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The Best Things to Do in Hoi An and Da Nang
Written by Nick Rudd
From ancient lantern-lit streets to golden sands, central Vietnam’s twin cities of Hoi An and Da Nang offer abundant cultural treasures and modern-day adventures.
These sister cities – located just 40 minutes by car from each other – deliver some of Vietnam’s most unforgettable experiences, from honey-toned buildings, street food and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town in Hoi An to Da Nang’s gentle beaches and spectacular Marble Mountains.
Best things to do in Hoi An and Da Nang: food and drink
Taste city history
Duck into family-run restaurants – such as the renowned White Rose Restaurant in historic Cẩm Phô – to learn how to make Hoi An’s speciality white rose dumplings. Though they appear simple, the process is intricate: rice is ground and mixed with water from the old Ba Le well and filtered up to 20 times to create the dumpling’s signature delicate, airy dough.
Join the queue at any local banh mi shop to sink your teeth into one of the most celebrated sandwiches in the world, brave the lunch rush at Bun Cha Ca for legendary grilled fish cakes or feast on the morning’s catch at a seaside restaurant along My Khe Beach.
Sample local flavours
Book a table at The Deck Rooftop Bar Hoi An for a romantic riverside dinner with a view, or head to Vy’s Morning Glory cooking school for a day of biking in the Vietnamese countryside, gathering fresh herbs to make Hoi An’s famous local dishes. As night falls, hop between craft beer gardens and speakeasy cocktail bars like Mezcal Cocteleria and try innovative 3D-printed desserts and Pho-inspired cocktails at Art Space.
Feast your way through the markets
Hit the Han Market for Da Nang’s best mi quang (the city’s signature noodle dish, often served in turmeric broth). Pull up a tiny plastic stool at the Central Market for cao lau (pork noodles), another regional dish you’ll only find in Hoi An.
Enjoy cocktails and street eats
Watch the fire-breathing Dragon Bridge on weekends from Da Nang’s Brilliant Top Bar with a signature mango soul cocktail in hand. After dark, explore Con Market’s vibrant street food scene for the best banh xeo (savoury fried pancake), then end the night at Taco Ngon, where Vietnamese-Mexican fusion dishes deliver unexpected delights.
Best things to do in Hoi An and Da Nang: arts and culture
Cultural discovery awaits
Cycle through Hoi An’s emerald rice paddies to ancient pottery villages, or photograph the mesmerising Tra Que Herb Garden at sunrise, where the morning light creates pure magic for photographers. Explore the captivating My Son Sanctuary – a now-abandoned system of Hindu temples once used for religious ceremonies by the kings of the ancient Champa Kingdom – early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat. Experience traditional fishing life aboard Thanh Ha village’s basket boats, or take a sunset cocktail cruise along the Thu Bon River.
Explore extraordinary museums
Serious culture buffs shouldn’t miss the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum in Hoi An’s Old Town, showcasing photographer Réhahn’s remarkable portraits. In Da Nang, the Museum of Cham Sculpture houses the world’s finest collection of artefacts from the ancient Cham Kingdom, including many early depictions of Hindu and Buddhist deities.
Visit religious relics
Rise early to catch the bright pink Da Nang Cathedral bathed in dawn’s golden light, then journey deeper into Da Nang’s spiritual heart in the Marble Mountains, where hidden shrines and cave temples await discovery. Standing sentinel over the city, the towering Lady Buddha (Quan Âm, traditionally a goddess of mercy) statue on Son Tra Peninsula offers sweeping views of Da Nang’s soaring skyline.
Best things to do in Hoi An and Da Nang: events
Celebrate at the best festivals
Time your visit for the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival, when Hoi An’s Ancient Town shuts down its electric lights, instead leaving the streets aglow with thousands of silk lanterns. In February, the Tet Festival brings the city to life with vibrant yellows, reds and traditional decorations adorning every corner.
Witness spectacular shows and crafts
For a unique experience, join a traditional lantern-making workshop with skilled local artisans, catch the spectacular Memories Show at Hoi An Impression Theme Park – featuring 500 performers on floating stages – or visit one of the town’s 200+ expert tailors for custom-made clothing.
Enjoy sun, surf and sky
Take in the dazzling neon spectacle of the giant Sun Wheel Ferris wheel at Da Nang Downtown theme park, surf the clean breaks at My Khe Beach or retreat to InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort‘s spectacular infinity pool with panoramic views of Da Nang Bay.
Check out breathtaking sights
Cradled by massive stone fingers reaching through the mist, the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills floats like a divine catwalk in the Vietnamese sky – snag the perfect shot by arriving before the crowds roll in. For adrenaline seekers, the alpine coaster at Sun World Ba Na Hills sends you zipping through the misty jungle canopy, weaving between towering trees as you descend the mountainside.
Discover Vietnam
Feature image: The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
