Vietnam’s Treasures, Danang and Hoi An
Located in central Vietnam, Danang and Hoi An are two gem-like cities that offer completely different charms to travelers. Danang, with its modern beach resorts and brilliant night scenery, and Hoi An, which preserves a tranquil atmosphere as if time has stopped, have different faces, but visiting them together creates a perfect destination to fully experience Vietnam’s true charm.
In recent years, this region has become as familiar to international travelers as their own domestic destinations, and has quickly recovered its tourism industry after COVID-19, becoming even more vibrant. Experience Vietnam’s diverse aspects in Danang and Hoi An, where modernity and tradition, splendor and tranquility coexist just 30 minutes apart.
1. Danang: A Vibrant Beach City Where Modernity and Tradition Meet
Danang is the fourth largest city in Vietnam and the economic and cultural center of the central region, transforming from a modest fishing village into an international resort in just 10 years. Once the center of the ancient Champa kingdom, it now boasts a unique charm where modern skyscrapers, luxury resorts, and historical sites coexist.
My Khe Beach is the starting point for Danang travel and is as beautiful as ‘Hawaii of the East.’ The 30km white sandy beach and emerald sea offer travelers the ultimate relaxation. World-class hotel chains such as InterContinental, Hyatt, and Pullman lined along the beach showcase Danang’s international status.
The most eye-catching feature in the city center is undoubtedly the Dragon Bridge. This modern bridge crossing the Han River captivates tourists with a spectacular show of fire and water spewing from the dragon’s mouth at 9 PM every Saturday and Sunday. The brilliant night view around the bridge symbolizes Danang’s rapid development and modernization.
Da Nang Cathedral is a pink church located in the heart of downtown, which locals call the ‘Pink Church.’ Built during the French colonial era in 1923, this cathedral has become a popular Instagram photo spot for its Gothic architectural beauty and unique color.
For shopping and food exploration, visit Han Market and Con Market. These places offer a one-stop experience of locals’ daily lives, various Vietnamese souvenirs, and the taste of Danang. They are particularly popular with travelers as they can taste representative Vietnamese foods such as Pho and Banh Mi at affordable prices.
The Marble Mountains, located south of Danang, are sacred places consisting of five limestone peaks symbolizing metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. Buddhist temples and caves on the mountainside give a glimpse into Vietnam’s religious history, and from the peak, you can overlook Danang city and the sea.
2. Hoi An: The Charm of an Ancient City Where Time Seems to Stand Still
Located about 30km south of Danang, a 30-minute drive away, Hoi An offers an experience like traveling to the past. Hoi An Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, is the most perfectly preserved port of trade in Southeast Asia from the 15th-19th centuries, with narrow alleys and yellow traditional houses creating a unique atmosphere.
Phung Hung Ancient House, one of Hoi An’s representative buildings, is a traditional house built in the 18th century, showing a unique architectural beauty that harmoniously blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese styles. This house, home to one family for eight generations, fully embodies Hoi An’s history and culture.
The Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An’s most famous landmark, is a bridge built by Japanese merchants in the 17th century and is such a symbolic place that it is depicted on the back of Vietnam’s 20,000 dong note. At the entrance to the bridge are statues of monkeys and dogs, meaning that the bridge construction began in the Year of the Monkey and was completed in the Year of the Dog.
Another charm of Hoi An is the basket boat experience along the Thu Bon River. Riding this unique traditional boat, converted from a round bamboo basket, you can enjoy the boatmen’s entertaining performances while cruising the river. Especially, the basket boat experience at sunset is the best time to enjoy Hoi An’s beautiful scenery.
Hoi An’s true charm shines even more after the sun goes down. Thousands of traditional lanterns hung throughout the Old Town color the city in a romantic atmosphere, and the lotus lanterns floating on Thu Bon River carry travelers’ wishes along the river. On the full moon day of each lunar month, the ‘Hoi An Lantern Festival’ offers an even more brilliant lantern festival.
Hoi An is also famous for its tailored clothing. There are hundreds of custom tailor shops in the Old Town where you can make clothes to fit your body shape and taste in just one day. The price is also very reasonable, so many travelers choose tailored clothing as souvenirs from Hoi An.
Hoi An’s culinary journey is not to be missed. Cao Lau is a special rice noodle that can only be tasted in Hoi An, boasting a unique flavor with thick noodles, crispy fried crackers, and soft pork like char siu. Shrimp dumplings called White Rose and Banh Mi are also must-try foods in Hoi An.
3. Danang and Hoi An, Two Faces of Vietnam
Although Danang and Hoi An are only 30 minutes apart, they offer an experience like traveling through different eras and worlds. Danang, with its tall buildings, glamorous resorts, and modern shopping malls, shows the future of rapidly developing Vietnam, while Hoi An preserves Vietnam’s rich history and culture through traditional houses, narrow alleys, and markets full of handicrafts.
The contrasting charm of the two cities is also revealed in their tourism styles. In Danang, you can enjoy relaxation at glamorous beach resorts, luxury shopping, and modern nightlife, while in Hoi An, you can walk through the tranquil Old Town, appreciate historical architecture, browse local artisans’ handicrafts, or enjoy quiet moments under romantic lanterns.
In food culture, too, the two cities have their own characteristics. Danang has many modern restaurants where you can enjoy seafood and international dining, while Hoi An is mainly traditional restaurants centered on local specialties such as Cao Lau and White Rose.
Visiting both cities allows you to experience Vietnam’s past, present, and future at a glance. Danang, rapidly growing as an international resort city, and Hoi An, preserving hundreds of years of history, are like two sides of a coin, different but together completing the true charm of central Vietnam.
The most ideal way to travel is to set up a base camp in Danang and visit Hoi An on a day trip, or stay 2-3 days in each city. You can relax comfortably at a modern resort in Danang and enjoy Hoi An’s tranquil atmosphere on a day tour, or enjoy a traditional atmosphere at a boutique hotel in Hoi An before moving to Danang to enjoy modern beach relaxation.
4. Travel Tips: A Guide for the Best Danang-Hoi An Trip
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Danang and Hoi An is from February to May. During this period, the weather is clear and mild with little rain, ideal for outdoor activities. June to August is the hottest period, with many days exceeding 35°C, which is good for relaxation on the beach but may be somewhat burdensome for walking tours. September to November is the rainy season, when sudden heavy rains and typhoons can disrupt travel plans. December to January is cool and dry, but occasional long rains may occur.
If you’re visiting Hoi An, it’s good to plan around the full moon (evening of the 14th of each lunar month). On this day, the Hoi An Lantern Festival is held, offering a fantastic experience where all the electric lights in the Old Town are turned off and the city is illuminated only by thousands of traditional lanterns.
Transportation Information
From major international airports, there are various airlines operating direct flights to Danang, with flight times varying by origin. Recently, with the launch of low-cost carriers, you can find airline tickets at relatively affordable prices.
From Danang to Hoi An, you can use taxis, Grab, rental cars, or shuttle buses. Taxis cost about 300,000-400,000 dong ($15-20), Grab is slightly cheaper at about 250,000-350,000 dong, and hotel-operated shuttle buses are mostly free or charge a nominal fee. It’s also possible to rent a car or motorcycle and drive yourself, but Vietnam’s traffic situation is somewhat chaotic, so it’s not recommended for novice drivers.
Within the city, Grab is the most convenient and safe means of transportation. You can easily call it with a smartphone app and check the fare in advance, so there’s no worry about being overcharged. In Hoi An Old Town, most attractions are within walking distance, so it’s best to explore on foot.
Local culture and etiquette
Vietnam has a relatively conservative culture, so it’s advisable to dress modestly in religious and public places, especially when visiting temples and cathedrals, which require clothing that covers the knees and shoulders.
When interacting with locals, it’s important to smile and be polite. Vietnamese people are generally friendly and hospitable, but it’s a good idea to tip a small amount (5-10 per cent) when you’re satisfied with service.
Always ask permission when taking photos, and be especially careful when photographing religious ceremonies or the personal space of locals. It’s also a good idea to avoid political topics related to the Vietnam War.
Two cities, one perfect trip
While Danang and Hoi An each captivate travellers with their own charms, it’s only when you visit them together that you can experience the true beauty and diversity of central Vietnam. Relaxing in modern beach resorts and cultural exploration at altitudes steeped in centuries of history – all in one trip – is what Danang and Hoi An are all about.
Before you board your flight back home, take in one last sunset on Danang’s colourful beaches or spend one last night under the romantic lanterns of Hoi An, and let the beautiful memories of your trip to Vietnam wash over you – and know that one day, you’ll be back to these two enchanting cities again.