicalities:

  • As this is a religious site, made sure your shoulders and knees are covered, and remove your shoes before entering temples.
  • Try to avoid having plastic bags as monkeys associate these with food, and don’t leave your things unattended if the monkeys are around!

The Lady Buddha is easy to visit and doesn’t require a guide – but many people include it on a guided tour of the Marble Mountains ⭐ 4.7 (3.8k+ reviews)

This is only a short day trip from Hoi An or Da Nang, and it makes for a peaceful, low intensity activity to get you away from the cities.

Understand Vietnam’s Imperial Past in Hue

Cost: depends on the sites chosen, but a combo ticket for the Imperial City, Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb is 420K VND

Around two hours’ drive from Da Nang, Hue is a popular central Vietnam day trip from either Hoi An or the Dragon City. This trip is more intense than others in this list, and will require a full day.

Woman in a blue dress standing confidently at the decorated entrance of the Imperial Palace, showcasing the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty architecture.
The entrance to the Imperial City, Hue

Once the capital of the Vietnamese Kingdom, Hue is another UNESCO site which still has enormous Imperial Palaces, an imposing Imperial Citadel, and the ornate tombs of many of the later Emperors. A visit to Hue will help you to understand the Viet Kingdom both before and after French colonisation, as well as giving an insight into why the Kingdom came to an end after the Second World War.

There is so much to see and do in Hue – I have a full post on the different imperial sites including the Imperial City, the more austere Tomb of Tu Duc, and the incredibly ornate Tomb of Khai Dinh, the penultimate Emperor.

Woman in a blue dress standing confidently at the decorated entrance of the Imperial Palace, showcasing the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty architecture.
The incredibly ornate palace of the penultimate Emperor was seen as an example of colonial excess

Practicalities:

There are a number of different ways to get to Hue from Da Nang or Hoi An including bus, train and motorbike. However, if you are doing this as a day trip, I recommend taking a guided tour that will pick you up in your chosen city.

👉 Discover Vietnam’s imperial past on a full-day Hue tour from Da Nang or Hoi An (⭐ 4.7 (500+ reviews) — includes the Citadel, pagodas, and Emperor’s tombs. Reserve your ticket today

The iconic Thien Mu Pagoda standing tall among pine trees under a clear blue sky, a historic and spiritual landmark not to miss on a day trip from Da Nang or Hoi An.
The beautiful Pagoda of the Celestial Lady in Hue

A guided tour will:

  • Help you to understand the complex historic context of multiple sites in Hue
  • Ensure you use your time efficiently, moving you between sites to allow you to see as much as possible in one day
  • Take care of ticketing, so you avoid wasting time in queues

Even if you choose to travel to Hue independently, for example via Vietnam’s trains, I strongly recommend a guided tour of the historic monuments. I visited without a guide when I came to Vietnam in 2010, and can still vividly remember how frustrating it was not to understand anything across these beautiful historic sites.

Visiting Hue on a day trip from Da Nang or Hoi An is very possible, but a long day. If your itinerary allows, consider staying a night or two in Hue (as I did) and combining it with the Hai Van Pass. You can then proceed on to Ninh Binh or Hanoi as part of your north Vietnam itinerary.

🛏️ If you decide to stay overnight, I recommend this highly rated Hue hotel – it made my 2-day visit much more relaxed ⭐ 8.5 (500+ reviews)

👉 Use my 2 days in Hue itinerary to make the most of Vietnam’s Imperial City – and atmospheric abandoned waterpark!

Laze on the gorgeous An Bang Beach

Cost: 50K VND for a sunbed

While Da Nang’s My Khe beach is gorgeous, and one of the longest in Asia, I often found it too busy and loud for true beach lazing. The noise from beach bars and the sheer number of people passing by made it a bit too intense for me during my time living in Da Nang.

Gentle waves roll onto a sandy beach with a backdrop of lush mountains and a clear turquoise sky, capturing a serene coastal scene.
The beautiful An Bang beach

An Bang Beach, however, just outside Hoi An, is much more relaxed. Much smaller and quieter, this gorgeous golden shoreline still offers great amenities – there are more beachfront restaurants (many of which have toilets), as well as plenty of sunbeds. While it does still get busy, the vibe is much more relaxed, with no blaring music – perfect for reading one of the powerful novels about Vietnam I’ve recommended. There’s also some truly gorgeous cafes if you need a break from relaxing on the beach.

Treat yourself to a day trip from Hoi An or away from the hustle of Da Nang, and simply relax. Get a massage in An Bang at Jasmine’s during the day, or try dinner at Ken’s Vegetarian, who will whip you up a veggie version of Cao Lao, the local Hoi An noodle dish.

Practicalities:

An Bang beach is about 10 minutes drive from central Hoi An. You can take a taxi, a Grab Bike (around 30K VND), or cycle through the rice fields. Many of the bigger hotels may also offer shuttles.

A sandy path lined with palm trees leading to a turquoise beach, with round bamboo fishing boats typical of Vietnam—an inviting stop on coastal day trips from Hoi An.
The entrance to An Bang beach feels a bit like entering heaven

🛵 It’s about 40 minutes from Da Nang. You can take a shared shuttle during the day via 12GoAsia. A Grab Bike should cost about 120K VND and a Grab Taxi around 300K VND.

🛏️ If you’d rather stay closer to the beach, check out this An Bang guesthouse where I stayed during my trip.

Hai Van Pass – ride Vietnam’s most scenic road

Cost: $42 USD for a one way Easyrider tour

Once you’ve had your day of rest on An Bang beach, it’s time for something much more intense! Head out onto one of Vietnam’s most scenic roads for a ride along the ocean and up into the mountains to Hue.

A woman in blue pants and a sleeveless top sits on a large rock, looking out over a sweeping green valley and distant ocean under a clear blue sky, with scattered boulders and a viewing deck nearby.
Scenic views on the Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van Pass runs between Da Nang and Hue, and represents a strategic point in Vietnam’s geography, separating north and south. It’s now a dream of a road to ride a motorbike, because a new tunnel means that the scenic road is now mostly free of traffic, with only bikes and the occasional tour bus using it.

A smiling woman poses with arms raised beside a packed red motorbike on the Hai Van Pass, Vietnam. Behind her, the curving mountain road and lush green hills stretch under a bright blue sky.
I loved my Easyrider Trip on the Hai Van Pass

If you are riding independently, note that you must wear a helmet. Be aware that while the road is in good condition, it might be challenging if you’re not a confident rider because of the steep sections.

Practicalities:

I wrote a full guide on my Easyrider tour of the Hai Van Pass in April 2025, and loved every moment of being an Easyrider passenger on this full day ride from Hue to Da Nang. However, if you want to do it as a day trip, a round trip option is available, either as an Easyrider or to ride independently. You could go as far as Lang Co Beach, where I had lunch, before turning back, for example. You can also visit the Hai Van Pass as part of a day trip to Hue, with many tour buses taking you through the pass. Note, however, that these won’t make stops.

👉 Ride pillion on the famous Hai Van Pass with the Easyrider tour I used (⭐ 4.7 from 30+ reviews) — hotel pickup and luggage transfer included. Book here

👉 Want a 4×4 adventure? Try this guided jeep tour over Hai Van Pass (⭐ 4.7 from 25+ reviews) – epic views guaranteed. Check availability

🛵 Nervous about doing an Easyrider trip through the Hai Van Pass? Don’t worry – my full Hai Van Pass guide breaks it down with exactly what you’ll see, safety tips, and why I felt completely comfortable on the ride.

Bana Hills – visit the iconic Golden Bridge

Cost: 900K VND entrance cost

It’s hard to look up Da Nang without coming across Bana Hills, the enormous amusement/attraction park in the hills near the city. Famous among Westerners for the many Instagram shots of the bridge that’s held with giant hands, it’s much more than that!

An enormously popular day trip from Da Nang, it’s run by the Vietnamese tourism company SunWorld, who also run the access to Fansipan Mountain via the cable car near Sapa. Bana Hills is a theme park meets Instagram dreamscape, with a number of rides and a French village, as well as cultural performances and exhibitions.

While I never made it to Bana Hills, it’s an extremely popular destination, and definitely worth considering as part of your central Vietnam itinerary.

Practicalities:

Bana Hills is about 1.5 hours from Da Nang and up to 2 hours from Hoi An. You can organise tickets that also include transport for a seamless day.

👉 Visit the iconic Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills (⭐ 4.5 700+ reviews) — ticket includes round-trip transfers and skip-the-line entry. Reserve now

You can also take a private car, although I would suggest also organising pick up rather than relying on Grab to get you home.

Ride through Hoi An’s lush rice fields

Cost: small fee to rent a bike, depending on the provider

Hoi An’s rice fields are stunningly beautiful. They stretch out between central Hoi An and An Bang, with paths arching off the road guarded by buffalo (and their owners, looking to sell you a ride). Like the area around Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, they are easily explored by bike. This is more of a morning trip than a day trip, particularly if you are visiting while it’s hot, but don’t miss the chance to explore Hoi An’s gorgeous rural landscape.

I mostly explored this area by Grab bike, hopping between gorgeous cafes as I worked on Em’s Globetrotting Gems.

A tranquil outdoor seating area with wooden chairs and a shaded koi pond, ideal for relaxing during cultural or wellness-focused day trips from Hoi An.
The cafes on the rice fields offer beauty and peace

Practicalities:

Most people do this by bicycle, either independently or as part of a tour. If you choose a tour, you can often combine it with your coconut boat ride and a cooking class at a restaurant hidden away in the rice fields.

A black motorbike parked beside a small organic vegetable garden in a rural village, showcasing the charm of countryside life on eco-friendly day trips from Hoi An.
Hoi An’s rice fields are beautiful and peaceful

👉 Cycle through Hoi An’s rice fields on a small-group countryside tour (⭐ 4.8 – 500+ reviews) – includes lunch, coconut boat ride, and traditional workshop visits. Book your spot today

If you’re going independently, look up some of the beautiful cafes in the rice fields first, and plot a course between them.

🛏️ Where Should I Stay in Da Nang

Da Nang has a specific area dedicated to tourists – the An Thuong Tourist Streets. Right on My Khe Beach, this area has the most restaurants, bars and coffee shops in Da Nang.

Options include:

🛏️ Where Should You Stay in Hoi An?

There’s an abundance of choice for hotels in Hoi An, from charming local stays to riverside resorts:

  • An Hoi, where the main night market happens – opt for the quieter back streets.
  • Cam Nam is a quiet island is about 10 minutes walk from the Ancient Town, but feels a million peaceful miles away. While there are a number of hotels, there are still lots of private houses, and it feels much less touristy.
  • There are beautiful upmarket hotels lining the river. These have stunning views and are usually away from the noise of the main town.

Options include:

  • Yen Villas (pictured) – this is where I stayed, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Rooms are spacious and clean. The aircon works, and there is a beautiful small pool. The family running the small hotel are among the most helpful and kind people I’ve come across while travelling. ⭐ 9.4 (600+ reviews).
Modern guesthouse in Hoi An surrounded by lush gardens and tropical plants, with balconies and large windows under a dramatic blue sky—an inviting place to stay on any Central Vietnam itinerary.
Yen Villa
  • Hoi An Town Centre Hotel – on An Hoi, this highly rated hotel is budget/mid-range for Vietnam. It has excellent reviews, and is away from the noise of the night market. ⭐ 9.5 (1.1k+ reviews).
  • River Town Hoi An Resort and Spa – also on An Hoi, but on the riverfront, this is a 5* resort, with an infinity pool, gardens, spa and free bicycles ⭐ 9.4 (1.2k+ reviews)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hoi An and Da Nang Safe?

Many travellers wonder about safety in Vietnam. The good news is that Da Nang and Hoi An are considered two of the safest cities in Vietnam for travellers. The An Thuong area of Da Nang in particular is very friendly and welcoming. Hoi An is a very touristy town, and busy into the evening, so there are almost always people around. However, take the usual precautions, particularly if you are out late at night. For example, make sure to use Grab (the Asian version of Uber) rather than unlicensed taxis or motorbikes.

The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) states that the most frequent types of crime in Vietnam are bag snatching and theft. However, rates of crime in Da Nang are very low and Hoi An is considered one of the safest cities in the world for solo travellers. People often leave bags – and even laptops – at tables in cafes. That said, it’s still wise to take standard precautions, especially late at night.

Is Vietnam a good destination for solo female travelers?

A wellness practitioner using Tibetan singing bowls in a sound therapy class, offering a deeply relaxing and unique thing to do in Da Nang for holistic healing enthusiasts.

Absolutely. Both Da Nang and Hoi An are considered safe and welcoming for solo travelers, including women. Use the same precautions you would at home—avoid poorly lit areas late at night and use Grab instead of unlicensed taxis.

Both Da Nang and Hoi An offer numerous Facebook groups for travellers who are staying a bit longer – including ones specifically for women. These are a great source of ad-hoc events in the area, such as the sound bath I enjoyed in Da Nang.

Should I book day trips in advance or wait until I arrive?

While you can book tours once you’re in Vietnam, the most popular options — like the My Son sunrise tour and the Hai Van Pass Easyrider trip — often sell out days or even weeks ahead during peak season (April–August). You also don’t have the same guarantees about quality, as there won’t be reviews available.

I recommend booking through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator for instant confirmation and easy hotel pickup. It saves you from last-minute stress and guarantees your spot, especially if your travel dates are limited.

Are group tours or private tours better for Vietnam day trips?

It depends on your style of travel:

Group tours (the most popular option) are affordable, social, and usually well-organized. They’re perfect if you don’t mind meeting other travelers.

Private tours give you more flexibility and personal attention from your guide. They’re great if you’re traveling as a couple, family, or just prefer a slower pace.

I usually book small-group tours via GetYourGuide, because they’re limited in size (often under 12 people) — so you get the benefits of a guide without feeling lost in a big crowd.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Central Vietnam?

Bowl of vegan vermicelli noodles topped with crispy spring rolls, fresh herbs, and shredded vegetables, paired with a dipping sauce and a refreshing drink at one of the best vegan restaurants in Da Nang.

Yes! Vietnamese cuisine has excellent plant-based dishes, and you can find dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants in both Hoi An and Da Nang. Popular dishes include bánh xèo (local pancakes) with mushrooms, veggie pho, vegetable spring rolls and vegan versions of cao lầu.

Most day trips that offer lunch will make sure that there are at least vegetarian options and usually vegan is also offered – but check with your tour company in advance.

When is the best time to visit central Vietnam?

The best time to visit central Vietnam, including Da Nang and Hoi An, is the peak tourist season, from April to August. This offers drier weather and sunnier days, although temperatures do get very high later in this season, reaching 40c in July and August.

September to March is considered the wet season, and is less popular with tourists.

I was in Da Nang in late February and March in 2025, and the weather was very variable. Some days had beautiful sunshine, while others had drizzling rain. By April, summer had arrived and it was very hot.

How to get to Da Nang and Hoi An

A cozy train cabin with two parallel beds covered in red and yellow bedding, a small table in between with bottled water and a lotus flower, and soft lighting illuminating the space.

Air: Da Nang International Airport is about 15 minutes’ from Da Nang and less than an hour from Hoi An. It’s a modern airport with excellent facilities. Regular flights arrive from domestic destinations including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as international destinations like Bangkok, Kuala LumpurSingapore and Siem Reap.

Train: Da Nang is one of the main stations on Vietnam’s extensive railway network, which stretches from Ho Chi Minh City in the south to Hanoi and even Sapa in the north. Trains arrive and depart from Da Nang Train station, with departures to key destinations several times a day. The train station is about 15 minutes drive from central Da Nang, and about 1 hour from Hoi An. I wrote a full guide on the Vietnamese trains I took, because I loved the experience!

Bus: Buses arrive in Da Nang or Hoi An from ther destinations across Vietnam from destinations including Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang and others. Buses arriving and departing Da Nang or Hoi An will usually operate from bus company offices across the city, rather than a central bus station.

Use 12GoAsia to book both bus and train tickets for your Vietnam itinerary – easy, instant confirmation and no language barrier.

Is it easy to get around Da Nang and Hoi An without speaking Vietnamese?

Yes, in most tourist areas, basic English is widely spoken, especially by hotel staff, tour guides, and Grab drivers. If you’re doing a day trip, people at tourist sites also usually speak English. That said, learning a few phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) or “Cảm ơn” (thank you) is appreciated and can enhance your experience.

Make sure you have Google Translate downloaded onto your phone for any more complex situations.

Whether you’re chasing history, coastal views, or simply a fresh perspective, these day trips from Hoi An and Da Nang offer the perfect balance of culture, nature, and adventure. After exploring them myself—sometimes on the back of a motorbike, other times with a book in hand at a quiet countryside café—I can confidently say they’re worth the detour. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in Central Vietnam, and reminds you that the magic often begins just outside the city.

✨ Ready to turn your Vietnam daydreams into reality? These are the most popular day trips from Da Nang & Hoi An — book now to skip the stress of planning on arrival.

Planning a Trip to Vietnam?

If you want a detailed, culture-first Vietnam travel guide with realistic itineraries, destination deep dives, transport advice, and practical planning tools, Vietnam, Unlocked is designed to help you plan a confident, well-paced trip — without overwhelm or rushed decisions.

👉 Explore Vietnam, thoughtfully with Vietnam, Unlocked

If you’re still in the inspiration or early planning phase, you can also download my free Culture-First Traveller’s Guide to Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia — a thoughtful introduction to travelling Southeast Asia with context, care, and curiosity.

👉 Get the free culture-first guide

And if you’d prefer someone to build a personalised itinerary just for you — tailored to your time, interests, pace, and travel style — I also offer custom trip planning.

👉Request a custom Vietnam itinerary

Em is the traveller behind Em’s Globetrotting Gems, a blog where she shares practical travel tips and first-hand insights from her global adventures. After spending three months living in Da Nang in 2025 — and exploring nearby Hoi An, Hue, and beyond — she’s well-placed to recommend the best day trips in Central Vietnam. Her blog focuses on helping fellow travellers discover authentic experiences with ease and confidence.

✅ All photos featured on this blog are from my personal travel experiences. No stock images are used.

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