9-Day Da Nang Trip: Copy This Itinerary

Day 1 in Da Nang starts at The Marble Mountains at 9 AM - allow 3 hours to explore the caves and pagodas. Travel by a 30-minute taxi (~$10 USD) to My Khe Beach; spend 2 hours relaxing until 2:30 PM. Finally, take a 15-minute taxi (~$5 USD) to the Dragon Bridge, arriving by 3 PM for a scenic view and photos.

Attractions

The Marble Mountains

Explore a stunning cluster of five marble and limestone hills, each representing one of the five elements, with breathtaking views and sacred caves.

My Khe Beach

Relax at one of the world's most beautiful beaches, known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Dragon Bridge

Witness the architectural wonder of the Dragon Bridge, especially its impressive fire-breathing feature during weekend nights.

Start Day 2 at Sơn Trà Mountain at 9 AM - allow 3 hours to explore the views and trails. Travel 25 minutes by taxi (~$10, depending on traffic) to Han River Bridge at 12:30 PM for a brief 1-hour visit. After, take a 10-minute taxi ride (~$5) to City High Dining at 2 PM, enjoying a scenic meal with a 1.5-hour relaxation time.

Attractions

Sơn Trà Mountain

Explore the lush nature and scenic views of Son Tra Mountain, home to unique wildlife, including the rare red-shanked douc langur.

Han River Bridge

Experience the only swinging bridge in Vietnam, offering beautiful nighttime views and a picturesque walking path along the river.

City High Dining

Taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine at this hidden gem, featuring local dishes that showcase the rich culinary traditions of the region.

Day 3 starts at Lady Buddha at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to enjoy the site. Afterward, take a 30-minute taxi (~$10) to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture for a 2-hour visit starting at 11:30 AM. Finally, relax at Non Nuoc Beach from 2 PM for 2.5 hours. A taxi ride here takes approximately 20 minutes (~$7). This itinerary showcases sites ordered by proximity to the city center.

Attractions

Lady Buddha

Visit Vietnam's tallest Buddha statue, offering spiritual tranquility and panoramic views of Da Nang and the coastline.

Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Discover the world's largest collection of Cham artifacts, revealing the rich cultural history of the Cham civilization.

Non Nuoc Beach

Enjoy a quieter beachfront experience at Non Nuoc Beach, ideal for relaxation and water sports, while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Day 4 starts at Dragon Bridge at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to enjoy the views. Travel by taxi (~$5 USD, 5 mins) to the Đà Nẵng Museum at 10:30 AM - spend 1.5 hours exploring artifacts. Finally, take a 15-minute taxi ride (~$6 USD) to Chùa Linh Ứng at 12:30 PM - allow 2 hours to soak in the culture and scenery. This itinerary maintains a comfortable pace, visiting attractions close to the city center.

Attractions

Dragon Bridge

This unique bridge design, named 'Dragon Bridge,' resembles a dragon, offering stunning views from above and a picturesque backdrop.

Đà Nẵng Museum

Explore local art, history, and culture at this museum, showcasing exhibitions about Da Nang's heritage and its people over the years.

Chùa Linh Ứng

A stunning Buddhist temple known for its beautiful architecture, serene environment, and breathtaking views of Da Nang.

Day 1 starts at Hoàn Kiếm Lake at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to enjoy the serene views. Next, head to Ngoc Son Temple at 10:30 AM, just a 5-minute walk away (entry ~20,000 VND) - allow 30 minutes. At 11:30 AM, travel 15 minutes by taxi (~50,000 VND) to Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you can explore for 2 hours.

Attractions

Hoàn Kiếm Lake

This beautiful lake is perfect for a peaceful walk and offers a glimpse of Hanoi's charming culture surrounding it, including the iconic Ngoc Son Temple.

Ngoc Son Temple

Located on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake, this historic temple is dedicated to a legendary general and is a quaint representation of Hanoi's rich history.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore Vietnam's diverse ethnic cultures through exhibits, artifacts, and outdoor displays featuring traditional homes and cultural performances.

Day 2 starts at Temple Of Literature (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore. Take a 10-minute taxi ride (~$5 USD) to the Old Quarter by 11 AM, where you can stroll for 3 hours. Around 2:30 PM, take a 15-minute taxi (~$5 USD) to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum for a 1-hour visit before concluding your day.

Attractions

Temple Of Literature

As Vietnam's first university, this ancient temple is a stunning representation of Confucian architecture and a symbol of the nation's scholarly tradition.

Old Quarter

Wander through the vibrant streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, famous for its bustling markets, street food, and French colonial architecture.

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

Visit the final resting place of Vietnam's beloved leader, Ho Chi Minh. This solemn monument is a must-see for understanding Vietnamese history.

Start Day 3 at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes for the performance. Travel 10 minutes by taxi (~$5 USD) to Sky Lotte Observation Deck at 11 AM for an hour of stunning city views. Finally, head to Tran Quoc Pagoda, a 15-minute taxi ride (~$7 USD), arriving by 12:30 PM for a 45-minute visit to this iconic site.

Attractions

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Experience the unique Vietnamese art of water puppetry, a fascinating performance that showcases traditional folk stories with colorful puppets on water.

Sky Lotte Observation Deck

Enjoy panoramic views of Hanoi from this observation deck located in one of the tallest buildings, providing an excellent perspective of the city's vibrant landscape.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

As the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, Trấn Quốc is a serene place of worship located on a small island in West Lake, offering stunning views and tranquility.

Day 1 starts at War Remnants Museum at 9 AM - allow 2 hours. Travel 15 minutes by taxi (~$5) to Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, arriving by 11:30 AM for an hour. After, take a 10-minute taxi ride (~$3) to Ben Thanh Market by 1 PM - plan for 2 hours exploring this bustling market.

Attractions

War Remnants Museum

Explore Vietnam's history through powerful exhibits detailing the Vietnam War, making it a poignant stop for understanding the country's resilient spirit.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

This iconic Catholic church, built by French colonists, features stunning neo-Romanesque architecture, creating a serene atmosphere in the bustling city.

Ben Thanh Market

A vibrant market showcasing local handicrafts, street food, and souvenirs—perfect for immersing yourself in local culture and cuisine.

Day 2 starts at Jade Emperor Pagoda at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore its intricate architecture. Travel to Saigon Skydeck next; take a 15-minute taxi (~$5) to arrive by 11 AM, with 60 minutes for stunning city views. Conclude at Saigon Opera House for a 12:30 PM performance; allow 2 hours here to enjoy the grandeur. Each location is conveniently ordered by proximity to the city center.

Attractions

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Admire the intricate architecture and vibrant incense-soaked atmosphere of this tranquil pagoda, a beautiful sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city.

Saigon Skydeck

Ascend this modern skyscraper for stunning panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City, capturing its vibrant essence from a breathtaking height.

Saigon Opera House

A stunning example of French colonial architecture, the Saigon Opera House hosts a variety of performances and cultural events.

9 days in Da Nang & Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: itinerary with Top attractions and Hidden Gems

Trip Highlights

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Attractions

The Marble Mountains

My Khe Beach

Dragon Bridge

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9