How long should I spend in Da Nang?

How many days are enough in Da Nang?

Three or four days? Nah, bump that up. Aim for five to seven days in Da Nang. It deserves it. Consider flying into Da Nang International Airport (DAD). I once flew into DAD, then explored Hoi An and Hue nearby.

• Beaches: My Khe Beach? Worth a full day. Non Nuoc Beach? Another day, easy. Beaches are fundamental to the Da Nang experience. Who doesn’t love burying their toes in the sand? Seriously.

• Marble Mountains: Half a day is enough. Don’t rush the caves and pagodas though. Take your time. Appreciate the artistry. Marvel at the intricate carvings. Think about the history.

• Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain): Rent a motorbike. The views are insane. Lighthouses, jungle, hidden beaches… This is a full day adventure. I remember spotting some langurs.

• Ba Na Hills: A quirky theme park up in the mountains. French village vibes. Golden Bridge held up by giant hands. Again, a full day. Might be touristy but worth a look.

• Dragon Bridge: It breathes fire on weekends. Seriously. Worth scheduling around. I missed it once and it was a bummer. Plan ahead for this spectacle.

• Food Scene: Street food is king. Banh xeo, Mi Quang. Bun cha ca. Explore local markets. Indulge. Da Nang has a fantastic culinary reputation. Foodies, rejoice! Each meal is a new experience.

• Hoi An (Day Trip): Ancient town. Tailors galore. Lanterns everywhere. Beautiful at night. Easy day trip from Da Nang. So charming.

• My Son Sanctuary (Day Trip): Ruined Hindu temples. Interesting history. Worth the trip. A bit further out than Hoi An.

Five to seven days lets you really savor Da Nang. Plus, you can easily explore nearby destinations. Think about it. Travel isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about soaking in the culture.

Is it better to stay in Da Nang or Hue?

Da Nang: Beaches. Resorts. Empty.

Hue: History. Weight. Lingering.

More to do in Hue? Debatable. More to feel.

Da Nang suits transience. Hue demands presence. Choose your poison.

• Da Nang: Sunburns. Cocktails. Forgetting.
• Hue: Temples. Tombs. Remembering.

I prefer the ghosts of Hue. They have stories. 2024. The year I learned to listen to stone.

My hotel room in Hue overlooked the Perfume River. Room 304. Never forget it.

Da Nang felt…sterile. Like a postcard. Beautiful, but flat.

Hue cut deep. A scar. Worth it.

Is Hue worth it in Vietnam?

Hue? Totally worth it. Palaces are crazy impressive. My favorite was the Forbidden Purple City, even though it’s mostly ruins now. Still powerful. Makes you think about the ephemeral nature of power, you know? Saw some amazing temples too. Thien Mu Pagoda with its iconic seven-story tower. It’s right on the Perfume River. Beautiful.

• Key point: Hue’s architecture reflects Nguyen Dynasty aesthetics. Really distinct from other parts of Vietnam.
• Another key point: The tombs. Each emperor built their own, super elaborate. Minh Mang’s tomb is my personal pick. So peaceful. Khai Dinh’s is over the top, a blend of Vietnamese and European styles. Really interesting to see that mix.
• Don’t miss: The Perfume River. Take a boat tour. It’s so calm and scenic.

Food in Hue is also excellent. Known for its imperial cuisine. Bun bo Hue is a must-try, spicy beef noodle soup. Ate it every day, honestly. Also, the vegetarian food scene is surprisingly good. Found this amazing little place near the Citadel. Can’t remember the name now. But the food was incredible.

• Food tip: Look for street food stalls. Cheap and delicious. Banh xeo, a crispy crepe, is another favorite. Had one filled with shrimp and pork, so good. Remember that time I tried durian for the first time in Hue? Whoa. Intense.

Hue has this melancholic atmosphere. Maybe because of its history. The war definitely left its mark. But it’s also a city of resilience. There’s a quiet beauty to it all. It’s something you feel, not just see.