There isn’t much to do in Danang but they have some amazing hotels and beaches and the drive from Danang to Hoi An is about 20 minutes so it is worth staying in Danang and enjoying the beach and doing day trips to Hoi An or going into Hoi An for dinner.
HOTEL:
*Hyatt– I can’t say enough about the Hyatt and how family friendly the hotel is along with amazing rooms and beach! We stayed here for 4 days and could have stayed longer. There are endless activities for the kids including a kids club, waterslide, sand pool, climbing wall, kite flying, free boogie board and surf boards for the beach, etc.. There are 5 restaurants on site, a spa and a gym. We paid a bit extra for concierge services which provides you with your own check in desk, access to a separate pool and restaurant along with a daily happy hour. The hotel can book activities outside of the hotel and also has a shuttle service to and from Hoi An.
The hotel is only 7 km (4.3 miles) from the airport, which also makes life easier.
*Four Seasons Resort-The Nam Hai– This hotel is another highly recommended hotel that i’ve had many friends stay here and rave about it. It is pricey but an absolutely stunning 5 star resort!
*For a mid range priced hotel, La Siesta comes highly recommended!
SIGHTS:
*Heaven & Earth Bicycle tour– It starts from Hoi An and there are different options including countryside tour 1/2 days, all day tours, adventure tours and mountain biking tours. All of them include lunch at a local family house and boat transfers. They have children’s bikes, so the entire family can ride. www.info@vietnam-bicycle.com
*Tour of Cham Islands- A day trip of snorkeling, diving and a seafood lunch. It is 30 min. by speedboat from Hoi An and begins at 8 and ends at 3. The islands are a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This tour can be booked through the Hyatt.
*Tour of My Son Sanctuary (World Heritage Site)- Located 69 km. west of Danang, it is a large complex of religious relics that compromise more than 70 architectural works including temples, towers and complicated brick designs. Tour starts at 8 and finishes at 1:30. This tour can be booked through the Hyatt.
*Eco Tour with basket boat, cycling tour, farming and fishing- Take a basket boat through Cam Thanh Palm grove where you can catch fish off the boat. Also visit Tra Que vegetable village by bike where you can experience one day living and working with the local people. Here you will help the farmers with the land and as a reward you get a foot bath before lunch with local delicacies. This is a almost a full day 8-2:30 and can also be booked through the Hyatt.
*Full Moon Lantern Festival- This is not something I was aware of until we arrived and we were just lucky to be there at the right time. At sundown on the 14th day of every lunar month, Hoi An turns off the lights of the town, stops the traffic and is lit by colorful lanterns on the river. The locals sell cardboard lotus flower-shaped lanterns, which come with a tiny candle and when released on to the river, are said to bring happiness, luck and love. It is truly a magical moment in time that has everyone at a standstill. You can also take a boat down the river during this event. Highly recommend this!
*Ms. Vy’s Cooking Program- This is one of visitor’s favorite past times because the food in Vietnam is amazing and if you visit Ms. Vy’s restaurant, Morning Glory, you will want to know how to cook some of her delicious dishes! There are a variety of programs including a street food tour, an advanced master class, private class, family class, etc.. All of the classes are done at Ms. Vy’s cooking school in Hoi An and are between 2 hours to half a day. You can make your lunch and later enjoy eating it. She also gives you the recipes of what you made. Overall, a wonderful experience for the family!
www.contact@msvy-tastevietnam.com
FOOD:
*Morning Glory Cafe- As mentioned above, I would not leave this area without having dined at this restaurant in Hoi An. Ms. Vy’s restaurant is all local vietnamese food in a comfortable outdoor ambience that is fresh and delicious!
*Mango Mango & Cargo Club also come highly recommended! Both in Hoi An.