5-Day Central Vietnam Tour: Golden Bridge, Hoi An & Hue

Summary

Central Vietnam Highlights: Da Nang, Ba Na Hills & Ancient Towns

You’ll get real slices of life across Central Vietnam—from lively beaches in Da Nang to lantern-lit streets in Hoi An and royal relics in Hue. If you want history mixed with local flavor (and maybe a little sand stuck between your toes), this trip covers it all without rushing you through.

What’s the experience like?

The air hit me warm and salty as I stepped out of the airport in Da Nang—felt like summer even though it was early spring. Our guide waved a little sign with my name and grinned like he’d known me for years. The drive into the city was quick; scooters zipped past us while we caught glimpses of My Khe Beach’s pale sand through the window. Later that afternoon, I couldn’t resist dipping my toes in the water—locals were already out with their families, kids laughing and chasing each other along the shore. The sand stuck to my feet all evening.

Night in Da Nang is something else. We hopped on a Han River cruise just after sunset—the city lights flickered on both sides of the river, and you could hear music from riverside cafés drifting over the water. Dragon Bridge put on its show right at 9pm: fire shot from its mouth, then a spray of water cooled everyone off (don’t stand too close unless you want a shower!). It’s loud and crowded but nobody seems to mind; everyone’s got their phone out trying to catch the perfect shot.

The next morning started with strong Vietnamese coffee at breakfast—bitter but good—and then we headed up Monkey Mountain (locals call it Son Tra Peninsula). Linh Ung Pagoda stands tall here; there’s this huge Lady Buddha statue watching over the sea. Monks moved quietly between incense sticks burning in front of small shrines. You can see all of Da Nang from up there if the sky’s clear enough—ours was a bit hazy but still worth it.

Marble Mountains came next. Climbing those stone steps isn’t easy if you’re not used to it (I had to stop halfway to catch my breath), but inside Huyen Khong Cave it’s cool and smells faintly of wet earth and incense. Down below, Non Nuoc village buzzed with stone carvers working on statues—some so detailed you’d think they might blink at you.

Hoi An felt like stepping into another time altogether. We cycled past lantern shops lighting up as dusk fell, stopped for sweet tofu pudding from an old lady by the market (she winked when she handed me my bowl), then wandered over that famous Japanese Covered Bridge. The town glows at night—lanterns everywhere, soft music from tiny bars tucked down alleys.

Ba Na Hills was cooler than I expected—literally! Bring a light jacket even if it’s hot in Da Nang because once you’re up there by cable car (which is crazy long), clouds roll right over your head sometimes. French wine cellars underground smell musty and old; Fantasy Park is noisy with kids running around arcade games. But nothing beats standing on the Golden Bridge—those giant stone hands holding up the walkway make you feel like you’re floating above the trees. Took way too many photos here.

The drive to Hue took us over Hai Van Pass—a winding road where every turn opens up new views of mountains meeting sea. We stopped for photos; wind whipped my hair everywhere but I didn’t care. In Hue itself, we visited an incense-making village (the scent clings to your clothes) before heading to Khai Dinh Tomb—ornate mosaics everywhere, sunlight bouncing off colored glass tiles.

The Imperial Citadel is massive—you could get lost if you wander off from your group (I almost did). Our guide explained how each gate had its own story; some walls still bear scars from old battles. Lunch was vegetarian dishes at a pagoda—simple rice and vegetables but somehow more flavorful than anything back home.

On our last day, I squeezed in one more cup of Trung Nguyen coffee at a corner café near our hotel—the owner chatted about his favorite football team while making my drink extra strong “for energy.” Picked up some beans as souvenirs before heading out for one last bowl of phở nearby—the broth simmered for hours, rich and comforting.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Da Nang Night

• Transfer from airport to Da Nang hotel
• Swim at My Khe Beach
• Han River night cruise and visit Dragon Bridge

Day 2 — Da Nang City and Hoi An Tour

• Visit Son Tra Peninsula and Linh Ung Pagoda
• Explore Marble Mountains and Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
• Cycle tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Day 3 — Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge

• Cable car ride and visit French wine cellar, Linh Ung Pagoda
• Visit Fantasy Park, King Peak, Linh Tu Pagoda, and Golden Bridge

Day 4 — Hue Imperial City and Hai Van Pass

• Drive to Hue with stop at Hai Van Pass
• Visit conical hat village, incense village, and Khai Dinh Tomb
• Explore Imperial Citadel, Forbidden City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Perfume River cruise

Day 5 — Departure from Da Nang

• Free time, coffee shop visit, and transfer to airport

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! There are stroller-friendly paths and activities kids enjoy—like Fantasy Park at Ba Na Hills or cycling in Hoi An. Specialized infant seats are available too.

Are meals included? What kind of food should I expect?

Most meals are included—you’ll try local Vietnamese dishes like phở or vegetarian feasts in pagodas plus buffet lunch at Ba Na Hills Restaurant.

I have limited mobility; is this tour accessible?

No worries—the transport is wheelchair accessible and most sites can accommodate wheelchairs or prams. Just let us know your needs ahead of time.

How much free time will I have during the trip?

You’ll have free evenings most days to explore or relax as you wish—especially after dinner or before departure flights.

What’s included

Your tour covers entrance fees for all main attractions mentioned above, round-trip cable car tickets to Ba Na Hill, four nights’ hotel stay in Da Nang, daily mineral water and tissues, airport transfers by private/group vehicle with A/C, English-speaking guides throughout your journey, plus special local gifts along the way! Meals as listed—including buffet lunch at Ba Na Hill Restaurant—and all required safety gear like life jackets or raincoats are also provided.