From Beaches to Lanterns: Da Nang & Hoi An’s Best in 2025- Must-See Attractions & Hidden Gems

When it comes to exploring Central Vietnam, Da Nang and Hoi An are top picks. In 2025, they’re more exciting than ever, with fresh experiences and hidden gems. Let World Mate Travel show you what’s new and unmissable! 

The UNESCO-Recommended List of Hoi An – Da Nang Tour 

Traveling to Vietnam currently deserves to be added to the bucket list of every traveler all over the world due to its stunning destinations, as recognized by UNESCO. Throughout Vietnam’s geography, we are proud to have several of heritage in both nature and culture, according to UNESCO’s report, especially Hoi An and Da Nang. Let’s explore what awaits you on top of your Da Nang – Hoi An tour. 

Unveil the Da Nang UNESCO Sites 

Da Nang is often hailed as Vietnam’s most livable city. It’s where the past and present collide in the most breathtaking way. Beyond its golden beaches and sleek bridges, this vibrant destination serves as a portal to some of Vietnam’s most awe-inspiring UNESCO heritage sites. Imagine wandering through the mystical ruins of an ancient kingdom, getting lost in a lantern-lit town frozen in time, or climbing marble peaks hiding centuries-old temples. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just someone craving a deeper connection to Vietnam’s soul, Da Nang is your perfect destination. 

My Son Sanctuary – The Ancient Ruins of the Cham Empire 

Lying between Da Nang and Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary refers to a secluded valley surrounded by low mountains. In the past, this location was the chosen capital of the Champa Kingdom. My Son Sanctuary was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under two criteria: 

Criterion (ii): An exceptional example of cultural interchange, with an indigenous society adapting to external cultural influences, notably the Hindu art and architecture of the Indian subcontinent. 

Criterion (iii): An important phenomenon in the political and cultural history of Southeast Asia, vividly illustrated by the ruins of My Son. 

Coming to My Son, you might love to wear a traditional Champa outfit, which feels like traveling back in time and living as a Champa local. Though only 32 temple structures remain intact, My Son Sanctuary continues to amaze visitors with its remarkable construction techniques and intricate craftsmanship. 

You might find the brickwork of this architecture interesting—each brick was fired, precisely cut, and manually stacked by ancient Champa artisans. Surviving centuries of time and weather, these structures remain standing, showcasing extraordinary durability that modern constructions cannot match. 

My Son Sanctuary’s temples captivate visitors with exquisite bas-reliefs and carvings. The background of deities, lotus flowers, and geometric patterns adorns the temple walls, capturing your imagination—ready to feed your social network life. My Son Sanctuary isn’t just an archaeological site—it’s a journey into an ancient world of sacred rituals, lost craftsmanship, and enduring mysteries. 

Documentary Heritage – The Da Nang Marble Mountains 

The Marble Mountains hold immense cultural and historical value. These five limestone hills, representing the five elements, are dotted with Buddhist temples, hidden caves, and panoramic viewpoints. 
 
After an effortless time for preparation and application, the Ma Nhai Stele System belonging to King Chu Cave within the Marble Mountains was recognized as The Asia-Pacific's Documentary Heritage. The recognition proves Da Nang is not just a modern city but also a historical location to explore. 
 
With over 400 years of history, the Ma Nhai stele system includes 78 steles, which are precious documentary records carved on cliffs and caves. Expressed by poetry, calligraphy, philosophical reflections, and imperial decrees, these inscriptions reflect a valuable document of Vietnam’s rich intellectual and artistic heritage. Each engraving stands as a testament to the cultural depth of the region, preserving stories of devotion, artistic mastery, and historical events that continue to shape the identity of the Vietnamese people today. 

Related Article: Marble Mountain Da Nang: Experience Ngu Hanh Son Mountain in Vietnam 

Hoi An UNESCO – Things to discover 

Hoi An Ancient Town was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1999. It was also known as Hai Pho, Hoi Pho, Hoa Pho, and more. Throughout history, Hoi An was the largest commercial port, attracting merchant ships that gathered for trade. 

Although it no longer operates as a port, Hoi An Ancient Town remains intact with relics of the harbor, ancient streets, townhouses, family churches, temples, halls, and more. Most of Hoi An’s architecture preserves the essence of ancient Chinese and Japanese construction. Today, not only its landscape and ancient atmosphere fascinate tourists, but its customs and festivals also make Hoi An a top-pick destination in Vietnam. 

One of the favorite activities that surprise foreign tourists the most is fast tailoring in just one day. Most first-time visitors can’t even imagine how good this service is. With various design and fabric options, you can get a custom-made outfit within 24 hours (commonly 12 hours). Everything is handcrafted by local tailors right in Hoi An’s cloth boutiques throughout the old streets. Fast, high-quality, and affordable—the price is only half or even one-third of what you'd pay in your country. The best part? These outfits truly fit your body and reflect your personal style. 

What to see in Hoi An Da Nang Tour 

We won’t introduce you to how beautiful Da Nang Beach is with its white sands or how breathtaking the Hoi An Lantern Festival is at night—because those are already beyond famous for travel lovers planning any Vietnam tours. Instead, in this part, we’ll dive into the fascinating corners of Hoi An and Da Nang, exploring a different side of these destinations beyond the usual landscape tours.

To check the top-notch of Da Nang Hoi An in detail: 

Da Nang Beach Tour of 2025: Latest Guide on how to enjoy Da Nang's marvelous beauty 

Dive into Da Nang city: Iconic City of Vietnam The completed guide of 2025 

List of Events and Festivals in Da Nang 2025 

Ba Na Hill to Hoi An 

Ba Na Hills and Hoi An – Which One Will You Travel to This Year? If the answer is both, we’ll show you how to combine these locations into your best experience. Traveling from Ba Na Hills to Hoi An, you might feel like you’ve stepped into two different continents. If Ba Na Hills simulates the Middle Ages of Europe, Hoi An thoroughly captures the beauty of East Asia. While Ba Na Hills is built with French-style giant palaces and castles, Hoi An showcases Chinese-style boutiques with short, steeply pitched roofs. If you expect to explore both in just one day, it will never be enough to truly enjoy them. 

Start your journey in Ba Na Hills, where you’ll walk across the iconic Golden Bridge and ride the world’s longest cable car. You might not know this, but the bridge became so popular that it now has a clone in China! After a day in the mountains, spend a night sleeping in the high hills and immerse yourself in the cool atmosphere. 

The next day, switch gears and head down to Hoi An for a completely different experience. In the afternoon, take a walk through the old streets and shop for clothes or leather goods. As the sun sets, the lantern-lit streets and riverside charm of this ancient town will make you feel like you’ve entered another world. 

Da Nang coconut boat   

Ever tried a basketboat dance? That’s right, these round coconut boats don’t just float—they spin, dance, and turn your ride into an adventure! Head over to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, just a short ride from Da Nang, for an experience you won’t forget. 

Local boatmen will show you tricks. Floating through the small river, they can teach you how to row and even let you try your hand at catching fish with traditional nets. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back ride through the lush water coconut forest or an action-packed, spinning boat performance, this is one of those "only in Vietnam" experiences you can’t skip 

5 Days in Da Nang – things to make the best trips 

Got five days in Da Nang? Here’s how to turn your trip into an unforgettable journey: 

• Day 1: Times to gear up Da Nang city with iconic bridges, My Khe Beach, and Marble Mountains, and enjoy seafood by the beach at an extremely reasonable price. You can find here the most affordable tourist attraction to enjoy local cuisine. 

• Day 2: Head to Ba Na Hills, snap photos on the Golden Bridge, and take the world’s longest cable car ride. 

• Day 3: Visit Hoi An, wander its ancient streets, try out a quick tailoring session, and release a lantern on the river at night. 

• Day 4: Go off the beaten path with a coconut boat ride in Cam Thanh Village, then relax at An Bang Beach. 

• Day 5: Chill out in Da Nang—go shopping at Han Market, get a spa treatment, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze before your flight home.