VIETNAM – (DA NANG & HOI AN) -The Best Hotels & Activities

No trip to Vietnam is complete without exploring the stunning cities of Da Nang and Hoi An! Da Nang is known for its gorgeous beaches, breathtaking mountain views, and the famous Ba Na Hills, home to the iconic Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands.

Just a short drive away, Hoi An offers an entirely different vibe with its charming ancient town, glowing lanterns, and relaxed riverside atmosphere. I highly recommend spending at least two days in Da Nang and another two in Hoi An to truly soak in each destination’s best experiences.

In this blog, I’ll share some amazing places to stay, must-visit attractions, and fun activities to make your trip to this Southeast Asia destination unforgettable!

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Is Da Nang worth exploring? Hell yeah. This coastal gem has it all: golden sandy beaches, breathtaking mountain views, and some seriously cool landmarks like the famous Golden Hand Bridge (yes, the one held up by giant stone hands!).

Whether you’re here to soak up the sun, chase waterfalls, explore caves, or dive into delicious Vietnamese food, Da Nang is the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement

Dragon Bridge in Da Nang. Credit: Kien (Adobe)

Places To Stay In Da Nang

Where you stay on any holiday is key to your experience. Whether you want beachfront vibes, city buzz, or a peaceful retreat, here are some of the best places and areas to stay to match your travel style!

Awaken Da Nang Hotel

Awaken Da Nang Hotel is a stylish 5-star stay just 700m from the stunning My Khe Beach, making it the perfect spot for beach lovers and city explorers. From the moment you arrive, the friendly staff make you feel right at home, while the sleek, spacious rooms offer ultimate comfort with modern designs and breathtaking beachfront views.

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The hotel has fantastic amenities, including a rooftop swimming pool with epic sunset views, a fitness centre to keep active, and a spa for much-needed relaxation. And the best part? Awaken Da Nang Hotel is a great mid-range budget option—my two-night stay costs just £86, offering unbeatable value for a luxury experience!

Areas To Stay In Da Nang

My Khe Beach. My Khe Beach is perfect for beach lovers! This area is home to stunning white sand beaches, beachfront resorts, and plenty of seafood restaurants. It’s ideal for a relaxing stay with ocean views.

Recommends: Stay at Furama Resort Da Nang for a 5-star beachfront stay with delicious food and top-notch service.

Hai Chau District. If you want to be in the heart of Da Nang, Hai Chau District is the place to go. You’ll be close to local markets, cultural sites, and the famous Dragon Bridge. It’s great for foodies and city explorers!

Recommends: Gold Plaza Hotel Da Nang is a new 4-star stay with good views, rooms, and rates.

Son Tra Peninsula. For a more peaceful, nature-filled escape with gorgeous mountain and ocean views, consider staying in Son Tra Peninsula. It’s perfect for those looking to unwind while still being close to Da Nang’s top attractions.

Recommends: Voco Ma Belle Da Nang offers great value rates for an upscale stay and sea views.

Tours In Da Nang

Although the beaches in Da Nang make you want to lounge all day, this city is so much more than just a place to chill! It’s an adventure lover’s paradise, packed with incredible things to see and do. From breathtaking mountain views to epic cultural sites, Da Nang offers some of the most exciting tours—all just a short ride from the city centre.

Lady Buddha, Marble Mountain & Am Phu Cave

Kickstart your Da Nang adventure with the Lady Buddha, Marble Mountain & Am Phu Cave Tour! This half-day excursion (with transport included) takes you to some of the city’s most iconic spots. But fair warning—this isn’t a lazy stroll kind of tour! You’ll be climbing steps at two locations, but trust me, the views and experiences are 100% worth it.

Lady Buddha

Temples and Lady Buddha, the tallest in Vietnam

The first stop was the breathtaking Son Tra Mountain, famously known as Monkey Mountain. We saw the towering Lady Buddha statue—the tallest in Vietnam at an impressive 220 feet (67 meters).

Worship and religion play a huge role in Vietnamese culture, and our guide was exceptional at explaining the country’s deep-rooted history of Buddhism and Hinduism.

While soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and snapping some epic shots of the stunning Lady Buddha, keep an eye out for the playful monkeys roaming around. But beware—these little mischief-makers have been known to snatch phones, glasses, and bags, so hold on tight!

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Marble Mountain & Am Phu Cave

Next, you’ll visit local stone factories and sculpture shops before visiting Marble Mountain. Inside Marble Mountain is a fascinating and eerie destination that takes you on a journey through Buddhist beliefs: the Am Phu Cave.

Known as the ‘Hell Cave,’ the Am Phu Cave is a surreal experience. The cave’s dark corridors showcase the underworld according to Buddhist mythology. As you explore, you’ll encounter statues and vivid displays that bring the story of life, death, and the afterlife to life.

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Am Phu Cave is not just a cave; it’s a deep dive into culture, history, and a whole new level of adventure! Be prepared for a unique experience that’s as thought-provoking as visually striking.

This cave genuinely fascinated me; it offered so many amazing photo opportunities. When I posted the Lady Buddha, Narble Mountain & Am Phu Cave Tour on my Instagram story, many people enquired about it! It’s definitely a must-see stop during your visit to Da Nang.

Marble Mountain

Continue your exploration of Marble Mountain, one of Da Nang’s top natural wonders. This cluster of five limestone and marble hills is home to caves, temples, and stunning viewpoints, each representing one of the five elements—earth, water, fire, wood, and metal.

Temples and buddha’s at Marble Mountain

As you climb the stone steps, you’ll discover hidden tunnels, ancient Buddhist shrines, and panoramic views that make the effort totally worth it.

Heads up, there are quite a few steps, but you can go at your own pace. I even separated from the group at one point for about 30 minutes as I strolled around capturing pictures.

More buddhas and temples at Marble Mountain

The half-day Lady Buddha, Marble Mountain & Am Phu Cave Tour was totally worth it—monkeys, mountains, statues, and some exercise. It’s not a bad short adventure at all. Make sure to add it to your Da Nang itinerary.

Ba Na Hills & The Golden Hand

Ba Na Hills is one of Vietnam’s most magical attractions like a little European fairytale dropped on top of a Vietnamese mountain. Sitting high in the Truong Son Mountains, this mountaintop attraction is famous for the world’s longest cable car ride, fairytale-like scenery, rides, and, of course, the Golden Hand Bridge.

When I first arrived, it was super foggy and a little rainy, and I honestly thought I had wasted the trip because I could barely see anything. But patience paid off—about 45 minutes later, the sun broke through, and suddenly, everything looked incredible. It turned out to be such a fantastic experience!

Started off disappointing as it was foggy – started clearing up shortly after

The Golden Hand Bridge—an Instagram-famous masterpiece held up by two giant stone hands emerging from the mountains—is such a visual masterpiece. You can walk along this sky-high bridge and capture its beauty from many angles. Whether you’re here for the views, the amusement park, or the charming French Village, Ba Na Hills is an adventure you don’t want to miss!

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This was one of my favourite highlights from Vietnam! I did a solo trip here and spent around four hours exploring—there’s so much to see and incredible attractions.

If you are not confident about visiting alone, you can take a Ba Na Hills Guided Tour, where your guide will take you to the best stops. The tour is roughly £56 and includes the entry ticket to Ba Na Hills.

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Hoi An is hands down one of the most magical spots in Vietnam! This little lantern-lit town has stolen the hearts of travellers worldwide (including mine!). With its dreamy ancient streets, colourful markets, stunning riverside views, and charming vibes, it’s easy to see why Hoi An is a favourite.

Whether you’re getting something custom-made, getting lost in the Old Town, or floating a candle down the Thu Bon River at night, Hoi An has that special something that makes you never want to leave!

Lanterns in Hoi An Old Town. Credit: Jangnhut (Adobe)

Where To Stay In Hoi An

Choosing the right place to stay in Hoi An is key to having the best time, especially if you want to be near the attractions and action. Here are some of the best places and areas to stay in that match your travel style!

Babylon Hoi An Hotel

The Babylon Hoi An Hotel is a beautiful 4-star boutique-style stay in Hoi An. Tucked away in a quieter area, it’s still within walking distance of the town centre and the famous Hoi An Memories Show.

The hotel offers clean, spacious rooms with a charming aesthetic, plus friendly staff and relaxing spa services. Head up to the rooftop for a social vibe with music, a bar, and a pool table, or unwind in the swimming pool on the ground floor. A perfect mix of chill and fun!

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The Babylon Hoi An Hotel also has a restaurant, an exclusive beach area, and free bicycle rentals, making exploring easy. Plus, there’s the amazing Ylang Ylang Spa next door and shops within walking distance. It was a fantastic stay—and at just £38 per night during our visit, it was an absolute steal!

Areas To Stay In Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town. Stay in Hoi An Ancient Town if you want to be right in the heart of all the action. Expect charming streets, lantern-lit nights, cute cafes, and easy access to the best restaurants, shops, and markets.

Recommends: The Signature Hoi An offers a stunning 5-star stay with gorgeous rooms and vibes.

Cam Thanh (Coconut Village). For a peaceful escape just outside the main town, Cam Thanh Coconut Village is surrounded by lush palm trees and coconut groves. It’s an excellent spot for relaxing in eco-lodges and taking basketboat rides through the waterways!

Recommends: Moodhoian Resort offers a 4-star eco-friendly luxury on a budget hotel with top-notch services. Perfect for those who are also keen on yoga and healing.

An Bang Beach. Want a mix of culture and beach vibes? Stay by An Bang Beach for golden sands, trendy beach bars, and just a short ride into the Old Town. It’s perfect for those who love the sun, the sea, and a slower pace in Vietnam!

Recommends: Citadines Pearl Hoi An is a 5-star modern hotel with spa services and an exclusive beachfront area.

While Hoi An is the perfect place to chill, relax, and beach-hop all day, there are still plenty of fun activities worth checking out! From unique cultural experiences to getting something tailor-made just for you, this little paradise has tours for everyone.

Hoi An Memories

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss in Vietnam, it’s the Hoi An Memories Show! Bringing Vietnam’s history and culture to life with epic performances, dazzling lights, and over 500 performers, the Hoi An Memories Show is the most amazing show you’ll ever witness.

You can enjoy lanterns, mini-entertainment, food, and shops before the main show begins

Set on a massive outdoor stage, the Hoi An Memories show blends music, dance, and storytelling in the most breathtaking way. It’s dramatic, visually stunning, and totally Instagram-worthy—so get ready to be amazed!

Since the show is outdoors, it’s a good idea to bring a light cardigan in case it gets chilly. The performance transitions through different scenes, with translations displayed on either side of the stage to help you follow along. They mention that photography isn’t allowed during the show, so be respectful—but I couldn’t resist snapping a few pics right at the end.

The Memories Show in Hoi An is a 10/10 performance

So, if you plan on doing just one thing during your visit to Hoi An, ensure it’s the Hoi An Memories Show – you won’t regret it! Just WOW.

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Coconut Basket-Boat Ride

Get ready for a warm welcome and a whole lot of fun at the famous coconut forest! Hop into a traditional basket-boat, try your hand at crab fishing, and learn the art of casting a fishing net from the locals. And if you’re up for it, experience the thrill of basket-boat spinning (as seen on Instagram)—it’s a ride like no other!

The basket-boat is a popular activity in Hoi An, Vietnam. Credit: Hien Phung (Adobe)

The Basket-Boat Tour is the perfect adventure for anyone looking to soak up local culture, enjoy some laughs, and make unforgettable memories on the water. It’s a fun, cheap, and memorable activity in Hoi An.

Other Cool Locations & Tours From Hoi An

Tailor-Made Outfits

Hoi An is the place to get an outfit that’s totally your style! With its talented tailors and cosy vibe, this town is a fashion lover’s dream. Whether you’re after a custom-made dress, a sharp suit, or something in between, the skilled local tailors will turn your ideas into reality.

Plus, with so many fabric choices, you can make something unique, so if you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe with some pieces that really fit you, Hoi An’s the place to do it!

Love the Ao Dai (left) credit: Soultkd (Adobe), so got one tailor-made to my style at 45Thu Tailor (right)

I fell in love with the traditional Ao Dai from the first moment I stepped into Vietnam. It’s so stunning and flows beautifully that I knew I had to get one made! My mum and I visited 45Thu Tailor, and after some deliberation, we finally decided what we wanted. My mum went for some flowy skirts, while I chose an Ao Dai with a Chinese twist on the neckline and short sleeves.

Although it’s a bit pricey (around $130 for the Ao Dai), it was totally worth the experience. We’ve never had anything tailor-made before, so it was definitely a unique treat. Plus, I get to bring a piece of Vietnam home with me, and I’ll always cherish it—even if I’m not sure when I’ll wear it just yet!

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So, there you have it! The must-see spots in Danang and Hoi An are fabulous areas and places to stay. Whether you’re catching the sun on Danang’s epic beaches, exploring ancient temples, or wandering through Hoi An’s colourful streets full of lanterns and custom-made fashion, there’s no shortage of cool things.

These two cities have everything from tasty street food and Insta-worthy moments to unforgettable tours. So grab your friends, go solo or on a mum-and-daughter trip, and get ready to make some serious memories in the heart of Vietnam! Go, Go, GO!