+ Book your flight/bus/train tickets
For your journey from Saigon to Da Nang, you have various options such as taking a bus, train, or flight. You can even opt for a motorbike adventure from Da Nang to Saigon. However, with a tight 3-day, 2-night itinerary, the best choice is to travel by plane to save time. There are plenty of Saigon to Da Nang flights operated by various airlines, making it easy for you to book tickets and choose a convenient flight time. If you're looking to save on expenses, consider booking early or taking advantage of promotions to snag cheap airfares.
+ Prepare cash and essential personal documents
Cash, ATM cards, and essential personal documents like ID cards and driver's licenses are crucial for your trip. You don't need to carry too much cash, as Da Nang is a developed city where you can easily make payments through cards at restaurants and entertainment venues.
+ Clothing and Personal Essentials
For a trip, clothing and essential personal items are indispensable. Especially in the tourist season, the weather in Da Nang tends to be hot. This makes it easy for those coming from Saigon – just pack summer clothes. If you're unsure about how to style your travel wardrobe this summer, don't forget to check out the article on Vntrip for some fresh ideas.
Personal items essential for a beach trip include sunscreen, cosmetics, and personal hygiene products to keep your skin perfect throughout the journey. Don't forget to pack these items.
+ Da Nang Tourist Map
To save time in planning your travel itinerary, a map of Da Nang's tourist attractions is essential. You can choose between an online map or a paper map. However, paper maps are often not as visually intuitive as using online maps.
Quickly check out the online map of Da Nang tourism here.
Recommendations for a 3-day, 2-night Saigon – Da Nang travel itinerary
Day 1: Saigon – Da Nang Airport – Son Tra – Marble Mountains – Hoi An
For a short itinerary, opt for an early morning flight to have more time exploring Da Nang.
In the morning, after arriving at Da Nang International Airport, take a taxi to your hotel to drop off your belongings and take a short rest before embarking on your 3-day, 2-night Da Nang travel itinerary.
The first destination is Son Tra Peninsula, approximately 10km northeast of the city center of Da Nang. This is a must-visit spot in Da Nang. Here, you can explore Linh Ung Pagoda, take picturesque photos, and admire the tallest statue of Quan The Am Bodhisattva in Vietnam.
Son Tra Peninsula Da Nang
Next on the list is Marble Mountains, located about 8km south of the city center of Da Nang towards Hoi An. This scenic spot comprises 5 limestone mountains rising above a coastal sandy beach. You can explore temples and caves here.
Marble Mountains Da Nang
After Marble Mountains, continue your journey to Hoi An. Even with a short itinerary, you can take the opportunity to visit the charming ancient town. Hoi An Ancient Town is most beautiful in the evening when the lights illuminate. During this time, you can comfortably take photos, ride boats on the Hoai River, and enjoy famous Hoi An specialties such as Cao Lau, Banh Xeo, Com Ga, and more.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Around 9:00 PM, return from Hoi An to Da Nang. You can visit the Dragon Bridge, take a seaside stroll. Then, return to the hotel to rest, getting ready for day 2 in Da Nang.
Day 2: Ba Na Hills – Han River Cruise
Set your alarm to catch the sunrise in Da Nang. If you've chosen a beachfront hotel or one with a beautiful view, experiencing the sunrise in Da Nang will be much more amazing. Then, have breakfast at the hotel and get ready to depart for Ba Na Hills.
Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills is likened to a 'Mini Europe in the heart of Da Nang,' so there's no reason to overlook this incredibly enticing destination. As a large architectural complex, you need quite some time to explore this place, usually about a day to fully discover. Must-visit beautiful spots at Ba Na Hills include the Golden Bridge, Fantasy Park, Le Jardin d’Amour Flower Garden, the French Village, Debay Wine Cellar, Wax Museum, and more.
After spending nearly a day exploring Ba Na Hills, the evening is an ideal time for a Han River cruise to admire the beautifully illuminated Da Nang city. If you visit Da Nang on weekends, you'll have the chance to witness the Dragon Bridge spouting fire and water.
Day 3: My Khe Beach – Love Bridge – Han Market
This is your last day in Da Nang, so avoid choosing places too far away as it may tire you before your flight back to Saigon.
In the morning, catch the sunrise and take a dip in My Khe Beach. Forbes Magazine dubbed this beach one of the most beautiful in the world. With a length of 900m, a wide coastline, clean, fine sand, and clear water, it's an ideal place for a morning swim. Take advantage of an early swim before the sun gets too high, causing discomfort and the risk of sunburn.
My Khe Beach Da Nang
After the beach, return to the hotel for a shower and breakfast. Then, head to the nearby Love Bridge for a check-in.
Finally, visit the famous markets in Da Nang to buy souvenirs for friends and family. You can explore Han Market or Con Market, both highly praised by locals for a variety of delicious and affordable items.
And thus concludes the 3-day, 2-night exploration of Da Nang. Head back to the hotel, collect your belongings, and get ready to head to the airport back to Saigon.
Tips for Choosing 'Good, Cheap' Accommodation in Da Nang
To book a beautiful and affordable hotel in Da Nang, it's recommended to book early or use travel packages.
Based on my experience with the 3-day, 2-night Saigon – Da Nang trip, I suggest booking only one hotel in Da Nang. The tourist attractions in Da Nang are usually not too far apart, and transportation is convenient. Booking a hotel for two days often comes with more benefits than staying in a different place each day. Additionally, you won't have to carry your luggage from place to place, saving time.
When booking a hotel in Da Nang, consider choosing hotels in Hai Chau or Son Tra districts for proximity to tourist attractions. If you enjoy catching the sunrise or evening beach strolls, hotels near My Khe Beach in Da Nang are the most suitable choice.
To find a beautiful and affordable hotel, it's advisable to book early, especially avoiding hotel bookings during holidays and festivals when prices tend to be significantly higher. Additionally, you can learn how to hunt for budget travel packages that include both flight tickets and hotel rooms to save on your trip expenses.
Some 'good and cheap' hotels in Da Nang for your reference include: Star Hotel Danang, Misa Hotel, Top Hotel, Bin Star Hotel, and more.
There's another quicker and much cheaper way – choosing the super affordable 3D2N Da Nang travel combo, including flight tickets and a 3-star hotel. Call the beautiful Vntrip customer service for more details: 0963 266 688
Must-Try Delicacies in Da Nang
Quang Noodles
Quang Noodles Da Nang
One of the renowned dishes in Da Nang that you must try is Quang noodles. The thick noodles are dyed yellow, providing a chewy texture. Served with ingredients such as pork, Vietnamese pork sausage, chicken, shrimp, and simmered bone broth, the dish is enhanced with various herbs and spices for added allure.
Bun Mam Nem
Bun Mam Nem Da Nang
Bun Mam Nem in Da Nang is entirely different from the version in the Western region. When it comes to Da Nang's Bun Mam, it's a dish of mixed noodles with pork, Vietnamese pork sausage, peanuts, and fresh vegetables. The key flavor in Da Nang's Bun Mam is the accompanying Mam Nem sauce, distinguishing it from the dish in other places.
Banh Canh
Banh Canh Da Nang
A popular dish that many tourists love when visiting Da Nang is Banh Canh. The long, chewy Banh Canh noodles come in various versions, including fish cake Banh Canh, crab Banh Canh, and quail egg Banh Canh, allowing you to indulge in a variety of flavors.
Banh Xeo, Nem Lui Da Nang
Banh Xeo, Nem Lui Da Nang
Banh Xeo, Nem Lui Da Nang is an irresistible snack. Compared to Banh Xeo and Nem Lui in other places, the ones in Da Nang have a distinct, fragrant taste. When indulging in Banh Xeo and Nem Lui, they are served with various fresh vegetables, green bananas, star fruits, and a delightful sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo
Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo Da Nang
Not only in Da Nang but Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo appears in many places. However, the taste varies, especially in the dipping sauce. Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo Da Nang features thinly sliced pork, offering a noticeable richness from a touch of fatty meat. The dipping sauce is perfectly balanced and suits many tastes.
Here you have all the tips for a 3-day, 2-night Saigon – Da Nang trip. Wishing you a joyful journey with your friends and loved ones.
