Detailed Itinerary for 1 Perfect Day in Da Nang [2025 Updated]

If you only have 1 day in Da Nang, you can still make the most of your time and explore the perfect blend of nature, culture, history, and cuisine by following our itinerary. We suggest a list of must-visit experiences in the beautiful city of Central Vietnam, from its breathtaking landscapes to its rich cultural heritage and mouth-watering local dishes. While the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills is a popular attraction, we don’t recommend it if you’re short on time—it’s 1.5 hours away, often crowded, and frequently hidden in fog, making it a less ideal choice for a quick visit.

1. Detailed Itinerary for 1 Perfect Day in Da Nang

Here’s a proposed itinerary for exploring Da Nang in one day:

Note: We don’t recommend visiting the Golden Bridge or Ba Na Hills if you’re short on time. While it's a famous photo spot, the area is often crowded, touristy, and covered in fog—plus it’s a 1.5-hour trip each way. If you only have a day, it's better to spend your time exploring what’s truly unique and accessible within Da Nang itself.

1.1. Morning: Exploring Culture and Nature

7:00 AM- 8:00 AM: Let’s enjoy a typical Da Nang breakfast

Your journey will be even more fulfilling when you sample the local dishes of the area you visit. Begin your day with a delightful breakfast that showcases the flavors of Da Nang.

Recommended dishes:

• Banh Xeo: Crispy and aromatic, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce and fresh vegetables.
• My Quang: Chewy noodles in a rich broth, topped with an array of ingredients like chicken, shrimp, eggs, and roasted pork.
• Phuong Banh Mi: A "legendary" sandwich featuring fragrant pâté, pork sausage, cold cuts, and pickled vegetables.

Dining Locations:

• Banh Xeo Ba Duong: 280/23 Hoang Dieu, Binh Hien Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.
• Ba Quang Noodles: 19-21 Tran Binh Trong, Phuoc Ninh Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.
• Phuong Banh Mi: 912A Ngo Quyen, An Hai Bac Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang City.

In the morning, you can enjoy famous specialties in Da Nang. - Photo source: Joytime

8:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Explore Hai Van Pass with Motorbike

After enjoying a good meal, many travelers set out on a ride along the Hai Van Pass—a breathtaking coastal road known for its stunning ocean and mountain views. Often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world, it’s a must-do for anyone visiting Da Nang.

This 21-kilometer stretch connects Da Nang with Lang Co in Hue Province. With its winding curves and steep hills, it offers a bit of a challenge for drivers, but the views are more than worth it. Along the way, the road winds through lush green hills and opens up to amazing views of the sea and cliffs below.

There are also a few old military structures along the pass, great for those who enjoy a mix of history and scenery. Just be careful—it’s easy to lose focus while admiring the landscape!

A popular and easy ride is from Da Nang to Hoi An—perfect for a day trip. Another scenic route takes you northwest along Da Nang Bay and up the famous Hai Van Pass, known for its mountain views. For those wondering how to get from Da Nang to Hue in the most adventurous way, continuing past the Hai Van Pass on a rented motorbike offers an unforgettable journey through Vietnam's stunning coastal landscapes.

1.2. Noon: Savoring Local Cuisine

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Recharge your energy with fresh seafood

Fresh seafood dishes are perfect choices to taste the rich flavor of the sea.

Dining Locations:

• Song Han Seafood Restaurant: 401-403-405 Tran Hung Dao, An Hai Tay Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang City.
• Fire Fish Restaurant: 04 Binh Minh 4, Binh Hien Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.
• Ancient Seafood: 354/1 Vo Nguyen Giap, Bac My An, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang City.

Recommended dishes:

• Grilled Shrimp: Includes tiger prawns, grilled lobster seasoned with salt and chili, and shrimp grilled with garlic butter.
• Squid: Options include grilled squid with satay, steamed squid with ginger, and fried squid with fish sauce.
• Crabs: Enjoy them steamed, roasted with tamarind, or roasted with salt.
• Snails: Try them steamed with lemongrass or roasted with salt and chili.

Fresh seafood in Da Nang will not disappoint diners. - Photo source: Joytime

1.3. Afternoon: Discover the City Center

2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore My An Beach

After lunch, a great next stop is My An Beach, just a short walk from the café. This beach is a quieter alternative to the more popular My Khe Beach, making it a nice spot to relax without the crowds.

Visitors can rent a beach chair, soak up the sun, or take a dip in the clean, calm water. The long sandy shoreline is perfect for an easy walk by the sea. For those feeling more adventurous, surfing is also an option - whether you're just starting out or already know your way around the waves.

There are plenty of ways to spend your afternoon - more than just a few:

• Stay on the beach: For those who are happy relaxing and enjoying the beach, there’s no need to go anywhere—just stay and soak up the sun until it’s time to get ready for the evening!
• Take a nap at hotel: After a ride along the Hai Van Pass and some time lounging on the beach—maybe with a drink or two—it’s easy to start feeling a bit sleepy. A short afternoon nap in a cool, comfy hotel room in Da Nang might be just the refresh needed. With a full evening of exploring still ahead, a little rest can go a long way!
• Get a massage: Getting a massage is a must-do while in Vietnam, and the afternoon is a perfect time for one. A one-hour session can be a great way to relax and recharge. For a good experience, many visitors recommend trying the Thai massage at Herbal Spa.

1.4. Evening: Relax and Experience Street Food

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Admire the beautiful sunset at East Sea Park

East Sea Park is the ideal place to watch the moment the sun sets into the sea, creating a romantic and poetic scene. It is recommended to find a beautiful location, immerse yourself in the beautiful natural scenery, and enjoy relaxing moments after a long day and preserve impressive moments with poetic "virtual living" photos.

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Have dinner and explore street food paradise

Da Nang is famous for its diverse and attractive street food. The evening is the ideal time for you to explore this "culinary paradise".

Dining Locations:

• Helio Center Night Market: Located on 2/9 Street, Hoa Cuong Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City with hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of food, drinks and souvenirs.
• Son Tra Night Market: Located on Mai Hac De and Ly Nam De streets, An Hai Tay ward, Son Tra district, Da Nang city with spacious, airy space, focusing on many fresh seafood dishes.

Recommended dishes:

• Rice paper rolls with pork: A signature dish of Da Nang featuring thinly sliced boiled pork wrapped in rice paper along with fresh vegetables and a special dipping sauce.
• Banh Can: Small, delightful, and crispy cakes served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
• Varieties of sweet soup: Options include grilled banana sweet soup, corn sweet soup, and durian sweet soup.
• Grilled dishes: Includes grilled seafood, meat skewers, and grilled chicken feet.

You can stroll around the Helio Center night market to eat, drink and shop for souvenirs. - Photo source: Joytime

If you want to get rid of all worries about arranging, planning, and detailed schedules, let Joytime Travel Agency accompany you on an exciting and economical journey to spend one day in Da Nang! With these tour Da Nang travel uniquely designed and imbued with local "breath", Joytime will bring you the most memorable and authentic experiences of this beautiful coastal city.

9:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Watching Dragon Fire Show

To wrap up the evening, catch the Dragon Bridge Fire Show if it’s the weekend. It’s a fun event where the dragon breathes fire and water, lighting up the night sky—a favorite moment for many visitors.

If it's not the weekend, a great alternative is a relaxing boat cruise along the Han River. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the city’s lights, with glowing bridges and riverside views creating a beautiful nighttime scene.

Some attractive 1-day tours of Joytime:

2. Tips for Exploring Da Nang in 1 Day

To make the most of your one-day trip to Da Nang, keep these handy travel tips in mind:

• Plan ahead: Outline your itinerary, prioritize must-visit spots, and allocate time wisely for each destination.
• Book in advance: Secure flights, transportation, hotels, and tour packages early—especially during peak seasons—to avoid high prices and sold-out services.
• Choose the right transportation: Da Nang offers various transport options, so pick one that suits your budget and travel style for seamless city exploration. Check out our article "How to Travel Around Da Nang" for more details.
• Check the weather forecast before departure to pack suitable clothing and essentials.
• Group nearby attractions together to minimize travel time and maximize your experience.
• Protect yourself from the sun: Da Nang can get quite sunny, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Carry basic medications for motion sickness, colds, and stomach issues.
• Have enough cash and a credit card for any unexpected expenses.
• Stay flexible: Itineraries are just guides—adjust them based on real-time conditions and personal preferences.
• Charge your phone to ensure you can take photos, navigate, and stay connected.
• Negotiate prices when shopping at local markets for better deals.

To make your 1-day trip to Da Nang more complete, plan and book services in advance. - Photo source: Joytime

3. FAQs for 1-Day Itinerary in Da Nang

To help you plan your day trip with confidence, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

3.1. Is One Day Enough to Explore Da Nang?

Yes! A well-planned one-day itinerary allows you to visit Da Nang’s most famous landmarks and get a good feel for the city. However, if you have extra time, a 2–3 day stay will let you explore deeper and enjoy a more immersive experience. If you have more time, consider checking out what to do in Da Nang for 2 days or even what to do in Da Nang in 3 days to plan your trip more thoroughly.

3.2. When Is The Best Time of Year to Visit Da Nang for One Day?

The ideal time to visit Da Nang is between April and August, when the weather is pleasant, sunny, and rain-free - perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and beach fun.

3.3. Can I Combine a Visit to Hoi An in One Day?

Yes, but the schedule will be tight. Hoi An is only a 30-minute drive from Da Nang, making it possible to explore both cities in one day. A suggested plan would be spending the morning in Da Nang and heading to Hoi An in the afternoon. If you plan to stay longer and explore more options, check out what to do in Da Nang Vietnam for 5 days for a more extensive guide.

You can absolutely combine visiting Hoi An in your 1-day Da Nang travel itinerary. - Photo source: Joytime

With our detailed itinerary and expert travel tips, we hope you’re ready to unforgetably embark one day in Da Nang! Even with limited time, make the most of every moment by immersing yourself in the city's rich culture, history, cuisine and natural beauty. For a comprehensive guide to Da Nang’s best spots, take a look at Explore Da Nang to ensure you don’t miss any must-visit locations.

If you prefer a stress-free Da Nang experience without the hassle of planning, let Joytime Travel Agency take care of everything for you! Our uniquely curated tours, deeply rooted in local culture, come with professional service and affordable prices. Contact us now for a free consultation and book your trip!