Start your trip in Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and bustling markets. In the morning, take a visit to the iconic Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills. Explore the caves and pagodas nestled within the mountains and enjoy panoramic views of the city and coastline. For lunch, head to the Han Market, where you can sample delicious local street food. In the afternoon, visit Asia Park, an amusement park featuring thrilling rides and cultural attractions. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along My Khe Beach and witness a stunning sunset.
Marble Mountains: Estimated cost - Entrance fee: 40,000 VND per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Han Market: Estimated cost - Food expenses, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Asia Park: Estimated cost - Entrance fee: 150,000 VND per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
My Khe Beach: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Cocobox Cafe: Start your day at this cozy cafe, known for its delicious breakfast options and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and organic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Ba My Quang: For lunch, try this popular local restaurant specializing in my quang, a traditional Vietnamese noodle dish. Indulge in the flavors of tender pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
Seventh Heaven: End your day with a memorable dinner at this rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of Da Nang. Feast on a delightful fusion of Western and Vietnamese cuisines, including seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 400,000 VND per person.
Saturday, December 2: Hoi An
Embark on a day trip to the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the morning, explore the charming streets lined with well-preserved traditional houses, Chinese temples, and Japanese bridges. Visit the Hoi An Central Market to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and shop for local handicrafts. For lunch, savor the local specialty, Cao Lau, a delicious noodle dish unique to Hoi An. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and gain a different perspective of the town. As the evening approaches, witness the magical lantern-lit streets and dine at one of the riverside restaurants.
Hoi An Ancient Town: Estimated cost - Entrance fee: 150,000 VND per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Hoi An Central Market: Estimated cost - Shopping expenses, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: Estimated cost - 150,000 VND per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Start your day with a delicious Vietnamese breakfast at Morning Glory Restaurant. Try their famous Banh Mi, a traditional Vietnamese sandwich. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Circle of Childhood Restaurant and enjoy their delectable Vietnamese cuisine. Don't miss the mouth-watering Pho Bo, a traditional beef noodle soup. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
In the evening, indulge in a fantastic dining experience at Red Bridge Restaurant. Feast on their scrumptious seafood dishes while enjoying the stunning views of the Thu Bon River. Average cost for a meal is about 400,000 VND per person.
Sunday, December 3: Hue
Embark on a journey to the ancient imperial city of Hue, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. In the morning, explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, home to various palaces, temples, and gardens. Dive into Vietnam's history as you wander through the royal complex. For lunch, taste the royal cuisine with a traditional Hue-style meal. In the afternoon, take a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda. As the evening sets in, stroll along the Perfume River and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Imperial City: Estimated cost - Entrance fee: 150,000 VND per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Dragon Boat Ride: Estimated cost - 250,000 VND per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Thien Mu Pagoda: Estimated cost - Entrance fee: 50,000 VND per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Hue is Jeanne d'Arc Restaurant, offering a wide range of delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, visit Ancient Hue Restaurant, which specializes in traditional Hue cuisine, including the famous Hue-style noodles and grilled pork skewers. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For dinner, try Lac Thien Restaurant, known for its savory rice pancakes filled with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, pork, and herbs. Average cost for a meal is about 120,000 VND per person.
Monday, December 4: Ba Na Hills
On your last day, venture to the scenic Ba Na Hills, a hill station and resort offering breathtaking views and thrilling attractions. In the morning, take a cable car ride up to the hills and explore the Golden Bridge, a stunning architectural masterpiece. Enjoy the European-style village, Fantasy Park, and visit the Linh Ung Pagoda. For lunch, indulge in a wide array of international cuisines at one of the hilltop restaurants. In the afternoon, experience thrilling rides at the amusement park and immerse yourself in the beautiful gardens. As the evening approaches, take in the panoramic views before descending back to Da Nang.
Ba Na Hills: Estimated cost - Entrance fee: 750,000 VND per person (including cable car ride), Time spent: 4-5 hours
Golden Bridge: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Fantasy Park: Estimated cost - Entrance fee: 200,000 VND per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Linh Ung Pagoda: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at La Maison Deli & Café, located in Ba Na Hills resort. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of international breakfast options such as eggs, pastries, and coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Belle Vue Restaurant, situated in the heart of Ba Na Hills. Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet featuring a wide selection of Vietnamese and Western dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
For dinner with a view, dine at Debay Wine Cellar & Restaurant. This elegant restaurant offers a delectable menu of Vietnamese and international cuisines, accompanied by an extensive wine list. Average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a family-friendly adventure off the beaten path, consider visiting the Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang. Explore the pristine beaches, lush jungles, and the iconic Linh Ung Pagoda. Another hidden gem is the Cham Islands, an archipelago near Hoi An. Take a boat trip and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, discovering the colorful marine life. Locals also love spending time at Cua Tu Beach in Hue, where you can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the calm waters, and enjoy fresh seafood from nearby restaurants.