Top Activities to Do in Hoi An and Da Nang – A Travey Club Guide
Central Vietnam surprised us in the best possible way. When the Travey Club team planned a short trip to Hoi An, we originally thought of it as a quiet heritage town. But once we arrived, we realised that the experience is much bigger than that — especially when you include nearby Da Nang, which is only about 40 minutes away.
Between lantern-lit streets, beach days, mountain viewpoints, and incredible food, this region quickly became one of our favourite parts of Vietnam. Here are some of the experiences that truly stood out during our time there.
Wander Through Hoi An’s Lantern-Lit Old Town
Hoi An’s Ancient Town feels like a place frozen in time. The narrow streets are lined with mustard-yellow buildings, old merchant houses, and small cafés tucked into quiet corners.
During the day, it’s beautiful. But at night, it becomes magical.
As the sun sets, hundreds of colourful lanterns light up the streets and reflect on the Thu Bon River. Our team spent the evening slowly wandering around, stopping at small shops, trying street snacks, and eventually crossing the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need an itinerary — just walk and let the town reveal itself.
Take a Lantern Boat Ride on the River
One of the most memorable moments of our visit was hopping onto a small wooden boat along the Thu Bon River.
The ride itself is slow and peaceful, but the real highlight is when you release a floating lantern into the water. Watching dozens of tiny lights drift along the river while the Old Town glows in the background is one of those simple travel moments that sticks with you.
It might be popular with visitors, but it still feels genuinely special.
Cycle Through Rice Fields and Local Villages
Hoi An is incredibly bike-friendly, and renting bicycles turned out to be one of the best decisions we made.
Within minutes of leaving the Old Town, the busy streets fade away and you’re surrounded by green rice paddies, small farms, and water buffalo grazing in the fields. We rode toward Tra Que Vegetable Village, where farmers grow herbs and vegetables used in many local restaurants.
It’s peaceful, scenic, and a refreshing way to see the countryside beyond the main tourist areas.
Spend an Afternoon at An Bang Beach
After a morning of exploring, An Bang Beach is the perfect place to slow down.
Just a short drive from Hoi An, the beach has a relaxed vibe with soft sand, clear water, and plenty of beachfront cafés. Our team spent the afternoon alternating between swimming in the ocean and sitting under umbrellas with iced Vietnamese coffee.
Compared to some Southeast Asian beach destinations, it still feels pleasantly laid-back.
Try Hoi An’s Famous Local Dishes
Hoi An’s food scene is incredible, and several dishes here are unique to the region.
A few Travey Club favourites:
- Cao Lau – thick noodles with pork and herbs
- White Rose Dumplings – delicate shrimp dumplings unique to Hoi An
- Hoi An Chicken Rice – fragrant rice served with shredded chicken and herbs
- Banh Mi Phuong – arguably one of the most famous sandwiches in Vietnam
One of our favourite travel rituals is simply grabbing street food and sitting somewhere scenic. In Hoi An, the riverfront makes the perfect spot.
Explore the Marble Mountains in Da Nang
A short trip from Hoi An brings you to Da Nang, a coastal city that offers a completely different atmosphere.
One of the highlights here is the Marble Mountains — a cluster of limestone hills filled with caves, temples, and viewpoints. Climbing to the top rewards you with sweeping views of the coastline and city below.
Inside the mountains, we found hidden shrines and dramatic cave temples where sunlight pours through openings in the rock. It’s one of those places that feels both spiritual and adventurous at the same time.
Visit the Famous Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills
If you’ve seen photos of giant stone hands holding a bridge above the clouds, you’ve already seen Ba Na Hills.
Located in the mountains outside Da Nang, this hilltop complex is reached by one of the world’s longest cable cars. The journey alone is worth it — the views over the jungle and coastline are incredible.
The Golden Bridge is the main attraction, but the surrounding mountain scenery makes the entire trip memorable.
Watch the Dragon Bridge Light Show in Da Nang
Da Nang has a lively nightlife scene, and one of the most unique experiences is watching the Dragon Bridge come to life.
Every weekend evening, the massive dragon-shaped bridge actually breathes fire and water while crowds gather along the riverbanks. It’s energetic, fun, and a great contrast to the calm atmosphere of Hoi An.
Why We Loved This Part of Vietnam
What makes this region special is the balance.
Hoi An offers history, charm, and a slower pace of life.
Da Nang brings modern energy, beaches, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Together, they create the perfect travel combination. You can spend the morning cycling through rice fields, the afternoon relaxing on the beach, and the evening exploring lantern-lit streets.
For us at Travey Club, it was one of those destinations that quietly exceeded expectations — and one we’d happily return to again.
If you're planning a trip through Vietnam, make sure to include both Hoi An and Da Nang on your itinerary. Experiencing them together gives you the best of Central Vietnam.
Travey Club is your personal travel planning partner, dedicated to crafting truly bespoke itineraries shaped around how you travel. We believe every journey is unique—no single template, and no purely AI-generated plan, can fit all travel needs. Rather than booking flights or hotels, we focus on thoughtful, human-led planning for our members, working alongside trusted travel agents who manage reservations. Our itineraries highlight key experiences, while Travey Club brings them together through personalized insight, expertise, and attention to detail—ensuring every trip feels intentional, seamless, and distinctly yours.
Look at our four days Hoi An & Da Nang Itinerary: Travey Club
