If you’re short on time, but eager to experience the best of Da Nang in just one day, you’re in the right place.
Navigating Da Nang’s highlights—from the beaches to the food —can be daunting with limited time. But don’t worry; I’ve navigated this city more times than I can count, and have many suggestions for your Danang Vietnam Itinerary.
I live in Hanoi, and frequently fly down to Da Nang. Weekend getaways, girls trips, week-long vacations. You name it, I’ve been to Da Nang for it. (No joke, I fly down every couple of months just to get my eyebrows done).
Whether you’re here for a quick stopover or squeezing Da Nang into a jam-packed Vietnam tour, I’m here to share my insider knowledge.
This post is designed to guide you through making your single day in Da Nang filled with activities, bites, and adventures that make this city so cool. I’ll share personal experiences and practical advice, making sure you leave feeling like you’ve truly experienced this Central Vietnamese City.
Let’s make the 24 hours you have in Da Nang count!
Why BaNa Hills (Golden Hands Bridge) is not included in this Itinerary
Every single blog post I see about what to do in Da Nang includes a trip to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Hands Bridge. If you don’t know what it is, here is a beautiful photo of this popular Vietnam attraction. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
I get it. It’s Instagram Famous.
People want an iconic shot on the Golden Hands Bridge.
But…
This Da Nang Vietnam Itinerary does NOT include a trip there.
Why? Because in my opinion, Ba Na Hills is NOT worth the trip if you have limited time in Da Nang.
It is an overhyped destination, specifically designed for tourists. And while I have no problem with tourist spots, the fog and clouds are often so bad that you can’t even see the golden hands bridge that you came for!
I can’t even count the number of people I know that have gone to Bana Hills and the Golden Hands Bridge and been disappointed.
It’s crowded, it is tacky, and it is often covered in clouds. Not to mention it is 1.5 hours outside of Da Nang.
If you only have a day or two, I DO NOT recommend visiting. If you have more time, or if you are a serious lover of giant golden hands…then go for it! Otherwise, there are plenty of other things to do with one day in Da Nang.
DANANG VIETNAM ITINERARY: MORNING
Mi Quang Breakfast
Kickstart your day in Da Nang with a bowl of Mi Quang for breakfast. This classic Central Vietnamese noodle dish, rich with turmeric-infused broth, pork, shrimp, and herbs, is a delicious way to start your morning adventures.
I LOVE eating mi quang in Da Nang and Hoi An. The noodles are thicker and have more of a bite to them; different from the usual rice noodles of Vietnamese dishes.
You can just walk the streets around your Da Nang hotel in search of a street food stall that serves mi quang, or check out one of these popular options:
1. Mi Quang Ba Mua – Known for its traditional and flavorful Mi Quang, Ba Mua is popular with both locals and tourists. The ambience is simple and focuses on delivering an authentic experience. Here, the noodles are perfectly cooked, and the broth is rich with a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Find it: There are a many spots around the city, just type the name into Google Maps and find the closest one to your location!
2. Mi Quang 1A – This place is a bit of a hidden gem among locals and offers a variety of Mi Quang options with different toppings like chicken, beef, and even frog. The broth is light yet savory, and the generous serving of fresh herbs and greens makes it a refreshing meal at any time of the day.
3. Mi Quang Dung – Mi Quang Dung in Da Nang stands out as a must-visit spot known for serving up some of the best Mi Quang in the city. This eatery offers a genuine taste of the local cuisine in a no-frills, welcoming environment.
Hai Van Pass Drive
Once satisfied, set off for a drive along the Hai Van Pass, a stunning coastal route with incredible views of the ocean and mountains. Dubbed as one of the most scenic drives in the world, it is my number one favorite thing to do in Da Nang.
Driving the Hai Van Pass is one of the best ways to see Vietnam’s landscape. This 21-kilometer road links Da Nang to Lang Co in Hue Province and is made up of tight turns and steep climbs, offering a bit of a driving challenge with rewarding views.
As you make your way up the pass, you’ll see views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. The road is lined in greenery, with occasional spots that provide wide vistas of the coastline below. The area is also dotted with historical sites, including old fortifications, which are worth stopping for if you’re interested in history and scenic views.
Be careful! It is easy to be distracted by the awesome views!
Stopping for a coffee at a roadside cafe is my favorite thing to do. It’s a good opportunity to take a break, enjoy the local coffee, and soak in the views before continuing your journey.
I typically like to drive to the top, have a coffee at the shop at the very top. I then like to drive back down toward Da Nang and stop again at one of the cafes on the side of the road.
You can experience the Hai Van Pass in several ways:
1. Motorbike Rental: If you are comfortable with riding, renting a motorbike offers the ultimate freedom to explore the Hai Van Pass at your own pace. It allows for easy stops at scenic points, cafes, and historical sites. Make sure you’re confident in your riding skills, as the pass has sharp turns and steep sections.
2. Car Hire with Driver: Hiring a car with a local driver can provide a more relaxed and informative journey. Drivers who are familiar with the route can share insights about the area and handle the challenging drive, allowing you to focus on enjoying the views.
3. Guided Tours: Joining a guided tour, often available from Da Nang or Hoi An, is a great option for those looking for a structured experience. These tours can include stops at key viewpoints and landmarks, and sometimes even include additional activities or destinations beyond the pass.
4. Cycling: For the physically fit and adventurous, cycling the Hai Van Pass is a rewarding challenge. It offers an up-close and personal experience with the landscape. This option requires a good level of fitness and preparation, as the climb is demanding. I have a few friends that have done this and enjoyed it!
5. Easy Rider: If you want to go on a motorbike, but aren’t comfortable driving yourself, you can hire an Easy Rider – someone that does the driving whilst you sit on the back!
I have never used an Easy Rider for the Hai Van Pass, as I always rent my own motorbike. However, this company – Mr. T Easy Rider – comes highly recommended.
DANANG VIETNAM ITINERARY: AFTERNOON
Lunch at Rainbowl Poke
Depending on how long you stop for, you are likely rolling back into town around noon. Whenever I finish the Hai Van Pass drive I am always hot and thirsty and ready for a good lunch! You can go anywhere that you are interested in – check out my list of restaurants in Da Nang – but I recommend Rainbowl Poke.
Rainbowl Poke specializes in fresh poke bowls and frozen yogurt. The small shop is air conditioned and comfortable and a top spot to relax after your Hai Van Adventure. I highly recommend the Maui Waui Bowl. And do not leave without getting their in-house made frozen yogurt!
My An Beach Exploration
After lunch at Rainbowl Poke, head over to My An Beach for some beachside relaxation and fun. It is a straight walk from the cafe to the beach. I like going to Bac My An because it is the quieter sibling of My Khe Beach.
Here, you can rent a beach chair and unwind under the sun. If you’re up for a swim, the clear waters of My An Beach are excellent. For those who prefer to stroll, the long stretch of sand is perfect for walking. Or, you might want to try surfing, with options available for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Afternoon Choice
You have a couple of options for your afternoon adventures. Actually, more than a couple:
Stay on the beach
If you are comfortable and content laying and playing on the beach, then there is no reason to leave it! Hang out here until it is time to get ready for your evening exploring!
If you want to use this time to explore other beaches of Da Nang, have a look at a breakdown of the Beaches in Da Nang.
Go back to your hotel for a nap
Whenever I drive the Hai Van Pass and spend a few hours on the beach (likely with some cocktails) I get sleepy! Sometimes an afternoon nap in my comfortable, air conditioned Da Nang Hotel room is exactly what I need. You still have a whole evening of exploring ahead of you, so a nap may be in order.
Get a massage
When in Vietnam, a massage is always on the agenda. An hour massage in the middle of the afternoon might be just what you need. I recommend checking out Herbal Spa and going for the Thai Massage!
Have some beachside drinks
If you want to keep on pushing through the day – opt for some beachside drinks. You can order beers from the ladies who rent you the beach chair. Or take a stroll down the beach and pick a spot to stop.
EVENING ITINERARY
Time to Eat! Go on a Food Tour
Start your evening exploring the food scene of Da Nang with a street food tour. These tours typically guide you through the Han Market and meander through various street food stalls in one specific neighborhood, offering a taste of local flavors and specialties.
It’s a chance to sample everything from rice cakes and soups to fresh spring rolls and sweet treats, all while absorbing the atmosphere that comes out in Da Nang at night.
The food tour will give you a taste of the food that makes up the Central Region of Vietnam (it is different from the north and south!) and also let you catch a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle.
Most food tours start around 5 to 6 and will finish up in time for you to get to the Dragon Bridge for the fire show.
Dragon Bridge Fire Show
After your evening food tour, end your night with the Dragon Bridge Fire Show, a weekend-exclusive event that lights up the city’s skyline. This display, where the Dragon Bridge breathes fire and sprays water, is a cool thing to see.
If your visit doesn’t align with the weekend, consider hopping on a boat and taking a cruise along the Han River instead. This will let you see the illuminated city from a different perspective, with the beautifully lit bridges and riverside buildings.
Drinks and Nightlife in Da Nang
If you still have energy left in you after this full 1 day in Da Nang head out for some drinks and nightlife. There are different ways and places you could go with this:
Find a rooftop bar with views of either the beach or river
Here are some rooftop bars I enjoy:
- Horizon Bar → Top floor of Four Points by Sheraton
- The Top Bar → Rooftop of the A la Carte Da Nang Beach
- Sky 36 → Rooftop of the Novotel Hotel
Bar Hop Around An Thuong Neighborhood
This is a popular expat neighborhood with many bars and live music on any night of the week. It is easy to hop from a cocktail bar to a rowdy pub to a chilled out cafe.
I like Section 30 for open air seating and live music, as well as The Shamrock for a lively scene!
Buy your own beers or drinks from the store and sit on the beach
Sometimes this is the most fun option. I love buying beers from a convenient store and heading to the beach. If this is something that you are interested in doing, there are no actual rules – you can bring whatever you want onto the beach. Pack a towel or sarong in your bag so you have something to sit on, and enjoy!
Final Thoughts: One Day in Da Nang
Wrapping up a day in Da Nang, it’s clear this city has a lot to offer. Starting with a fun drive over the Hai Van Pass in the morning, to relaxing at My An Beach in the afternoon, and exploring the food scene in the evening, each activity shows a different part of Da Nang.
This is the Danang Vietnam itinerary I have given everyone that has told me they are going to Da Nang for one day. I have done this exact itinerary multiple times, and it is always a full and satisfying day. This Da Nang Itinerary guides you to the best spots, making sure your day in Da Nang is well-spent.
If you have longer in Da Nang – lucky you! Check out my Perfect Itinerary for 3 Days in Da Nang