Da Nang 3 Nights 5 Days Trip: Creating Unforgettable Memories
From August 1st to 5th, 2025, the 3-night, 5-day Vietnam Da Nang trip was filled with diverse experiences including Phoebus Hotel Boutique, Han Market, Cong Cafe, White Orchid Spa, Belle Rive Hoi An Resort & Spa, Hoi An Ancient Town, Tom Do Restaurant, Nhat Ban Giao, and a Wishing Boat Tour.
The Start of the Trip: Exciting Departure Preparations
After work on Friday, I took the airport bus to Incheon International Airport. Check-in and baggage drop were very smooth because I only packed carry-on luggage and checked in online. Although I arrived at the airport with peace of mind, my carry-on luggage weighing exactly 7kg, I was unfortunately unable to use the lounge free of charge with my Shinhan Travel Card due to insufficient previous month’s spending. I waited for my flight, satisfying my hunger with a hot dog since I skipped dinner.
First Night: Comfortable Rest at Phoebus Hotel Boutique
I arrived at Phoebus Hotel Boutique by pre-booked Grab. The 24-hour check-in system allowed me to stay at the accommodation without any inconvenience, even with a late arrival. The welcome drink with a subtle ginger scent added to the refreshment, and the friendliness of the desk staff made the first impression of the trip even better. The 18th-floor swimming pool and gym are open from 7 AM to 9 PM, and breakfast is served from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM. The room condition, which I didn’t have high expectations for due to the 0.5-night stay, was better than expected.
The Best Breakfast: A Noodle Soup Restaurant
The next morning, breakfast at Phoebus Hotel Boutique was by far the best of the accommodations on this trip. Not only the noodle soup, but also the variety of menus and the excellent taste enhanced the satisfaction of the trip. In particular, the kimchi was praised for being spicy and delicious.
Da Nang City Exploration: Han Market and Cong Cafe
Before going out, I briefly looked around the swimming pool at Phoebus Hotel Boutique and then headed to Han Market. A cute dog I met on the way made me stop for a moment.
Han Market: Custom Ao Dai and Shopping
At Han Market, I visited shop number 123 to get a custom Ao Dai made. Thanks to the friendly owner, I was able to browse various designs and fabrics and order a satisfactory Ao Dai in just 30 minutes. Although I had to wait about 30 minutes longer when I went to pick it up at 11 AM, I could wait without annoyance thanks to the owner’s kindness. At the Crocs store, I was disappointed by the unfriendliness of shop 253, but I continued my satisfying shopping by purchasing additional Jibbitz at shop 254 right next door. I bought 3 sets and received a discount from 70,000 dong per piece to 60,000 dong, totaling 180,000 dong.
Cong Cafe: The Temptation of Sweet Condensed Milk Coffee
Cong Cafe Branch 2, located right in front of Han Market, was difficult to find as it was not searchable on Naver or Google Maps. Since card payment was not accepted, I ordered condensed milk coffee (35,000 dong) and ambarella juice (65,000 dong) with cash. The condensed milk coffee was as delicious as I expected, and the ambarella juice had a healthy taste. The pink Crocs and Jibbitz added to the enjoyment of the trip.
Healing in Hoi An: White Orchid Spa and Belle Rive Hoi An Resort
I moved to Hoi An and received a massage at White Orchid Spa. This place was the best choice, offering free pick-up & drop-off service, discounts, and reasonable prices. Everything was satisfactory, from the welcome tea and foot bath before the massage to the snacks provided afterward. The coconut cookies were especially delicious, but I was disappointed that they tasted different from the ones sold at Lotte Mart.
Afterwards, I checked into Belle Rive Hoi An Resort & Spa. Although a cute dog and welcome drinks greeted me, the welcome food did not meet my expectations. However, the complimentary afternoon tea was generously served with a variety of snacks and fruits, which was satisfactory. I explored the resort and filmed Reels, and spent a relaxing time at the beautiful swimming pool.
Hoi An Hoi An Ancient Town: Culinary Delights and Night View Appreciation
I took a Grab to Hoi An Ancient Town and visited Tom Do Restaurant, a famous Korean restaurant. I waited in line to taste the reasonably priced lobster, and was amazed by its plump meat and fantastic appearance. The Garlic Butter Lobster (390,000 dong) and Chili Lobster were incredibly delicious for their price, which was in the 20,000 won range. A 3% surcharge was added for card payment, making the total 429,000 dong.
While strolling through Hoi An Ancient Town, I stopped at a small coffee shop in an alley and cooled off with a refreshing iced Americano. I was satisfied with the cheap price and the coolness, and I also took some great photos in the atmospheric alley.
A Tumultuous Experience on the Wishing Boat Tour
I checked the time for the Wishing Boat Tour booked through Klook near Nhat Ban Giao and hurried to get there. However, due to an incorrect address, I wandered for over 20 minutes and couldn’t find the booking location. In the end, I bought a ticket from a young man from Vietnam on the spot. Although it was more expensive than the Klook booking (15,000 won for 2 people), thanks to the friendly young man, I was able to get a great photo at the photo zone. After the tour, I got a 30-minute foot massage (10,000-20,000 dong) and on the way back to the accommodation, I felt a lingering sense of being ripped off during the price negotiation with the motorcycle driver, but I eventually ended the day with a can of beer.
Although the day ended with some twists and turns, I reminisced about the happy moments while looking at the beautiful night view of Hoi An. The unpleasant feelings were fleeting, and I was able to end the day happily with the memories of the enjoyable trip.
