Beyond the Guidebook: Curated Things to Do in Da Nang & Hoi An

For the curious, the cultured, and the culinary traveler.

Hoi An’s lantern-lit alleyways. Da Nang’s ever-evolving shoreline. On their own, they’re stunning. Together, they offer something even rarer: a region where ancient rhythms and modern creativity collide—quietly, beautifully, and far from the tourist churn.

This isn't a list of “top 10 things to do.” It’s an insider’s itinerary for those who want more. Mornings that begin with heritage coffee in hidden courtyards. Evenings that end with secret dinners behind closed doors. A journey curated for the thoughtful traveler who seeks something deeper.

Morning to Midnight: A Local's Day, Reimagined

6:00 AM – First Light Over Marble Mountains, Da Nang
The day begins with quiet reflection. Few travelers make it to the Marble Mountains before 9 a.m., but arriving just after sunrise reveals limestone grottos bathed in golden light, and panoramic views without the crowds. Skip the elevator—take the stone stairs like locals do.

9:00 AM – Coffee with Craft and Context, Hoi An
Hoi An’s coffee culture deserves more than a grab-and-go moment. Seek out a heritage café like Phin Coffee for a Coffee Tasting Workshop where you can learn the alchemy behind Vietnamese slow drip and sample locally grown beans roasted in small batches.

12:00 PM – Market Moments with Meaning
Head to Tra Que Vegetable Village—not just for the farm-to-table experience, but to walk among the rows with those who cultivate them. From there, bike your way into the heart of Hoi An's Central Market to learn the secret to a perfect fish sauce or banh dap.

3:00 PM – Artisan Encounters
Skip the typical lantern-making classes and dive deeper into Hoi An’s authentic craft traditions. Arrange a private session with a third-generation woodcarver or silk dyer tucked away on a quiet street near Cam Pho. For an even richer experience, discover Hoi An’s hidden art galleries or try one of the many hands-on workshops, where you’ll discover everything from traditional calligraphy to cutting-edge ceramics.

Don’t miss a visit to the inspired Cui Lu Art Space, a true gem filled with creative exploration and exhibitions from local painters, sculptors, wood carvers and more.

From Coast to Culture: Unexpected Pairings

Da Nang’s beaches aren’t just for sunbathing. Pair an early morning surf at My Khe Beach with a post-swim seafood breakfast at a local roadside spot—no signboard, just the scent of grilled clams and banh xeo drifting down the alley.

Hoi An’s river isn’t just a photo op. Book a late-afternoon basket boat ride with a local guide who’ll show you how to forage for river snails and wild herbs, followed by a simple home-cooked meal in the coconut groves. Want to make life easy? Explore our SecretEATS Cultural Immersion Experiences.

Cultural fusion moments abound. Take a calligraphy class in Da Nang’s French Quarter before heading into a Buddhist temple’s hidden tea room. Or pair a gallery visit (Da Nang’s indie art scene is growing fast) with a rooftop sundowner at a Secret speakeasy with our Da Nang Secret Cocktail Tastings.

After Dark: What Happens When the Lanterns Dim

The city gets quieter. But the secrets emerge.

Start with a private SecretEATS dinner—set in an unlisted villa, art gallery, or tucked-away terrace. You won’t know where you’re going until the day before. What we can promise: multi-course meals by chefs whose stories are as rich as their dishes, paired with thoughtful wines and bold cocktails. These experiences aren’t just dinners—they’re evenings you’ll never forget.

Afterwards, slip into Hoi An’s underground bar scene. Ask the right local, and they might lead you to a jazz loft behind a tailor shop or a Vietnamese-inspired gin bar with a menu that reads like poetry. Da Nang holds its own with sultry beach lounges and low-lit cocktail labs—no bouncers, just bartenders who know your drink before you do. Of course, there’s always the option for us to show you around the cocktail bars of Hoi An and Da Nang with our Secret tastings.

SecretEATS Recommends

For deeper dives and hidden doorways, explore more of our hand-picked, curated content:

Hoi An's Hidden Gems: 9 Experiences You've Never Heard Of
Behind Closed Doors: The Secrets of Vietnam’s Most Enchanting Town
Private Dining in Hoi An: Inside our Exclusive Chef’s Studio

Discover the heart & Soul of Hoi An And Da Nang

Hoi An and Da Nang aren’t destinations to conquer—they’re places to let unfold. Step off the well-worn path, and you’ll discover stories whispered over clay pots, painted on ancient walls, and plated with intention. Travel here isn’t just about what you see—it’s about who you meet, and what you share over the course of a day... or a meal.

Let’s go beyond the guidebook. Your next secret’s waiting.