Discovering the Central and Southern Coasts: Da Nang – Hoi An – Quy Nhon – Nha Trang – Mui Ne Tour 9 Days 8 Nights
Are you seeking a wonderful getaway that combines pristine beaches, unique cultural heritage, and diverse culinary experiences? The Da Nang – Hoi An – Quy Nhon – Nha Trang – Mui Ne 9-day 8-night tour is the ideal journey for you. From the livable city of Da Nang with its iconic bridges, the magically shimmering ancient town of Hoi An, to the pristine beauty of Quy Nhon, the island paradise of Nha Trang, and the sunny, windy sand dunes of Mui Ne, this trip will take you through various emotional stages, discovering the most characteristic beauties of Vietnam’s Central and Southern regions.
With a meticulously designed itinerary, optimizing travel time and experiences, we are committed to providing you with a relaxing, invigorating, and unforgettable vacation. Get ready for a memorable adventure where you will immerse yourself in crystal-clear blue waters, explore historical relics, savor fresh seafood, and enjoy a wonderful resort atmosphere.
Detailed Itinerary: Da Nang – Hoi An – Quy Nhon – Nha Trang – Mui Ne Tour 9 Days 8 Nights – A Journey on the Heritage and Blue Sea Route
Every day of this tour is carefully arranged to ensure you have a comfortable, safe, and enriching journey filled with memorable experiences, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the beauty and diversity of Central and Southern Vietnam.
Day 1: Da Nang – The Livable City and Iconic Bridges
- Welcome to Da Nang – Gateway to Central Vietnam. Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport (DAD), our professional tour guide and driver will warmly welcome you. After assisting with luggage collection, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel in central Da Nang. En route, you will be introduced to the city and its prominent tourist attractions.
- Hotel check-in and free time for exploration. After checking into your hotel, you will have free time to rest, relax, or begin exploring Da Nang. You can stroll along the Han River, admiring the beauty of famous bridges such as Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, or Love Bridge.
- Seafood dinner and Dragon Bridge exploration. In the evening, you will enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Da Nang. After dinner, we will head to the Dragon Bridge area to witness the impressive Dragon Fire and Water Show (held every Saturday and Sunday evening). This is a unique and iconic experience of the city.
- Overnight in Da Nang.
Day 2: Da Nang – Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula
- Morning: Explore Marble Mountains. After breakfast, we will start the day’s exploration at Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) – a cluster of 5 mysterious limestone and marble mountains, each representing an element of the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth). You will visit Huyen Khong Cave, Am Phu Cave, Linh Ung Pagoda, and admire panoramic views of Non Nuoc Beach from the peak of Thuy Son (Water Mountain). You can also visit Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village at the foot of the mountains to learn about traditional crafts and shop for souvenirs.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Son Tra Peninsula and Linh Ung Pagoda at Bai But. We will continue our journey up Son Tra Peninsula, also known as the “green lung of Da Nang” and a place where pristine forest meets the sea.
- Linh Ung Pagoda at Bai But: This famous pagoda features a 67m tall statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin facing the sea, considered the tallest statue in Vietnam. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Da Nang city, My Khe Beach, and Cham Islands.
- Chessboard Peak (optional): If time and physical condition permit, you can ascend Chessboard Peak to admire the stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Evening: Free time for exploration or relaxation.
- Overnight in Da Nang.
Day 3: Da Nang – Hoi An – The Mystical Lantern Ancient Town
- Morning: Relaxation or optional activities in Da Nang. You will have free time in the morning. You can relax at the hotel, swim at My Khe Beach (one of the planet’s most beautiful beaches), or explore other attractions in Da Nang such as the Cham Museum (housing the largest collection of Cham sculpture in the world) or Han Market for shopping.
- Noon: Transfer to Hoi An and hotel check-in. After lunch, your vehicle will pick you up and transfer you to Hoi An, about a 45-minute drive from Da Nang. Upon arrival in Hoi An, you will check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Walking tour of the Ancient Town: Your guide will lead you on a walk through the charming, narrow cobbled streets, exploring the prominent attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau): The symbol of Hoi An, a unique wooden bridge with a tiled roof, featuring a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: One of the largest Chinese assembly halls in Hoi An, with splendid architecture and elaborately decorated altars.
- Tan Ky Old House/Phung Hung Old House: Typical ancient houses of Hoi An, where you can learn about traditional architecture and the lives of ancient merchant families.
- Handicraft workshops and ancestral houses: Visit workshops producing lanterns, pottery, silk, and ancient ancestral houses.
- Walking tour of the Ancient Town: Your guide will lead you on a walk through the charming, narrow cobbled streets, exploring the prominent attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- Evening: Hoi An lanterns and street food. As dusk falls, Hoi An becomes enchanting with thousands of colorful lanterns illuminating the streets and the Hoai River. This is a perfect time for photography and leisurely strolls. You are free to enjoy Hoi An’s culinary specialties like Cao Lau, My Quang, Banh Vac (White Rose Dumplings), fried wontons…
- Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 4: Hoi An – Fly to Quy Nhon – Peaceful Coastal City
- Morning: Relaxation or further exploration of Hoi An. You will have free time in the morning to relax, shop for souvenirs, or participate in an optional activity such as a cooking class or cycling to explore the countryside.
- Noon: Transfer to airport and fly to Quy Nhon. After lunch, your vehicle will pick you up from Hoi An and transfer you to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your domestic flight to Phu Cat Airport (Quy Nhon – UIH).
- Welcome to Quy Nhon and hotel check-in. Upon arrival at Phu Cat Airport, our tour guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Quy Nhon. Quy Nhon, a peaceful coastal city, is gradually emerging as an attractive destination with its pristine beauty, rich cuisine, and unique Cham Pa historical relics.
- Afternoon: Free time for exploration or relaxation at Quy Nhon Beach. After checking in, you will have free time to rest or explore the coastal city of Quy Nhon. You can stroll along Quy Nhon beach, enjoy the cool sea breeze, and admire the sunset.
- Dinner with fresh seafood. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with fresh seafood specialties of Quy Nhon.
- Overnight in Quy Nhon.
Day 5: Quy Nhon – Eo Gio – Ky Co – Discovering the Island Paradise
- Morning: Eo Gio and Ky Co – Picturesque natural beauty. After breakfast, we will depart to explore two of Quy Nhon’s most famous destinations, boasting pristine and magnificent beauty.
- Eo Gio: Famous for its winding rocky mountain ranges embracing the coastline, forming a unique arc-shaped strait. From here, you can walk on the paved path along the cliff, admire the crashing waves, and breathe in the fresh air.
- Ky Co: Dubbed “the Maldives of Vietnam,” Ky Co boasts fine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and majestic rock formations. You will travel by boat (or speedboat) to the island, where you are free to swim, snorkel to see coral, or participate in other water sports (activities at your own expense).
- Noon: Seafood lunch at Nhon Ly fishing village. Enjoy lunch with fresh seafood prepared on-site at a local restaurant in Nhon Ly fishing village, where you can experience the simple life of local fishermen.
- Afternoon: Phuong Mai Sand Dunes and Ngoc Hoa Monastery.
- Phuong Mai Sand Dunes: Conquer vast and tall sand dunes, where you can take unique photos or try sand-sliding (at your own expense).
- Ngoc Hoa Monastery (Tinh Xa Ngoc Hoa): Visit Ngoc Hoa Monastery with the tallest Twin Bodhisattva Guanyin statue in Vietnam, facing the sea.
- Evening: Free time to explore Quy Nhon cuisine.
- Overnight in Quy Nhon.
Day 6: Quy Nhon – Nha Trang – Island Paradise
- Morning: Visit Twin Cham Towers and depart for Nha Trang. After breakfast, you will have time to visit the Twin Cham Towers (Thap Doi Cham) – two ancient Cham Pa towers located right in the heart of Quy Nhon city, a testament to the once glorious Cham culture. Afterwards, your vehicle will pick you up and depart for Nha Trang. This scenic coastal drive will take approximately 4-5 hours.
- Noon: Lunch en route. You will stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Nha Trang and hotel check-in. Upon arrival in Nha Trang, a famous coastal city with long golden sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and numerous islands, you will check into your hotel.
- Evening: Free time to explore Nha Trang. You will have free time to stroll around Nha Trang’s beachfront, explore the night food scene, or relax.
- Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 7: Nha Trang – Discover Nha Phu Bay and Monkey Island
- Morning: Cruise to explore Nha Phu Bay and Monkey Island. After breakfast, your vehicle will take you to the pier, where you will board a boat to cruise Nha Phu Bay, one of Nha Trang’s most beautiful bays.
- Monkey Island (Hon Lao): A unique destination home to thousands of wild monkeys. You can play with and feed the monkeys (with guidance) and watch monkey circus performances.
- Orchid Stream (Hon Heo): Visit a beautiful orchid garden with hundreds of blooming orchid species, a mini animal garden, and potentially participate in some other recreational games (activities at your own expense).
- Noon: Seafood lunch on the island. Enjoy lunch with fresh seafood prepared at a local restaurant on the island.
- Afternoon: Hot mineral mud bath (optional) or free time for relaxation. After returning to the mainland, you can choose to experience a hot mineral mud bath at famous hot spring centers like Thap Ba Ponagar (at your own expense) to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploration. Alternatively, you can relax at your hotel or on the beach.
- Evening: Free time to explore Nha Trang cuisine.
- Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 8: Nha Trang – Mui Ne – Sandy Deserts and Peaceful Fishing Village
- Morning: Depart for Mui Ne. After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and depart for Mui Ne (Phan Thiet). The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours. En route, you will have the opportunity to admire the stunning coastal scenery.
- Noon: Lunch en route. You will stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Mui Ne and explore the sand dunes. Upon arrival in Mui Ne, you will check into your hotel/resort. Afterwards, we will begin exploring Mui Ne’s highlights.
- Flying Sand Dunes (Red Sand Dunes): One of Mui Ne’s most unique attractions. You can experience sand-sliding (at your own expense) on the vibrant red sand slopes, which change color with the sunlight.
- Mui Ne Fishing Village: Visit Mui Ne fishing village in the late afternoon to witness local fishermen returning with their abundant catches, experiencing the simple and unique life of the local people.
- Evening: Free time to enjoy Mui Ne seafood. Mui Ne is famous for its fresh and abundant seafood. You are free to choose from various beachfront restaurants to enjoy.
- Overnight in Mui Ne.
Day 9: Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh City and Departure Flight
- Morning: Fairy Stream and Poshanu Cham Towers (or free time for relaxation). After breakfast, you can choose one of the following activities:
- Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien): Walk barefoot along the small stream flowing through red, yellow, and white sand formations and natural stalactites, creating a magical landscape.
- Poshanu Cham Towers: Visit the ancient Cham Pa tower complex, bearing strong imprints of Cham architecture and culture.
- Alternatively, simply relax at your resort, enjoying Mui Ne beach.
- Noon: Check-out and depart for Ho Chi Minh City. After lunch, you will check out from your hotel. Your vehicle will pick you up and depart for Ho Chi Minh City. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, your vehicle will take you directly to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your departure flight, concluding your journey.
- End of the journey. End of the memorable Da Nang – Hoi An – Quy Nhon – Nha Trang – Mui Ne 9-day 8-night tour. We hope you had a wonderful trip, gaining valuable experiences and deep insights into the beauty of Central and Southern Vietnam.
Useful Practical Information for Your Da Nang – Hoi An – Quy Nhon – Nha Trang – Mui Ne 9-Day 8-Night Tour
To ensure your trip is smooth, comfortable, and complete, we have compiled the following practical information, based on our experience organizing tours in the South Central Coast region:
Ideal Time to Take the Tour
The destinations in this tour primarily focus on Vietnam’s Central and Southern coastal regions, which have a characteristic tropical monsoon climate. The most ideal time to take this tour is:
- From February to August: This is the dry season with beautiful sunny weather in most locations.
- Da Nang, Hoi An: Dry, warm, sunny weather with little rain, pleasant temperatures, very suitable for visiting ancient towns, mountains, and swimming.
- Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Mui Ne: Sunny weather year-round, little rain, clear blue seas, calm waves, ideal for beach activities, snorkeling, and exploring sand dunes.
- Avoid the rainy and typhoon season (September to November): The Central region often experiences rain and storms, especially Da Nang and Hoi An. Beach trips and cruises may be affected or canceled. Nha Trang and Mui Ne are less affected by storms but may still experience sudden showers.
- December – January: The weather in Da Nang and Hoi An can be cool, with light rain. Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, and Mui Ne still have relatively good, cooler weather.
Essential Packing List
Proper packing will help ensure a comfortable and convenient trip, especially with beach destinations:
- Clothing:
- Light, breathable, and sweat-wicking clothes (cotton, linen) as the weather is mostly hot and sunny.
- Swimwear: Very necessary for beach activities in Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Mui Ne.
- One modest and respectful outfit (long-sleeved shirt/blouse, long pants/knee-length skirt) when visiting spiritual sites (pagodas, Cham towers).
- Light jacket or shawl for sun protection or during evening transfers.
- Footwear:
- Comfortable sandals or flip-flops: Convenient for beach visits, walking on sand, or in the hotel.
- Sports shoes or light walking shoes: Useful for hiking Marble Mountains, exploring Cham towers, or extensive walking in the ancient town.
- Personal Items:
- Sunscreen: Very important as you will be outdoors a lot.
- Hat/cap, sunglasses: Protection from the sun.
- Personal medications: Including any specific prescription drugs (if applicable), cold medicine, stomach medicine, anti-allergy medication, bandages, insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer, tissues.
- Electronic Devices:
- Camera/Phone: To capture beautiful moments.
- Power bank (portable charger): Ensures your electronic devices are always ready for use.
- Waterproof bag for phone/camera when participating in water activities.
- Cash:
- While many places accept cards, cash (VND) is still necessary for small expenses, shopping at traditional markets, or small shops.
Important Notes for Tour Participants
To ensure your trip runs smoothly and safely, please keep the following in mind:
- Follow the guidance of your tour leader/guide: They are knowledgeable about the local area and will ensure safety, as well as coordinate the itinerary effectively.
- Respect local culture and customs:
- When visiting Cham Pa relics, pagodas, dress modestly and respectfully and maintain order.
- Always ask for permission before taking photos of local people, especially in fishing villages or less touristy areas.
- Protect the marine environment: Do not litter, especially plastic bags and bottles, into the sea or on the beaches. Please help preserve the natural beauty of the destinations.
- Safety when swimming and participating in water activities:
- Always follow signs and instructions from lifeguards.
- Do not swim too far from shore, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.
- Ensure rented snorkeling equipment or kayaks meet safety standards.
- Health: Bring enough personal medication and inform your guide if you have any health concerns that need to be noted.
- Shopping and bargaining: In markets and small shops, bargaining is quite common. Bargain politely and in good humor.
- Transportation: This tour includes one domestic flight and several long car journeys between cities. Be prepared for these transfers.
Cuisine & Must-Try Specialties on Your Central and Southern Coastal Journey
This journey will be a feast of seafood and characteristic dishes from each region, promising unforgettable culinary experiences.
Da Nang Cuisine:
- My Quang: Famous noodle dish with a rich broth from pork, shrimp, quail eggs, roasted peanuts, and crispy rice crackers.
- Bun Cha Ca (Fish Cake Noodle Soup): Clear, sweet broth from fish bones, chewy fish cakes, served with vermicelli and fresh herbs.
- Fresh Seafood: Da Nang offers a myriad of fresh seafood prepared in various ways: crab, shrimp, squid, various snails, oysters…
- Banh Xeo: Crispy sizzling pancake with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts filling, served with fresh herbs and a distinctive dipping sauce.
Hoi An Cuisine:
- Cao Lau: Hoi An’s characteristic noodle dish, with chewy, yellow noodles, served with char siu pork, shrimp, fresh herbs, pork cracklings, and a thick sauce.
- Banh Vac (White Rose Dumplings): Delicate rice flour dumplings filled with shrimp or pork, steamed, shaped like white roses, served with sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Fried Wontons/Wonton Soup: Crispy fried wontons or wontons in soup with pork and shrimp filling.
- Mot Hoi An Drink: A distinctive and refreshing herbal drink from the ancient town.
Quy Nhon Cuisine:
- Bun Cha Ca Quy Nhon (Quy Nhon Fish Cake Noodle Soup): Famous for its chewy fish cakes, clear, sweet, and rich broth.
- Banh Xeo Tom Nhay (Dancing Shrimp Sizzling Pancake): Small, crispy sizzling pancakes with fresh shrimp (literally “dancing” when cooked), served with fresh herbs and sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Nem Nuong Quy Nhon (Quy Nhon Grilled Pork Sausage): Fragrant grilled pork sausage, served with crispy rice paper, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce.
- Fresh Seafood: With a long coastline, Quy Nhon has abundant fresh seafood, especially various snails, crabs, and lobsters.
- Banh Hoi Long Heo (Rice Vermicelli with Pork Organs): A rustic but very characteristic dish, soft vermicelli served with boiled pork organs, fresh herbs, and sweet and sour fish sauce.
Nha Trang Cuisine:
- Nem Nuong Ninh Hoa (Ninh Hoa Grilled Pork Sausage): A distinctive grilled pork sausage with a sweet, firm texture, served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and a special dipping sauce.
- Bun Ca Sua (Jellyfish Noodle Soup): Noodle soup with clear, sweet fish broth, served with crunchy jellyfish and fish cakes.
- Banh Can: Small cakes made from rice flour and egg, with various fillings (shrimp, squid, pork), baked in a clay mold, served with sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Fresh Seafood: Lobsters, sea snails, crabs, squid… prepared in various ways at beachfront restaurants.
- Bird’s Nest Soup (Yen Sao): Nha Trang is famous for its bird’s nest, you can enjoy dishes made from bird’s nest or buy it as a gift.
Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) Cuisine:
- Lau Tha (Hotpot with Raw Fish): A distinctive hotpot with thinly sliced fresh mai fish, dipped into a clear, refreshing broth, served with vermicelli, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce.
- Banh Can: Similar to Nha Trang, Mui Ne’s Banh Can is also very famous.
- Grilled/Fried Squid Teeth (Rang Muc): A unique and popular street food in Mui Ne.
- Fresh Seafood: Famous for crab, shrimp, squid, snails, cobia, eel… simply prepared to retain their fresh flavor.
- Banh Quai Vac (Shrimp and Pork Dumplings): Small tapioca flour dumplings with shrimp and pork filling, chewy, served with sweet and sour fish sauce.
Conclusion – An Endless Journey of Vietnam’s Coastal Beauty
The Da Nang – Hoi An – Quy Nhon – Nha Trang – Mui Ne 9-day 8-night tour is an invitation to those who love the combination of culture, history, and stunning island nature. From the dynamism of Da Nang, the ancient charm of Hoi An, the pristine beauty of Quy Nhon, the vibrancy of Nha Trang, to the sand dunes and peaceful beaches of Mui Ne, each destination offers a unique beauty and experience.
You will immerse yourself in warm blue waters, savor the freshest seafood, explore unique cultural heritage sites, and capture memorable moments on vast sand dunes. This trip is not just a vacation but an inspiring adventure, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the diverse beauty and hospitality of the Vietnamese people.
With our company’s professional and dedicated arrangements, from comfortable transportation (including domestic flights), quality hotels/resorts, delicious local meals, to thoughtfully designed exploration activities and experienced tour guides, you will have a wonderful vacation, escaping from daily life and accumulating profound insights into these beautiful lands.
Let us accompany you on the path to discovering Vietnam’s Central and Southern Coasts, where every journey is an experience, and every memory is an imprint. The Da Nang – Hoi An – Quy Nhon – Nha Trang – Mui Ne 9-day 8-night tour awaits you to write the next chapter of your adventure in Vietnam’s endless beauty!
At Vietnamtour.travel, we’re dedicated to making your journey seamless and memorable. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including Hotel booking, Car rental, Visa assistance, and Airport fast-track services, ensuring all your travel needs are covered.
Beyond the essentials, we specialize in a diverse array of tourism types tailored to your interests. Whether you’re looking for a Private, custom-designed tour, a relaxing Beach and island getaway, an enriching Cultural exploration, the vibrant energy of Urban tourism, or an authentic Agricultural and rural experience, we have something for everyone. We also expertly handle MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), providing professional solutions for corporate events.
WhatsApp 1 : +84 965 251 618
WhatsApp 2 : +84 989 248 646
Email: info@vietnamtour.travel
support@vietnamtour.travel
Website: www.vietnamtour.travel
• Hanoi Office: No. 3, Ngo 225 Luong The Vinh Street, Trung Van Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
• Ho Chi Minh City Office: Room 503, 5th Floor, C4 Building, Gia Khang Apartment Complex, 38 Street, Ward 14, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City