Day Trips from Da Nang 2026: Hoi An, Hue and My Son

Da Nang’s central position on the coast makes it a strong base for day trips. Three UNESCO World Heritage sites are within 90 minutes.

Hoi An Ancient Town (30km south — essential)

The best day trip from Da Nang and possibly the single best half-day trip in Vietnam. Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage town with one of Southeast Asia’s best-preserved trading port old quarters — Japanese, Chinese, and European influences in a compact walkable area.

Getting there: Taxi ₫200,000–350,000 ($8–14) one-way. Grab is reliable. Motorbike hire for the day (₫150,000–200,000 / $6–8) gives maximum flexibility. Organised day trips from Da Nang hostels: ₫150,000–300,000 ($6–12) per person.

Old Town entry: ₫120,000 ($4.80) for a 5-attraction ticket (required to enter most attractions).

Note: Hoi An warrants at least one overnight stay. The town at night — lanterns on the Thu Bon River, the illuminated old buildings — is a different experience from the daytime. Many travellers stay in Hoi An and day trip to Da Nang rather than the reverse.

My Son Hindu Sanctuary (70km southwest)

A UNESCO World Heritage site — a complex of Hindu temples built by the Cham civilisation from the 4th to 14th centuries CE. Located in a valley in the mountains west of Da Nang.

The site was heavily bombed during the American War (the Viet Cong used the ruins as a base), damaging many of the towers. What remains is atmospheric rather than complete. The earliest Cham towers (Group B and Group A) give the best sense of the original scale.

Organised day tours from Da Nang: ₫200,000–400,000 ($8–16) per person. Most include entry, transport, and guide. Tours typically combine with a boat trip from Hoi An down the Thu Bon River to the sanctuary.

Getting there independently: 70km by road. The approach road through the mountains is good for motorbike riders.

Hue (90km north)

A full day is sufficient for the Imperial Citadel and 2–3 royal tombs, but Hue warrants an overnight stay. As a day trip: take the 05:30 bus from Da Nang, arrive by 08:00, spend the morning at the Citadel, lunch at a bun bo Hue stall, afternoon at one tomb (Khai Dinh is the most efficient single visit), bus back arriving at 20:00.

Bus: Da Nang to Hue takes 3 hours. Multiple departures. ₫80,000–120,000 ($3.20–4.80).

The Hai Van Pass road: The old pass road (not the tunnel) between Da Nang and Hue is outstanding for motorbike riders. The 30km pass section climbs to 496m with ocean views on both sides. Allow extra time.

Ba Na Hills (30km west)

The French colonial-era hill station turned theme park with the Golden Bridge. Worth a half-day for the scenery and the novelty. Book tickets in advance during peak season (July–August).

Getting there: Hire a taxi or join an organised group tour from the city. Private taxi: ₫400,000–600,000 ($16–24) return.

Lang Co Beach and Hai Van Pass

50km north, a beach stop combined with the Hai Van Pass drive. Good for motorbike riders — ride north on the old pass road with coastal views, descend to Lang Co beach, swim, and return.

Destination	Distance	Transport	Best For
Hoi An	30km	Motorbike/taxi	Everyone
My Son	70km	Organised tour	History interest
Hue	90km	Bus or motorbike	2 days minimum
Ba Na Hills	30km	Tour/taxi	Families, first visit