If you’re based in Bali or Jakarta and are craving a short getaway that feels completely different but still easy to reach, Vietnam’s central coast should be high on your list.
Just a short flight away, the neighbouring cities of Hoi An and Da Nang offer a fantastic mixture of culture, beaches, food and history – all wrapped up in one beautifully scenic destination.
Hoi An delivers lantern-lit streets, centuries-old architecture and charming riverside cafés, whilst nearby Da Nang adds wide sandy beaches, mountain panoramas and a modern city buzz. Together, they create the perfect Southeast Asian escape that feels both relaxed and exciting.
For travellers coming from Indonesia, it’s a refreshing change of scenery thanks to the French colonial-style buildings, tasty food stands on every corner, golden beaches, and a cultural atmosphere that feels totally different to Bali or Jakarta.
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Why Visit Hoi An & Da Nang?
Located along Vietnam’s central coastline, Hoi An and Da Nang sit in a region that has long been at the crossroads of trade and culture. Between the 15th and 19th Centuries, Hoi An was one of Southeast Asia’s most important shipping hubs. Merchants from China, Japan and Europe passed through the town, leaving behind a unique blend of architectural styles that still define Hoi An’s Ancient Town – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time. Wooden shophouses, traditional temples, and the famous lanterns that glow at night, create one of the most atmospheric old towns in Southeast Asia.
Just 30-minutes away sits Da Nang – a modern coastal city known for its long beaches, dramatic bridges and mountainous landscapes. One of its most famous attractions is the iconic Golden Bridge, which can be found within the Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, famous for its giant stone hands which appear to lift a curved bridge above the clouds.
For travellers based in Indonesia, this region offers a fascinating contrast. In just a few hours, you can swap Bali’s beaches and Jakarta’s bustle for something refreshingly different. And getting there is more straightforward than you think!
Getting to Hoi An & Da Nang From Indonesia
Recently, getting to Central Vietnam from Indonesia has become even easier thanks to new direct flight routes connecting Bali to Da Nang.
From Bali (Denpasar)
The most convenient option is the new direct flight from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport to Da Nang, operated by AirAsia. The route takes around 4-hours 30-minutes, with several flights per week between the two destinations.
From Jakarta
For travellers starting in Jakarta, there are currently no direct flights to Da Nang, however you can fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi from Jakarta, then take a short domestic flight to Da Nang (approx 1-1.5 hours).
Airlines to look at:
- VietJet Air
- Vietnam Airlines
- Garuda Indonesia
- AirAsia (via Kuala Lumpur)
- Scoot (via Singapore)
Typical travel time is roughly 6-10 hours, including your transit.
Once you land in Da Nang, the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An is just a 35-40 minute drive from the airport, making Da Nang the main gateway for adventure seekers heading to Central Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit Hoi An & Da Nang
Central Vietnam has a tropical climate, but its seasons are slightly different from Indonesia.
February to April – Often considered the ideal time to visit, as temperatures are warm but comfortable, skies are usually clearer, and the humidity is lower.
May to August – This is prime beach season with plenty of sunshine and hot temperatures, making it ideal for relaxing along Da Nang’s coastline.
September to January – The region experiences its rainy season during these months. Rain showers can be frequent, but you’ll also encounter fewer tourists and a quieter vibe, especially in Hoi An.
Where to Stay in Hoi An & Da Nang?
Accommodation across the region offers a fantastic variety, from boutique hotels inside Hoi An’s Old Town to beachfront resorts in Da Nang.
Budget
- Ancient Garden Boutique (Hoi An)
- Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa (Hoi An)
- White Sand Boutique Hotel (Da Nang)
- Palazzo Luxury Hotel & Bistro (Da Nang)
Mid-range
- Zest Resort & Spa (Hoi An)
- The Lion King Hotel (Hoi An)
- Sala Danang Beach Hotel (Da Nang)
- Saha Casa Boutique Hotel (Da Nang)
Luxury
- Laluna Hoi An Riverside Hotel & Spa (Hoi An)
- Allegro Hoi An (Hoi An)
- Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa (Da Nang)
- Fusion Resort & Villas (Da Nang)
4-Day Itinerary For Exploring Hoi An & Da Nang
Hoi An and Da Nang are only 30-minutes apart, meaning that they’re close enough to explore together. We would recommend staying the first two nights in Hoi An, then switching to Da Nang for a fully immersive holiday experience.
Day 1 – Arrival & Lantern-Lit Evenings
Relax into the rhythm of Hoi An with a chilled first day:
- Arrive at your hotel in Hoi An, check in and enjoy some downtime (bonus points if there’s a pool).
- Wander through the charming streets of Hoi An Ancient Town filled with coffee houses, souvenir stalls, clothing shops and even tailors where you can have a fully customised outfit made in just 24-hours!
- Stop for dinner beside the Thu Bon River and people-watch.
- End the evening with an enchanting lantern boat ride along the river – you can even release your own paper lanterns into the water.
Day 2 – Old Town, Coconut Forests & Night Markets
Spend the day soaking up Hoi An’s culture with a mixture of iconic sights and unique local experiences.
- Head into town and visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.
- Energise with a famous Vietnamese egg coffee from one of the many coffee houses.
- Head out to Buy Mau Coconut Forest for a fun coconut basket boat ride through the waterways. Daredevils can even request to be spun for a small extra fee – but be warned, you’ll need to hold on tight!
- Visit An Bang Beach for a late afternoon swim or a sunset cocktail.
- Return to the Old Town to wander through the bustling Night Market for street food, knick-knacks and local snacks – the coconut ice-cream is an absolute winner!
Quick Tip: Hoi An’s Old Town is busiest in the evening when the lanterns light up. Visit early in the morning if you’d like to explore the streets with fewer crowds.
Day 3 – Choose Your Adventure: Mountains or City Sights
You’ve got two great options for Da Nang today, depending on your vibe:
Option 1 – Ba Na Hills Day Trip
- Check out of your Hoi An hotel and make your way to nearby Da Nang.
- Visit Ba Na Hills and head up the cable car to the Sun World Ba Na Hills theme park.
- Walk across the iconic Golden Bridge – a 150-metre walkway held up by giant stone hands.
- Explore the hilltop gardens and scenic viewpoints.
- Return to Da Nang to check into your hotel and have dinner near the waterfront.
Option 2 – Da Nang Highlights & Night Market
- Visit the towering Lady Buddha at Monkey Mountains and spend some time wandering through the peaceful bonsai gardens and temples.
- Take in panoramic coastal views from the Son Tra Peninsula.
- Head back to the city and visit Da Nang’s famous Dragon Bridge.
- Explore Son Tra Night Market for local food (try the fresh lobster), shopping and a buzzing evening vibe.
Day 4 – Beach Chills & Departure
A slow final morning before heading home:
- Enjoy breakfast by the beach in Da Nang.
- Visit My Khe Beach for a swim or stroll.
- Grab a final Vietnamese coffee.
- Head to the airport for your departure.
Quick Tip: Time your visit to Dragon Bridge for the weekend if you can. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9pm sharp, the dragon’s head breathes fire and water, and is one of the city’s most fun (and free) experiences.
Local Delicacies To Try
Vietnamese cuisine is one of the highlights of any trip here, and Central Vietnam is home to some of the country’s most iconic dishes and drinks:
Cao Lau – Hoi An’s signature noodle dish made with pork, fresh herbs, greens and crispy croutons. It’s one of the city’s must-try specialities.
White Rose Dumplings – Delicate translucent dumplings filled with shrimp and topped with crispy shallots, unique to Hoi An.
Bahn Mi – Vietnam’s famous baguette sandwich packed with meats, pâté, herbs and pickled vegetables. Perfect for a quick and delicious lunch on the go.
Mi Quang – A rich turmeric noodle dish originating from Central Vietnam, typically served with pork, shrimp, peanuts and fresh herbs.
Fresh Seafood – Da Nang’s coastline means you’ll find incredibly fresh seafood everywhere. Grilled prawns, clams, scallops, lobster and local fish dishes are especially popular at beachside restaurants.
Vietnamese Coffee – Vietnam takes its coffee very seriously, and trying local variations is all part of the experience. Traditional Vietnamese coffee is strong drip coffee often served with condensed milk, but you’ll also find famous specialities, like creamy egg coffee, made with sweet whipped egg yolk, and refreshing coconut coffee blended with coconut cream and ice – perfect for cooling down in the heat.
Mot Tea – A fragrant lotus and ginger drink, typically served chilled with a flower petal floating on top. Refreshing, lightly sweet and believed to have medicinal properties, you’ll often see it being sold from small roadside carts.
Coconut Ice Cream – A tropical favourite in Hoi An, coconut ice cream is often served inside a fresh coconut shell and topped with toasted coconut flakes, peanuts or sticky rice. It’s the ultimate cool-down treat after wandering through the muggy heat of the Old Town.
Dừa Dầm (Coconut Soup) – A popular Da Nang dessert drink that combines fresh coconut, coconut jelly, coconut milk and crushed ice into one incredibly delicious sweet treat.
Helpful Tips – What to Know Before You Go
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town early morning. The Old Town is especially enchanting at sunrise before the crowds and heat arrive.
Bring comfortable walking shoes. Hoi An’s cobbled streets and riverside laneways are best explored on foot.
Take care crossing the roads. Traffic in Vietnam can feel chaotic at first, especially with the endless stream of motorbikes. Cross slowly and steadily, and let the traffic flow around you.
Carry cash. Many smaller restaurants, cafés, market stalls and local shops still prefer cash payments.
Stay hydrated. Central Vietnam can be hot and humid, particularly during the summer months, so regular water breaks are essential.
Rent bicycles. Cycling Hoi An’s Old Town is a great way to explore the area.
Try the street food. Busy local stalls are often where you will find some of the most authentic and delicious meals.
Take time for the beaches. Da Nang has some seriously beautiful beaches with the softest sand. Plus, they’re often far less crowded than other Southeast Asian destinations.
Learn a few Vietnamese phrases. Even simple words like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you) are greatly appreciated and usually earn a smile from the locals.
Use Grab for transport. The Grab app is widely used throughout Vietnam and makes organising taxis and motorbike rides simple and affordable. There’s even the option to rent them for a few hours and go sightseeing for the day.
Pack light clothing & bring layers. Days are usually hot, but shopping centres and restaurants usually crank up the air-conditioning.
Don’t be afraid to haggle at markets. At local stalls and night markets, haggling is very common. Always ask the price first – it’s usually fine to politely counter with half the starting price and negotiate. Keep it friendly and respectful, and avoid suddenly changing your mind once you’ve agreed on a price, as that’s considered poor etiquette.
Watch out for lantern photoshoots. Hoi An’s lantern-filled streets are incredibly photogenic, but evenings can get very busy. Early mornings are usually best if you want quieter photos.
Don’t overplan your days. One of the best parts about Hoi An and Da Nang is the slowing down – leave time for long coffee breaks, stall browsing and spontaneous food stops.
Why Hoi An & Da Nang are the Perfect Short Escape From Indonesia
For travellers based in Bali or Jakarta, Hoi An and Da Nang have never been easier to visit.
Thanks to the new direct flight route from Bali to Da Nang, you can soak up lantern-lit streets, golden beaches, mountain views and incredible Vietnamese food in just a few hours from Indonesia.
From wandering through the UNESCO-listed streets of Hoi An Ancient Town to soaking up Da Nang’s coastal energy, Central Vietnam offers an exciting mixture of culture, relaxation and adventure, without the hassle of a long-haul trip.
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or adding it to your Bali or Jakarta itinerary, this is one beyond-Indonesia escape that is well worth adding to your travel wish list.
