Choosing between Hoi An and Da Nang depends on whether you prefer a charming, historic, and romantic atmosphere or a modern city with easy beach access. Hoi An is better for cultural experiences,, walking, and romantic vibes, while Da Nang is superior for a beach-centric, bustling city, and nightlife holiday. Both are close (30-45 min drive) and easily accessible for day trips.
Both cities are affordable, but Hoi An can be slightly more expensive due to its tourist density and heritage-town atmosphere. Da Nang offers more budget-friendly food, transportation, and hotel options.
Where should I stay in Vietnam for the first time?
If you only plan to visit for a few days or even a week, D1 or D3 are the best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. They are the most convenient districts from which to start and get your bearings in Saigon and perhaps Vietnam for the first time.
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.
Da Nang vs Hoi An | Is it better to stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?
Should I stay in both Da Nang and Hoi An?
Itinerary: It's important to note that a trip between Da Nang and Hoi An is only about 40 minutes. You can base yourself in one and visit the other. My personal opinion would be to split time staying in both cities if you have at least 7 to 10 days in the area. This way, you can get a few full days in each.
Travellers can easily find taxis in Da Nang or Hoi An or book one via the Grab mobile application. However, the price for a taxi trip from Da Nang to Hoi An is rather high, from VND 350,000 to 430,000/ one-way trip or VND 750,000 – 950,000/ round trip.
The wettest months in Hoi An are October and November, which see the heaviest rainfall, often leading to significant flooding, while September is also very rainy as the season begins. These months are part of Hoi An's rainy season (September to January), offering a quieter, more atmospheric experience but requiring preparation for downpours and potential floods, with October typically having the highest rainfall.
US casualties across South Vietnam were 2,169 killed for the entire month of May making it the deadliest month of the entire Vietnam War for US forces, while South Vietnamese losses were 2,054 killed. The US claim that VC/PAVN losses exceeded 24,000 killed and over 2,000 captured.
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.
If you're visiting Hoi An for the first time, you should stay in or around Old Town. This is the best place to stay for first-timers because of its nearby attractions, convenience, and walkability. Search for hotels in Ancient Town Hoi An (on Agoda / Booking).
Hoi An is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Hoi An is typically from February to April when the weather is dry, pleasant, and perfect for exploring the ancient town's charm. Each season, however, offers its own unique appeal – from traditional festivals to the peaceful beauty of rainy days.
Most Southerners locals tend to smile easily with everyone, even though they are strangers or foreigners. The hospitality, however, is more formal and constrained in north Vietnam. You need to let them know they can trust you through talking and interacting.
Da Nang offers warm temperatures year-round with its tropical monsoon climate. The dry season from January to August brings warm sunshine for exploring during the day and picture-perfect sunsets in the evenings. The rainfall in Da Nang increases from September to December, with October being the wettest month.
The Truth About Hoi An's "Flood Season" The “myth” is that the entire city is underwater from October to November. The truth is that the flooding is hyper-localized to specific, low-lying areas. It's a natural event caused by heavy rains, the sông Thu Bồn and sông Hoài rivers swelling, and high tides from the sea.
