If you’re basing yourself in Da Nang while you’re in Central Vietnam, you’re in the perfect spot to explore some of central Vietnam’s most incredible destinations. From lantern-lit towns and mountain passes to ancient ruins and beach escapes, Da Nang is basically the ultimate launchpad for adventure.
Whether you’re into culture, nature, food (or all three), these are the best day trips from Da Nang that are 100% worth adding to your Vietnam itinerary.
Where to Stay at Da Nang
Luxury: Radisson Hotel Danang
Mid-Range: Paris Deli Danang Beach Hotel
Budget: Sekong Hotel Da Nang
1. Hoi An
Distance: ~45 minutes
This is the must-do day trip from Da Nang. Hoi An is pure magic, think golden buildings, colourful lanterns, riverside cafés, and some of the best food in Vietnam.
Top things to do:
- Wander the Ancient Town
- Take a lantern boat ride on the river
- Try local dishes like cao lầu and bánh mì
- Visit at night when the lanterns light up the streets
👉 Pro tip: Stay into the evening – this is when Hoi An really comes alive.
Check out this lantern boat ride tour here:
Hoi An : Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern
2. Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge)
Distance: ~1 hour
Home to the famous Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills is one of Vietnam’s most unique attractions.
Highlights:
- Walk across the iconic hand-held bridge
- Ride one of the world’s longest alpine cable cars
- Explore the quirky French Village
- Enjoy cooler mountain temperatures
It’s a little theme-park-meets-mountain-resort – touristy and a little strange but definitely memorable.
Check out this tour to Ba Na Hills:
From Da Nang/Hoi An: Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Full-Day Tour
3. My Son Sanctuary
Distance: ~1–1.5 hours
A UNESCO-listed site, My Son is a collection of ancient Hindu temples dating back to the Champa Kingdom.
Why visit:
- Fewer crowds than Angkor-style sites
- Beautiful jungle setting
- Fascinating history and architecture
👉 Best time to go: Early morning to beat the heat and crowds.
Check out this tour to My Son Sanctuary:
My Son Sanctuary Tour by Van & Boat from Hoi An/Da Nang
4. Hai Van Pass
Distance: ~1–2 hours depending on route
If you love a good road trip moment, the Hai Van Pass is a must (and at the top of my list for my next visit!)
Expect:
- Sweeping coastal views
- Winding mountain roads
- Epic photo stops
You can do this by motorbike, private car, or even guided jeep tours – all equally stunning.
Check out this tour to Hai Van Pass:
Da Nang: Hue Imperial Day Trip, Hai Van Pass Train, & Lunch
5. Coconut Basket Boat Ride in Cam Thanh
One of the most fun (and slightly chaotic) experiences near Hoi An is a coconut basket boat ride through the waterways of Cam Thanh Coconut Village.
Just a short drive from Old Town, this area is famous for its lush water coconut palms and round bamboo basket boats and yes, the boats spin!
What to Expect:
- A guided ride through narrow canals lined with coconut palms
- Local boat drivers showing off impressive (and dizzying) spinning skills
- Traditional fishing demonstrations using nets
- Plenty of laughs, splashes, and photo opportunities
It’s touristy, loud, and a little over-the-top but in a genuinely fun, memorable way.
Check out this tour which includes a coconut boat ride here:
Da Nang/Hoi An: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride, Cooking Class
6. Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain)
Distance: ~30 minutes
For something closer to Da Nang, head to Son Tra Peninsula.
Highlights:
- The towering Lady Buddha statue
- Coastal viewpoints
- Possible monkey sightings (from a distance 👀)
It’s a quick, easy escape into nature without going far.
Check out this tour to Lady Buddha and Marble Mountains:
Da Nang/Hoi An: Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains & Am Phu Cave
7. Marble Mountains
Caves, Temples & Views
Distance: ~15–20 minutes
One of the easiest day trips (or half-day trips!) from Da Nang.
Don’t miss:
- Climbing through caves and tunnels
- Hidden temples and pagodas
- Panoramic views from the top
It’s a mix of adventure, culture, and great views all in one.
Check out this tour to Lady Buddha and Marble Mountains:
Da Nang/Hoi An: Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains & Am Phu Cave
How to Get Around for Day Trips
Getting around from Da Nang is easy:
- Grab / Taxi: Best for short trips (Marble Mountains, Monkey Mountain)
- Motorbike rental: Great for flexible exploring (Hai Van Pass especially)
- Private driver: Ideal for multiple stops in one day
- Organised tours: Stress-free option for places like My Son or Ba Na Hills
How Many Day Trips Should You Do?
If you’re staying in Da Nang for a few days:
- 2–3 days: Pick 1–2 day trips (Hoi An + Marble Mountains)
- 4–5 days: Add Hai Van Pass or Ba Na Hills
- Longer stays: Include My Son and a beach day
Mixing cultural spots with scenic escapes keeps your itinerary balanced.
Day Trips from Da Nang
Da Nang might be a destination in its own right, but it really shines as a base for exploring central Vietnam. Within just a short drive, you can go from ancient ruins to mountain peaks, from quiet beaches to lantern-lit towns.
Whether you’re chasing views, culture, or incredible food (or honestly, all of the above), these day trips from Da Nang make it easy to experience the very best of the region – without ever needing to pack and unpack your bags.
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out my 2-Week North & Central Vietnam Itinerary!
Vietnam Helpful Links
Where to stay in Da Nang
Luxury: Radisson Hotel Danang
Mid-Range: Paris Deli Danang Beach Hotel
Budget: Sekong Hotel Da Nang
Top Tours from Da Nang
– From Da Nang/Hoi An: Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Full-Day Tour
– Da Nang/Hoi An: Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains & Am Phu Cave
– Da Nang: Han River Local Cruise by Night
– Da Nang: Hue Imperial Day Trip, Hai Van Pass Train, & Lunch
– My Son Sanctuary Tour by Van & Boat from Hoi An/Da Nang
How to Get Around Vietnam: Grab & 12Go
Getting around Vietnam is incredibly easy once you download the right apps.
Grab is Vietnam’s version of Uber and is hands-down the best way to get around cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. You can book motorbikes, cars, and even food delivery, all with upfront pricing (no haggling required).
For longer journeys between cities, 12Go is a lifesaver. It lets you book trains, buses, and ferries across Vietnam in advance – perfect for planning trips between places like Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An. I booked my VIP sleeper bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa and would definitely recommend.
👉 Check out 12Go here
Vietnam SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Vietnam is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling “best pho near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Vietnam data plan before you even land.
There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.
👉 Get your Vietnam eSIM with Airalo here
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you
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