7-day Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An itinerary & travel tips

1. How many days to spend in Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An?

For Hue, a stay of around 3 days and 2 nights is ideal. This allows enough time to explore historical sites, such as the Imperial City and royal tombs, while still having time to enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the city. 

In Da Nang, 2 days are sufficient to visit major attractions, including the Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, and Dragon Bridge.

Hoi An is best explored over 2 days as well. This gives you ample time to wander through the ancient town, relax by the Hoai River, and explore nearby attractions like Cua Dai Beach and Cham Islands. 

Overall, a 7-day tour through Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An is a perfect balance, allowing you to fully enjoy each city's highlights while maintaining a relaxed pace.

2. 1-week Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An travel itinerary 

Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue are three neighboring cities that form a seamless travel route. You can start your journey in Hue, continue to Da Nang, then conclude in Hoi An.

2.1. 3 days in Hue

Begin your journey at Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the residence of the Nguyen Dynasty. In the afternoon, Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s oldest religious sites located along the Perfume River, is a must-see. To conclude the day, the royal tombs in Hue of the Nguyen emperors, such as Khai Dinh Tomb or Minh Mang Tomb, offer unique architectural styles and serene landscapes.

On your second day, check out Bao Quoc Pagoda, a peaceful Buddhist temple nestled on a hill. Following this is Phu Cam Church, an impressive cathedral with Gothic architecture. An Dinh Palace, a former royal residence blending European and Vietnamese architectural styles, makes for an interesting afternoon. Exploring An Hien Garden House, a traditional garden, offers insight into the region's harmonious way of life. For a relaxing evening, a boat ride along the Perfume River provides scenic views.

On the final day in Hue, you can immerse yourself in the local culture at Dong Ba Market, the city’s largest market. A stroll across Trang Tien Bridge offers beautiful views of the Perfume River. In the afternoon, visiting Thuy Xuan Incense Village allows for learning about the traditional craft of incense making. End the day with a visit to Vong Canh Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Perfume River and the surroundings.

2.2. 2 days in Da Nang

Your first day should begin at Han Market, one of Da Nang’s most famous markets. Following this, a visit to My Khe Beach is ideal for a morning swim. In the afternoon, Son Tra Peninsula offers stunning views of the coastline. As evening approaches, you can take a walk along the Love Bridge, a romantic spot adorned with heart-shaped lanterns, then visit the Dragon Bridge, where the spectacular sight of dragons breathing fire awaits.

The second day in Da Nang is best spent at the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone and marble hills with caves, tunnels, and Buddhist temples. Afterward, you can head to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, home to an impressive collection of Cham artifacts. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Da Nang with a stroll along Bach Dang Street, a riverside promenade lined with cafes and restaurants.

2.3. 2 days in Hoi An

Your Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An tour in Hoi An should include Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its centuries-old houses, temples, and assembly halls. Attractions such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and the old houses of Tan Ky and Duc An are must-sees. In the evening, a boat ride along the Hoai River offers the sight of lanterns lighting up the riverbanks, which Hoi An is famous for.

On the second day, start with a visit to Cua Dai Beach, where you can relax and soak up the sun. From there, a short boat trip to the Cham Islands reveals crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, perfect for snorkeling or diving. In the afternoon, the amusement park of VinWonders Nam Hoi An offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Thrilling rides, cultural experiences, and beautifully landscaped gardens are available, with the day concluding with evening shows such as the 3D mapping show or the "Sailing Home" show.

Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An

3. Tips for a smooth journey through Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An

3.1. Best time to visit

Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An are located in Central Vietnam and share similar weather patterns. The best time to visit these cities is from March to August, as they enjoy dry weather, plenty of sunshine, and clear skies, making it easy to explore outdoors. 

If you are looking to save on costs and avoid the crowds, you might consider traveling during the rainy season, which lasts from September to December. Each city offers unique experiences even during the rain:

• Hue: Enjoy the serene beauty of Hue’s ancient temples shrouded in mist, or take a boat ride along the Perfume River as the rain enhances the city's ambiance.
• Da Nang: Experience the charm of Da Nang’s coastal scenery as the rain adds a romantic touch to My Khe Beach, or visit indoor attractions like the Museum of Cham Sculpture.
• Hoi An: Stroll through or explore the streets of Hoi An Ancient Town by cyclo, where the rain creates a reflective atmosphere, or take part in a cozy cooking class to learn about the local cuisine.

However, prolonged rain and flooding are potential. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor the weather forecast closely if you plan to visit during the rainy season.

3.2. Transportation

To travel between Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, you can choose from several transport options:

• From Hue to Da Nang
  • Coach: The journey takes about 2 - 2.5 hours. Some reliable bus companies include HAV Limousine, Hung Thinh Phat Limousine, and Tan Quang Dung Limousine.
  • Public bus: For a budget-friendly choice, consider taking a bus from Hue's Southern Bus Station to Da Nang’s Central Bus Station.
  • Train: If you have more time, the train from Hue to Da Nang offers a scenic ride with a travel time of around 3 hours. There are seven daily trains, including SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, SE19, HD1, and HD3.
  • Taxi: For a more comfortable ride, consider taking a taxi. Xanh SM offers an eco-friendly option for traveling between Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An.
• From Da Nang to Hoi An
  • Taxi: Once again, Xanh SM provides a smooth taxi journey from Da Nang to Hoi An.
  • Public bus: The LK02 bus route, operated by Phuong Trang Futa Bus Lines, runs from Da Nang (Vietnam - Korea University) to Hoi An (Cua Dai). Buses operate from 5:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily, with departures every 15-25 minutes.

Additionally, for more flexibility, you can rent a motorbike or a car, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

3.3. Food

Here are some top eateries where you can savor the regional flavors of Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An.

3.3.1. Hue

• Chè mợ Tôn Đích (No. 20, Dinh Tien Hoang Street)
• Bánh lọc Mệ Cai (No. 475, Chi Lang Street)
• Bún bò o Phụng - chú Vọng (No. 14, Nguyen Du Street)
• Bánh canh cá lóc dì Hương (No. 14, Le Thanh Ton Street)
• Bánh bèo nậm lọc bà Đỏ (No. 8, Nguyen Binh Khiem Street)
• Bánh canh Nam Phổ - Thúy (No. 16, Pham Hong Thai Street)
• Bún bò mệ Kéo (No. 20, Bach Dang Street)
• Cơm hến Hoa Đông (No. 64/7, Ung Binh Street)

3.3.2. Da Nang

• Bánh xèo tôm nhảy cô Ba (No. 248, Trung Nu Vuong Street)
• Bún chả cá 109 (No. 109, Nguyen Chi Thanh Street)
• Mì Quảng cô Sáu (No. 397, Tran Hung Dao Street)
• Quán Nhân (No. 83, Phan Tu Street)
• Bún chả cá Hờn (No. 113/03, Nguyen Chi Thanh Street)
• Mì Quảng 1A (No. 1A, Hai Phong Street)
• Olivia's Prime (Lot G1-G4, GF, Indochina Mall, No. 74, Bach Dang Street)
• Ngọc Chi (No. 202, Hoang Dieu Street)
• Bà Diệu (No. 17, Tran Tong Street)

3.3.3. Hoi An

• Cơm gà bà Buội (No. 22, Phan Chu Trinh Street)
• Thanh Cao Lầu (No. 26, Thai Phien Street)
• Lò bánh bao, bánh vạc Hoa Hồng Trắng (No. 533, Hai Ba Trung Street)
• Bánh mì Madam Khánh (No. 115, Tran Cao Van Street)
• Bánh xèo quán Giếng Bá Lễ (No. 45/51, Tran Hung Dao Street)

3.4. Accommodation

Throughout your journey in Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, a wide range of accommodation options is available to suit your preferences. 

Hue offers a variety of affordable choices, including budget-friendly hostels, cozy homestays, and mid-range hotels, particularly in the city center. In Da Nang, you can find everything, from homestays and apartments to luxury beachfront resorts and well-equipped hotels in the city center. Hoi An also provides a diverse selection, ranging from charming homestays and boutique hotels to upscale resorts, especially along the beaches of An Bang and Cua Dai.

For a truly luxurious stay in Hoi An, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An is an excellent option. This resort features top-notch amenities including spacious rooms, multiple dining options, a relaxing spa, direct beach access, and more, ensuring a memorable experience for every guest.

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An

Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An each provide unique experiences. From the historical grandeur of Hue to the vibrant energy of Da Nang and the serene charm of Hoi An, these destinations together create a journey rich with unforgettable moments in Central Vietnam. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of this region!