Take a morning or early-afternoon flight from Singapore to Da Nang International Airport—the flight is about 2½ hours. Allow another 45–60 minutes for immigration, baggage collection, and the airport exit process. A pre-booked hotel transfer is easiest with luggage; the ride into the beach area generally takes 15–25 minutes and costs roughly 150,000–300,000 VND by car, depending on traffic and vehicle size. If using Grab, collect the car from the designated pickup area rather than accepting unsolicited airport taxis.
After checking in or leaving your bags at the hotel, head to My Khe Beach in Phước Mỹ for an unhurried late-afternoon break. The broad shoreline is best enjoyed close to sunset, when the heat eases and locals come out for swimming and exercise. Allow around 1½ hours for a stroll and perhaps a quick dip; there is no entrance fee, though beach facilities and showers may charge a small fee. From the beach, Bà Thôi Seafood Restaurant is a short taxi or Grab ride away—usually 5–10 minutes. Choose seafood from the displayed tanks or daily catch, and ask about the price by weight before ordering; dinner should run about 200,000–400,000 VND per person. December can bring wind or brief rain, so an indoor table is useful.
Finish with Dragon Bridge in Hải Châu, reached from the restaurant in roughly 10–15 minutes by Grab. Walk along the riverside for about 45 minutes to see the bridge lit up against the Han River; the surrounding promenades are lively without requiring a formal attraction ticket. If your visit falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the famous fire-and-water show is usually at 9:00 PM, but confirm locally because schedules can change. On other evenings, simply enjoy the lights and return to the beach area by Grab—typically 60,000–120,000 VND, depending on traffic.
Start at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, ideally around 8:00–8:30, before the galleries become busy. The museum usually opens from about 7:30 to 17:00, with admission around 60,000–100,000 VND; allow 1½ hours for its beautifully arranged collection of sandstone sculptures from the ancient Cham kingdoms. It is compact enough to enjoy without rushing, and the labels are useful even if you are not already familiar with Cham history. From here, walk or take a short Grab ride—roughly 5–10 minutes—to Han Market. Spend an hour browsing the ground-floor food stalls and upstairs souvenir section, but compare prices and bargain politely; sealed coffee, dried fruit, chilli, and packaged snacks are easier to carry than fresh produce.
For lunch, take a Grab to Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng, tucked down a small lane in Hải Châu, about 10–15 minutes from Han Market depending on traffic. Order the signature bánh xèo with grilled pork skewers and the thick peanut dipping sauce; portions are designed for sharing, and expect roughly 80,000–150,000 VND per person. It is a popular local stop, so arriving before 12:30 helps avoid the busiest period. After lunch, continue by Grab or taxi to Da Nang Cathedral, around 10 minutes away. The distinctive pink Gothic-style church is best treated as a brief exterior stop—dress respectfully, keep voices low, and avoid blocking the entrance if services are taking place. Allow about 30 minutes, then leave the rest of the afternoon open for a hotel break or an unhurried walk around central Hải Châu.
Head to Son Tra Night Market after 18:00, preferably by Grab, which is usually more convenient than trying to park near the stalls. Give yourself around 1½ hours to browse inexpensive clothing, souvenirs, small gifts, and seafood and snack stands; prices are often negotiable, while cooked food is best chosen from busy stalls with a high turnover. The market is close to the eastern end of the Dragon Bridge, so you can linger nearby if the evening atmosphere is lively. Bring small Vietnamese notes, expect uneven walking surfaces, and keep phones and wallets secure in the crowd.
Start early for Linh Ung Pagoda on the Sơn Trà Peninsula, ideally leaving central Da Nang around 7:30–8:00. The drive takes roughly 30–40 minutes by GrabCar or scooter, though allow extra time on the winding approach roads. The 67-metre Lady Buddha is the headline sight, but give yourself time to wander through the pagoda courtyard and look back over Da Nang Bay. The grounds are generally open from early morning until around 18:00, and admission is free; dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered. Continue along the Sơn Trà Peninsula coastal road late in the morning, stopping at signed viewpoints for forested hills, fishing boats, and wide-open sea views. Drive carefully—monkeys sometimes appear near the roadside, and some narrow sections are better taken slowly.
Pause at Nam House in Sơn Trà for Vietnamese coffee and a light lunch in an unhurried setting. Budget approximately 100,000–250,000 VND per person, and allow about an hour before ordering a GrabCar onward to Marble Mountains in Ngũ Hành Sơn; the journey is usually 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. Spend around 2½ hours exploring the caves, Buddhist shrines, and pagodas inside the limestone hills. The main visitor areas typically operate from about 7:00 to 17:30, with entry and elevator fees varying by route; wear shoes with good grip, as the cave steps can be steep and slippery. If you prefer to avoid the hardest climb, take the elevator up and walk down.
Finish at Non Nuoc Beach, just a short drive from Marble Mountains, for a quieter shoreline walk as the light softens over the water. This stretch is less crowded than central My Khe Beach, making it a pleasant place to slow down after the caves; allow about an hour. There is no formal entrance fee, but keep valuables close and check the tide and surf before swimming, particularly in December when conditions can be unsettled. A GrabCar back to central Da Nang generally takes 20–30 minutes, while a scooter allows more flexibility but is less comfortable after dark on the coastal roads.
After breakfast, take your pre-booked private car from Da Nang to Hoi An via the coastal road. The drive usually takes 1–1½ hours, so leaving around 8:00–9:00 gives you time to drop bags at your hotel or request early check-in before heading to An Bang Beach. A private car is preferable with luggage—expect roughly 350,000–600,000 VND per vehicle; a GrabCar can be cheaper but is less convenient for a fixed pickup. Spend about two relaxed hours on the sand, with a swim if the sea is calm, or simply settle into one of the beachfront loungers. December can be breezy and occasionally wet, so bring a light layer and check the beach conditions before swimming.
For lunch, stay in An Bang at The Fisherman Vegan Restaurant & Cafe, an easy short walk or quick local taxi ride from the beach. Its plant-based Vietnamese and international dishes suit a slow first meal in Hoi An, and a meal costs approximately 150,000–300,000 VND per person. Allow about an hour, though the shaded garden and beach atmosphere make it tempting to linger. Restaurant hours can change seasonally, so confirm on the day, particularly if rain affects service.
From An Bang, take a 10–15-minute GrabCar or taxi inland to Tra Que Vegetable Village. Spend around 1½ hours walking between the neat herb beds and small family plots; the village is at its most pleasant in the afternoon when the heat has eased, though December showers are possible. This is a good place to slow down rather than chase a checklist—look for local farmers tending basil, coriander and Vietnamese mint, and wear shoes that can handle damp paths. Admission and hands-on farming activities vary, but budget roughly 35,000–150,000 VND per person depending on what is included.
Return to your hotel to freshen up, then take a taxi or GrabCar across to Hoi An Memories Land on Cẩm Nam, allowing 15–20 minutes from the old town area and extra time if traffic builds. Arrive before the advertised showtime to collect tickets and find your seat; the large-scale Hoi An Memories performance, when operating, takes about 2½ hours including arrival and entry. Confirm the December 8 schedule and ticket category in advance, as performances may not run every night or can change with weather. Bring a light rain jacket, and arrange your return taxi before the show ends, since demand rises sharply afterward.
Begin early in Hoi An Ancient Town, around 7:30–8:00, when the lanes are still pleasantly quiet and shopkeepers are setting up. Walk first to the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An’s most recognisable landmark; allow about 30 minutes for the bridge, surrounding lanes, and riverside views. Continue to Tan Ky Old House, a beautifully preserved merchant home where dark timber interiors, carved details, and Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences are easy to appreciate. Allow roughly 45 minutes. The Ancient Town’s pedestrian areas are best explored on foot, though bicycles are useful if your hotel is outside the centre; carry small cash for admissions, which are generally covered through the Ancient Town attraction ticket, commonly around 120,000 VND for international visitors.
Have lunch at Morning Glory Original in the Ancient Town, a reliable choice for Central Vietnamese favourites such as cao lầu, white rose dumplings, and bánh xèo. It is popular, so arriving around 11:30–12:00 helps avoid the busiest period; budget approximately 200,000–400,000 VND per person. After lunch, stroll towards the Fujian Assembly Hall, usually open from around 8:00 to 18:00, and spend 45 minutes admiring its colourful gates, incense-filled courtyard, and elaborate temple roofline. Keep the rest of the afternoon unhurried: continue towards the riverside and browse Hoi An Market, where you can look for spices, dried fruit, snacks, silk goods, and small lantern-making supplies. Bargaining is normal, but begin politely and compare prices before buying.
As dusk settles, return to the Thu Bon River for a short lantern boat ride, generally lasting 30–45 minutes. Boats depart from the waterfront near the old town, and prices vary with demand—expect roughly 100,000–200,000 VND per boat for a small shared-style trip, or more for a private boat. The best atmosphere is just after sunset, when the illuminated waterfront reflects on the water; avoid paying an inflated price by agreeing on the total fare and duration before boarding. Afterward, wander the lantern-lit streets at an easy pace and choose dinner wherever the evening crowds and cooking smells take you.
Start around 8:00 with a short GrabCar or hotel-arranged taxi from Hoi An to Cam Thanh Water Coconut Forest—about 15–20 minutes from the Ancient Town. Allow roughly two hours for a basket-boat ride through the nipa palms; the best time is before the midday heat, and your boat operator may include the famous spinning demonstration and a brief look at local fishing techniques. Expect approximately 150,000–250,000 VND per person, depending on whether transport and a private boat are included. Wear sandals that can get wet and confirm the total price before boarding, as packages vary.
Stay in Cam Thanh for lunch at Red Dragon Restaurant, a relaxed riverside Vietnamese spot where a meal generally costs 150,000–300,000 VND per person. Allow about an hour, and consider ordering local dishes such as grilled river fish, fresh spring rolls, or cao lầu if available. From there, take a taxi or pre-arranged car across to Kim Bong Carpentry Village in Cam Kim—roughly 20–30 minutes, including the approach to the river and village lanes. Spend about 1½ hours wandering between family workshops and seeing traditional boats, furniture, and carved architectural details being made; many workshops are informal, so a small purchase or tip is appreciated, and ask before photographing craftsmen.
Continue to Hoi An Impression Theme Park on Cẩm Nam, normally around 15–20 minutes by car from Kim Bong. Plan on roughly two hours in the late afternoon, checking the official schedule before setting out because performances and some attractions can be seasonal or changed at short notice. Tickets vary by show and seating, commonly around 200,000–600,000 VND; arrive early if you are attending a performance rather than simply visiting the grounds.
Finish at Roving ChillHouse in Cẩm Thanh, around 15 minutes from the theme park, for an unhurried drink among the rice fields. Go before sunset if you want the best light and allow about an hour; the setting is more about atmosphere than a full sightseeing stop. Drinks and light bites are typically around 80,000–200,000 VND per person. Arrange a Grab or hotel car for the return to Hoi An, since rides can be less readily available after dark in the countryside.
Make Thanh Ha Pottery Village your first stop, leaving central Hoi An around 8:00 by GrabCar or taxi. The ride west takes about 10–15 minutes; ask the driver to drop you near the village entrance, then wander between the family-run workshops where artisans shape clay by hand and fire small pieces throughout the day. Allow roughly two hours, including time to try the pottery wheel and browse modestly priced cups, whistles, and decorative pieces. Workshop fees vary, but budget around 100,000–200,000 VND for a hands-on activity; wear shoes suitable for dusty paths and keep fragile purchases well wrapped.
Continue on foot or by a short local taxi ride to Terracotta Park, also within Thanh Ha. Give yourself about an hour to see the miniature ceramic interpretations of famous buildings and learn more about Vietnam’s pottery traditions. It is a good companion to the village itself, with more space and context than the individual workshops. Afterward, return toward the Ancient Town—roughly 10–15 minutes by car—and stop at Mót Hội An around midday for its fragrant herbal drink, served with citrus, lemongrass, and flowers. It is a quick standing or takeaway stop rather than a full meal, costing approximately 20,000–50,000 VND per person; have lunch separately nearby if needed.
Spend the hotter part of the afternoon at Reaching Out Tea House, a calm social-enterprise café in the Ancient Town. Its quiet interior and attentive service make it a welcome pause after the morning’s pottery dust and walking; plan on about an hour, with tea and small refreshments usually totaling around 100,000–250,000 VND per person. Later, browse Yaly Couture and, if you are interested in tailoring, discuss fabrics, alterations, and delivery timing as soon as you arrive. A simple item may be possible on a short schedule, but complex suits or dresses generally need multiple fittings—ask clearly about the final collection date before paying a deposit.
For your final dinner, walk down toward the riverside and reserve a table at Mango Mango for around 18:30–19:00. The terrace is particularly atmospheric once the lanterns come on, and dinner normally runs about 300,000–600,000 VND per person depending on drinks and dishes. Hoi An’s riverside gets busy after sunset, so arrive a little early and leave time for one last unhurried stroll along the lantern-lit waterfront after eating.
Keep the morning deliberately easy in Hoi An: have breakfast at your hotel, settle any outstanding bills, and collect your luggage before your pre-booked private car arrives. Leave approximately 3½ hours before your flight. The direct journey to Da Nang International Airport generally takes 1–1½ hours, but December rain, traffic near Hội An and Da Nang, and airport drop-off congestion can add time. A private car arranged through your hotel is preferable with luggage; expect roughly 350,000–600,000 VND per vehicle, depending on the pickup point and vehicle size. Ask the driver to use the Hội An–Đà Nẵng coastal route unless traffic conditions favour the inland road, and keep passports, departure details, and valuables in your hand luggage rather than the trunk.
At Da Nang International Airport, allow time for baggage drop, security, immigration, and a possible queue at the airline counter—especially if you are checking luggage. Once airside, facilities are practical rather than extensive, so eat or buy water before boarding if needed. Complete the departure flight to Singapore with no additional sightseeing planned; even a late-evening flight is best treated as an airport day, since returning from Hoi An after a final outing leaves little useful buffer. On arrival in Singapore, follow the usual arrival and baggage procedures, with the airport’s MRT and taxis available for onward travel.