Hoi An or Da Nang: Which destination is perfect for you?

Are you caught between choosing Hoi An or Da Nang for your upcoming vacation? Why not visit both? Hoi An is located just about 30 kilometers south of Da Nang. Each city offers something unique, from Hoi An's timeless charm to Da Nang's lively vibe.

1. A brief overview: Hoi An vs Da Nang

When comparing Da Nang vs Hoi An, both cities offer different experiences, yet each holds a special place in the hearts of travelers. Da Nang is bigger in area, with a sprawling urban landscape that stretches along the central coast of Vietnam. Hoi An, on the other hand, is much smaller, but its charm lies in its well-preserved ancient town.

Hoi An or Da Nang? - Both cities beckon with their beauty (Source: Collected)

1.1. History & culture

Hoi An boasts a rich history as a thriving trading port that dates back to the 15th century. The well-preserved Hoi An Ancient Town is a blend of architectural influences from China, Japan, and Europe, reflecting its diverse cultural interactions over centuries. It is also known for traditional craft villages such as Tra Que Vegetable Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, and Hoi An Silk Village, where visitors can experience the local way of life. 

Hoi An offers a range of cultural sites, including museums like the Museum of Folk Culture, the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, and the Museum of Trade Ceramics. The city is also famous for vibrant festivals such as the Hoi An Lantern Festival, Lady Thu Bon Festival, and Long Chu Festival, which showcase traditional arts like folk singing, bài chòi, and folk dancing. 

Da Nang, on the other hand, was once a small port for transit and ship repair during the 16th century. However, by the early 18th century, Da Nang gradually replaced Hoi An as the main trading port of the region. Today, it is home to several attractions, including the Marble Mountains, Dien Hai Citadel, and Hai Van Gate. Culturally, Da Nang celebrates its heritage through festivals such as the Quan The Am Festival, Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, and Cau Ngu Festival. 

Da Nang also takes pride in its traditional arts, particularly bài chòi (a local folk game) and tuồng (a form of classical Vietnamese theater). Craft villages like Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village and Nam O Fish Sauce Village further enrich its cultural landscape. The city’s heritage is also displayed in museums such as Da Nang Museum, the Museum of Cham Sculpture, and Da Nang Fire Arts Museum.

Hoi An or Da Nang? - Both are rich in culture and history (Source: Collected)

1.2. Cuisine

No matter if you choose Da Nang or Hoi An, your taste buds are in for a treat. Hoi An's cuisine reflects its history as a bustling international trading port, embodying a harmonious blend of influences from Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Western cultures. The diverse landscapes, which includes mountains, plains, and seas, also play a key role in shaping Hoi An's culinary identity. The locals have skillfully utilized ingredients from the region's rich natural resources to create distinctive treats. Some must-try dishes in Hoi An are mi Quang, cao lau, rose dumplings, Hoi An chicken rice, and banh mi.

Meanwhile, Da Nang’s cuisine is a melting pot that brings together the culinary delights of all the three regions of Vietnam. Over time, the locals have adapted these dishes to suit the taste preferences of the region, creating Da Nang's unique flavors. Some iconic treats in Da Nang include fish cake noodle soup, rice paper rolls with pork, crispy rice pancakes, vermicelli salad with pork and anchovy sauce, steamed clams, and steamed snails.

In Da Nang or Hoi An, every meal is a sensory delight (Source: Collected)

1.3. Landscape and scenery

Hoi An offers plains, beaches, and islands, catering to all types of travelers. Just a short distance away from Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach provides a tranquil retreat for those seeking a peaceful seaside escape, while Cua Dai Beach offers a livelier coastal experience. The Cham Islands feature a collection of small islands known for their crystal-clear water and rich marine biodiversity. Another highlight is Hoi An Coconut Village, where you can enjoy boat tours through lush water coconut forests.

Da Nang showcases equally diverse landscapes, with a stunning coastline and majestic mountains. The city is home to many beautiful beaches such as My Khe Beach, Nam O Beach, Pham Van Dong Beach, and Ghenh Bang Beach. On the edge of the city lies Son Tra Peninsula, a natural treasure that features rich biodiversity and breathtaking viewpoints like Ban Co Peak, where panoramic views of Da Nang can be enjoyed. The city is also famous for the Marble Mountains, a group of five limestone hills that not only captivate visitors with their beauty but also hold spiritual significance.

Comparing Hoi An vs Da Nang? - Both cities offer diverse landscapes (Source: Collected)

1.4. Local people

The people of Hoi An are known for their warm hospitality. Its history as a trading port has shaped the welcoming nature of the locals. They are willing to share stories of Hoi An’s history or offer a helping hand. Visitors will feel at ease walking the lantern-lit streets, where friendly faces greet them at every corner. Similarly, the people of Da Nang are famous for their easygoing and approachable nature, contributing to the city’s reputation as one of the most livable places in Vietnam

1.5. Transport

• Reaching Hoi An and Da Nang

For travelers heading to Hoi An, the most convenient option is flying to Da Nang International Airport. From there, you can take shuttle buses, taxis, or private cars to reach Hoi An. Another budget-friendly option is the public buses that go from Da Nang Bus Station to Hoi An. For those heading to Da Nang, besides air travel, you can opt for a train, bus, or car ride to reach the city.

• Getting around Hoi An and Da Nang

Hoi An’s compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets make it ideal for exploring on foot. Renting a bicycle is also popular, costing around 30,000 VND per day. If you are looking to cover more ground, motorbikes and cars are available for rent. In Da Nang, renting a motorbike or car offers flexibility for getting around. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Xanh SM are also ideal for shorter trips within the city.

1.6. Nightlife

Hoi An and Da Nang both offer captivating nighttime experiences, but their atmospheres and activities differ greatly. Hoi An nightlife is centered around its ancient town, where you can stroll through lantern-lit streets, participate in traditional games, or take a serene boat ride on the Thu Bon River while releasing lanterns. Da Nang Vietnam's nightlife, on the other hand, is more modern. It revolves around the poetic Han River, iconic beaches like My Khe and Non Nuoc, and bridges like the Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, and Tran Thi Ly Bridge. At night, Da Nang comes alive with lively markets and energetic bars along the coastline.

In Hoi An or Da Nang, the nightlife offers a distinct flavor (Source: Collected)

2. Which city is better to stay in, Da Nang or Hoi An?

“Should I stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?”. The answer largely depends on the type of experience you are seeking. With a slower pace of life, Hoi An is perfect for those who want a serene escape. If you are looking for a vibrant city atmosphere, Da Nang is the perfect choice. Given that Hoi An is only 30 kilometers away from Da Nang, roughly a 40-minute drive, many tourists opt to explore both destinations in one trip.

3. Frequently asked questions about Da Nang vs Hoi An

3.1. Which city is cheaper to visit, Hoi An or Da Nang?

When it comes to affordability, Hoi An is the more budget-friendly destination. According to the Holiday Money Report 2024 by Post Office, a UK-based financial service company, Hoi An was ranked as the world’s cheapest travel destination in 2024. The estimated cost for a three-course meal for two with wine, a cup of coffee, a bottle of beer, soft drinks, bottled water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, totals only around 1.6 million VND.

Da Nang, while still affordable compared to many international destinations, offers a slightly more urban experience, which may come with higher costs. Still, both cities are known for their great value, especially when it comes to food and accommodation, making them accessible for a wide range of travelers.

Hoi An is the cheaper option when considering Da Nang or Hoi An (Source: Collected)

3.2. Is Da Nang or Hoi An safer?

Both Hoi An and Da Nang are recognized as safe destinations for travelers, consistently receiving high safety ratings from international organizations. According to a March 2024 report by Smoky Mountains Magazine, Hoi An was honored as the world’s safest destination for solo travelers. Similarly, Da Nang was rated as a safe city to explore by Abrokenbackpack.

3.3. Is the weather better in Da Nang or Hoi An?

Da Nang vs Hoi An share similar weather patterns due to their location along the central coast of Vietnam, which is influenced by a tropical monsoon climate. Both cities experience two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.

• The rainy season lasts from September to December, during which both Hoi An vs Da Nang can be affected by heavy rainfall and occasional flooding.
• The dry season runs from January to August, with more stable, sunny weather, making it the more recommended time for traveling to both cities.

3.4. Is Hoi An or Da Nang more family-friendly?

The above-mentioned points have shown that both Hoi An and Da Nang are family-friendly destinations. They offer a safe environment, affordable travel options, and a wide variety of attractions for families to enjoy.

Da Nang and Hoi An are equally enjoyable for family vacations (Source: Collected)

Whether you choose Da Nang or Hoi An, each city has its own unique appeal. If you are captivated by culture, Hoi An's charm is hard to resist. On the other hand, Da Nang offers a lively combination of stunning beaches and urban life, perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Plus, with just 30 kilometers of road separating them, you can easily visit both cities and experience the best of both worlds.

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