Choosing between Hoi An or Da Nang can feel confusing at first, especially if it is your first time in Central Vietnam. Even though the two cities are only 30 kilometers apart, they feel very different. After traveling between them many times, I’ve learned that each place has its own charm, its own pace, and its own type of traveler.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know based on real traveler concerns such as where to stay, what each place offers, and how they compare side by side. I will also share personal moments, like the first time I biked through Hoi An’s coconut forest and the sunrise I once watched at My Khe Beach in Da Nang.
Let’s start with the question most travelers ask first.
Hoi An vs Da Nang: Which One Fits Your Travel Style?
The Hoi An Vibe: Calm and Relaxing
Hoi An is perfect if you enjoy history and culture at a slow and peaceful pace. The main highlight is the beautiful Ancient Town, a well-preserved historical area. Its buildings mix Chinese, Japanese, and European styles, which show its past as a busy trading port. I always feel relaxed walking through the streets. It is the best place for exploring on foot. The whole city feels calm and soothing.
Best for: History lovers, couples, people who want cultural experiences, and travelers on a budget.
For more details about exploring the city, you can read my full guide on experiencing Hoi An.
The Da Nang Vibe: Energetic and Modern
This city feels completely different. It is modern, lively, and fast-growing. The city is much bigger than Hoi An, with excellent infrastructure and wide streets. If you enjoy the convenience of a big city along with beautiful beaches, Da Nang is ideal. It is known for its long coastline and impressive mountains, which give you a mix of beach time and outdoor adventure.
Best for: Families looking for many activities, active travelers who want to explore both mountains and beaches, and people who enjoy a vibrant tourist city.
How Do the Costs Compare?
Here’s a fantastic fact that speaks volumes: the Hoi An Affordability Rank is the World’s cheapest travel destination for 2024. If you are watching your wallet, the Old town is more budget-friendly. The costs for things like street food and local tours are noticeably lower. Even a simple meal or a coffee will often cost less in the Ancient Town than in Da Nang’s city center.
Hoi An or Da Nang, which is better to stay?
Hoi An
The Ancient Town offers everything from small and cozy homestays to large luxury resorts. Homestays usually start around 300,000 VND per night. If you want a boutique experience with personal service, Hoi An’s homestays are wonderful.
Da Nang
The city has a much wider range of accommodation. If you prefer upscale hotels, Da Nang is the best option. I once stayed at a 5-star hotel near My Khe Beach at a very good price compared to other countries. Four-star hotels often start at around 800,000 VND per night.
Dive Deeper: History, Culture, and Top Attractions
Hoi An’s Cultural Heart
Hoi An’s history as a major trading port is clear in its architecture. The Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers endless things to explore. Some of my favorite experiences were visiting Tra Que Vegetable Village and Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where you can see daily local life. The Lantern Festival is a magical monthly event that is full of color and light. You can learn more about the area’s history and culture by reading a detailed Vietnam itinerary.
Da Nang’s Natural and Modern Highlights
Da Nang does not have a thousand-year-old Ancient Town, but its attractions are just as fascinating. The Marble Mountains offer spiritual sites and beautiful views. The Son Tra Peninsula is also worth visiting because it has rich nature and wildlife. The city also has more large modern museums, such as the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which shows the ancient history of the region.
A Culinary Journey: Food You Must Try
Hoi An’s Unique Dishes
Hoi An’s food reflects its mixed history with Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Western influences. The most famous dish is Cao Lau, a special noodle dish made with water from an ancient well. This is why the true version can only be found in the Old Town. I also love the White Rose dumplings. Every street vendor has their own version of Cao Lau.
Da Nang’s Flavor Mix
Da Nang’s cuisine is known for combining flavors from all three regions of Vietnam. Popular dishes include fish cake noodle soup and fresh rice paper rolls with pork. Da Nang also has more international food choices, although both cities are excellent for tasting authentic local dishes.
Nightlife: What Happens After Dark?
Hoi An: Soft, Romantic, and Peaceful
Hoi An’s nightlife is traditional and calm. The Ancient Town turns into a glowing world of lanterns after sunset. I enjoy taking a quiet boat ride on the Thu Bon River and releasing a paper lantern, which is a simple but beautiful tradition. Nightlife here is gentle and relaxing.
Da Nang: Bright, Lively, and Fun
Da Nang’s nightlife is centered around the Han River. The bridges, especially the Dragon Bridge, light up the night sky and offer fun shows on weekends. I also enjoy the bars and clubs along My Khe Beach, which are full of energy. The whole atmosphere is lively and modern.
Getting Between the Two Cities
Easy Travel Between Da Nang and Hoi An
Most travelers arrive at Da Nang International Airport, which is also the main entry point for people visiting the Ancient town. You can easily get a private car from the airport to the Old Town.
The cities are only 30 kilometers apart. A taxi or private car usually takes about 40 minutes. This makes it very simple to visit both places. Also check other ways to transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An.
Getting Around Locally
Hoi An: Best explored on foot. Renting a bicycle is cheap, fun, and perfect for discovering the town.
Da Nang: Because it is a larger city, you will need motorized transport. Ride hailing apps like Xanh SM or renting a motorbike are good options.
Final Verdict: Why Not Visit Both?
In the end, I strongly recommend visiting both cities because they complement each other very well. Since Hoi An is south of Da Nang, it is very easy to treat them as one combined destination.
The Best Plan
Split your time between the two cities. Spend two or three days exploring Hoi An’s cultural sites, then spend three or four days enjoying Da Nang’s beaches and modern city life. For example, you can stay near My Khe Beach in Da Nang for ocean views, then move to a homestay near Hoi An’s Ancient Town to experience its unique culture.
Both cities offer amazing value, and the food is wonderful in each place. If someone asked me to choose between Da Nang and Hoi An for a full week, I would still choose to visit both for the most balanced and enjoyable trip.