Arrive in Da Nang and settle into your My An / My Khe-area Airbnb, then stretch your legs with a calm walk along My Khe Beach — feel the warm sand and watch local vendors setting up for the day. Stop for a late breakfast or strong Vietnamese coffee at Forest98 Coffee Café, sampling a banh mi or fresh fruit smoothie as you plan the short drive up to Son Tra Peninsula.
Head up Son Tra Peninsula for panoramic views and easy hiking: visit Linh Ung Pagoda to see the towering Lady Buddha statue overlooking the sea, then continue to the Son Tra Marina viewpoint (the ‘Greece-like’ harbor) and the scenic cliffs near Ban Co Peak. If time allows, drive the coastal road for a brief visit to the secluded coves and photo stops — you can also take the short hike to see wild monkeys and the lush forest scenery.
Return toward the city for sunset on My Khe Beach or at a beachfront bar near the AirBnB, then stroll to the Dragon Bridge area to catch the illuminated bridge and, if it’s a weekend, the fire-and-water dragon show. Finish with dinner at a local seafood restaurant or Beer Plaza for casual bites and drinks, previewing the lively nights you'll enjoy later in Hoi An and around the river.
After breakfast at your My An/My Khe Airbnb, drive up early to Ba Na Hills to beat the crowds and enjoy the world-record cable car ride — watch the coastline shrink beneath you as you ascend. Start with the iconic Golden Bridge held by its giant stone hands for sunrise photos, then wander the Flower Garden and take in panoramic mountain air before heading into the French Village.
Explore the storybook lanes of the French Village and its castle-like plazas, stopping for lunch at one of the on-site cafes that serve Vietnamese and European dishes. Spend the afternoon on adrenaline and fun: ride the alpine coaster for a self-controlled thrill, visit the Sun World attractions and the quaint Luna Castle and train ride to the scenic viewpoints, and pop into small museums and flower-lined squares for relaxed exploration.
Return down the mountain in the late afternoon to freshen up, then enjoy a relaxed dinner back in Da Nang — try seafood near My Khe or a casual meal at Beer Plaza to compare local flavors. If you still have energy, stroll the Dragon Bridge waterfront at night to see the illuminated bridge and plan Hoi An’s lantern evening for tomorrow.
After a leisurely breakfast at your My An/My Khe Airbnb, drive a short way to the Marble Mountains to climb the stone steps and explore hidden caves, pagodas and viewpoints — don’t miss the panoramic lookout above Huyen Khong Cave and the Nghinh Phong Tower for sweeping coastal vistas. Spend time browsing skilled stone-carving workshops at the mountain base to pick up unique souvenirs and watch artisans at work.
Head back toward the city and stop at Linh Ung Pagoda on the Son Tra Peninsula to admire the graceful Lady Buddha statue and the peaceful temple grounds overlooking the sea; linger for a quiet tea or to capture photographs of the shoreline. If you have time, loop along the Son Tra coastal road to visit Son Tra Marina for a seaside stroll or drop into Forest98 Coffee Café for a late-afternoon coffee before returning to your base to freshen up.
Return to central Da Nang in time for sunset at My Khe or the Han River promenade, then walk to the Dragon Bridge to watch the bridge light up — on weekends plan to catch the spectacular fire-and-water dragon show, or enjoy the nightly illumination and lively riverside atmosphere regardless of day. Finish with dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant or Beer Plaza for a casual meal, soaking up the city lights as you prepare for tomorrow’s transfer to Hoi An and the lantern-lit river experience.
Leave Da Nang after breakfast and take the short drive to Hoi An, arriving early to enjoy the quiet streets before the crowds — begin with a guided stroll through the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, visiting the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and the vibrant Tan Ky and Fujian assembly halls while stopping for coffee at a riverside cafe. Pop into local tailor shops to check fit samples or browse handmade lanterns and traditional pottery in the market alleys, then pause for a light lunch of cao lầu or white rose dumplings at a well-loved street stall.
Head to An Bang Beach for a relaxing afternoon: rent sun loungers or a bike to explore the shoreline, swim in the warm water, and savor fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants (try grilled local fish or coconut crab specialties). If you prefer more culture, return to town for a short coconut-boat ride on the Thu Bon River to see riverside life and the quieter edges of Hoi An, or visit the nearby Alsahar Hoi An resort area for a leisurely drink and panoramic views.
As dusk falls, return to the Ancient Town to join the lantern-lit festivities — buy paper lanterns to float on the Thu Bon River, watch traditional music performances, and stroll past the glowing shopfronts and riverside candle displays. Finish the year with a riverside dinner at a candlelit restaurant near the Japanese Covered Bridge or Beer Plaza style casual bites, then find a spot to watch the lanterns drift by and celebrate New Year’s Eve with the warm ambience of Hoi An’s lantern nights.