The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF), running from 30/5 to 11/7, is expected to attract millions of visitors, potentially leading to crowded conditions in the city center and at My Khe and Non Nuoc beaches on weekends.

Below is a suggested itinerary from Nhu Anh, 42, a lifelong resident of the coastal city, along with members of the Da Nang Tourism Forum, designed to offer visitors a more relaxed experience.

Day one: catch the sunrise at a fishing village beach, explore a local market

Morning: swim at Man Thai beach

Located approximately 8 km from the city center, Man Thai beach in Son Tra ward is an ancient fishing village that retains its pristine charm, making it less crowded than My Khe or Non Nuoc.

Early in the morning, visitors can experience the lively atmosphere as basket boats return to shore, fishermen untangle their nets, or a seafood market convenes directly on the sand. In recent years, a separate area has been added for paddleboarding and kayaking services, catering to active visitors.

Nhat Tam, from Quang Nam, experienced paddleboarding for the first time after watching videos on social media. Tam shared that the atmosphere on the sea was festive, though strong waves made paddling strenuous. Photo: Giang Huy

Afternoon: enjoy street food at Con Market

While Han Market, located by the Han River, is suitable for souvenir shopping, Con Market offers a distinct local flavor with diverse goods, affordable prices, and no aggressive hawking.

The market's food court is a favorite spot for city residents, featuring dishes priced from 15,000 dong, such as bun mam, mi Quang, bun thit nuong, banh trang cuon thit heo, and various che desserts.

"The food here is delicious, affordable, and more diverse than at Han Market. Many of my friends, after being introduced, only want to return to Con Market", Nhu Anh said.

A plate of assorted cakes, including banh beo, banh uot, banh it, banh bot loc, and banh can, costs 35,000 dong and is considered filling enough for female visitors. Photo: Giang Huy

Day two: discover Son Tra, the 'green lung', and enjoy local seafood

Morning and afternoon: visit Son Tra peninsula

Son Tra is renowned for its primeval forest and scenic coastal roads, ideal for exploration by moto or oto.

Visitors can visit Linh Ung Pagoda, home to a 67 m tall statue of Quan Am (Goddess of Mercy) facing the sea, offering panoramic views of the city, My Khe beach, and Da Nang bay. For those who enjoy off-road driving, Ban Co Peak is a suitable destination for cloud hunting and viewing the city from above. This route also features numerous cafes with sea views, perfect for a rest stop.

Evening: savor local seafood

Instead of restaurants along My Khe beach, visitors can try garlic butter seafood at Chau Son restaurant (Nai Tu street, Son Tra ward) — a familiar spot for locals.

"The seafood here is fresh, notably mantis shrimp, tiger prawns, crabs, and clams. The highlight is the garlic butter sauce served with bread. As the restaurant is busy, service can be a bit slow, so diners should relax and be patient", Nhu Anh mentioned.

The restaurant closes on the full moon and first day of each lunar month. Alternatively, Ba Ro seafood restaurant (Ly Tu Tan street) is another suitable option.

Road to Son Tra. Photo: Xuan Hau

Day three

Morning: enjoy Michelin bun cha ca, drink coffee in the city center

Visitors can start their day like a Da Nang local with a bowl of bun cha ca at Nguyen Chi Thanh restaurant, an establishment honored with a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Afterward, stop by Long Cafe, a brand with decades of history. While these establishments have small spaces and simple decor, the quality of their food and drinks has remained consistent over many years.

Michelin Bib Gourmand bun cha ca restaurant in Da Nang. Photo: Tam Anh

Afternoon: visit Hoi An ancient town

From central Da Nang, visitors can travel approximately 30 km south to reach Hoi An ancient town. During the peak DIFF season, weekend evenings in Da Nang are very crowded, so a weekday trip to Hoi An during the day offers a reasonable and relaxing alternative.

Hoi An on a weekday morning or early afternoon offers a quiet atmosphere and a slower pace of life. Visitors can leisurely stroll through its narrow streets, visit ancient cafes, and try local specialties like cao lau, com ga, or banh mi.

Tam Anh