Planning a trip to Vietnam and can't decide between Da Nang and Hoi An? While these two cities are close to each other, they offer vastly different experiences that appeal to different types of travellers. 

Da Nang dazzles with its blend of modern city vibes, pristine beaches, and mountain escapes, while Hoi An invites you to step back in time with lantern-lit streets, historical charm, and quiet riverside beauty.

In the first half of 2024, Vietnam saw almost 9 million international travellers, a significant increase of 58% compared to the same period in 2023. This increase in travellers is a great sign for smaller cities such as Hoi An, as it increases tourism to these rural areas.

Before you go, check if you need a visa. While some travellers enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam, others can opt for the convenient Vietnam e-visa.

Quick overview of Da Nang and Hoi An

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's get a snapshot of each city.

Da Nang 

With its gorgeous coastline and lively energy, Da Nang has come a long way from being just a sleepy beach town. Today, it's a bustling city that perfectly blends scenic beauty with a modern edge. Whether you're exploring the famous Marble Mountains or strolling across the unique Dragon Bridge, Da Nang gives you a fun mix of natural wonders and city charm.

Hoi An

Just a quick drive from Da Nang, Hoi An feels like stepping right into the past. This enchanting ancient town, with its lantern-lit streets and historic buildings, offers a peaceful vibe that's hard to match. Hoi An is all about slowing down and soaking up the beauty of Vietnamese culture and heritage.

Who wins the popularity contest?

Da Nang tends to take the lead—and it's easy to see why. With its vibrant city buzz, stunning beaches, and modern attractions, it offers plenty for travellers looking for a dynamic experience. That said, Hoi An still has its charm as a smaller town, perfect for those seeking traditional and cultural experiences in a more relaxed setting.

Source: Reddit.

Head-to-head comparison: Da Nang vs. Hoi An

When to visit Da Nang & Hoi An

Picking the best time to visit can totally shape your experience. Are you a beach lover or a festival fan? Let's break down what each season has in store for Da Nang and Hoi An.

Da Nang and Hoi An share a tropical monsoon climate, so expect similar weather in both. This makes either a great pick year-round.

• Dry season (January to August): From January to August, you'll enjoy warm, sunny days, with temperatures between 20°C and 36°C—ideal for beach days at My Khe in Da Nang or An Bang in Hoi An. February to April is the sweet spot, giving you milder weather.

• Wet season (September to December): The rainy season from September to December adds a lush vibe to both cities, with fewer crowds and cosy café weather. October and November are the rainiest, making it the perfect time to slow down and soak in the scenery.
  

The climate does not change much since the cities are only about 35km apart. So, for this comparison, we call it a tie.

What atmosphere to expect in Da Nang & Hoi An

Finding the right vibe can make or break a trip. Are you after vibrant city energy or a peaceful, charming town? Let's see what each place has to offer in terms of atmosphere.

Da Nang

In Da Nang, you'll experience the perfect blend of beach relaxation and city buzz. Known for its vibrant, modern vibe, this city has plenty to offer.

• Top spots: From luxury resorts to quirky cafés, you'll also find unique attractions like the "fish spa", where tiny fish provide a natural foot exfoliation!

• Getting around: The city is easy to explore by Grab rides or on foot, letting you hop from markets and street food stalls to beachside lounging or mountain hiking.

Da Nang's street art scene is also on the rise, and you'll discover fun, themed cafés—some even have adoptable cats! It's a dynamic city where you can shift seamlessly from urban exploration to soaking in the sun.

Hoi An

Hoi An has a completely different vibe—serene, lantern-lit streets, peaceful riverside strolls, and family-owned artisan shops that feel like stepping back in time.

• Top spots: Coconut basket boat rides in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest are a must. Paddle through the mangroves, and if you're lucky, enjoy some karaoke with your guide!

• Getting around: Hoi An's compact layout makes it ideal for walking or biking, letting you soak in the quaint charm of streets filled with tailor shops, markets, and cosy tea houses.

Hoi An is ideal for history lovers and anyone seeking a slower, deeper connection to Vietnamese culture. Its charm invites you to explore at a gentle pace, making every moment feel like a step back into Vietnam's heritage.

Who wins? In this round, Hoi An took the win. With its timeless charm, quiet lantern-lit streets, and riverside beauty, Hoi An feels like a magical escape.

Top attractions in each city

Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a culture enthusiast, knowing the main attractions can help you plan your ideal itinerary. Here's what Da Nang and Hoi An bring to the table.

Da Nang

Must-see attractions:

• Marble Mountains: A beautiful mix of nature and spirituality, with limestone hills dotted with caves, temples, and pagodas.

• Huyen Khong Cave: Step into this peaceful cave, where soft light filters through, illuminating an ancient altar—it's like something out of a movie.

• Ba Na Hills Cable Car: Experience jaw-dropping mountain views on one of the world's longest cable rides.

• French Village at Ba Na Hills: At the top, stroll through cobblestone streets and cosy French-style cafes for an unexpected European vibe.

Hidden gems:

• Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain): Known for lush landscapes and the chance to spot rare red-shanked douc langurs.

• Dragon Bridge: Check out this dragon-shaped bridge on weekends when it breathes fire and water—a cool show for an evening stroll.

• Pham Van Dong Beach: Quieter than My Khe, this beach is perfect for a relaxed day with nearby food stalls and a more local feel.

• Linh Ung Pagoda: This spot is home to the towering Lady Buddha statue and offers peaceful views over the coastline.

Hoi An

Hoi An's Ancient Town is like stepping back in time, with its UNESCO World Heritage charm and a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. This place is all about wandering through history!

Must-see attractions:

• Japanese Covered Bridge: A beautiful symbol of Hoi An's historical connections, this bridge is a must for any visit.

• Tan Ky Old House: One of the best-preserved homes, offering a peek into life from centuries ago with stunning architecture.

• Fujian Assembly Hall: This colourful hall combines Vietnamese and Chinese architecture and is dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu.

• Central Market: A vibrant spot where you can experience Hoi An's food, spices, and traditional crafts all in one place.

Hidden gems:

• Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum: A unique collection of photography and artefacts showcasing Vietnam's diverse ethnic communities.

• Coconut Village in Bay Mau Forest: Take a ride in a traditional basket boat through scenic mangroves and maybe even try some karaoke on the water!

• Cam Kim Island: A quick boat ride away, this quiet spot offers peaceful views and a chance to see local crafts like wood carving.

• Reaching Out Teahouse: A charming, tranquil café run by hearing-impaired staff where you can sip tea in total peace—an experience unlike any other.

While both cities offer unique attractions, Da Nang takes the price. Its iconic Golden Bridge, adventurous Marble Mountains, and fire-breathing Dragon Bridge make it a hotspot for unique sights and activities.

Beaches and nature

For beach lovers, each city has its own unique shoreline vibe. From lively to laid-back, we'll break down what Da Nang and Hoi An's beaches have to offer.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a dream for beach lovers, with a variety of stunning shorelines for everyone, from sun-seekers to surfers. You’ll find popular spots with calm waters, great for swimming and lounging, as well as more secluded beaches with a peaceful, natural feel.

What do Da Nang's beaches offer?

• My Khe Beach: Wide stretches of sand, calm waves, and plenty of activities for both beach lounging and water sports.

• Non-Nuoc Beach: A favourite among surfers, with great waves and a lively yet relaxed vibe.

• Son Tra Peninsula Beaches: These are secluded, peaceful spots where you might spot the rare red-shanked douc monkeys, making them a unique mix of beach relaxation and nature encounters.

Hoi An

Hoi An’s beaches offer a more laid-back vibe, perfect for those looking to unwind in a relaxed, scenic setting. Here, you’ll find intimate beaches with local charm, where seafood shacks and cafes line the shore. What makes Hoi An special is its countryside feel, with bike paths leading through rice paddies and traditional villages.

What do Hoi An's beaches offer?

• An Bang Beach: A quieter, more intimate setting with local seafood spots and cafes, ideal for sunset lovers and those seeking a calm beach day.

• Countryside Bike Paths: Unique to Hoi An, the bike paths around An Bang Beach offer scenic routes through rice paddies and local villages, blending beach relaxation with rural charm.

Da Nang wins this one! With a range of stunning beaches and access to the lush Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang is the ultimate destination for sand, sun, and scenic escapes.

Food and dining experiences

One of the best parts of travel is the food, right? Let's dive into the culinary highlights of each city and see which dining experience wins!

Da Nang

In Da Nang, the food scene pulses with energy, offering fresh seafood, flavorful noodles, and unique local drinks.

Top dishes in Da Nang:

• Mi Quang: Turmeric-infused noodles topped with herbs, meat, and crunchy rice crackers.

• Banh Xeo: Crispy rice flour pancakes filled with pork and shrimp.

• Fresh Grilled Seafood: Pick your seafood at beachside markets, grilled to perfection on the spot.

Hoi An

In Hoi An, every bite tells a story—traditional flavours bring Vietnamese heritage to life in the most delicious way.

Top dishes in Hoi An:

• Cao Lau: A Hoi An speciality with thick noodles, pork, and fresh greens.

• White Rose Dumplings: Delicate dumplings filled with shrimp and topped with crispy shallots.

• Banh Mi Sandwiches: Vietnamese baguette sandwiches, a blend of savoury meats and fresh veggies.

Who takes the culinary crown? It's Hoi An! With its unique local dishes, riverside food tours, and cooking classes, Hoi An offers a more intimate and traditional food experience.

Did you know? Once a year, Tripadvisor awards its "Best of the Best" list to fewer than 1% of its 8 million listings, spotlighting the top-rated spots. This year (2024), Hoi An, Vietnam, took the No 1 spot as the world's Best Food Destination—a title earned from thousands of travellers' reviews!

Nightlife and entertainment

Nightlife can add a whole new layer to a trip. Are you looking for buzzing rooftop bars or cosy evening strolls by the river? Let's see where each city shines after dark.

Da Nang

• Highlight: Make sure to catch the Dragon Bridge's weekend fire and water show! Watching a dragon breathe fire over the river? It's an unforgettable experience!

Hoi An

Hoi An takes things slower but in the most magical way. Every month, the Full Moon Lantern Festival transforms the town as glowing lanterns light up the river—a moment you'll want to be part of.

• Highlight: Wind down with a cosy drink at a riverside café or enjoy traditional folk music. It's the perfect way to soak in Hoi An's peaceful charm!

For a lively night out, Da Nang is our winner. From rooftop bars and fire-breathing bridges to energetic clubs, Da Nang's nightlife is covered by the excitement factor.

Accommodation and accessibility

Choosing the right place to stay can make your trip easier and more enjoyable. From luxury resorts to charming homestays, we'll look at how Da Nang and Hoi An cater to different accommodation needs.

Da Nang

Da Nang has a broad range of accommodations, from luxury resorts like Fusion Maia, perfect for travellers seeking an upscale experience, to budget-friendly spots like Danang Backpackers Hostel, conveniently near the beach. With a well-developed infrastructure, Da Nang makes getting around a breeze, whether by Grab, motorbike rental, or direct access from its own airport.

Hoi An

While Hoi An doesn't have an airport, it's an easy 30-minute ride from Da Nang. Known for its charming boutique hotels and riverside homestays, Hoi An offers travellers a more intimate, personalised stay with traditional Vietnamese architecture. It's ideal for anyone wanting a cosy, slower-paced experience.

And the best spot for convenience and variety goes, too. Da Nang again! With its wide range of accommodations and easy airport access, Da Nang is a traveller's dream for comfort and flexibility.

Did you know? Da Nang’s Furama-Ariyana Resort recently snagged the top spot in the World Luxury Hotel Awards, offering coastal luxury and breathtaking views. Perfect for travellers who want the best of Da Nang!

Ideal traveller for each city

Every city has its own unique pull. Are you a thrill-seeker, history lover, or foodie? Here's a quick guide to help you see which city might be a better fit for your travel style.

Da Nang

Da Nang is perfect for adventure-seekers, beach lovers, and those who want a mix of modern city life with scenic nature spots. It is ideal for high-energy experiences, from hiking to nightlife, and a city that offers both excitement and relaxation.

Hoi An

Ideal for history buffs, food lovers, and travellers who appreciate a slower pace, Hoi An is the place for cultural exploration, traditional dining experiences, and soaking in Vietnam's historical charm.

Final travel tips

Whether you're aiming to explore Da Nang's lively scene or Hoi An's serene charm, planning a few details in advance can make your trip smoother and more memorable.

• Festival timing: Catch Da Nang's Fireworks Festival for a show-stopping evening, or visit Hoi An during the Lantern Festival for a magical riverside glow.

• Packing essentials: Before you travel, make sure you have the complete Vietnam packing checklist. Include sunscreen, light layers, a raincoat, and comfortable walking shoes.

• Getting around: Grab rides and motorbike rentals are affordable in Da Nang, while Hoi An's small streets make walking or cycling the perfect choice.

• Currency tips: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND), so keep small bills handy for street vendors and taxis. ATMs are common, though some may charge fees for foreign cards.

• Wi-Fi & connectivity: Wi-Fi is reliable in most hotels and cafes, but a local SIM card is a great backup for maps and translation. You can easily find affordable options at the airport or local shops.

Da Nang or Hoi An: Which city are you choosing?

Who's the winner? In our comparison, Da Nang takes the win with its vibrant city life, modern amenities, and diverse attractions. However, both Da Nang and Hoi An are fantastic choices—it all depends on what kind of experience you're after.

Both cities offer unique experiences that highlight Vietnam's beauty and charm—so pick the one that resonates with your travel style, or better yet, enjoy the best of both!