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Da Nang or Hoi An

Da Nang or Hoi An: Which should be on your itinerary?

09/10/2024 290 views

Which is better, Da Nang or Hoi An? Separated by about 30 kilometers, these cities share many similarities but also have distinct differences to consider when you are choosing the next destination for your trip to Central Vietnam.

1. Da Nang or Hoi An: Key considerations

1.1. Location and weather

Both Hoi An (in Quang Nam) and Da Nang are located in Central Vietnam. The weather in both Da Nang and Hoi An is a mix of the northern and southern climates with two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. 

From early April to mid-September is the best time to visit Da Nang, as Da Nang weather is dry, warm, and sunny, perfect for beach activities. For Hoi An, the first three months of the year are ideal with cool Hoi An weather and mild sunshine.

Da Nang vs Hoi An

Da Nang vs Hoi An? – Both are worth visiting (Source: Collected)

1.2. Accessibility and transport

Another factor in deciding between Hoi An or Da Nang is accessibility and transport. Da Nang has invested significantly in its infrastructure – roads, waterway, railway, and airway – making it easy for both international and domestic travelers to reach the city by various means.

  • By plane: Airfares from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang International Airport range from VND 1,300,000 to VND 3,000,000, with a flight time of about 1 hour.
  • By train: Train tickets cost between VND 600,000 and VND 1,100,000, with a travel time of approximately 17 hours.
  • By coach: From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, coach fares range from VND 350,000 to VND 700,000, taking about 18 hours. From Hanoi, the cost is from VND 350,000 to VND 500,000, with a travel time of about 16 hours.

How to get to Hoi An? One of the disadvantages of Hoi An is that it does not have its own Hoi An airport or train station, so travelers cannot reach it directly by these means. However, since the Da Nang to Hoi An distance is only about 30 kilometers, Hoi An greatly benefits from passenger transport services from Da Nang.

Both Da Nang and Hoi An offer a variety of inner-city transport options for tourists. From cyclo, taxi, and ride-hailing services to tour buses and motorbike rentals, these options make it easy for visitors to explore around. Currently, the electric taxi service of Xanh SM is becoming increasingly popular in Da Nang and Hoi An. Xanh SM is known to provide environmentally-friendly, odorless rides with quick booking and reasonable pricing.

Hoi An - Da Nang bus

You can travel to Da Nang or Hoi An easily (Source: Collected)

1.3. Vibe

There is a distinct difference in the vibe of Hoi An vs Da Nang. In Da Nang, visitors will experience the dynamism of a bustling city. Known as the “City of the Han River,” the “City of Bridges,” and the “City of Fireworks,” each nickname has its own unique story, contributing to Da Nang’s image as one of the most worth-living urban areas in the world. Additionally, Da Nang is blessed with a collection of forests, beaches, rivers, and mountains, catering to all tourist preferences.

In contrast, Hoi An exudes the charm of historical values and the blending of various cultures over time. What is Hoi An famous for? This city is renowned for its nostalgic architecture, with traditional tiled roofs covered in moss and intricate carvings depicting ancient stories. Hoi An also boasts a serene environment with picturesque villages engaged in crafts such as bronze making and pottery making.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An or Da Nang? – Each has a unique vibe (Source: Collected)

1.4. Tourist activities

The most important factor in deciding Da Nang or Hoi An is the tourist activities each destination offers. Both Da Nang and Hoi An excel in activities related to nature, culture, and architecture, as well as entertainment.

When mentioning Da Nang, one will think of stunning landscapes. From Son Tra Peninsula and Ban Co Peak to the Marble Mountains, all offer an incredible experience of immersing oneself in nature. Tien Sa Beach and My Khe Beach are perfect places for a dip. One of the best things to do in Da Nang is to admire iconic landmarks like the Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, and Love Bridge. You can also visit the Cham Museum, Da Nang Museum, Han Market, and Con Market to learn about the local culture. To find inner peace, come to Da Nang Cathedral and Linh Ung Pagoda.

Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra Peninsula – a natural wonder in Da Nang (Source: Collected)

The list of things to do in Hoi An is extensive with many interesting options. You can walk around Hoi An Ancient Town and explore the Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Quan Cong Temple, Fujian Assembly Hall, and Cantonese Assembly Hall to learn about the local culture. Additionally, you can enjoy a coffee at one of Hoi An cafes and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. 

Hoi An is also an attractive destination for nature lovers, offering pristine Hoi An beaches such as An Bang Beach and those on the Cham Islands. Other cultural attractions in Hoi An include My Son Sanctuary, Tra Que Vegetable Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Hoi An Silk Village, and Hoi An Coconut Village, all promising an unforgettable journey for every visitor.

Fujian Assembly Hall

Hoi An or Da Nang for cultural trips? – Hoi An takes the lead (Source: Collected)

For a complete experience in Hoi An, visitors should not miss the opportunity to enjoy the fun at VinWonders Nam Hoi An – one of the best amusement parks in Vietnam. Blending cultural showcases, natural explorations, water activities, family-friendly attractions, and thrilling games, VinWonders Nam Hoi An has something for everyone.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An

Don’t miss out on VinWonders Nam Hoi An for a perfect Da Nang – Hoi An tour

 

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

 

1.5. Accommodation

Tourism in Da Nang and Hoi An has developed rapidly. Thus, both cities offer a wide range of accommodation options, from homestays to hotels and resorts at various price points. In Da Nang, travelers can easily find hotels with full amenities along the coastal road, which cost around VND 500,000 per night. In Hoi An, homestays thrive with unique decor and affordable pricing, starting at just VND 200,000 per night. There are also 4-star and 5-star hotels and resorts priced around VND 2,500,000 and above per night.

Where to stay in Hoi An? For a luxurious trip in Hoi An, visitors should stay at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An. Here, in addition to the harmonious blend of architecture and nature, travelers can enjoy top-tier amenities like restaurants, spas, swimming pools, and meeting rooms.

Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An

Should I stay in Da Nang or Hoi An? – Stay at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An

 

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An

 

1.6. Cuisine

If you are wondering if Hoi An or Da Nang has a richer culinary scene, there is no concrete answer, as both cities are outstanding destinations for food lovers. Their cuisines embody the characteristics of Central Vietnamese food – rich, sophisticated dishes with vibrant colors that make excellent use of the local ingredients.

Some of the best Da Nang food include mi Quang, bun mam nem, bun cha ca, banh trang cuon thit heo, goi ca Nam O, banh mi, etc. To enjoy the best banh mi in Da Nang and other dishes, visitors can explore the best restaurants in Da Nang or Da Nang markets. Meanwhile, Hoi An captivates with a list of delicious, affordable Hoi An street foods such as banh xeo, cao lau, Hoi An chicken rice, banh mi, and sweet soup. The best food in Hoi An can be found at the lively Hoi An Market, small eateries tucked away in charming old houses, or famous Hoi An restaurants.

mi Quang

Da Nang and Hoi An both offer delicious cuisines (Source: Collected)

1.7. Nightlife

The final factor in choosing between Da Nang or Hoi An is safety and the variety of nightlife activities. Is Vietnam safe? According to the Global Order and Law Index released by Gallup, Vietnam was ranked the safest country to visit in Asia for 2024. Thus, Da Nang and Hoi An are completely safe for nighttime activities, even for solo female travelers. 

Moreover, both Da Nang and Hoi An offer numerous attractive experiences for visitors at night. Da Nang Vietnam nightlife offers a variety of exciting activities such as strolling along My Khe Beach, watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire, taking a cruise along the Han River, savoring street food, and buying souvenirs at Da Nang night markets. Meanwhile, you can immerse yourself in Hoi An nightlife by walking through the ancient town, experiencing the release of lanterns on the Hoai River, participating in traditional games, and enjoying the local cuisine at Hoi An night markets.

Hoi An nightlife

Da Nang vs Hoi An nightlife both offer unforgettable experiences (Source: Collected)

2. Which is better, Hoi An or Da Nang?

From the above points, it is clear that Da Nang and Hoi An each have their own advantages. Which destination is better depends on individual preferences. 

Objectively, both Da Nang and Hoi An are worth visiting. Since the distance from Da Nang to Hoi An is quite short – only about 30 kilometers – travelers can easily explore both destinations via a Da Nang – Hoi An itinerary, such as:

  • Staying in Hoi An and going on a day trip to Da Nang
  • Staying in Da Nang and going on a Da Nang to Hoi An day trip
  • Splitting the itinerary to fully explore both Da Nang and Hoi An

Discover: Da Nang – Hoi An: Itineraries & extra tips for your travel

Whether you are drawn to Da Nang or Hoi An, each destination has something special to offer, promising unforgettable experiences with their unique charm. Ultimately, deciding between Hoi An vs Da Nang depends on your preferences, as both are must-visit destinations in Vietnam.

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