Buzz
Embark on a journey with Thanh Hoa to uncover the wonders of Da Nang and Hoi An, equipped with invaluable travel tips.
Unveiling the Splendor of a 5-Day Da Nang and Hoi An Excursion
Adhering to the philosophy of 'Live calmly and pursue your passions so that every awakening brings happiness and no regrets for the youth gone by,' my recent trip to Da Nang and Hoi An was truly unforgettable. Join me on this remarkable journey!
Getting Around Da Nang and Hoi An During Your Travels
Most hotels in Da Nang offer scooter rentals for as low as $5 per day. I highly recommend renting a scooter to explore the city's attractions. It's convenient and cost-effective, allowing you to visit numerous sites at your leisure.
During my stay in Hoi An, I opted for a hotel near the Old Town. Every hotel here offers complimentary bicycle rentals, and motorbike rentals are priced around $5-6. Riding a bicycle adds an authentic touch to the Hoi An experience.
Venturing out to attractions like Ba Na Hills, Coconut Forest, and An Bang Beach requires either a motorbike or a taxi:
- Ba Na Hills (Da Nang): Hotels can arrange shuttle services upon request. Pick-up is around 8 a.m., with return at 4 p.m. Tickets cost $7 per person for a round trip.
- Traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An: Taking a taxi is convenient, especially with Grab services available for around $11 one way.
- Visiting Coconut Forest and An Bang Beach (Hoi An): It's best to use taxi services. Taxi fares here are relatively high, at $0.65 per km, twice the normal rate in other cities. Prices are non-negotiable.
Accommodation
After much consideration, I settled on the Belle Maison Hadana Hoi An Resort for my trip. Opted for a pool-view room with balcony, spent evenings enjoying homemade wine and music with my loved one. The hotel had some arrangements if you pre-booked, but my husband took care of everything in advance.
Attractions to Visit in Da Nang and Hoi An
Da Nang
– Dragon Bridge, Love Bridge: These bridges have been reviewed extensively, so I won't add much. Visit for memorable photos or to hang a love lock on the Love Bridge.
– Han River Bridge: This bridge rotates on Saturday and Sunday nights, from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m., to allow boats to pass. If you're interested, make sure to catch this spectacle.
– Ba Na Hills: Entrance fee is $30 per person (includes cable car ride, games...). Overall, it's not just about admission; there's also lunch buffet tickets for $10, and wax museum tickets for $5 per person. Every corner is Instagram-worthy, like being in the heart of the West.
– Asian Park: Entrance fee is $10 per person. With plenty of thrilling rides, it's a paradise for adrenaline junkies like me.
– 3D Painting Museum: Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children. Prepare to be amazed at every turn. For stunning photos, bring along 4-5 outfits to match the surreal backgrounds.
– My Khe Beach: Strolling along the beach and sipping coconut water is pure bliss. Beach chairs are available for $1.50 each, and coconuts are sold for $1.
– Con Market: A must-visit, this is Da Nang's culinary paradise. You'll regret missing out if you don't go! From ready-to-eat snacks to dried specialties for souvenirs, it has it all. The market is always bustling with tourists; I had to visit twice. Fortunately, I got to experience it both times.
– The Craftsman Cocktail Bar: Da Nang boasts numerous bars/pubs, but I chose to visit The Craftsman Cocktail Bar (48 Phan Tu Street) for its unique ambiance and superb cocktails at reasonable prices.
– Linh Ung Pagoda: Located along the coastline, the journey there offers breathtaking views! The pagoda houses the tallest statue of Goddess of Mercy in Vietnam, overlooking the sea, evoking a sense of tranquility and serenity.
– Cu Lao Cham: At 8 a.m., my spouse and I bought a tour for $30 per person, inclusive of round-trip transportation, a canoe ride to the island with a tour guide, and lunch. We returned to Da Nang around 3 p.m. Activities on the island include snorkeling to admire the coral reefs or trying out Sea Trek (walking underwater), which is quite thrilling.
Hoi An
– Hoi An Ancient Town: A must-visit in a lifetime! The ancient town exudes different vibes throughout the day. I chose to stay in Hoi An for 2 days to fully immerse myself. If you're in Da Nang and only have time for a brief visit, aim to arrive around 4 p.m. and explore until 9 p.m. before heading back.
– Hoi An is serene in the afternoon, with fewer crowds. You can visit Faifo Café, offering panoramic views of the ancient town for stunning photos, although the drinks aren't exceptional. Also, don't miss out on exploring Hoi An Market, where you'll find various food options from full meals to snacks.
– The town lights up beautifully at night, perfect for photography, although it tends to get crowded.
– Ba Mu Pagoda: Located along Hai Ba Trung Street not far from the Japanese Covered Bridge, this is part of a cultural and religious complex in Cam Ha and Hai Binh villages, commonly known as Ba Mu Pagoda. It's a picturesque spot, great for photography!
– Seven Marsh Coconut Forest: When renting a coracle for sightseeing, bargaining is essential as prices can be high. The usual rate is $20-25, but negotiating half the price usually works. You'll row in traditional coracles, learn about the area's history, participate in river activities, sing, take photos, and make coconut leaf animals. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
– An Bang Beach: You don't know An Bang until you've been there; once you visit, you won't want to leave! The restaurants and cafes here are right on the sandy shore, reminiscent of foreign locales. It's indescribable; you'll love it! Check out my photos for a glimpse. Especially noteworthy are DeckHouse and ShoreClub cafes, with their refreshing blue and white decor.
What to Eat When Traveling to Da Nang and Hoi An
Da Nang
– Seafood: Quan Be Nho (32 Ha Bong Street) may be small, but it's always packed. Arrive early to secure a table. Delicious food, reasonable prices, quite affordable compared to elsewhere. Conveniently located, I stumbled upon it and was pleasantly surprised by the quality.
– Tran Specialty Foods: There are numerous branches in Da Nang; just Google to find one nearby. Specialties include rolled rice paper with pork, beef, etc. A meal for two costs around $18.
– Snacks at Con Market: If you're craving snacks, head straight to Con Market, where you'll find everything under the sun. From savory steamed rice cakes to stir-fried snails, rolled rice paper for only $0.65 per serving. They also have famous avocado ice cream, banh canh... plenty of options at very affordable prices.
Hoi An
– When in Hoi An, you must try Mrs. Buoi's chicken rice (22 Phan Chu Trinh Street), it's a must!
– Mot Water: 150 Tran Phu Street, priced at $0.65 per glass.
– Shrimp cakes, crab cakes in front of Hoi An Market entrance, priced at $3 each.
– Cao lau, Quang noodles inside Hoi An Market, slightly sweeter than what I prefer but still enjoyable. Just order one bowl for two people to share and give it a try.
– Seafood at An Bang Beach: Visit Năm Giã restaurant for a local menu, which is cheaper than the one for foreigners. The food here is delicious, and the oceanfront tables with white decor create a romantic ambiance. A meal for two costs around $50-60.
By Thanh Hoa
***
Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourMarch 10, 2021
