Should I stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?

Which is better, Hoi An or Da Nang?

Hoi An wins for charm; Da Nang, for scale. Hoi An’s beaches, while arguably more picturesque, are smaller and more crowded than Da Nang’s extensive stretches of sand. This isn’t to diminish Hoi An; its compact, walkable Old Town is a photographer’s dream. Think vibrant lanterns, tailor shops galore, and ancient architecture.

Da Nang’s advantage lies in its broader appeal. It offers something for everyone – from upscale resorts to budget-friendly options. Both cities boast phenomenal seafood, though Da Nang’s market scene is a culinary adventure in itself. Seriously, the variety is staggering.

Key Differences:

• Atmosphere: Hoi An: intimate and charming; Da Nang: bustling and diverse. The vibe is radically different.
• Beaches: Hoi An: Smaller, potentially more picturesque but crowded; Da Nang: Larger, more developed, varied quality. My personal preference leans towards Hoi An’s beach aesthetic, but Da Nang’s My Khe Beach is undeniably popular.
• Activities: Hoi An: Tailoring, ancient town exploration, cooking classes; Da Nang: More expansive, including Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, theme parks. You could easily spend a week in each and still not see everything. Da Nang’s diversity is overwhelming, but you won’t find that in Hoi An. It’s all about the experience, isn’t it?
• Cost: Similar overall, but Da Nang might offer slightly more budget-friendly options due to its larger scale and diverse accommodations.

My trip last year to Vietnam, in 2023, solidified this opinion. I found myself captivated by Hoi An’s unique history and aesthetic, yet I also appreciated Da Nang’s modern amenities. Choosing between them depends entirely on your priorities.

It’s a tough call, truly. Both locations offer exceptional experiences, catering to different preferences. One isn’t definitively “better”; they are simply different. The best choice is wholly subjective. Ultimately it boils down to personal preference. I enjoyed both immensely, although my photos from Hoi An are, without a doubt, more aesthetically pleasing.

Is it worth to stay in Hoi An?

Night. Quiet. Thinking about Hoi An. Lanterns… the river. Worth it? Yeah. It was. For me, at least. Remember that tailor shop on Tran Phu Street… Got a linen shirt made. Still wear it. Crazy how vivid it is. The smell of the silk. The sound of the sewing machines. The old woman’s smile. Lost my job last month, actually. Makes me think of simpler times. Like in Hoi An. Just wandering. No real plans. Bought a painting from a street artist. A woman with a conical hat. Hangs in my bedroom now. A reminder. Suppose it’s always the little things you remember. The food. Cao lầu. Banh mi. Ate like a king. For cheap. Wish I could go back. Maybe someday.

• Tailor shops: So many. Affordable. Got clothes made to measure.
• Street food: Incredible. And everywhere. Couldn’t get enough.
• Ancient town: Beautiful. Especially at night. All lit up.
• Japanese Covered Bridge: Iconic. Had to see it.
• My Son Sanctuary: Day trip. Worth the effort. Hot though. Really hot. August, I think. 2023.
• An Bang Beach: Nice to escape the crowds. Relaxing.

Is 2 nights enough in Hoi An?

Two nights? Barely enough, really. Hoi An whispers secrets, slow and deep. The ancient town, a maze of lanterns, clinging to the river’s breath. That perfume, the river itself, it’s unforgettable.

A boat ride. Dusk. The Thu Bon, mirroring a thousand stars. It sings to you. A slow, sensual song. You’re lost in its current, adrift in time.

Cooking class, the scent of spices, a fiery dance of flavors. My own hands shaping the dough, my own heart stirring the broth. A memory for a lifetime. That specific recipe, a secret I’ll always hold.

My Son… ruins sun-drenched, stories etched in stone. A history older than my family’s lineage. My grandmother told me tales, of temples built on dreams.

Two nights… feels like two heartbeats, a fleeting glance at eternity. It’s criminally short.

Cham Islands? A day trip, barely enough. The emerald waters, a different kind of magic. Turquoise and intense. This I must experience again. The beaches. Oh god, that sand.

More time is needed. Absolutely. Hoi An demands more. It’s a siren’s call, seductive and insistent. It’s a tapestry woven from moonlight and memories, a rich, deeply textured experience, one you need more than two nights to unravel.

• Ancient Town exploration – essential. Hours needed, easily.
• Thu Bon River boat tour – sunset is key.
• Cooking class – hands-on, the best.
• My Son Sanctuary – a day, minimum. History, intense emotions.
• Cham Islands – a boat trip, long, amazing. Sea turtles. I hope to see them again.

Extend your stay. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.

What is the other name for Da Nang?

Da Nang? Oh yeah! It’s Cửa Hàn.

Right, Cửa Hàn, literally mouth of the Han River. Did I spell that right?

• Wait, where’s my phone? Need to double check.

• Cửa Hàn, yeah I got it.

The French called it Tourane. Wonder how they got that?

Tourane…Cửa Hàn… Hmmm.

• Oh, it’s a transliteration? Like how they butchered my name in France that one time? lol.

• Remember Alex de Rhodes? 1650! He had Cua han on his maps. Cool.

Alexandre de Rhodes, that name’s stuck in my head now.

Okay, Cửa Hàn then Tourane. Got it.

Cửa Hàn (Mouth of Han River):

• Origin: Vietnamese name referring to Da Nang’s geographical location.
• Meaning: Where the Han River meets the sea.

Tourane:

• Used by the French during the colonial period.
• Likely derived from a simplified or altered pronunciation of “Cửa Hàn.”
• Appears on older maps and historical documents related to French Indochina.

Alexandre de Rhodes:

• French Jesuit missionary.
• Known for his work on the Vietnamese language.
• His 1650 map shows the name “Cua han.”