Da Nang or Hoi An? Choose the Perfect Base in Central Vietnam
If you’re planning a trip to central Vietnam and trying to decide between Da Nang or Hoi An, you’re not alone. It’s a common question for travellers visiting this beautiful region. I’ve spent time exploring both, and they offer different experiences: Hoi An vs Da Nang is all about choosing the right place for you.
In this article, I’ll compare Hoi An or Da Nang from my personal experiences as a solo traveller in Vietnam, covering safety, walkability, atmosphere, what to do where to stay and more.
Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience, a beach holiday, or a bit of both, here’s everything you need to know to make a confident decision about whether to stay in Hoi An or Da Nang.
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Da Nang vs Hoi An Comparison
| Compare | Hoi An | Da Nang |
| Atmosphere | Historic, romantic, relaxed | A modern, energetic coastal city |
| Culture | UNESCO Ancient Town, traditional lanterns, historic temples | Pagodas, Dragon Bridge, and Marble Mountains Cave Temples |
| Beach Access | Near An Bang Beach | Right in town (My Khe Beach) |
| Getting Around | Perfect for walking and cycling | Ok for walking with a pleasant beachside promenade, but you’ll need transport to get into town and beyond. |
| Nightlife | Lantern-lit streets, quiet dinners with live music | Lively and bar-friendly |
| Airport Access | 45- 60 minutes to Da Nang Airport | Next to the airport |
| Solo-Friendly | Very | Yes |
| Best For | History & culture, slow travel | Beaches, convenience and good value hotels |
Da Nang or Hoi An Map
Hoi An or Danang for Culture & Charm
If culture and charm is a priority Hoi An wins in the camparison between Hoi An or Danang. Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s prettiest historic towns and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The well-preserved Ancient Town was once a trading port and dates back to the 15th century.
I fell in love with Hoi An’s atmospheric, lantern-lit laneways, historic architecture and romantic riverside setting. The Old Town is easy to explore on foot, and there are photo opportunities around every corner. Hoi An has a good selection of restaurants and riverfront cafes.
But Hoi An is also very popular. Like Halong Bay, Hoi An is a favourite destination in Vietnam and sees millions of tourists, especially during the high season.
And some say it’s overrated. The laneways and small museums are full of tourists, and most of the local businesses are geared towards servicing the tourist trade.
Even so, I think that Hoi An is captivating and should not be missed if it’s your first time in Vietnam. For me, 3 or 4 days is the ideal amount of time to spend exploring the Old Town and the surrounding area of Hoi An or Da Nang.
TIP: If you don’t like crowds, skip the Hoi An Lantern Festival held every month on the full moon. I didn’t think it was worth it. The town is lit by lanterns every night anyway and it was very crowded throughout the festival, accommodation was more expensive and booked out in advance.
Why Travellers Love Hoi An:
- Hoi An oozes old-world charm & is very colourful and photogenic
- It’s very walkable and easy to navigate
- It’s safe, especially in the evening
- People are friendly and used to tourists
- Group tours (cooking classes, bike tours) are easy ways to meet others
If you enjoy strolling with your camera, trying local dishes, and soaking in history, you’ll enjoy visiting Hoi An.
TIP: I have first-hand experience and travelling alone in Vietnam. and Hoi An is a great destination for female solo travellers. My Hoi An travel itinerary will help you enjoy the experience, even if it’s your first time travelling solo.
Da Nang or Hoi an for Beach Time & City Convenience
In the comparison between Da Nang or Hoi An, Da Nang wins if you’re looking for great beaches and city convenience.
Da Nang is a busy coastal city, much more modern than Hoi An. With skyscrapers, beach resorts, and a busy café culture, it’s ideal if you’re looking for a city beach holiday. Da Nang has an airport and a train station, making it the perfect gateway to central Vietnam.
Hoi An, on the other hand is 45 – 60 minutes drive from the airport and train station and An Bang Beach is several kilometres away from the action in Hoi An’s Old Town.
Why Da Nang is a Good Base for Travellers
- The beaches are long, wide, and uncrowded & perfect for a relaxed beach holiday
- Danang is convenient to the airport for flying in & out of Central Vietnam
- Hotel accommodation in Da Nang is more budget-friendly than Hoi An
- It’s easy to get around on foot or by Grab or taxi
Da Nang is also closer to the popular Golden Bridge in the Ba Na Hills, the Marble Mountains, and the scenic Son Tra Peninsula. But you can access all of these attraction from either Danang or Hoi An.
Where to Stay: Hoi An or Da Nang?
In Hoi An, I recommend choosing accommodation within walking distance of the Ancient Town or across the river on An Hoi Island. I stayed on the island and it’s central but quieter.
- Boutique guesthouses and heritage stays are popular.
- If you want beach + town, An Bang Beach is a great base, but it’s several kilometres away from Hoi An’s Old Town.
In Da Nang, stay near Non Nuoc or My Khe Beach for ocean views and easy access to cafés, restaurants and bars.
- High-rise hotels with ocean views are surprisingly affordable.
- The area around Vo Nguyen Giap Street is convenient and scenic.
Where to Stay in Hoi An
Here are my suggestions for where to stay in Hoi An:
Mid-Range: Volar de Faifo is a small boutique hotel in a quiet location on An Hoi island near the Night Market and just a 5-minute walk from all the action. I enjoyed staying here and would stay again.
I can also recommend the Green Apple Hotel as a good value choice with wonderful service. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, but the rooms are clean and comfortable. I enjoyed the pool, the shuttle service to the Old Town, and the onsite bicycle hire.
Luxury: The Allegro Hoi An. A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa is more upmarket and gets exceptional reviews for its stunning rooms, decor, and excellent service.
Where to Stay in Da Nang
Here are my suggestions for where to stay in Da Nang:
Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, the Kontiki Da Nang Hostel has a central location on the Han River within walking distance of the main attractions. The hostel offers clean dorm beds and private rooms, and gets exceptional reviews.
Mid-Range: I stayed at the Senorita Boutique Hotel. I loved the location at My An Beach in a quiet street behind busy Vo Nguyen Giap Street. There’s a choice of restaurants, shops and bars on the doorstep. The rooms are quiet and comfortable, and the hotel provides a buffet breakfast and has a small pool on the rooftop. The taxi ride into town is inexpensive.
Luxury: The Muong Thanh Luxury Hotel has a stunning beachfront location with sweeping ocean and city views not far from the Da Nang Night Market. Rooms are comfortable, and the hotel has a restaurant and a pool with a view. The rooftop bar on the 40th floor is an undiscovered gem, and I loved hanging out here enjoying the panoramic views with coffee or a cocktail.
Best Things to Do in Hoi An
- Explore the Ancient Town and its Chinese temples & shop houses
- Visit the Japanese Bridge & the Central Market
- Shop for souvenirs at the Night Market
- Enjoy dinner on the riverfront at the Cargo Club or Morning Glory Restaurant. I can recommend the food at both, and the Cargo Club has a terrace with a fabulous river view.
- Take a cooking class & lantern-making workshop and immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Visit An Bang Beach. I hired a bicycle from my hotel and spent an afternoon cycling to the beach.
- Take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary. I enjoyed this and recommend going early to beat the tourist crowds.
TIP: Joining a local Vietnamese cooking class is one of the best things to do in Hoi An or Da Nang. For me, it was a great way to discover the local culture, make new friends and enjoy delicious food.
Best Things to Do in Da Nang
- Relax at My Khe or Non Nuoc Beach and stroll on the beach promenade.
- Visit the Marble Mountains and explore the ancient cave temples & scenic viewpoints
- Visit the Lady Buddha at the Ling Ung Pagoda on the scenic Son Tra Peninsula by Grab or motorbike
- Explore local restaurants like Ngon Thi Ha and try the Ban Xeo Bo, a delicious crispy pancake with beef.
- Try a Vietnamese Salted coffee (Ca Phe Moui), a delicious local specialty served with ice & cream. I can recommend Day La Viet Nam, a cool café in Da Nang with retro décor. It’s one of my favourite coffee shops in Vietnam, and the ca phe moui is SO GOOD!
- Ride the Ba Na Hills cable car to the Golden Bridge for stunning views and a theme park atmosphere. But check the weather first! I was disappointed to find the mountain covered by clouds. It was freezing cold and I could barely see the famous Golden Bridge through the clouds.
TIP: Take a Street food tour and discover the Central Vietnamese food and culture with a local guide. I loved this experience and can highly recommend it.
Da Nang or Hoi An: Can You Visit Both?
Absolutely, and I recommend it! Da Nang and Hoi An are only 45 minutes apart, and it’s easy to take a Grab or shuttle between the two. Many travellers choose to base themselves in one and take a day trip to the other, or split their stay.
On my last visit to Central Vietnam, I spent 2 days in Danang and 2 days in Hoi An, and I stopped off to explore the Marble Mountains on my way to Hoi An from Danang.
TIP: It’s also worth visiting Hue and Phong Nha on a Vietnam travel itinerary.
Danang vs Hoi An: Which is Better?
If you’re still wondering if Danang or Hoi An is a better place to stay,
Choose Hoi An if you want:
- History, beauty, and a slower pace
- Walkability and charm
- A great first-timer solo travel experience
Choose Da Nang if you want:
- A city with the beach right on the doorstep
- Proximity to the Airport or train station
- Access to modern comforts and an authentic Vietnamese urban energy
Travel Tips for Solo Women in Hoi An or Danang
- Solo Female travellers will feel safe in either Hoi An or Da Nang and throughout Vietnam, including the capital, Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Grab is reliable and easy for getting around, and my go-to App for transport in Vietnam
- Don’t walk alone at night in unlit areas (especially in Da Nang)
- Dress conservatively for temple visits with knees and shoulders covered
- Learning a few Vietnamese greetings goes a long way!
Hello: Xin chào (pron. Tsin- chow) / Thank you: Cảm ơn (pron: Cam – urn)
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