Da Nang (Hue & Hoi An), Vietnam

The gateway of Vietnamese adventures

Vietnam’s third largest city, Da Nang is the perfect home base for day trips to both imperial Hue and charming Hoi An, two vastly different but equally worth-a-visit destinations.

Perched on the picturesque Perfume River, the main attraction in Hue is its immense imperial city, a sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, moats, shops, museums, and galleries that was modeled after Beijing’s forbidden city. The former seat of power for the Nguyen dynasty—feudal lords of much of Vietnam from 1802-1945—the citadel was badly damaged during the Vietnam War. Nonetheless, many buildings survived, and many have been refurbished and offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.

In contrast, Hoi An is a graceful small town with a UNESCO World Heritage Site old town filled with two-story shop houses featuring elaborately carved wooden facades—a leftover from its past as an international trading port and marketplace. Hit the streets with two feet and a heartbeat to discover the many charms of Hoi An. Fashionistas will want to visit the shops—more than 600 clothing stores can be found in this small area.