City TourGolden beaches. A bridge held up by giant stone hands. An old town that glows with lanterns every night.
Da Nang and Hoi An sit just an hour apart on Vietnam’s central coast, and together they make one of the easiest, most rewarding short trips from India. They’re especially popular with Indian travellers, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s our 5-day Da Nang itinerary, with Hoi An included, for couples, friends and families.
Why Da Nang and Hoi An Work So Well Together
Da Nang is a modern beach city with resorts, wide roads and good restaurants, including Indian ones. Hoi An is its opposite: a slow, charming UNESCO-listed old trading town. Stay in Da Nang and visit Hoi An, or split your nights between the two. Either way, you get beach, culture and adventure in one short trip.
Your 5-Day Plan at a Glance
| Day | Where | Highlights |
| 1 | Da Nang | Arrive, My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge at night |
| 2 | Da Nang | Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge |
| 3 | Da Nang | Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha at Son Tra |
| 4 | Hoi An | Ancient Town, tailors, basket boats, lantern night |
| 5 | Departure | My Son Sanctuary or beach morning, fly home |
Day 1: Arrive in Da Nang
Check into your hotel near My Khe Beach and spend the afternoon by the sea. After dinner, walk to the Dragon Bridge, which lights up beautifully at night. Flying in? Our guide to direct flights from India to Vietnam shows which cities have Da Nang routes.
Day 2: Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge
Spend the whole day at Ba Na Hills. Ride the long cable car up the mountain, walk across the famous Golden Bridge, and explore the French Village and gardens. The ticket costs around 1,000,000 VND per adult and includes the cable car rides, though the buffet lunch and some rides cost extra.
Tip: go early. Clouds often roll in later in the day, and the morning views are the clearest.
Day 3: Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula
In the morning, visit the Marble Mountains, five limestone hills filled with caves, pagodas and viewpoints. Entry is about 40,000 VND, with a small extra charge for the elevator. In the afternoon, drive up the Son Tra Peninsula to the Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda, which is free to visit and offers wide views over the bay.
Day 4: Hoi An Ancient Town
Head to Hoi An, about an hour away. The Ancient Town ticket costs 120,000 VND and covers entry to five heritage sites, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Old House. Get clothes tailored in a day, try a basket boat ride in the coconut forest, and stay for the evening, when the lanterns come on along the Thu Bon River.
Releasing a floating lantern on the river is a must, especially for couples. Families might also enjoy the Hoi An Memories show, which runs most evenings.
Day 5: My Son Sanctuary or Beach Time, Then Fly Home
If your flight is late, visit My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Cham temple complex in the jungle, early in the morning. Entry is about 150,000 VND, including the electric shuttle. Prefer to relax? Spend the morning on the beach before heading to the airport.
Where to Stay for Indian Travellers
- Da Nang beachfront (My Khe): convenient, with Indian restaurants nearby. Ideal for families and first-timers.
- Hoi An: quieter and more romantic, ideal for couples who want the lanterns on their doorstep.
Vegetarian or Jain? Our Indian and vegetarian food guide lists options in both cities.
Adapting the Plan for Families
With kids or elderly parents, keep the pace gentle. Ba Na Hills is a full day, so plan a lighter day after it. Marble Mountains has stairs, so the elevator helps. Our Vietnam family trip guide has more tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough for Da Nang and Hoi An?
Yes. It covers the main highlights at a relaxed pace.
When is the best time to visit Da Nang?
Roughly February to August, when it’s dry and sunny. September to November brings heavy rain. Our best time to visit Vietnam guide explains each month.
Should I stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?
Da Nang for beaches and convenience, Hoi An for charm and romance. Many travellers split their stay.
Can I add Hanoi and Ha Long Bay?
Yes. Our 7-day Vietnam itinerary combines them. Still choosing between beach cities? Read our Phu Quoc vs Da Nang comparison.
Plan Your Da Nang Getaway with Us
Five days in central Vietnam can feel like a much longer holiday when everything is planned well. For a full budget, see our Vietnam trip cost guide.
Share your dates and departure city with Flying Deck Vacations, and we’ll send you a customised Da Nang and Hoi An package with hotels, transfers and tickets included. Learn more in our guide to Flying Deck Vacations.
