My Journey Through Da Nang & Hoi An ~ Central Vietnam

We began our adventure at Premier Village Da Nang, nestled along My Khe Beach. This five-star retreat offers 111 spacious villas with private pools, ideal for families or groups. The resort includes multiple pools, a kids’ club, and activities like archery and beach volleyball and luxury with excellent value.

Sun World Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge, a day among the clouds. Set high in the Truong Son Mountains, Ba Na Hills is a whimsical mountain-top retreat accessible via one of the world’s longest cable cars. The ride itself is stunning, offering lush jungle views as you ascend over 1,400 meters.

At the top awaits the Golden Bridge, a 150-meter-long golden walkway held aloft by giant stone hands, one of Vietnam’s most iconic and photogenic landmarks. This surreal skywalking experience has become a global sensation. and a must visiit icon. Nearby, the French Village offers cobblestone squares, Gothic architecture, and wine tasting at the colonial-era Debay Cellar. Kids will love Fantasy Park, with games, 4D cinema, and hillside alpine coasters.

You’ll also find peaceful pagodas and the Linh Ung Pagoda with a majestic white Buddha, ideal for quiet reflection. Tip: go early to avoid crowds and bring layers for shifting weather.

Our next stay was nothing short of breathtaking. We were treated to a stay at the wonderful InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. Perched between the Son Tra mountains and its own private bay, the InterContinental Danang is pure luxury. From the warm Vietnamese welcome to panoramic views of the East Sea, every detail was unforgettable.

A funicular tram connects the hillside terraces, leading to four top-tier restaurants (including Michelin-starred La Maison 1888), the adults-only L_O_N_G infinity pool, and a family-friendly garden pool. Complimentary watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and even traditional basket-boating are available on the resort’s private beach. This was my favourite hotel, perfect for couples or families.

The Majestic Lady Buddha Overlooking Da Nang from the green hills of Son Tra Peninsula stands Vietnam’s tallest Buddha. The 67-meter Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda is a spiritual icon watching over the sea and the city. Entry is free, and modest dress is appreciated.

Visiting at sunrise or late afternoon offers spectacular photo ops—misty mountains, sunlit seas, and serene gardens. For a deeper spiritual experience, connect Linh Ung Pagoda with a visit to the Marble Mountains or cycling through Son Tra’s monkey-dotted trails.

The only way I can describe Hoi An is like a Living Painting. What a wonderful place to visit. Just 45 minutes south, Hoi An felt like stepping into a dream. With its winding lanes, heritage architecture, and glowing lanterns, the town exudes charm and history. The Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influence.

Walking across the Japanese Covered Bridge or sipping iced coffee along the river. As night falls, lanterns light up the town and riverbanks, and the Hoi An Night Market comes alive with flavours like Cao Lau noodles and legendary banh mi.

One of our most touching moments came on a traditional local farm. Welcomed by kind-hearted farmers, we were shown how they live their daily yet simple lives. Afterwards, we floated in coconut boats, spun gently under palm trees as our guide shared local stories. It was joyful, humbling, and deeply memorable. To end this wonderful day we were treated to the most amazing dinner, and all of the ingredients where supplied by the local farms.

A short drive from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary is a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Set in a jungle-fringed valley, these 4th–13th century Hindu temples were once a major spiritual centre. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s often called Vietnam’s mini-Angkor Wat. The moss-covered ruins whisper with history and invite quiet reflection.

My Top Tips: When to Visit: February - June Currency: Carry Vietnamese dong for markets; credit cards are accepted in many places. USD is also widely used. Transport: Use Grab in Da Nang. In Hoi An, walk or rent a bicycle. Connectivity: Wi-Fi is strong and everywhere. An e-SIM is highly recommended. Etiquette: Dress modestly at temples. A smile goes a long way! Bargaining is welcome at local markets but politely, of course. Tailoring: Hoi An is a tailoring haven. Allow 2–3 days for your custom outfit.

Phrases to know “Xin chào” = Hello “C?m on” = Thank you “Bao nhiêu?” = How much? “Không” = No

Although this was a quick 3 day visit to Central Vietnam, we saw so much of what is on offer in this part of Vietnam. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, food, history or a spiritual connection, Central Vietnam has it all. From golden bridges in the clouds to humble farms and ancient temples, this region is full of unexpected beauty, heartfelt encounters, and unforgettable moments that stay with you long after you've returned home.

So if you're considering this destination, I’d be delighted to help craft an itinerary tailored to your travel dreams. Trust me, this is a part of the world you won’t soon forget. I hope you enjoyed reading my Blog and Look forward to hearing from you soon. Best wishes Sinead