Da Nang is frequently referred to as “the Miami of Vietnam” and it’s very easy to see why. With its wide beaches and tall buildings, as well as palm-fringed streets and cheap prices, it is easy to conclude that this place is perfect. However, we know that social media can portray a filtered vision of reality and so, I wanted to know what daily life in this city is like.
After spending time in Da Nang from dawn to dusk, eating food, talking to local residents and fellow expats, searching for accommodation, and getting a haircut, I have come to realize that Da Nang is too good to be true and not limited only to what appears in travel videos.
The Journey Begins at Da Nang Airport
It is not difficult to land in Da Nang, but once you do get there, you have to make a plan to get to the city.
There are taxis available at the airport, and you have the option to use Grab—a service similar to Uber. The drawback is that while taxis may be time-saving, using them is always more expensive than Grab.
The airport is quite close to the actual city. You are at a location, where everything is nearby—in just around twenty minutes, you reach the city full of rivers, bridges, hotels, and a lot of two-wheelers.
It is easy to notice that on the roads, scooters rule.
The Dragon Bridge Truly Is an Icon of the City
Even before you get to your hotel, you will clearly see a major landmark.
The one-of-a-kind Dragon Bridge crosses the Han River, linking the two sides of the city and resembling a massive golden dragon.
In the evenings on weekends, the dragon breathes fire and water, which makes the bridge one of Da Nang’s top tourist attractions.
Beach Views at Reasonable Prices
One thing you will soon discover about Da Nang is how affordable the hotel industry is.
The cost of staying at ocean-view hotels is not even close to what these establishments charge in major tourist traps.
In Da Nang, you can stay in a luxury hotel complete with rooftop pools, breakfast, and exercise facilities with sea views at prices comparable to a simple hotel room in places like Miami.
But the best part about Da Nang is the real estate market.
It is still quite cheap to rent a place if you’re planning to stay for an extended period of time.
Studio apartments start from $300 a month while modern apartments can be rented in the range of $700–$900 per month. The prices of luxury apartments are higher, but they still beat the prices of the equivalent accommodations in Europe, Australia, or North America.
Eating Vietnamese dishes is inexpensive and exceedingly enjoyable
There are plenty of food places run by families.
Bánh Mì, made with pork, vegetables, sauces, and fried egg, costs just a couple of money and, in combination with traditional iced coffee it is even cheaper.
The bread is crunchy and crispy, meat is sort of tasty and everything tastes fresh.
It is not surprising that locals love grabbing these snacks on a regular basis.
Even if someone does not plan to have Vietnamese food at every meal, being able to eat good food at relatively low prices is a good reason.
Western Meals Are Not Pricey
It’s a common misconception among travelers that living in a different country means leaving behind their favorite meals.
Not the case here.
Burgers, pizza, Japanese food, Korean BBQ, Italian pasta and all other kinds of international cuisine can be found in plenty of restaurants.
Some rooftop restaurants even have full meals for only about $10, which is quite reasonable compared to other countries in the region.
Getting food delivered via Grab is easy as well as there are plenty of restaurants that deliver food right to your phone.
The life is relaxed.. But beaches are not a secret anymore.
The city’s busiest beach area is now full of visitors, especially on weekends.
There’s swimming, surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, coconut sipping under palm trees, and patronizing every single café on the beach.
The place feels lively, but if you prefer tranquil beaches, this city spot may become very busy for you after a while.
There are more peaceful places outside of the highly touristic beach zone which are also gaining in popularity.
An Important Factor to Consider When Moving to Da Nang
One of the best things about Da Nang is that it is affordable not just in terms of accommodation.
It’s about the overall budget here.
For example, many people use motorbike taxis, paying less than they would have to pay for bottled drinking water back at home.
Groceries remain cheap, and stores carry everything from Vietnamese products to worldwide brands.
From toothpaste, frozen pizza, meats and beverages to snacks and items for the home are abundant.
There is little complexity in everyday life.
People Speak Vietnamese And Are Friendly
The most remarkable thing about the company is the friendliness of its employees.
Taxi drivers, café owners, hairdressers, restaurant workers, and vendors greet foreigners with smiles.
While you might not encounter a lot of English, you will nonetheless meet friendly people.
Barbershop Experience was Unexpectedly Pleasant
It turned out that several places that offered grooming services were crowded since many people utilized their services in the city.
In the end, a tiny barbershop set up along the road served us well.
Even though it was very basic, the services provided were professionally delivered.
This experience was a reminder that one should not always judge a book by the cover.
Sometimes, the smallest businesses provide the best quality services.
City is not as perfect as it seems
Despite the good impression of the city, there is a downside to living in Da Nang.
The construction is happening everywhere, leading to neighborhoods expanding.
In fact, people should count on having busy and noisy days.
Alongside this, the constructions of the neighboring areas may operate for a longer time than any foreigner would think.
Another challenge is living by the beach.
During the day, the views of the ocean indeed impress people.
However, during the night, the city is less appealing due to the waves that produce noise and might make sleeping troublesome.
Cleanliness also differs.
While major tourist zones are usually kept clean, a few back streets are characterized by the remnants of construction work, rubbish, and occasional waste not displayed in polished journalism.
Why So Many Expats Prefer Da Nang
A chat with those who already reside in the city helps one understand why many digital nomads come to Da Nang and why every day more and more residents choose it as the place to stay for a long term.
Many people say the city has a unique balance which is hard to find somewhere else.
Here you will find beaches and yet have modern facilities.
High-speed internet.
International airports.
Coworking spaces.
Gym community.
Cheap flats.
World cuisine restaurants.
Safe neighborhoods.
However, at times, some problems arise.
One of the biggest issues is the language barrier.
Some flats face the problem of dampness or mold.
The booming tourism industry is changing the calm and peaceful atmosphere that once prevailed in Da Nang.
Does Da Nang Really Resemble Miami, Vietnam?
After a visit, the comparison works but only visually.
The skyline, beach roads, luxury hotels, and ocean view certainly remind us of Miami.
What sets Da Nang apart, however, is not just how it looks.
It’s how accessible everything is.
One doesn’t need to have a huge budget to enjoy the beach.
When it comes to renting an apartment, eating out every day, drinking coffee, moving across the city and watching the sunset by the ocean, the cost is still quite affordable.
Da Nang has become a popular tourist destination.
The crowds are the proof.
But still, the city offers the same thing that many travelers and remote workers are searching for—a place where they can enjoy beaches, modern life, reasonable prices and safety all in one place.
Is it a great place to live for good?
It depends on your priorities, of course.
Da Nang may appeal to you if you like beautiful beaches in a walkable district, reasonable cost of living, availability of international amenities, and laid-back beach town vibe.
However, should you be looking for calm anti-tourist locations, absolute silence, or true old-school Vietnam experience, you may change your mind about the city.
To sum up what one learns after spending some time here, Da Nang lives up to expectations but in a very unique manner.
