Vietnam’s central coast is home to two of the most talked-about travel spots: Da Nang—a bustling beachside city with modern perks—and Hoi An—a picturesque ancient town bursting with charm. But when it comes to planning your trip, especially if you’re staying for a while, one question naturally pops up:
“Should I stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?”
Having moved to Da Nang back in 2018 and made weekly coffee-fueled motorbike visits to Hoi An ever since, I’ve had this conversation dozens of times—on the beach, in cafés, even at random hostel happy hours.
So, let’s chat. And by chat, I mean grab yourself a Vietnamese iced coffee, sit back, and I’ll help you figure out which city is better suited for your vibe.
Quick Decision Guide: Da Nang or Hoi An?
Short on time? These highlights cut to the chase:
| Category | Da Nang 🏙️ | Hoi An 🏡 |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Access | ✔️ International airport (super convenient!) | ❌ No airport, 50-min drive from Da Nang |
| Beaches | Long, broad, and directly in the city | Laidback but farther from the center |
| Accommodation | High-rises, river/mountain/ocean views | Boutique villas, cozy resorts |
| City Vibe | Energetic, modern, walkable beaches | Peaceful, historic, foot/bike-friendly |
| Ideal For | Digital nomads, families, beach lovers | Couples, history buffs, slow travelers |
| Family-Friendly | ✔️ Better with younger kids | 🟡 Great if you’re scooter-savvy |
| Day Trip Bonus | Easy trips to Hue & Ba Na Hills | Closer to My Son Sanctuary |
So… Which One Would I Recommend?
It depends on YOU.
- Are you a beach bum who likes a cocktail in one hand and a gym on every corner? → Go with Da Nang.
- Are you a photography-loving daydreamer who enjoys lantern-lit streets, bicycles, and a slower pace? → Hoi An might be your soul city.
- Got 7–10 days? Do both. Seriously. They’re only 40 minutes apart.
Da Nang: Big City, Big Beaches, Big Convenience
Da Nang is like that friend who’s always organized and somehow still fun. It has:
- An international airport right in the city
- Hotels next to My Khe Beach where you can wake up, cross the street, and hit the sand
- Shopping malls, hospitals, gyms, and international restaurants
- Daily life amenities perfect for long-term travelers or families
- Easy access to Hue, the Marble Mountains, and Ba Na Hills
Hot Tip:
🏨 The Sala Danang Beach Hotel is a great beachfront option I personally stayed at and loved. Gorgeous rooms, awesome breakfast.
Hoi An: Insta-Worthy Streets and Boutique Bliss
Hoi An is magnetic. The lantern-lit streets, charming riverside cafés, and all that old-world charisma—it’s cinematic.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site punches above its weight in cuteness per square meter.
Here you’ll find:
- Gorgeous homestays and boutique hotels with real personality
- Artisan shops, local tailors, and bikes everywhere
- Calm, scenic rice fields that practically beg to be explored
- Beautiful beach pockets like An Bang Beach just a short ride away
- Stellar cooking classes and cultural workshops daily
🛏️ My favorite? The La Siesta Hoi An Resort. Boutique luxury without feeling stuffy.
Want a Bit of Both Worlds?
Split your stay—it’s easy! My suggestion:
- 3–5 days in Hoi An to enjoy its vibe, eat all the food, ride through rice fields, and watch the famous Hoi An Memories Show.
- Then, another 3–5 days in Da Nang to enjoy the beach at sunrise, visit Marble Mountains or head up the Son Tra Peninsula, and live it up in the city.
🚗 Travel time between the cities? Around 30–40 minutes by GrabCar or scooter. Super doable.
Real Talk: Pros and Cons
Da Nang Pros
✅ Fast internet
✅ Big infrastructure
✅ Epic beach convenience
✅ Ideal if you’re exploring central Vietnam
✅ Modern, livable city vibe
Da Nang Cons
❗ Less cultural charm than Hoi An
❗ Some parts feel like any modern city
—
Hoi An Pros
✅ Gorgeous architecture & scenery
✅ Rich cultural backdrop
✅ Boutique experience
✅ Great for slow, peaceful travel
Hoi An Cons
❗ Touristy vibes in Old Town
❗ Beaches are a bit removed from the town center
Planning Your Long Stay
If you’re in Vietnam for a few weeks or more, then which city you call your “home base” really matters.
🏖️ For digital nomads or remote workers: Da Nang wins
🚲 For lifestyle travelers or creatives needing inspiration: Hoi An is magic
Just beware—if you stay in Hoi An too long, you might slow down a bit too much. Everyone says they’ll work from a riverside cafe, but next thing you know, you’re sipping coffee in silence wondering if you should open your laptop or take another bike ride through the rice fields…
(Relatable? Just me?)
Final Verdict
💡 My honest take as someone who’s lived here for years?
- Short trip (under 5 days)? Pick one: big city or little village energy.
- Longer trip (7+ days)? Split your time.
- Staying a month or more? Base yourself in Da Nang, and make frequent joyrides over to Hoi An.
Whichever you pick, trust me… you’re gonna love it. Both Da Nang and Hoi An are brilliant in their own ways—and the beauty of central Vietnam is that you never have to choose just one forever 💛
Need More Help Planning?
🎯 Check out these resources I made just for travelers like you:
- Best Time to Visit Each City
- How to Get Your Vietnamese SIM
- Must-Have Travel Apps in Vietnam
- Money & ATMs in Vietnam
- How to Get Around Vietnam by Scooter or Car
And don’t be shy—join my Da Nang + Hoi An Travel Facebook Group. I’m in there regularly answering questions and helping people plan trips IRL.
🛑 So… Da Nang or Hoi An?
Now that you’ve got the breakdown, it’s your call! Whether you’re here for 3 days or 3 months, Central Vietnam is full of gems—you just have to decide how to string ‘em together.
Happy travels (or sống đẹp, as we say here in Vietnam)!
✌️
– Your friendly neighborhood expat in Da Nang 🙃