Why Trust This Guide?
This guide is written by our local expert, James, who has lived in Da Nang for 8 years. All recommendations are based on his personal, first-hand experience navigating every aspect of planning a trip here—from handling visas and budgets to finding the best transport. We don't accept payment for reviews, so you can be sure this advice is 100% authentic.
Planning your first trip to Da Nang? Get excited. You're about to visit one of the most dynamic, friendly, and beautiful cities in Asia. But before you start dreaming of Mì Quảng and sandy beaches, there are a few practical things to sort out.
As locals, we know the questions travelers ask. "Do I need a visa?" "How much cash should I bring?" "Is it easy to get a Grab?"
Don't worry. We've created this complete, step-by-step planning checklist. This is the only guide you'll need to go from an idea to a perfectly planned trip with zero stress.
Step 1: Check Your Visa Requirements (Don't Skip This!)
This is the most important first step. Most travelers will need a visa to enter Vietnam.
The best and easiest way to get one is the official Vietnam e-visa.
Who is it for? Citizens of 90 countries (including the US, UK, Australia, and most of Europe) are eligible.
How long is it valid? It's a 90-day, multiple-entry visa. This means you can enter and exit Vietnam as many times as you like within that 90-day window.
Where to apply: Use the official government website only:
https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/. Avoid all other third-party sites, as they charge extra fees.How long does it take? It officially takes 3-5 working days, but we recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your flight to be safe.
[Local's Tip: Double-check your application for typos, especially your name, passport number, and date of birth. A small mistake will result in you being denied entry when you land at Da Nang International Airport.]
For a full breakdown of the process, see our detailed Vietnam Visa for Da Nang guide.
Step 2: Decide the Best Time to Visit
To have the best experience, you should plan your trip around Da Nang's weather. The city has two distinct seasons.
The best time to visit Da Nang is during the dry season, from March to August.
During these months, you can expect blue skies, calm seas, and perfect beach weather. It gets very hot in June and July, but it's ideal for swimming at My Khe Beach or exploring the Son Tra Peninsula.
The rainy season runs from September to February. The heaviest rain, with a risk of typhoons, is typically in October and November. We strongly recommend avoiding these two months. However, December, January, and February can be quite pleasant—cool (you'll need a light jacket), less crowded, and cheaper.
For a full breakdown, check our guide to the Best Time to Visit Da Nang and our detailed look at the Da Nang Rainy Season.
Step 3: Decide How Many Days to Stay
This is a common question, and the answer depends on what you want to do.
We recommend a minimum of 3 full days in Da Nang. This gives you just enough time to see the main highlights:
Day 1: Marble Mountains & My Khe Beach
Day 2: Day trip to Hoi An
Day 3: Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge) OR Son Tra Peninsula (Lady Buddha)
However, to truly experience the city, a 5-day itinerary is much better. This gives you time to relax, explore the food scene, and not feel rushed.
["Don't just use Da Nang as a base for Hoi An. You'll miss out. This city has its own amazing food, incredible beaches, and a more local vibe. Give it at least 3 days." - James]
For detailed plans, see our Da Nang Itinerary guides, including our popular Da Nang 3-Day Itinerary.
Step 4: Book Your Accommodation
The next step is deciding where to stay. The city is split by the Han River, giving you two main options with very different vibes.
The Beachside (My Khe): This is where most resorts and tourist hotels are. It's perfect if you want to be steps from the sand and enjoy beautiful sunrises. It's modern, clean, and has many seafood restaurants.
The City Side (Han River): This is the "local" side. It's bustling, closer to the best street food, local markets (like Con Market), and the Dragon Bridge. It's often cheaper than staying by the beach.
So, what's the verdict? We recommend first-time visitors stay near My Khe Beach. You get the full vacation experience but are still only a 5-minute Grab ride from the city center.
For a deeper dive, read our full comparison of My Khe Beach vs. Han River and our list of the Best Areas to Stay in Da Nang.
[Placeholder for a custom Google Map showing the My Khe Beach area vs. the Han River city center area.]
Step 5: Set Your Daily Budget
Da Nang is incredibly affordable, but your budget will depend on your travel style.
Here is a realistic breakdown of a mid-range daily travel budget per person:
| Category | Cost (Vietnamese Dong - VND) | Cost (USD - Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 800,000 VND | $32 | Nice mid-range hotel or private hostel room. |
| Food & Drink | 500,000 VND | $20 | 3 meals (local street food, restaurants) + coffee. |
| Transport | 150,000 VND | $6 | 2-3 Grab rides around the city. |
| Activities | 300,000 VND | $12 | Average (e.g., Marble Mountains ticket, museum). |
| Total | 1,750,000 VND | **$70 USD** |
You can easily travel on a backpacker budget of $30-$40 USD by staying in budget hostels and eating only street food. For a full cost-of-living breakdown, see our Da Nang Travel Budget guide.
Step 6: Plan Your Money & SIM Card
You will absolutely need cash in Da Nang. While hotels, resorts, and large restaurants accept credit cards, 90% of local life runs on cash. All the best street food, local markets, and many coffee shops are cash only.
ATMs: The best and safest ATMs are at the Da Nang International Airport (DAD) right when you arrive. You will also find many ATMs from banks like Timo and TPBank that often have lower (or no) fees.
SIM Cards: Do not get a SIM card from home. It's much cheaper to get one on arrival. You can buy a Viettel or Vinaphone tourist SIM card right at the airport arrivals hall for around 250,000 VND ($10) for unlimited data.
Step 7: Plan Your Arrival & Transport
Getting around Da Nang is safe, cheap, and easy.
From the Airport: The Da Nang Airport (DAD) is only 10 minutes from the city. The easiest way to your hotel is to use the Grab app. It's the "Uber" of Southeast Asia, and a ride will cost between 80,000 - 120,000 VND ($3-$5).
Getting Around: Use Grab for everything. It's far more reliable and cheaper than traditional taxis, and you'll never have to negotiate a price. You can choose a GrabCar (car) or a GrabBike (motorbike, for solo travelers).
[Local's Tip: Download the Grab app and set up your credit card before you leave home. This way, you're ready to go the second you land.]
Step 8: Know What to Pack
You can buy almost anything you need in Da Nang, but here are a few essentials:
Lightweight, breathable clothing: It is hot and humid for most of the year.
A "temple-appropriate" outfit: To visit the Marble Mountains or Lady Buddha, you must cover your shoulders and knees. Pack a light scarf, sarong, or pair of linen pants.
Sunscreen & Hat: The sun here is strong, especially on the beach.
Rain Jacket / Poncho: If you are visiting between September and February, this is essential.
Your E-visa Printout: You must have a physical paper copy of your e-visa approval letter to show at immigration.
Step 9: Understand Basic Safety & Etiquette
Da Nang is one of the safest cities in all of Asia.
Violent crime is extremely rare. The only thing to be aware of is petty theft, but even this is uncommon.
Safety: Just use common sense. Don't leave your phone on a table by the street, and keep your wallet secure in crowded markets. Our Safety in Da Nang guide has more details.
Etiquette: Vietnamese people are incredibly friendly and polite. A smile goes a long way. When paying for something, it is respectful to pass money with two hands. When in doubt, just be kind and respectful.
Frequently Asked Questions from Travelers
Is credit card widely accepted in Da Nang?
No, cash is still king. While major hotels, resorts, and high-end restaurants will accept credit cards, you will need Vietnamese Dong (VND) for most things. All street food, local markets, and many coffee shops are cash-only.
How many days are enough for Da Nang?
We recommend a minimum of 3 full days to see the main highlights (Marble Mountains, Hoi An, Golden Bridge). However, a 5-day trip is much better, allowing you to also explore the Son Tra Peninsula, enjoy the food scene, and relax on the beach without feeling rushed.
Do I need to book tours in advance?
For most things, no. You can easily visit the Marble Mountains or Son Tra Peninsula on your own. The one exception is Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge). It is highly recommended to book your Ba Na Hills tickets in advance to skip the massive ticket queues, which can save you over an hour.
Is Grab available and reliable in Da Nang?
Yes, Grab is the best way to get around. It is widely available, very reliable, and cheap. You can book a GrabCar (car) or GrabBike (motorbike) easily from anywhere in the city, including from the airport.
Author Bio
About the Author: This guide was written by James, our resident logistics pro at Danang Locals. He has lived in Da Nang for 8 years and has personally helped dozens of friends and family members plan their trips from start to finish, mastering all the details of visas, budgets, and transport.