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3-Day Tour In Da Nang Hoi An – Travel Tips By Jade

Hello everyone ! I am Jade, passionate about traveling in Vietnam, and I had the opportunity to travel recently in the central part of the country by booking a 3-day tour in Da Nang Hoi An with Autour Asia, your best travel agency in Vietnam. This trip gave me a perfect balance of the wonder of coastal landscapes, the beauty of temples, the immaculate beaches, and the narrow but charming streets. After each activity, I had the chance to become familiar with the local culture and to relax and be amazed. So, if you want to discover the best travel offers in Da Nang and Hoi An, I will help you know what. I experienced it through these expressions with my feelings to give you certain indications.

I. What to do in 3 days in Da Nang Hoi An ?

1. Day 1: First steps in Da Nang – beach and mountains

I woke up this morning in a comfortable hotel located right in the heart of Da Nang, the HAIAN Beach Da Nang Hotel & Spa, one of the best hotels in Da Nang with stunning views of My Khe Beach. Feeling rested and full after a breakfast light, I was excited to get started on my 3-day tour in Da Nang Hoi An loop, wanting to get a feel for all that this coastal city had to offer.

My first sightseeing destination might have been My Khe Beach, about ten-minute taxi ride from the hotel where I spent the night. I must say that when I made it there and my feet stepped on to this endless white sand and clear turquoise water sparkling in the sunlight, I was simply stunned. It was, unquestionably, one of the greatest ways to wake up with a morning walk on the soft sand, the constant wind of the sea in your face as the waves crashed the beach with the changing tide. For myself, I photographed the sunny spectacle, and decided to test the waters, cold and clear. It left me more invigorated than I had ever been. It was an ideal way to prepare before setting off to discover the other wonders of Da Nang.

Next, I make my way to the Marble Mountains which is definitely one of the top things to do in 3 days in Da Nang Hoi An. Five peaks and each correspond to one of the five elements of feng shui, the grand hills watch over the town and provide a magnificent view. I visit sacred caves and rock-hewn pagodas, where the smell of incense mixes with the cold of the caves. It’s quite a climb up the steps, but there’s something at every turn of the staircase: some finely-carved statues, rich light filtering through the walls of stone, staggering views over the sea and the city. It’s like I am suddenly in some sort of spiritual, mystical realm and a larger-than-life world, where nature and Vietnamese culture live hand-in-hand in peaceful existence.

Then I'm back in the city center mid-afternoon. There's nothing more enjoyable and leisurely than wandering the banks of Han river to look at striking bridges that make the poetic, vital Da Nang city. And the Dragon Bridge, which exudes Majesty and glory, takes my attention away all of a sudden: under the sun, the entire body of the Dragon Bridge glitter with golden scales, appears to make a living. This picturesque scenery has gotta make my 3 days in Da Nang Hoi An more memorable. Something could change my feeling each minute. And the bustling night market is my labyrinth by night. The wafts of grilled fish, crispy bánh xèo and local sweets shout to me as they waft in the air. To-and-fro of lights, peals of rhetoric and candid smiles – and the exchange of flavorful bites of sweet and sour come flooding in. Right then that night, I am in the beating, live pulse of the city.

Read more: Da Nang itinerary 5 days
Best things to do in Da Nang

2. Day 2: Cultural discovery and panoramas in Da Nang

I wake up early in my hotel with a smile on my face and a light heart, excited because I know many exciting discoveries await me today. After a quick breakfast, I am ready to continue my 3-day tour in Da Nang Hoi An.

I hailed a taxi for a ride of more than 10 kilometers north of the city center, into the Son Tra peninsula. This road, along the shining sea and through the still wild and green hills, gets me into the perfect frame of mind for what is to come. There's a spiritual wind tearing up inside me already. Raise the dust, I click open and step out, into Linh Ung Pagoda, standing high on the peninsula. A 67-meter-tall statue of the Goddess of Mercy looms over me there. In the morning light, I stroll slowly around the sanctuary and gaze at Da Nang in the distance, where blues meld with greens in a ceaseless spectacle of colors. These suspended moments give me a respite, or I'm going to store something spiritual and poetic during the 3-day trip to Da Nang Hoi An among highlights.

Feeling energized after my jaunt into mother nature and some spirituality, I decided to go back into the heart of the city for lunch by the Han River. I’m led by the scent of mì Quảng — one of Da Nang’s delicious specialties — to a tiny, vibrant and cosy local restaurant. Hot noodles in a bowl of golden, rich but light in flavor broth topped with fresh herbs and roasted peanuts. I feel fully local, tuned into the whir of scooters and the hustle of locals up and down streets, the laughter of families, the glint of sunlight on water.

Refreshed by my typical meal, I ventured on to be amazed by the Cham Sculpture Museum; a real gem of the town ! The story the ancient statues, well-executed bas-reliefs and ruins of this lost civilization tells is a really gripping one. It’s one of my itinerary pleasures for this 3-day tour in Da Nang Hoi An. It’s this interplay of spiritual reflection, culinary pleasure and cultural exploration that makes the journey taste particularly rich and balanced to me.

I return to the hotel at the end of the day and take a short nap, freshen up for dinner and then go for a walk by the Han River. The two-day otherwise, the highlight of the two-day festival is the Dragon Bridge show, a recognition of Da Nang, explodes with a thousand lights before breathing fire or water. See it to get into the real jolly and holy spirit of this city. Remember that show happens only on Saturday and Sunday nights at 9 PM. This is not to be missed if you're looking to get a taste of the city's vibe! My itinerary for this day provided a perfect balance between spectacle, contemplation, and history, keeping a good pace in preparation for day 3 in Hoi An !

3. Day 3: Gentle immersion in Hoi An

This morning, a slow morning and light breakfast in Da Nang later, I decided to go by taxi to Hoi An for this short 40-minute drive. Which enables me to arrive rested in this wonderful city that I love so much. Once here, I pop my bags at the Laluna Hoi An Riverside Hotel & Spa. This old-school, classy hotel is set smack in the middle of the old part of town, only moments away from the busy streets. I am all set to make the most of my last day on the 3-days Da Nang Hoi An itinerary !

I begin my day by strolling through the old town. I can walk along narrow streets with old houses painted in bright yellow. Upon arrival, the Japanese Bridge immediately catches my attention with its tiny pagoda in the middle. I stroll slowly to explore Chinese temples and local craft shops. I might stop from time to time, because when I come across a street with hanging colorful lanterns, everything becomes gentle. The soft atmosphere spreads everywhere, and I forget the fast pace of big cities. At some point, I am completely captivated by the timeless charm of Hoi An. This is one of the reasons why Hoi An is among the best destinations to discover during my 3-day tour in Da Nang Hoi An.

Next, I participate in a lantern-making workshop, a typical and fun artisan activity. I am delighted to learn how to fold the paper, assemble the structures, and carefully choose the colors. It is fascinating to see how each small detail brings something as beautiful as a lantern to life. I now realize how important craftsmanship is for the local culture. I will bring this memory back with me and will not forget anytime soon how I made my first keepsake.

To end the day gorgeously, I jump on a boat and head down the Thu Bon River while the sun sets. The sky is lit up in pinks and oranges, and the lanterns that hang on the quays cast their light onto the ripples of the water below. The gentle rock of the water, the gentle hum of the boat, the smell of clean, cool air is slightly magical and maybe a little surreal. I love every minute of it and just go with the calm and bounty of the atmosphere.

Last and need I say least, in the evening, I walk back to my hotel or take another short stroll along the lamp-lit streets. The night atmosphere of Hoi An is simply magical and I am happy to have spent this last nice day at one place that is both cultural and authentic but relaxing and gentle as well. The following morning I had a flight to catch at the airport, homeward bound, and that marked the beautiful completion of this 3-day tour in Da Nang Hoi An.

Learn more: 5-star hotels in Hoi An
Top 10 best 4-star hotels in Hoi An
5 days in Hoi An

II. Travel tips for a smooth trip in Da Nang Hoi An

Before concluding this 3-day tour in Da Nang Hoi An, I would like to share some practical tips that can make your trip even smoother and more enjoyable.

• Best time to travel: Choose the months from March to May or from September to November, when the weather is ideal, mild, and sunny, without excessive heat or heavy rains.
• Transport: Use taxis or local drivers through apps like Grab. To explore Hoi An, cycling or walking is perfect to enjoy the warmth while wandering through the old streets.
• Food budget: Alternate between street food - specialties like cao lầu, mì Quảng, or bánh mì - for an authentic and affordable experience, and a dinner in a restaurant along the Thu Bon River in Hoi An to enjoy an atmosphere that is both romantic and unforgettable.
• Cultural visits: Remember to buy your tickets for the Hoi An old town in advance and make sure to wear respectful clothing when visiting pagodas and temples.
• Practical tips: Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and a small bottle of water, especially if you plan to explore Son Tra or wander for a long time in the streets of Hoi An.

After these 3 days of sea, culture and traditions, I’m struck by the perfect balance existing in Da Nang and Hoi An between modernism and authenticity. From the long, open beaches of My Khe to the lantern-lit streets, the peace of the Son Tra Peninsula or the richness of the Cham Sculpture Museum, every moment has been a gem. This 3-day tour in Da Nang Hoi An isn’t only a tourist tour but dipping the soul of Central Vietnam. If you’re asking yourself what to do for 3 days in Da Nang Hoi An, allow this adventure to inspire you and picture your very own moments of awe. With Autour Asia, every trip becomes a unique adventure, both cultural, human, and unforgettable.

It is advisable to refer to:

- 6-day trip to Da Nang Ba Na Hills Hoi An Hue
- Da Nang Travel Guide
- Central Vietnam Essence Trip 5 Days
- Central Vietnam Tours