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Da Nang is one of the most modern and developing resorts in Vietnam, but at the same time one of the most controversial according to tourists. Some tourists, having been here, fall in love and return again, others are disappointed and write angry critical reviews on the Internet. It's all about the mismatch of expectations with reality, and the truth, as always, is somewhere in the middle.
We will not agitate or dissuade. We have been to almost all resorts in Vietnam (except Con Dao Island, but that's for now) repeatedly, and have also been here more than once, so we can honestly compare and tell why Da Nang has become one of our favorite cities in Asia, and the reasons why we understand those for whom it did not suit. This will help you make a decision without rose-colored glasses and advertising slogans.
✔ 10 reasons to go to Da Nang
If these points are a priority for you, then Da Nang is your ideal choice.
1. Dream beach for walking and peace
The main trump card. More than 30 km of continuous white sand, and even at the peak of the season there are no crowds here. You can walk along the water's edge for hours, meeting only occasional fishermen or Vietnamese tourists. My Khe Beach is one of the best urban beaches in Asia according to Forbes.
2. Comfort of a modern city
After chaotic Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang seems like an oasis of civilization. Wide streets with sidewalks, embankments for walking, well-kept parks and modern bridges. It is pleasant not only to lie on the beach here, but also to live: go to cafes, shop, just walk.
3. Perfect base for exploring Central Vietnam
- To fairy-tale Hoi An — 30 minutes travel.
- To imperial Hue — 2-3 hours.
- To the My Son ruins (UNESCO) — 1 hour.
- Famous bridge on hands on Ba Na Mountain - 1 hour.
Living in comfortable Da Nang and going on excursions is often more convenient and cheaper than staying in Hoi An itself.
4. Family and safe vacation
Gentle entrance to the sea at My Khe, clean sand without stones, presence of lifeguards in high season. The city is calm and there is no sense of danger even in the evening. In our opinion, this is one of the best options in Vietnam for a vacation with children.
5. Absence of mass tourist "zoo"
There are no intrusive vendors on the beach, crowds of drunk tourists and a feeling of "just another promoted resort". The main guests are Vietnamese, Koreans, Chinese. This gives a more authentic atmosphere.
6. Clear and democratic prices
Prices on the beach are fixed and transparent (posted on signs). Coconut — 30,000 dong (1.14 USD), sunbed — 40,000 (1.52 USD), big lunch in a cafe — from 120,000 (4.56 USD). For the same money in Thailand you would get less comfort.
7. Beautiful "features" and views
Dragon Bridge, which on weekends at 21:00 spews fire and water. Golden Bridge, as if floating in the clouds on Ba Na Mountain. Futuristic lighting of the night city. There is something to photograph here besides the beach.
8. Gastronomic diversity (for the brave)
Yes, in the tourist area, menus in English are rare. But this is a chance to immerse yourself in real Vietnam. Cheap local bistros, fish markets where they cook freshly caught fish, street food. For an experimental gourmet - a real paradise.
9. Balanced climate (in season)
In the high season (March-August), the weather here is almost perfect for the beach: sun, but not such suffocating heat as in the south, and calm at sea. In winter it is cooler, but still comfortable for excursions.
10. Feeling that you have discovered "your" resort
The last, most subjective reason. Da Nang has not yet become a mecca for package tourists from the CIS. There is no feeling that you have gotten onto a conveyor belt. There is a feeling of discovering a place that is not yet spoiled by mass tourism, but already offers all the necessary comfort.
✘ 5 reasons NOT to go to Da Nang
If these points are critical for you, it is better to consider other destinations.
1. You are going for crystal clear water and underwater world
The sea in Da Nang is clean, but often not transparent. Due to the fine sand, the water has suspended matter, even in calm weather it is rarely turquoise and clear. This is not a place for snorkeling near the shore. If your dream is to swim with a mask among corals and bright fish, you should go to the islands (Phu Quoc, Con Dao) or at least to Nha Trang islands.
2. Your vacation falls in September-December, and you only want the beach
This is the most common mistake. From September to December in Da Nang is the season of waves, winds and rain. The sea is rough, red flags are often up, swimming is dangerous due to rip currents. If your only plan is to lie on a sunbed, you risk spending your vacation in your room. During this period, it is worth coming here only for surfers or those who plan active excursions.
3. You need vibrant nightlife and parties
Da Nang goes to bed early. There are a few bars on the beach and in the center, but no mega-clubs, foam parties and discos until the morning. The atmosphere here is relaxed-contemplative. For night entertainment, Nha Trang or Ho Chi Minh City are more suitable.
4. You do not tolerate the language barrier well
In Da Nang, there is very little Russian-speaking staff, menus in cafes are often only in Vietnamese, English is not known by many. If you are uncomfortable explaining with gestures or constantly using a translator, this will be stressful. In the same Nha Trang, it is easier with this.
5. You are looking for an ultra-budget vacation "everything for pennies"
Da Nang is more affordable than Europe and vacations in Russia, but by Vietnamese standards it is not the cheapest resort. Prices for hotels on the first line, good restaurants and entertainment are higher here than in less promoted places, and as it seemed to us more than once in comparison, even higher than in Nha Trang.
Summary: For whom yes, and for whom no?
To finally put all the dots, combine everything.
✔ You SHOULD go to Da Nang if you are...
- A family with children, looking for a safe beach and tranquility.
- A couple, valuing romantic walks, cozy cafes and aesthetics.
- An independent traveler who wants a convenient base for trips around the region.
- Value the comfort of a modern city combined with nature.
- Tired of crowds and looking for a more authentic place in Vietnam.
✘ You should NOT go to Da Nang if you are...
- A partygoer, going for night clubs and parties.
- A diver/snorkeler, for whom water transparency is the main criterion.
- Planning a vacation for October-November and dreaming only of the beach.
- Do not tolerate the language barrier well and want an environment "for our own".
- Looking for a maximum cheap vacation without a hint of comfort.
Our opinion: Da Nang is a conscious choice of a thoughtful traveler. It does not try to please everyone, but offers its own unique set of values: space, peace, comfort and cultural richness. If this is what you are looking for, then the 10 reasons "for" will outweigh for you all 5 reasons "against".
Still have questions? All details, numbers, maps and routes are collected in our large Da Nang travel guide. There you will find everything for planning the perfect trip.