Hoi An is an ancient town located in the central Quang Nam province. It is a beautiful city approximately 30 kilometres south of Da Nang. The town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its rich history dating back over 2,000 years. If you are planning a road trip from Hoi An to Da Nang, there’s a lot you’ll explore along the way. We have highlighted some of the things to do and areas to stop by as you journey from the ancient town of Hoi An to the city of Da Nang.
How Far is Hoi An from Da Nang
The exact distance from Hoi An Da Nang is 28 kilometres, and you would spend approximately 25 to 30 minutes in normal traffic. However, if you are on a road trip, the time it will take you to complete the journey varies. There are approximately 30 stops along the way, but you can choose to explore only the most popular attractions.
Things to Do On the Journey From Hoi An to Da Nang
Now that you know the distance from Hoi An to Da Nang and the number of attractions along the way, you can confidently plan your road trip. The number of stops to make will depend on your preferences and the time you want to spend on the road. Below are some top attractions you should consider as you plan your travel itinerary.
Visit the Old House of Tan Ky
This historical and well-preserved merchant house dates back to the 18th century. It is a wooded building that showcases a blend of Chinese and Japanese design. This structure was built without nails and is believed to have been a major landmark in the mid-1700s. The house’s first owner, Mr. Le Tan, named the structure “Tan Ky,” and since then, seven generations of the Le family have called this building home.
The front-facing side of the house is along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, while the back is along Bach Dang Street, facing the Hoai River. During those days, the river was an international port, placing this merchant house at the perfect location for trading goods. Due to its proximity to the Hoai River, this house has suffered many floods, and you can easily spot some flood markers around the house.
Some key attractions in this ancient merchant house include sailboats and artifacts, including the legendary “Confucius Bowl.” Besides the antiques, you also get to marvel at the patterns, texture, and priceless structures inside the house that carry meanings and messages linked to Oriental philosophy.
Travel Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien
The Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien, also known as the Assembly Hall of Fijian Chinese, is a temple in Hoi An that was built in 1690. This building was constructed by locals of Fujian Province to serve as a place for religious ceremonies. This Assembly Hall is also believed to have been a trading point due to its convenient location. Today, this hall is home to a temple that venerates Thien Hau, the sea goddess believed to be responsible for protecting sailors.
The building that stands today was renovated from an entirely wooden structure to brick walls and a tiled roof in 1757. Later, in 1975, the main gate of this Assembly Hall was restored and decorated with porcelain.
Inside this hall are three walkways, symbols, and a statue of Dragon Carp. All these elements carry religious significance rooted in the ancient Chinese and Vietnamese culture. There are also alters for worship, and you are sure to learn a lot about the local culture, history, and beliefs.
Enjoy Hoi An Market
This is a night market located on Nguyen Hoang Street. It is a popular destination among locals and visitors, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and many goods and products on display.
Some popular items in this market include handicraft products such as bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings. Other products in this category include miniature lanterns and bronze statues made from various materials. You can also buy conical hats, clothes, and souvenirs. Moreover, there are some traditional foods served in the night market. These include Quang noodles, Vietnamese pancakes, and the signature Cao Lau noodles.
Relax at My Khe Beach
The popular My Khe Beach is located in Da Nang and is one of the must-visit attractions on your road trip. This beach is located 6 kilometres east of Da Nang and about 24 kilometres north of Hoi An. My Khe Beach stretches for 9 kilometres with a width of about 60 meters. Besides being in a strategic location that is easily accessible by public transport, the infrastructure and accommodations around the area are impressive. This beach is crowded during summer, but you will find a spot to relax and unwind. You can stay here for about an hour or so.
Have Dinner at Si Dining – Best Italian Restaurants in Da Nang
After a long day of travel and sightseeing, you will finally reach your final destination. Da Nang is a fascinating city with a rich history and exceptional nightlife. But before you can explore the city at night, you want to have dinner in a calm and serene environment. Located along 01 Giang Chau 2 Street is the popular Si Dining Restaurant that serves Italian delicacies infused with modern Vietnamese flair.
The restaurant is near the Han River, creating a fresh atmosphere ideal for relaxing and rejuvenating. You can choose to dine indoors or on the heated outdoor patios. There are also private rooms and Terrace if you want a more intimate dining moment with your loved one. Dinner is served here from 5 pm to 9.30 pm, and you can select from a wide variety of menus, including a selected wine list.
See more:
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Something worth noting is that the restaurant is committed to using the highest quality ingredients. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, you will find the ideal dish to suit your unique taste.
Admiring Dragon Bridge and Da Nang City at Night
Once you have had your dinner, you can explore the nightlife at Da Nang, starting with the
scenic Dragon Bridge. This is a major attraction that serves as a symbol of prosperity and growth. The Dragon Bridge was built in 2009 and was open to traffic in March 2013. It spans 666m in length and 37.5 meters wide, supporting six traffic lanes.
In the evening hours, from around 9 pm on weekends and during important festivals, this bridge comes to life with over 2500 smart LED lights that change colour every few minutes. This is followed by an amazing Fire and Water Performance show. First, this bridge will spray fire and then water. Fire is sprayed twice, nine times each turn, while water is sprayed three times, once each turn.
You want to be ready to take pictures and videos as soon as the LED lights change colour. Remember, you cannot drive or ride across the bridge during the 15 minutes this show of fire and water is underway.
Before planning your travel itinerary from Hoi An to Da Nang, you should know where you will have the stopovers to prepare in advance. If you are travelling in a group or with your child, for instance, carry all the necessary supplies.
