Da Nang, Hoi An and Ba Na Hills: how many days, how to connect them, and adding Hue

For a first visit to central Vietnam, plan three to five days: Da Nang as the base, a day in Hoi An Ancient Town, a half day or full day at Ba Na Hills, and Hue as an optional extra. Thai passport holders fly into Da Nang International Airport (DAD), and Hoi An is a short road trip from the city.

How many days do you need for Da Nang, Hoi An and Ba Na Hills?

Three days covers the three core stops, four days adds slack and the Marble Mountains, and five days leaves room for a Hue side trip. Keeping one hotel base saves you from repacking.

How do you get from Da Nang airport to the city?

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) has Terminal T1 for domestic flights and Terminal T2 for international flights, according to the airport's official site. Flights from abroad use T2.

• Public buses: the airport lists Danabus Route 12 and Route 06 as city routes serving the airport.
• Ride-hailing: the airport names Grab, GoJek and Xanh SM (listed as SM Green Taxi) for car and motorbike rides. Set the pick-up point to the right terminal.
• Taxis: listed firms include Mai Linh, Tien Sa, VinaSun, Hai Van, Datranco, Danang Taxi and Xanh SM.

How do you get from Da Nang to Hoi An?

The simplest route is a Grab or taxi ride, and there is also a direct bus. The Da Nang airport transport page says the Hai Van Bus suburban route runs between the Cua Dai parking lot in Hoi An and Da Nang International Airport.

1. 1Pick your transportChoose ride-hailing or a licensed taxi for door-to-door travel, or the Hai Van Bus for the airport-to-Hoi An link.
2. 2Set the destinationEnter your Hoi An hotel or the Ancient Town area in the app and double-check the pick-up terminal.
3. 3Lên kế hoạch đường vềIf you have Ba Na Hills or a flight the next morning, arrange the ride back to Da Nang before you settle into the evening in Hoi An.

What is there to do at Ba Na Hills?

Ba Na Hills sits atop Mount Chua (Nui Chua) in Da Nang and is known for the Golden Bridge, according to its operator Sun World. Cable cars carry visitors up the mountain above a sea of clouds.

• Golden Bridge: the iconic bridge is the main photo stop, as Sun World describes it.
• Cable cars: the ride up passes above a sea of clouds, so allow extra time for the queue on busy days.
• Address: the operator lists Ba Na Commune, Da Nang City.
• Check the current opening times, ticket rules and cable car status on the Sun World site before you go.

Is Hoi An Ancient Town worth a full day?

Yes. The Hoi An heritage management site is titled Phố cổ Hội An – Di sản văn hóa thế giới (Hoi An Ancient Town – World Cultural Heritage), and the town suits a slow day on foot plus a second visit in the evening.

• Paying: the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism says most hotels, restaurants and shops accept cards, while small purchases and street vendors still use cash.
• Rain: in the heavy-rain months (September to November) small floods can happen, so check the forecast before you fix your Hoi An day.
• Tickets and entry rules: check the current details on the official Ancient Town site.

Should you add Hue to a Da Nang trip?

Add Hue if you have four or five days and want to see the old imperial capital. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism says the Reunification Express and the Hai Van Pass road link Hue with Da Nang, and Phu Bai Airport is about 15 km from Hue.

• Train: the Reunification Express stops at Hue and Da Nang, and tickets are sold online through dsvn.vn, the Vietnam Railways ticket site.
• Road: the Hai Van Pass road links the two cities.
• Timing: the tourism authority gives February to April as the best time, mild and dry, while heavy rain and typhoons can hit from September to November.
• Stay: one night in Hue gives more time than rushing back in a single day.

Which months are best for Da Nang and Hoi An?

February to August is the dry, warm period in Hoi An, and the tourism authority rates March as an excellent time to visit. The rainy season runs from September to January.

Do you need mobile data in Da Nang and Hoi An?

Yes, mobile data helps, because ride-hailing apps, maps and booking confirmations all need an internet connection.

• Ride-hailing: Grab, GoJek and Xanh SM, named by Da Nang airport, are booked through the app once you are online.
• QR payments: the Bank of Thailand says Thai tourists can scan QR codes with a mobile banking app to pay merchants in Vietnam. Participating banks change, so check with your own bank.
• Emergency numbers: police 113, fire brigade 114, ambulance 115, and country calling code +84.
• For the general internet checklist, see “Going to Vietnam: how to get online and what to prepare”.

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