Discover Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An: 5D4N Culinary & Adventure Tour Essentials

I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An, Vietnam 🇻🇳 at the end of March. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my culinary adventures, thrilling experiences, and travel expenses 💰.

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✈️ Round-trip flight: RM599 (including 20kg check-in luggage)
👩 Tour package: USD398 per person (cheaper with more people) – includes a guide, three meals a day, transportation, accommodation, entrance fees, and tips.
🏨 Accommodation: Pavillon Hotel (3 nights in Da Nang + 1 night in Hoi An)
📞 SIM card: RM25 for Viettel (5 days / 4G daily, 7G total)
🧳 Souvenirs, beer, and coffee: RM300

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**DAY 1️⃣: Da Nang**
– **Da Nang Cathedral**: A stunning pink church with Gothic architecture.
– **Han Market**: A bustling marketplace where haggling is a must. Find a variety of “branded” clothes and souvenirs.
– **Son Tra Peninsula and Linh Ung Pagoda**: Home to Vietnam’s tallest Guanyin statue, offering breathtaking views.
– **Dinner at Madame Lan**: A Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant, perfect for a memorable meal.

**DAY 2️⃣: Ba Na Hills**
– Spent the entire day exploring the mountain, accessible by cable car🚡.
– **Golden Bridge**: A mid-mountain highlight, famous for its unique design.
– **French Wine Cellar and Le Jardin D’amour**: Comprising nine enchanting gardens, it’s a picturesque spot.
– **Second Cable Car Ride**: Ascend to the summit for more scenic views.

– **French Village Bell Tower, Nine-Story Goddess Temple, Tomb Temple, Linh Phong Temple, Linh Chu Lin Tu Temple**: Explore these cultural landmarks and enjoy a complimentary sun krafbeer.
– **Indoor/Outdoor Activities**: Similar to Genting, with high-altitude roller coasters, drop towers, and indoor rock climbing.

**DAY 3️⃣: Hue**
– **Hue Imperial City**: The former capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, rich in history and culture.
– **Thien Mu Pagoda**: Known as the “Heavenly Lady” or Thiên Mụ, a serene and spiritual site.
– **Khai Dinh Tomb**: Built by Emperor Khai Dinh, the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, from 1920 to 1931, this imperial tomb is a masterpiece of architecture.

– **Thuy Xuan Incense Village**: Experience the traditional art of making incense.
– **Son Tra Night Market**: A vibrant evening market.
– **Dragon Fire Show on the Bridge**: At 9 PM, watch the dragon spitting fire three times and spraying water three times, every minute.

**DAY 4️⃣: Hoi An**
– **Marble Mountains**: Climb 200 meters up the stairs to enjoy panoramic views of the city and Buddha statues.
– **Cam Thanh Village**: Take a coconut boat ride; tip VND100,000 if you want the boatman to spin fast.
– **Water Coconut Forest Adventure**: While riding the blue boat, pass through the lush forest and catch small crabs.

Enjoy the local entertainment with Vietnamese singing K-pop, Min Nan, and Chinese songs.
– **Chillax Eatery & Hangout**: Make lanterns, admire the rice fields, and savor drip coffee.
– **Hoi An Ancient Town**: Explore the local market, ancient houses, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the 18th-century Japanese covered bridge.

Release floating lanterns at night; the town closes at 10 PM.

✅ Da Nang and Hoi An are incredibly laid-back cities, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
💰 Everything is surprisingly affordable.
🍻 The local beer is absolutely fantastic [WowR].
🇰🇷 You’ll find many Korean tourists, giving the place a bit of a Korean vibe.