Neither Hanoi nor Da Nang is definitively "better"—they offer different experiences: Hanoi is for vibrant city life, rich history, incredible street food, and culture; while Da Nang is for relaxing beach vibes, modern amenities, stunning coastlines, and easy access to nearby Hoi An and Hue, making it ideal for a mix of relaxation and culture. Your choice depends on whether you prefer bustling city energy (Hanoi) or a chilled, scenic coastal getaway (Da Nang).
1. Explore the city of Hanoi. Although Hanoi the perfect gateway for places such as Halong Bay and Sapa, it also deserves to be given a few days itself. With direct flights from the UK and excellent links to the rest of Asia, Hanoi is an ideal start or end point to a Vietnam adventure.
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.
How HO CHI MINH Compares to DA NANG and HANOI 🇻🇳 What I Wish I Knew
Is it better to train or fly from Hanoi to Da Nang?
Flying is the quickest and most convenient option when traveling from Hanoi to Da Nang. With a flight time of only about 1 hour and 30 minutes, you can save a significant amount of time, perfect for those with busy schedules or who want to quickly start their Da Nang tour.
There's no single "most beautiful" place in Vietnam as it offers diverse landscapes, but Ha Long Bay (UNESCO site with limestone islands), Ha Giang Loop (dramatic rice terraces, mountains), Hoi An (ancient town, beaches), Phong Nha (massive caves), and Ninh Binh (karst landscapes, river cruises, temples) are consistently ranked as top contenders for sheer natural and cultural beauty.
Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hanoi than Da Nang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Da Nang. Families should spend more time in Da Nang than Hanoi.
It is another thing to note that, Danang is also special for having all three tourist-attractive aspects, which are the cultural beauty, blue beaches and dramatic mountainous areas. Therefore, instead of having to go to three seperate places, travelers now just have to discover a mere Danang.
Hoi An. Hoi An is easily one of the best cities to visit in Vietnam. And in our opinion, is a must-visit! The city is mostly known for its well preserved Ancient Town with its yellow, historic buildings and countless colorful lanterns.
Whether it's your first time or a long-awaited revisit, we recommend spending at least four days here to explore all the beauty of Vietnam's capital. To help you make the most of the city, we've mapped out this 4-day Hanoi itinerary packed with must-see spots, day trips, and hidden gems.
Is there a luxury sleeper train from Hanoi to Da Nang?
The sleeper train from Hanoi to Da Nang is a must-try experience for anyone visiting Vietnam. The service feels premium, with clean cabins and well-maintained facilities, even the toilets are equipped with bidet showers and kept in excellent condition.
What is the best city to visit in Vietnam for first timers?
If you're short on time or money, quick trips of three to four days focusing on a singular area or city like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc are feasible and offer a satisfying taste of Vietnam's attractions.
