Day 1 — Arrive Da Nang

Overview

Welcome to central Vietnam! Today is a gentle arrival day — touch down at Da Nang International Airport around midday, settle in, then shake off the travel haze with toes in the sand. By mid-afternoon you'll be at My Khe Beach, one of Vietnam's most famous stretches of soft white sand and warm, swimmable water — an easy place to ease into the rhythm of the trip. As evening falls, you stay right by the shore for a relaxed seafood dinner on the sand, your first taste of the fresh-from-the-boat cooking this coast is known for. Rest up tonight — tomorrow you head into Hoi An's Ancient Town for the Japanese Covered Bridge and a lantern-lit evening.

Tips

• Pack/wear: Lightweight, breathable clothes; June is hot and humid. Bring swimwear, sandals, sunglasses, a hat, and strong sunscreen for the beach. A light layer helps with strong air-con indoors.
• Reservations: No tickets needed today. A dinner reservation for the seafood spot is wise on a Saturday evening.
• Best times: Late afternoon at My Khe avoids the harshest midday sun; the water is calm and pleasant for a first swim.
• Money-saving: Pick up a local SIM/eSIM at the airport for cheap data. Withdraw cash from an airport ATM, but in smaller amounts to limit fees. Carry small bills for beachside vendors and tuk-tuk-style rides.

Getting Around

From the airport, it's a quick 15-minute drive (about 4 miles) to My Khe Beach — grab a metered taxi (Mai Linh or Vinasun) or use the Grab app for transparent pricing. Dinner is just a 3-minute walk along the sand from the beach, so no transport needed in the evening. Keep your hotel's name written in Vietnamese to show drivers.

Local Tips

• Vietnamese seafood is often priced by weight and sold live — confirm the price per pound before ordering to avoid surprises.
• Tipping isn't expected but is appreciated for good service; rounding up is plenty.
• Use Grab for rides to avoid haggling; for street taxis, stick to the reputable Mai Linh and Vinasun companies.
• Don't drink tap water — stick to bottled or filtered. Most restaurants serve safe bottled or boiled water.
• The afternoon sun here is intense even with sea breeze; reapply sunscreen and hydrate, especially after a long flight.

Enjoy your first evening on the coast — an easy day to recharge before the days ahead.