Danang & Hoi An Solo Travel Diary

I recently took a solo trip to the popular tourist destinations of Hoi An and Danang in central Vietnam, aiming for a relaxing getaway. This is purely based on my personal experiences and impressions, but I hope it serves as a reference for those planning to visit! [First Impressions of Hoi An and Danang] • There are so many Korean tourists! I hardly saw any Japanese visitors, and I was even mistaken for a Korean myself. • Even on weekdays, it’s quite crowded, giving the impression that it’s more suited for those looking to have fun rather than a quiet retreat. • Danang International Airport is relatively small. Finding a seat can be challenging, and there was a waiting time to enter the lounge, making the airport wait somewhat uncomfortable. 🏮Hoi An Section Hoi An, an ancient city in central Vietnam, has a serene atmosphere reminiscent of Kyoto in Japan. As a history enthusiast, just walking around filled my heart with joy. [The Charm of the City and Its Historical Aroma] • At night, lanterns light up, creating a magical ambiance. It’s a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The first and second photos capture this enchanting atmosphere. • The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features beautiful streets lined with yellow-walled buildings and lanterns. • There are spots that reflect the historical connection with Japan, such as the "Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu)," a reminder of the trade relations during the Red Seal Ship era. As seen in the third photo, there was a replica of a Red Seal Ship! I’m not sure if it’s the actual size, but I wondered if people in the past traded using ships of this size. [🏖 Relaxing at An Bang Beach] I also visited An Bang Beach, about 15 minutes from Hoi An’s Old Town by Grab. As seen in the seventh and eighth photos, it’s truly a beautiful beach. With its white sandy shores and gentle waves, it’s a quiet and peaceful spot. Compared to Danang’s beaches, it’s less crowded, making it perfect for relaxing or simply gazing at the sea. There are also stylish cafes and restaurants along the coast, offering a fantastic dining experience with the sea breeze. [Hoi An Impression Theme Park] At night, I visited the Hoi An Impression Theme Park. The park hosts shows themed around Vietnam’s history and culture, which were truly spectacular. A large cast performs with professional music, lighting, and stage effects. Even if you don’t understand the language, the visuals make it enjoyable for tourists. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance for peace of mind. The show depicts Hoi An’s history and the lives of its people, offering a deep cultural experience. [Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary | Connection to the Champa Kingdom] I also visited the Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, about 1.5 hours by car from Hoi An. Once a sacred site of the Champa Kingdom, it features brick temples dedicated to Hindu gods, scattered amidst the jungle. The ruins exude silence and mystery. There are also remnants of damage from the Vietnam War, allowing visitors to feel the weight of history. While not very large in scale, it’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Visiting early in the morning ensures fewer crowds and a quieter experience. It’s a spot you can explore in a day, so history buffs should definitely check it out! [☕ Recommended Cafes & Cuisine in Hoi An] • Mót A street-style cafe famous for its herbal tea. The drink, garnished with lotus leaves, is visually appealing and refreshingly tasty. (Photo 4) • Faifo Coffee A popular cafe in the heart of the Old Town. The rooftop offers a panoramic view of Hoi An’s streets. (Photos 5 & 6) • Mì Quảng (Photo 9) A specialty noodle dish from central Vietnam. The chewy noodles and mild seasoning reminded me of Ise Udon, evoking a cultural connection to Japan. [🚗 Access from Danang to Hoi An] • It’s about a 1-hour drive from Danang to Hoi An. • Using the Grab app makes transportation easy. While you can also book through travel apps, the price difference was minimal, so I opted for Grab. Based on my research, the difference was about 200–300 yen (as of September 2025 exchange rates). [🏖 Danang Section | A Coastal City for Shopping and Fun] Danang is very close to Hoi An! [Tourist Spots] • Han Market A local market full of charm. Great for souvenir hunting and street food. • Danang Museum A facility to learn about the Vietnam War and history. It seems to have been recently renovated, making the exhibits more accessible—a must-visit for history lovers. [🥐 Recommended Food & Cafes in Danang] • Bánh Mì AA The best bánh mì I had on this trip! Packed with ingredients and perfectly seasoned. (Photo 15) • Cong Caphe A popular cafe chain across Vietnam. Known for its retro interior and signature coconut coffee. • Pizza 4P’s While there are branches in Tokyo, you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at a reasonable price in Vietnam. The pizza quality is top-notch! ⚠️ Travel Trouble: Stomach Ache Incident During my stay in Danang, I experienced a stomach ache, likely caused by rinsing my mouth with tap water 😭. I had no issues in Ho Chi Minh City, so I let my guard down, but in Danang, I suffered severe stomach pain... Since I was traveling alone, I had to manage everything by myself. Later, I noticed that at the airport, women were brushing their teeth with bottled water, which made me realize my mistake. [What I Did During My Stomach Ache] • Unable to leave my hotel room due to fatigue and severe pain, I ordered porridge via Grab to get by. • Since there were many Koreans in the area, I went to a mart selling Korean products and bought Pocari Sweat. • I asked the hotel staff for recommended medicine and pharmacies. The pain was so severe that the Japanese medicine I brought (Seirogan) didn’t work at all, so I purchased medicine from a local pharmacy. In my case, the hotel staff kindly bought it for me as I couldn’t move 😭. 📝 Notes for a Comfortable Trip • Avoid using tap water for rinsing in Vietnam. Use bottled water for brushing teeth as well. • Plan your itinerary with some flexibility to account for unexpected issues. • The Grab app is convenient for transportation and food orders. Make sure to install it beforehand. Hoi An’s tranquility and history, combined with Danang’s vibrancy and beaches, offer unique charms. Both are enjoyable destinations for solo travelers. For those planning a visit, tailor your itinerary to suit your travel style!