Is it better to stay at Hoi An or Da Nang?

How long should you spend in Hoi An?

Three days in Hoi An? Bare minimum, I’d say. Even that feels rushed.

It’s not enough. You need time. Time to just wander. To breathe in the air, heavy with spices and the river.

To get truly lost, you know? In those narrow streets. It’s magical.

I spent five days in 2023, and even then… felt I missed something.

Key things to consider:

• Old Town exploration: That’s at least a full day, easily. More if you’re meticulous like me.
• Tailor shops: Allow ample time for fittings and alterations. Don’t rush this, it’s part of the experience. My shirt took two days.
• Food: Three days is only enough to scratch the surface. There are so many hidden gems to find. I crave the Banh Mi.
• Cooking class: Half a day minimum. Maybe more if you’re a slow learner, like I was. Still so proud of that spring roll.

My regret? Not scheduling more time there. Five days wasn’t enough. I should have stayed longer. Hoi An holds you. It makes you linger.

How long is needed in Da Nang?

Da Nang? Two days. Enough. Marble Mountains, My Khe, the Dragon Bridge. Done.

Hoi An demands the same. Two days. No less.

Additional info:

• Marble Mountains: Caves. Pagodas. Short climb. Morning.
• My Khe Beach: Sunrise. Sand. Crowds. Optional.
• Dragon Bridge: Fire breathing. Weekends only. Don’t miss.
• Hoi An: Tailors. Lanterns. Ancient town. Evenings are crucial.
• Food: Try the Cao Lau. Seriously.
• Transport: Grab app is your friend. Avoid touts.
• My personal tip? Skip the beach if you’ve seen better. Museums are underwhelming. Spend more time in Hoi An. Seriously. I remember one time when I was there, no forget that…
• Da Nang Airport (DAD): Getting in/out is efficient. Not that I’ve been there recently.
• Accommodation: Choose near the river in Da Nang. Hoi An? Inside the Ancient Town.
• April 2024, these facts hold. Probably.

Is it better to stay in Da Nang or Hue?

Da Nang? Hue? It’s a tough call, like choosing between a perfectly sculpted bonsai and a sprawling jungle. Da Nang boasts a bigger footprint – think sprawling metropolis – but Hue, my friend, Hue packs a historical punch.

Hue wins on sightseeing. Seriously, the historical weight of Hue is undeniable. Museums? Check. Ancient tombs and citadels? Double check. It’s like stepping back in time, only with better wifi. Da Nang’s got beaches, sure, but beaches are a dime a dozen (unless you’re counting those ridiculously expensive private ones).

Nightlife? Da Nang takes the crown. Hue’s nightlife is… quieter. Picture a sleepy librarian compared to a buzzing nightclub. Da Nang is a party animal; Hue’s more of a history buff. Choose your poison (or your preferred level of intoxication).

• Hue: History buffs rejoice! Tombs, citadels, imperial grandeur. Think Angkor Wat, but with slightly less humidity (I hope).
• Da Nang: Beaches, resorts, a vibrant – and occasionally wild – nightlife. Think Miami, but with pho.

My personal preference? I adore the serene beauty of the Perfume River in Hue. But if you’re after a more energetic experience, Da Nang delivers. It really depends on your travel style. Unless you’re really into bonsai trees…then stick with Da Nang.

To summarise: It’s 2024, and Hue still boasts more to see for a tourist than Da Nang. Though Da Nang rocks for the party crowd. I know because I almost missed my flight home last year from Da Nang, due to a particularly good happy hour! It was a 2023 incident I’ll always remember.