Da Nang & Hoi An Food Guide: What To Eat

by Emily | posted in: Vietnam | 0

Last updated on March 29th, 2026

If you’re looking for a diverse Vietnamese food experience, then this list of best Da Nang and Hoi An restaurants, cafes, and street foods has you covered. You’ll discover all the delicious, cheap, and mouth-watering local Vietnamese cuisine in the Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide when you visit Central Vietnam.

When talking about the culture of a country, it is impossible not to speak about food. I have been to Central Vietnam and visited the Da Nang and Hoi An for a short gateway. We visited many attractions and enjoyed coming here for the unbeatable value, and most important delicious Vietnamese food. The food scene in Central Vietnam offers unique flavors and the local cuisine here will surely satisfy all travelers.

While our Central Vietnamese food guide focuses on the best dishes to have in Da Nang and Hoi An, and also some of the best restaurants to try those Vietnamese local dishes. If you’d like to know where to try some of the tastiest Vietnamese local dishes in Danang and Hoi An like Banh Mi, Cao Lau, Mi Quang, then this article will be useful to you.

On this ultimate Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide, you will find our best food tips, where and what to eat in Da Nang and Hoi An. Feel free to check out all the food tips to know where and what to eat when you come here.

Table of Contents

What To Eat in Da Nang and Hoi An

There are countless places to enjoy the best food in Da Nang and Hoi An. Among them, street food plays a big role in Central Vietnam with many local cuisines available on the many streets. If you are not street food fans, there are also some great Vietnamese restaurants for casual Vietnamese food, offering a great chance to try regional food.

Here are a few local Vietnamese delicacies you have to try and listed in the Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide:

Mì Quảng (Quang style Noodle)
Cao lầu (Hoi An Style Noodles)
Bánh mì (Vietnamese Bread)
Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (White Rose Dumplings)
Thịt Nướng / Thịt xiên Nướng (Grilled meat on Skewers)
Bánh xèo (Vietnamese Rice Crepes / Pancakes)
Hải Sản (Seafood)
Phở Bo (Beef Pho Noodle Soup)
Com Ga Hoi An (Vietnamese Chicken Rice)
Refreshing drink (Vietnamese iced coffee, local beer, lotus herbal tea, and more)

Food Tour in Da Nang and Hoi An (Quick Link)

Eating at local Vietnamese restaurants is great, but so is going on a food tour. It’s a great way to learn about the local cuisine. Check out some of the most popular food-related tours and activities in Da Nang and Hoi An.

Mì Quảng (Quang style Noodle)

What To Eat in Da Nang and Hoi An - Mi Quang — Mi Quang – Da Nang Must Eat

Mì Quảng is a Vietnamese noodle dish that originated in Quảng Nam Province in Central Vietnam. Literally translating to Quảng style noodles, the famous Quang noodles have long been a favourite food among locals and travellers to Da Nang in the Central region.

Mi Quang has a rustic taste and is rich in flavour. The main ingredients of mì quảng are turmeric rice noodles, meat, and herbs, most commonly served with a small amount of broth. Typically, this noodle dish is topped with freshly fried peanuts or rice crackers and served together or separately with raw vegetables.

You can find Mì Quảng almost everywhere in Da Nang for an authentic local bowl of this iconic dish. During our exploration of the city, we tried the Mi Quang at a tiny restaurant tucked in a hidden alley. All the customers are locals. It was an amazing find. You can try the perfect combination of Quang noodles and crispy ram here. Most importantly, prices are extremely affordable.

Price from: 40,000-60,000 VND/bowl.

Da Nang Food Trip: You can also sample this wonderful Da Nang signature dish in Hoi An.

Cao lầu (Hoi An Style Noodles)

Cao lau - Hoi An Style Noodles — Cao Lau – Hoi An Style Noodles

Another must-eat in Central Vietnam – Cao Lau, the Hoi An Style Noodles. It is a rice noodle dish served with pork, greens, and fresh herbs. The special about the Cao Lau is the noodles. The noodles are pre-soaked in local water with lye made from wood ash, giving it a unique bright yellow color and characteristic flavor.

Cao Lau is the historic town, Hoi An’s quintessential must-try dish. You will easily find Cao Lau from noodle vendors at the restaurants, night markets, curbside food stalls, and backstreet eateries.

Price from: 60,000-60,000 VND/bowl.

Where to eat Cau Lau in Hoi An:

To truly experience authentic Cao Lầu, one must enjoy it in Hoi An. Most restaurants in Hoi An offer this noodle dish, along with other local specialties like Mi Quang and Pho, making it easy to find when you’re looking for the noodles dish.

Miss Ly Restaurant Hoi An

During our visit to Hoi An, we stopped by Miss Ly Restaurant (Hoi An) to sample this local favorite. Just a step away from the Hoi An Market, this family-run eatery serves chewy noodles topped with flavorful barbecued pork, and it has gained popularity mainly through word of mouth.

The signature Cao Lầu dish here is rich in flavor, featuring perfectly chewy noodles, tender slices of pork, fresh crisp greens, and a savory broth that distinguishes this regional specialty. We also ordered some other local Vietnamese dishes, and we particularly enjoyed the crispy fried wontons from Miss Ly.

Miss Ly Cafeteria (Hoi An)
Address: 22 Nguyễn Huệ, Cẩm Châu, Hội An.
Business Hours: Daily from 11:00 to 22:00

For more details, check out our dining experience at Miss Ly Restaurant Hoi An!

Com Linh – Vietnamese Restaurant

Com Linh is a family-owned restaurant located in Hoi An, known for its authentic flavors that offer a true taste of the Central region at affordable prices. The food is both delicious and fresh, featuring local dishes such as white roses, fried wontons, Cao Lầu, Mi Quang, and many more Central region Vietnamese dishes. All ingredients are locally grown and prepared fresh. Their roasted duck and crispy pork are truly thumb up!

Cơm Linh – Vietnamese Restaurant
Address: 42 Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An.
Business Hours: Daily from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Closed on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month)

To learn about the best food to eat here, read more about our dining experience at Com Linh Hoi An.

Bánh mì (Vietnamese Bread)

Hoi An Must Eat Food - Banh Mi Phuong — Banh Mi – Must-eat in Hoi An

Introduced by the French during the colonial period, Bánh mì has become one of the National dishes in Vietnam. The “Banh mi “refers to bread but it’s often used to describe the sandwich made with a small French baguette. The baguette is toasted until hot and crispy, and then filled with all kinds of fillings such as local Pâté (a mixture of cooked ground meat and fat minced into a spreadable paste), eggs, cold meat, shredded chicken, grilled meat, and vegetables.

Price from: 15,000-35,000 VND / loaf depending on filling

Where to eat Banh mi in Hoi An:

The popular street food banh mi can be found all over Vietnam but Hoi An has its variations to deserve the title of “the best Banh Mi in the world”. Banh Mi Phuong and Banh My Queen are possibly the most popular places when looking for what to eat in Hoi An. Both were outstanding and served the best Banh Mi that I’ve had anywhere in Vietnam.

Banh mi Phuong

Recommended by the journalist Anthony Bourdain, Banh Mi Phuong is one of the best banh mi in Central Vietnam. A crispy French baguette is filled with delicious spreads and pastes, topped with the meat of your choice. The price is around 35.000 VND for an authentic Banh Mi!

Banh Mi Phuong
Address: 2B D Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An.
Opening Hours: Daily from 6:30 to 21:00.

Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen

Madam Khan’s is perhaps the best-known and most popular spot among locals. They offer an extensive menu of Bánh Mì, particularly highlighting their vegan and vegetarian options, all served with fresh bread and ample filling. The prices are unbeatable. The pork and ham Bánh Mì is particularly noteworthy, it’s delicious, warm, and features super crunchy bread. Don’t forget to add their signature chili sauce for an extra kick!

Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen
Address: 115 Tran Cao Van Street, Hoi An.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 19:30.

Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (White Rose Dumplings)

Banh Bao Banh Vac - white rose dumplings

White rose dumplings, known as bánh bao bánh vạc, are a unique dish from the Hoi An region and a must-try for visitors. These dumplings are made from translucent white dough and filled with spiced minced shrimp or pork. Their flower-like shape gives them their name. They are topped with crispy fried shallots and served with a special dipping sauce made from shrimp broth, chilies, lemon, and sugar.

White Rose Restaurant is a renowned establishment in Hoi An, located just a 10-15 minute walk from the ancient town. It is famous for its white rose dumplings. The restaurant also offered at various other restaurants in the area, as many of them source their dumplings from the White Rose Restaurant. You can walk to the back of the dining hall to watch the ladies chefs prepare the dumplings on-site! While the menu is limited, it showcases great creativity. The standout dishes include the white rose dumplings and fried wontons.

White Rose Restaurant
Address: 533 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An.
Business Hours: Daily from 7:30 to 20:30.

Thịt Nướng / Thịt Xiên Nướng (Grilled meat on Skewers)

The meaning of Thit Nuong is baked or barbecued meat while Thit Xien Nuong means grilled meat on skewers. Pork is normally used as the meat for the skewers and served together with a basket of spices, sauces, and raw vegetables.

The grilled pork on a hot charcoal stove is wrapped in a layer of wet cake, herbs, and raw vegetables. The dipping sauce is the soul of the dish. Dip the roll into the specially prepared sauces when enjoying it. The sweetness of the sauce, together with the deliciousness of the meat and fresh raw vegetables, perfect match!

You would find the pork skewers sold at street stands almost everywhere in Vietnam. It is also very common and easily found in the central region, especially in the Hoi An Ancient Town. You’ll find it’s just impossible to resist this seductive smell when you’ve ever walked by.

Price from: 5,000 VND/skewers.

Thit Nuong Co Loi Hoi An

Thit Nuong Co Loi is a humble open-air BBQ street vendor in Hoi An. The eatery is renowned for its fragrant grilled pork skewers, which are served with silky rice paper and fresh herbs. The stall is always bustling with customers, thanks to its bold flavors and reasonable prices. The grilled pork is prepared simply yet thoughtfully, preserving the rustic essence of Central Vietnamese cuisine.

Thịt Nướng Cô Lợi Hội An
Address: 03 Nguyễn Huệ, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam 51306.
Business Hours: Daily 14:30 to 20:00

Bánh xèo (Vietnamese Rice Crepes / Pancakes)

Banh Xeo — Popular Local Street Food – Bánh Xèo

Bánh Xèo is a popular street snack in Vietnam, especially in the Central and the South of Vietnam. It is a savory crepe or pancake made from a basic blend of rice flour, turmeric, and coconut cream, along with other ingredients. The bright yellow crispy crepe is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.

Walking along the street, you will many food stalls selling this local snack food. The delicious, crispy, hot pancakes will hold you back the first time you eat them. You can also try Banh Xeo in the restaurant. You’ll also get a plate of herbs and lettuce to accompany your dish.

Price from: 10,000 – 30,000 VND/piece.

An Thoi Da Nang

The Michelin Bib Gourmand Vietnamese Restaurant – An Thoi Da Nang is a popular dining destination known for its authentic Vietnamese flavors. It’s the perfect place to enjoy traditional cuisine in Da Nang. The An Thoi menu offers a wonderful selection of local Vietnamese dishes.

One standout item is the Banh Xeo, a savory crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.

This dish provides a delightful combination of textures and flavors, featuring a perfectly crunchy exterior and just the right amount of filling to create richness and depth. Always very popular, with long waiting lines. Read about our dining experience at An Thoi Da Nang: a Michelin Bib Gourmand Vietnamese restaurant.

Ăn Thôi Restaurant
Address:114 Bạch Đằng, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng.
Business Hours: Daily from 10:30 to 23:00 (Last Order 21:30).

Hải Sản (Seafood)

Da Nang is always a fantastic destination for seafood lovers. As a coastal city, it boasts an incredibly fresh daily catch. Be sure to try fresh seafood options such as lobster, prawns, crab, squid, and much more. For a luxurious final meal in Central Vietnam, indulging in delicious, fresh seafood in Da Nang is both enjoyable and surprisingly affordable.

Moc Quan Seafood Restaurant Da Nang

There are many seafood restaurants along the beach area in Da Nang, all serving delectable dishes made with fresh seafood. We chose to dine at Moc Quan (Vietnamese: Hải sản Mộc Quán Đà Nẵng) to sample their offerings.

The restaurant is always lively, filled with both locals and tourists. It has become increasingly popular among Korean visitors after being featured on a Korean TV show. The menu offers a wide variety of options at reasonable prices. I highly recommend this hidden gem for its fresh seafood, affordability, and excellent service!

Read more our dining experience in Moc Quan Da Nang: Affordable Seafood Restaurant.

Hải sản Mộc Quán Đà Nẵng
Address: 26 Tô Hiến Thành, An Hải, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng.
Business Hours: Daily from 10:30 to 22:30.

Phở bo (Beef Pho Noodle Soup)

Central Vietnam Food Guide - Pho Bo — Pho Bo

The iconic Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup or Pho Bo is probably one of the most well-known noodles to come from Vietnam. A bowl of supremely tasty noodle soup dish is consisting of broth, rice vermicelli, herbs, and thin slices of meat. Pho is served in restaurants, street stalls, and local markets countrywide.

I enjoyed many Vietnamese dishes in Vietnam, but Pho bo was my hands-down favorite. It’s delicious and one of my favorite dishes to eat not just in Da Nang and Hoi An, but in all of Vietnam. We love to eat the most authentic Pho when visiting the local market. A down-to-earth Vietnamese experience you don’t want to miss.

Besides, we also recommended Pho Tung, one of the popular Pho restaurants in Hoi An, serving the best pho in town.

Pho Tung is located in a quaint alley in Hoi An ancient town. It is a wonderful little family shop with two dishes on the menu: standard beef pho and a bigger bowl with an egg- both are delicious. The owner is very friendly and he even comes out from the stall and shows us how to eat the pho properly with the spices and sauces. Excellent taste and texture.

Phở Tùng
Address: 51/7 Phan Chau Trinh St, Hoi An.
Business Hours: Daily from 6:00 to 10:30, 16:30 to 20:00

Price from: 25,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl. Pho Bo (standard) costs 30,000 VND.

Com Ga Hoi An (Vietnamese Chicken Rice)

The Gom Ga is Vietnam’s version of Hainanese chicken rice. You can find Gom Ga almost anywhere but the most outstanding is Com Ga Hoi An. They used young chicken and farm-fresh chicken, marinated with ginger and hand-pressed peanut oil for a golden color. While the rice is soft and flavorful as it is cooked directly in umami chicken stock. With all the ingenuity and meticulousness in processing, the Com Ga Hoi An is highly recommended.

Typically, a plate of Gom Ga is included with the shredded chicken, beautiful yellow turmeric rice, Vietnamese coriander, onions, and lime juice dressing. So tasty and refreshing!

Price from: 35,000 – 100,000 VND/plate (depending on the choice of chicken parts).

Com Ga Ba Buoi

Established in the 1950s, Com Ga Ba Buoi is one of the longest-standing eateries in Hoi An. This simple, family-run chicken rice spot offers a delightful culinary experience. The chicken is tender and flavorful, while the rice is cooked in a fragrant chicken broth, often with a hint of turmeric that gives it a beautiful golden hue. The food is delicious, though it may not be overwhelmingly impressive.

Ba Buoi Chicken Rice
Address: 22 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An.
Business Hours: Daily from 10:30 to 14:00, 16:30 to 20:00.

Refreshing Drink

The drink menu in Central Vietnam is very diverse with traditional teas such as Bia hơi (fresh beer), herbal tea, lotus seed tea, corn tea, Vietnamese coffee, and more. There is something you’re not to be miss in Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide.

Vietnamese iced coffee

After a full day of visiting the city, there is nothing more suitable than a cup of coffee to cool down the day. You’ll find various of coffee, from the traditional to the trendy, or the typically local to the Western-style in the yellow city of Hội An.

The famous Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk (Cà Phê Dá) is also cannot be missed when visiting Central Vietnam.

Bia Saigon

The Saigon Beer (or Bia Saigon) is the leading beer in Vietnam. This local brewery beer is foamy and tastes similar to regular beer but slightly less carbonated. Everywhere we go, beer is selling at the same price as coke. . The price is cheap if you are drinking beer in Vietnam, with prices starting around 15,000 VND and going up to 50,000 VND in restaurants.

MOT Lotus Herbal Tea

If you are looking for a unique tea, then try the lotus herbal tea from MOT, Hoi An.

This adorable storefront café on one of the busy old town streets offers local Vietnamese food and the best ice tea in Hoi An. Their popular Lotus Herbal Tea is a great iced tea made with lots of herbs, lotus root, and lemongrass; served with a lotus petal and lots of crushed ice. It’s hard to describe this unique blend of tea, but truly refreshing. A great refreshment after strolling in the town.

Mot Hoi An
Address: 150 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An
Business Hours: Daily 9:00 to 22:00
Price: 20,000 VND for the Herbal Drink

During our visit to Hoi An, we stopped by Faifo Coffee to try their signature drink. Faifo cafe features rooftop seating overlooking the ancient town. It is known for Instagrammable photos on social media with lovely Hoi An street views from the rooftop. While the coffee may not be the best in our opinion, it offers a fantastic view and a pleasant atmosphere.

Faifo Coffee Hoi An
Address: 130 Trần Phú, Old Town, Hội An
Business Hours: Mon-Thu from 8:30 to 21:00. Fri-Sun from 8:00 to 21:30.

Central Vietnam: Da Nang and Hoi An Food Tips

What is the must-eat food in Hoi An and Da Nang?

The Mi Quang, Cao Lau, Banh Mi are the top three must-eat signature dishes of Hoi An and Da Nang. Don’t be afraid to try them all!

Where to Find the best food in Da Nang and Hoi An?

There is not necessary to go looking for the best restaurant in Vietnam as great food is everywhere. You can find the best Vietnamese food in restaurants, cafes, cozy eateries, local markets, or food stalls in the streets.

Where to Eat in Hoi An?

You can easily find delicious food in Hoi An at the sidewalks in the old town area, or a simple eatery nestled in a small alley by the side of the road. The Hoi An Market and the food stalls along the banks of the Hoai River is also a favorite place for many tourists to discover the Hoi An local cuisine.

What are the best restaurants serving the signature local dishes in Hoi An?

We recommended Banh Mi Phuong and Banh My Queen for the best banh mi, White Rose Restaurant for the signature Banh Bao Banh Vac (white rose/pork-filled dumplings), and Mi Quang Ba Minh for the best Mì Quảng.

How Much for a meal in Da Nang and Hoi An?

Food is cheap in Vietnam and this is the same for Da Nang and Hoi An. You can spend anywhere from $1 to $20 on a meal depending on where you eat. If you stick to local street food, then a food budget of around VND 200,000 (~$10) per day will be plenty.

Overview: Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide

All in all, we hope this Da Nang and Hoi An food guide can give you some tiny idea of where and what to eat here. Literally, you can find almost all kinds of Vietnamese traditional food in the restaurants, local markets, or street food stalls.

Give it a try and you’ll see it’s a lot simpler than you think to back with happy tummy with Vietnamese flavor to your home. Enjoy your food tour in Da Nang and Hoi An!

Related Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide post:

Continue Read More

Have you been to Hội An? Which foods did you try? Read more for my travel guide blog posts on my trips to Central Vietnam here.

Central Vietnam itinerary to Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue

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Traveling to Northern Vietnam:

Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City? Feel free to read on our Saigon travel stories.

Lastly, traveling to Phu Quoc? Feel free to read on our Phu Quoc travel stories.

Ultimate Travel Guide Blog to Phu Quoc itinerary

5 Days Central Vietnam Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

by Emily | posted in: Vietnam | 0

Last updated on March 29th, 2026

Heading to Central Vietnam, then be sure to check out our detailed travel guide blog. We reveal our best travel tips and highlights in this 5 Days Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An itinerary. You’ll explore off-beat cities, historical sites, and colorful lanterns, as well as amazing food there.

The central part of Vietnam is where the cities of Hoi An, Hue, and Da Nang are located. These places are accessible from each other within one to two hours of the driving journey. Considered to be the popular touristic center of the country, this region is well-known for its well-preserved historical sites; charming streets of UNESCO recognized Old Town and breathtaking beaches. Added, the three World Heritages; Hue Imperial Citadel, Hoi An ancient town, and My Son Sanctuary, are located in Central Vietnam.

Five days in Central Vietnam to truly get a good feel for the city, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. The Central region of Vietnam contains a diversity of attractions, and plenty of things can be done and seen here. With the right plan and itinerary, all three cities can be explored and mastered within 3 to 5 days of the visit.

In this Central Vietnam travel guide blog, we will share with you our itinerary through Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang. This route is perfect for those who are traveling to Central Vietnam for the first time and want to get a glimpse of the best highlights in the region.

Table of Contents

Central Vietnam Travel Tips (Danang & Hoi An)

Travel Guide Blog to Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue

This detailed Da Nang and Hoi An itinerary will give you suggestions on which places to visit and where to eat for 5 days in Central Vietnam. It’ll have all the information you need – like when to go, where to eat, how much to budget, to help you plan your trip.

Reliable Wifi is another must-have for the Central Vietnam itinerary. You’ll need it to navigate, access Google Maps, do last-minute research for attractions and food, and also use it for Grab. We collected our pre-booked 4G Wifi from Klook directly upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport.

We don’t always get travel insurance. It depends on where we’re going, what we’ll be doing, and how long we’ll be away. For central Vietnam, we’ll highly be recommended getting travel insurance for safety concerns.

Flights to Central Vietnam

The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), with a very well linked for both internal and international flights. You can search for a flight aggregator like Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Da Nang from where you are. Once you reach the Da Nang International Airport, you may head to your next destination as per the itinerary.

The traveling time from the airport to the nearby cities is as below:

From Da Nang Airport to Da Nang City Center with approximately 15 minutes.
From Da Nang Airport to Hoi An with approximately 45 minutes.
Danang Airport to Hue with approximately~2 hours.

You can pre-book a private transfer from Da Nang Airport to your hotel HERE.

Getting Around Between Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue

The Central region does not have a great public transport system, so it is always recommended to have an idea of how to get around within the cities. The best way to get around is to hire your own car with a driver, arrange the day-by-day activities by joining the local tours, and mix using e-hailing Grab.

We got an airport pickup which brought us to Hoi An and used the private city transfer within Hoi An and Da Nang. We used a private charter to cover the day trip to Hue Imperial City and My Son Sanctuary to ease transport arrangements. Besides, We also rented a scooter to explore Da Nang city and it was truly adventurous. For everything else, we use Grab (Uber in South East Asia) for the short-distance city transfer. It is super handy, fast, and reliable.

If you’d rather experience Central Vietnam on a guided tour, then there are a few you can choose from Klook.

How Many Days for Central Vietnam

If you are planning Da Nang and Hoi An itinerary and thinking about how long you need to spend in the area, I would suggest you by spending five days in Central Vietnam to truly get a good feel for the city, especially if you’re a first time visitor. As always, longer stays are better to know more details about the cities. But if you don’t have the time, then you should be able to see the top attractions in Central Vietnam within 3 to 5 days.

If you only have 3 days, then you should skip one of the places in the above three cities. Depending on your interest, we recommended focusing on Hoi An and Da Nang if you only are short of time. You can explore the Hoi An on your two days and then spend the last day at Da Nang.

If you have 5 days and more, then you can adapt this Central Vietnam itinerary. Described in this itinerary are the best places to visit along with a few recommended places to eat during your 5 days in Central Vietnam if you have more or less time to spend here.

Central Vietnam: Da Nang and Hoi An Itinerary

Where you start depends on your personal preference and where you are coming from. During my trip to Central Vietnam, I arrived via Da Nang International Airport and first traveled to Hoi An and spend three days there. Instead of keep changing accommodation, we prefer to stay in Hoi An and make a day trip to Hue.

Lastly, we traveled down back to Da Nang for another two days before taking the flight back to our home country. From the city center, it’s a 15-minute drive back to Da Nang International Airport.

Central Vietnam itinerary to Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang:

Day 1: Arrive at Da Nang Airport and headed to Hoi An. Explore Hoi An.
Day 2: Hue Imperial City.
Day 3: My Son Sanctuary.
Day 4: Ba Na Hill.
Day 5: Da Nang City.

DAY 1: Arrive in Central Vietnam. Explore Hoi An

Welcome to Central Vietnam. First thing first, we headed to Hoian Central Hotel, our stay for the next three days, with the pre-booked private airport transfer via Klook. Our accommodation in Hoi An has located nearby the ancient town. Once settled down, we walked to the old town and start exploring.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An in Central Vietnam itinerary — Hoi An

Hoi An is a charming old town filled with colorful lanterns all over the place. It is the busiest and most touristy part of Central Vietnam. However, it’s also the most beautiful.

Claiming a UNESCO World Heritage City title in 1999, walking through Hoi An feels as if you’re walking through an ancient fairy tale. The old wooden houses, the few or no cars on the streets. This charming town gives me the feeling of cozy.

Exploring and getting lost in Hoi An is a great adventure. Don’t rush, and walk yourself through small alleys in the 400-year-old town to discover the entire hidden gem.

This is where you’ll find many street vendors, cafés, street art, and picturesque moments. You can literally spend all day just walking around the streets, taking pictures, eating street food, and drinking fresh beer.

Japanese Bridge Hoi An — Japanese Bridge, Hoi An

Don’t miss the Japanese Bridge, a 300 years old wooden covered bridge, by the Japanese as a way to connect with the Chinese quarter. It is one of the iconic attractions in Hoi An and worth stopping by for a photo.

In the evening, thousands of lanterns are illuminated in the Hoai river and the streets fill up with people watching the sunset, chatting, and strolling. Seeing it for the very first time literally took my breath away. It is so indescribably beautiful and feels almost like a dream. A must-do in every Hoi An itinerary.

DAY 2: Hue

Hue Imperial City - Central Vietnam Itinerary — Hue Imperial City

Our Day 2 in Da Nang and Hoi An itinerary is all about the Hue Imperial City. The citadel is a great place to learn the history of Vietnam, especially the Nguyen Dynasty. Hue used to be the capital of Vietnam ages ago. Today, the main attraction is the ancient Imperial City. UNESCO included the Hue Imperial Citadel on its list of world heritage sites in 1993 and it is very deserving of that.

Sightseeing can include the ornate Imperial Citadel, colorful Thanh Toan Bridge, royal tombs, and the Forbidden Purple City. All the attractions are eye-openers on the lives of the Vietnamese royalty then and the influence of the Chinese and French on them. It is a great location to spend time in and wander back into the past.

Hue can also be visited on a day trip from Hoi An, so if you are short on time and are not heading further North, consider booking a guided tour. With a guided day tour you will get to see all of the best attractions in Hue without having to worry about transportation or finding accommodation for the night.

We recommended booking a guided or private tour as it will save you a lot of time and energy. You can book a private city tour to Hue from Hoi An here.

DAY 3: My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary - Central Vietnam itinerary — My Son Sanctuary

There are a few decent day trips from Hoi An that can be planned on the Central Vietnam itinerary. Among them, My Son Sanctuary is a must-go if you like history and ancient architecture. Constructed by the kingdom of Champa, these ruins were declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999. It is an ancient Hindu archeological complex featured with stone sculptures of Hindu deities and towers. There were originally over 70 temples; unfortunately, most of them were destroyed during the Vietnam War. But still, the remains evoke the civilization they represent. The 1,300-year-old ruin hidden in the jungle is located about an hour from Hoi An.

We took the My Son Sanctuary Day Tour from Hoi An from Klook. The tour bus picked us up from the hotel to explore one of Southeast Asia’s greatest archaeological sites. We spend about 2 hours touring the monuments. The scale of the monuments is not that impressive, but it is beautiful in its way. On our way back we had a relaxing boat cruise with a simple and light lunch which provides a nice view of Hoi An from the river. A decent half-day trip from Hoi An.

After the trip to My Son, we headed to Da Nang, the largest city in the area. From Hoi An, we checked out of our hotel and took a private transfer to Da Nang, where we would be staying for two nights. Again, we pre-booked our transport arrangement from Hoi An to our hotel at Da Nang via Klook.

DAY 4: Ba Na Hill

Ba Na Hill - Central Vietnam itinerary — Ba Na Hill

The Ba Na Hill, a beautiful hilltop resort perched atop a mountain in Central Vietnam, is a must-visit in Da Nang. Originally built by French colonists in 1919 as a leisure destination for French tourists, Ba Na Hill is now a popular hilltop resort for visitors all around the world. There are many things to do and see in Ba Na Hill for a leisure holiday.

Take the Ba Na Cable car and enjoy panoramic views of the lush forests from the longest non-stop single-track cable car, stroll at cobblestoned streets and Parisian-style architecture at Frech Village, and get lost in Le Jardin d’Amour – The Paradise of Flowers.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visitors can take a break and enjoy a glass of wine at the 100-year-old Debay Cellar. For a family traveler, the Fantasy Theme Park is an ideal entertainment destination to have fun together with kids and family.

Golden Bridge - Da Nang Must See — Golden Bridge

Don’t forget to take a stroll and take some excellent photos at the Golden Bridge. Recognized as “the world’s most impressive walking bridge”, the striking footbridge is resembled two, gigantic hands holding up a shiny piece of gold to the gods above the misty clouds of Vietnam. The 150-meter-long bridge gives visitors plenty of space to take in the scenic views. It is so crowded, so make sure to get here early before the crowds.

Central Vietnam Travel Tips: Buying the Ba Na Hill Admission Ticker via Klook was fast and cheaper. The admission ticket is easy to redeem without waiting in line to purchase the ticket. This will save you a ton of time and hassle. Besides, Klook also has some integrated programs like Ba Na Hill ticket and shuttle bus, Ba Na Hill ticket with the lunch buffet. Book a trip and make your way from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills, take the cable car, and discover a wine cellar.

Klook Exclusive: Roundtrip Shuttle Bus from Da Nang to Sun World Ba Na Hills

Getting to Ba Na Hill

The easiest and most common way to get to Ba Na Hills is to drive a rented car or take a taxi to the foot of the mountain (Ba Na Cable Car Service Parking Lot), then take the cable car up to the resort. Alternatively, you may also hire a private charter driver to drive you to and fro Ba Na Hills at your preferred time.

Ba Na Hill

Opening Hours: Daily from 07:30 to 21:30
Admission Ticket: 750,000₫ Per Person (inclusive of all cable car rides, entrance to Fantasy Park and everything else — except for entry into the Wax Museum)

DAY 5: Da Nang

We spend our last day on the Central Vietnam itinerary chilling around in the Da Nang city. In the morning, we rented a scooter as our transportation for the day.

We first departed to Han Market with a shopping session. Don’t miss this one if you’re into markets. You can buy many local products as well as food and spices there. The market is open from 8:00 to 16:00. Once we finished, we also headed to their food court area and tried the traditional local Vietnamese noodles. That’s how locals live like!

Da Nang Cathedral Pink Church — Da Nang’s Cathedral; Pink Church

We then visited the Da Nang’s Cathedral; a pink church built by a French priest in 1923. Located in the middle of the city, it’s known as Rooster Church due to the imposing bell tower that’s topped with a rooster weathercock. Impressive pink facade, and lots of nativity grotto depictions all around it.

We next drove all the way to the Son Tra Mountain. The views on the way up are spectacular. We also stopped by the lady Buddha to check out the impressive statue and immerse ourselves in a beautiful view. The bike journey is the most adventurous experience you need to get when you come to Da Nang city. A perfect spot to get away from the urban’s hustle and bustle.

Spend the remaining day at Phuoc My Beach, one of the most beautiful and historically significant beaches in Vietnam. There is a long stretch of warm sand with intermittent supervised swimming areas. The beach is popular among locals and lots of people enjoy the water activities here. We have a simple dinner nearby the beach.

Dragon Bridge

Lastly, we went to the DHC Marina to admire the beautiful Dragon Bridge. The ironic 666m long Dragon Bridge is an interesting landmark in Danang. Every evening, the dragon bridge is lit on and illuminated with colorful LED lights. Besides, the dragon is also scheduled for breathing fire and water at 21:00 every Saturday and Sunday. You can see the performances from the local coffee shops with a rooftop bar, and waterfront, or onboard the cruise to admire the night scene of Han River.

Just a few steps away from the Dragon Bridge are the Love Bridge, on the romantic Han River. We enjoy the relaxing stroll along the waterfront with the hearts all lit up.

Where To Stay

Next, we would personally recommend basing yourself in Hoi An and Da Nang for a few days each.

Stay in Hoi An as there is simply much more to do in the town. We recommend choosing hotels in Hoi An within short walking distance to the old town. Staying nearby an ancient old town offers an old town charm and easy for getting around. My hotels pick in Hoi An are Little Riverside Hoi An Luxury Hotel & Spa (luxury) and Hoian Central Hotel (mid-range).

Stay in Da Nang for a nice beach experience. Da Nang is blessed with a nice shoreline facing the South China Sea and is well known as “the city of beaches” with a 60-kilometer coastal line. There are plenty of compelling resort options and you can find plenty of award-winning luxury resorts here.

Some good recommendations are Premier Village Danang Resort at Bac My An Beach and Four Points by Sheraton Danang at MyKhe Beach. Both are popular picks among travelers to Da Nang.

Overview: Travel Itinerary To Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue

All in all, there’s certainly a lot to see and do in Central Vietnam. You can easily spend a few days or weeks here and you’ll still have something new to do. Hopefully, this 5-day Da Nang and Hoi An itinerary helps you plan your holiday in Central Vietnam. You can see the best of the Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang in a short time, and make you want to come back for more.

Lastly, we are definitely not an expert on Vietnam but we do hope you find this Central Vietnam travel guide useful. I’m only sharing some of the things I learned from our trips to Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang. Thanks for reading our Danang and Hoi An itinerary. Plan your trip and head to Central Vietnam for a colorful getaway like no other!

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