Must Do in Da Nang: Don’t Trip Like My BFF’s 2025 Epic Fail!

Saving up in a piggy bank all year for a memorable trip to Da Nang? Sounds good! But don’t let your trip become a “first-life shock” like what happened to my best friend on her first-ever trip to Da Nang. Here are 5 important things you definitely need to know to avoid wasting money like a fool and to have a fun, unforgettable vacation!

Must Do in Da Nang: Don’t Trip Like My BFF’s 2025 Epic Fail!

Saving up in a piggy bank all year for a memorable trip to Da Nang? Sounds good!
But don’t let your trip become a “first-life shock” like what happened to my best friend on her first-ever trip to Da Nang.
Here are 5 important things you definitely need to know to avoid wasting money like a fool and to have a fun, unforgettable vacation!

Not checking the weather before your trip to Da Nang? That’s a straight-up disaster.

If you booked flights and hotels to Da Nang just because you felt like it, or because your boss yelled at you and work’s stressing you out and you are like ” Ayyy… I need somewhere to heal” — okay yeah, that sounds kinda chill. But bestie, if you’re lucky enough to catch good weather with blue skies and golden sun, then cool, no problem at all.

But if luck’s not on your side and you hit Da Nang right during the winter or when there’s a tropical depression nearby, then oh dear… it’s a whole tragedy.
That feeling when you spent a whole year saving up just to swap watching rain at home for watching rain in Da Nang? Truly heartbreaking.
Don’t be foolish like my best friend, okay?

However, there’s one small reminder you shouldn’t forget:
From August onward, the Central region of Vietnam often gets hit by storms or tropical depressions.
So even if you’ve picked that “golden time” for your trip to Da Nang, make sure to regularly check the weather forecast before your flight.
Better safe than sorry — you don’t want to step off the plane only to find the wind howling and water up to your ankles, right?

Also, when booking your flight tickets or hotel, try to choose options with flexible change policies. That way, if a storm hits on your check-in day, you can easily push your trip back by 3 to 4 days. Usually, the weather improves pretty quickly — about two days after a storm passes, things are already looking good again.

Yes, flexible tickets might cost a bit more, but peace of mind is totally worth it. No stress, just smooth Da Nang vibes — especially when you don’t want the weather to mess with your must do in Da Nang.

Now back to timing — from May to September, and sometimes even into mid-October, is the ideal period to visit Da Nang. But honestly, if you ask me, the most perfect weather is right at the beginning of the season — around May. At that time, the weather is just… chef’s kiss — not too hot, not too cold, just comfortable. The sea is crystal blue, the sun is golden, and guess what? It’s peak seafood season too! So yeah… watch your wallet cause you might just go overboard!

Trying popular restaurants seems like a thing to do in Da Nang, but not all of them are actually good.

You’ve probably heard a lot about Mi Quang, Chicken Rice, or Fish Cake Noodle Soup – the iconic dishes that put Da Nang cuisine on the map.
Thousands of reviews, countless praises have been written. But have you ever wondered… did all those people who “tried” them actually taste the authentic flavors, truly experience the soul of Da Nang food?
Or were they simply repeating the compliments they read somewhere else?

As someone born and raised in Da Nang, growing up with bowls of Mi Quang, Banh Mi, or Hue Beef Noodle Soup as daily breakfast on the way to school, I realized something that’s a bit sad: Many of the old, local eateries have lost their soul.
They’ve been swept into the wave of commercialization — chasing quantity over quality, forgetting the very essence, the true flavors that once made them special.

That said, there are still a few spots I love that made it onto the MICHELIN Guide Da Nang 2025 and they definitely deserve a spot on your must do in Da Nang list. I’ve listed them here for you!

Trip to Da Nang means you have to visit Ba Na Hills and Hoi An ?

When planning a trip to Da Nang, you’ll definitely hear this kind of advice — that you have to go to Ba Na Hills or Hoi An to see the magical scenery. That going to Da Nang without visiting these places somehow doesn’t count. But my dear friend, let me tell you a bitter truth that no one’s probably warned you about — not until you find out for yourself:

More chaos than chill at Ba Na Hills.

Yeah… questions might be popping up in your head right now. But listen — as someone who’s been to Ba Na almost 40 times just in 2019 (yep, not a typo), and as a former tour guide, here’s my sincere advice:

If you want the best experience, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. And if you have the budget and time? Consider staying overnight. By the afternoon, the crowds start thinning out, and you’ll have a much calmer, more enjoyable time. The best moments are either around 9 AM, when the light is soft and the weather’s pleasant, or around 5 PM, when you can catch a beautiful golden sunset. Trust me, it’s totally worth it.

But what if I still want to go to Ba Na Hills in the morning?

Totally understandable. Usually, people head out around 8:30 or 9:00 AM, because let’s be real — it’s hard to wake up super early when you’re on vacation. By the time you actually get to Ba Na, it’s already around 10:00 AM.

And it’s not just independent travelers like you — Ba Na is also one of the top destinations for tour groups. Based on my past experience, every day there are hundreds to even thousands of tour guests visiting Ba Na, usually exploring for half a day or even the whole day, then heading back to the city in the afternoon.

So if you’re “lucky enough” to arrive after 10:00 AM, congrats — you’ll get to check in at the famous Golden Bridge, alongside dozens of “featured guests” all around your photos.
True story: my best friend once took a photo on the Golden Bridge and posted it with the legendary caption “Can you spot me in this picture?”

That’s exactly why I suggested going to Ba Na either early in the morning or late in the afternoon —
when the tour groups have left and the crowds die down.
That’s your golden window to strike a pose, take all the photos you want, and capture that one-of-a-kind Ba Na sunset without elbowing your way through the crowd.

Trip to Da Nang for peace — found lanterns, food… and crowds with the same idea.

99 ,99% of people coming to Da Nang consider Hoi An a must-visit — let’s be real. But are you really sure you know the right time to go if you actually want to feel the calming energy of the ancient town? That clean, quiet atmosphere gently wrapped in the nostalgic scent of moss-covered walls? Because timing it right is key — especially if Hoi An is on your must do in Da Nang list.

I bet many of you — just like my best friend — would probably choose to visit Hoi An in the late afternoon or at night, just to see those beautiful, glowing lanterns. But oh, my dear friend! If it were that simple, I wouldn’t be here, taking the time to write down this advice for you — right?

If you arrive in Hoi An during those “popular” hours, the very first thing you’ll probably say when stepping onto the walking street is:
“Holy crap, it’s packed!”

And that, my friend, is exactly what I meant in the title — when I said I came for peace but found a crowd with the same plan. Not the emotional kind — I mean the real-life shock of seeing that many people all at once, just like my friend did.

I’ve been to the Old Town nearly ten times a year, and here’s my honest advice: Wake up early and go. From around 6:45 to 8:45 AM, or even earlier if you can — that’s when Hoi An truly opens its heart to you. If Da Lat is where people “hunt for clouds,” then Hoi An is where you go to “hunt for peace.” At that time of day, it’s quiet and still — quintessentially Hoi An. It feels exactly like the memory I keep from when I was 10 years old, walking with my parents down these same streets for the first time.

Especially, you can slowly walk to the Japanese Covered Bridge, and you might stumble across a few lovely street-side coffee stalls.
Just sit down, sip a morning coffee, soak up the peace, breathe in that fresh air, and feel time slow down — like all your worries are quietly fading away. That’s your reward for trading a bit of sleep for a true taste of Hoi An’s serenity.

Before you go, here’s one last must do in Da Nang: check out where to stay.

About to trip to Da Nang but don’t feel like commuting all the way from the airport to a beachfront resort?
Looking for a place to stay right in the heart of the city, where you can walk to all the hotspots like Han Market, Han River Bridge, and Dragon Bridge?

Well then, look no further — this right here is your perfect match: Crowne Plaza Danang City Centre.
We have everything you need: A 5-star hotel experience, Han Market literally right behind the hotel, Dragon Bridge just a 5-minute walk away, free shuttle bus service to the beach…and so much more waiting for you to discover!

This post has already gotten a bit long, so I’ll stop here. But hey – just a quick tip: book directly on our website for the best deals. A friend of mine had to “reluctantly” wave goodbye to 10% after booking through some third-party site. Don’t fall into the same trap, okay?

I’m Chris from Crowne Plaza Danang City Centre — thanks for hanging out till the end! Everything you’ve just read is based on my own trip, a mix of curious wandering, occasional wrong turns, and some awesome surprises. I hope it gives you some ideas for your own journey. But hey — everyone’s Da Nang adventure is different, so take what clicks, skip what doesn’t, and go make your own must do in Da Nang list!

Standard Rooms

Relax in our 34m² Standard Room, offering a choice of two Twin Beds or one King Bed. Enjoy a serene river view and a well-appointed bathroom featuring a separate bathtub and walk-in shower for your comfort.

Premium Rooms

Experience the comfort of our 40m² Premium Room, featuring your choice of two Twin Beds or one King Bed. Take in stunning river views and enjoy a well-designed bathroom with a separate bathtub and walk-in shower. Guests also receive exclusive lounge access for an elevated stay.

Junior Suite

Step into our spacious 63m² Junior Suite, featuring a King Bed and a Twin Bed. Enjoy a comfortable living area with kitchenette equipped with microwave and refrigerator. The well-designed bathroom includes a separate bathtub and walk-in shower.

One Bedroom Suite

Step into the comfort of our 82m² One Bedroom Suite, where a King Bed and peaceful river views await. Unwind in the inviting lounge, or refresh in a thoughtfully designed bathroom featuring both a separate bathtub and a walk-in shower. Plus, enjoy exclusive lounge access for a more refined stay

Too lazy to scroll? The must do in Da Nang FAQs are right here!

When is the best time to experience the must do in Da Nang?

The ideal period to travel to Da Nang is from May to September, and sometimes it can even stretch into mid-October.
During this time, the weather is dry and sunny — perfect for outdoor activities and beach trips.

What is the best time of day to visit Ba Na Hills?

To get the most out of your visit, it’s recommended that you go early in the morning or in the late afternoon:

Morning (before 10:00 AM): The air is cool and fresh, fewer tourists around, and the light is great for photos.
Afternoon (after 4:00 PM): The crowds start to thin out, the space feels more open and relaxing, and this is also the time to catch a stunning sunset at the Golden Bridge or the main square.

When is the best time to explore Hoi An Ancient Town?

Based on the experience of many visitors — especially those who have been multiple times — the best time to wander through the Ancient Town of Hoi An is from around 5:45 AM to 8:45 AM.
(That is, of course, if you can get yourself out of bed that early!

Must Do in Da Nang: Don’t Trip Like My BFF’s 2025 Epic Fail!