If you’re the type of person who craves both the pulse of city life and the serenity of a slow-paced beach town, let me introduce you to the ultimate expat power duo—Da Nang and Hoi An. Less than an hour apart, these two destinations in central Vietnam create a perfect balance: fast WiFi and rooftop cafes in one, lantern-lit streets and quiet beaches in the other. Here’s why you should consider living between these two Vietnamese gems.

1. Two Distinct Vibes, One Perfect Lifestyle

Da Nang is the cool, modern cousin of Vietnamese cities. It’s got skyscrapers, co-working spaces, international restaurants, and some of the fastest internet speeds in Southeast Asia. Just 30 minutes down the coast, Hoi An is a time capsule of ancient charm—think yellow-walled shophouses, cobblestone streets, and a river lined with glowing lanterns. One minute, you're sipping craft cocktails at a rooftop bar in Da Nang; the next, you’re cycling through Hoi An’s rice fields at sunset.

2. Live in Da Nang, Escape to Hoi An

Da Nang is where you set up camp—it’s got an international airport, modern apartments, and everything you need for daily life. But when the city noise gets overwhelming, you disappear into Hoi An for a few days. Rent a cheap homestay, unplug from the chaos, and enjoy a week of beach yoga, slow food, and morning bike rides along the Thu Bon River. It’s like having a built-in retreat just down the road.

The food options in Vietnam are endless and cheap

3. A Foodie’s Dream Without the Crowds

Vietnam is heaven for food lovers, but while cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi get all the hype, central Vietnam has some of the best dishes with half the chaos. Da Nang’s seafood game is unmatched—you can literally pick your dinner from a tank and have it grilled to perfection. And Hoi An? Home of Cao Lầu, a smoky noodle dish you can’t find anywhere else in Vietnam. The best part? No long lines, no touristy markups, just ridiculously good food at local prices.

Traditional round basket boats in Vietnam

4. You Get the Best Beaches—Without the Overcrowding

Sure, Bali and Phuket are great, but have you been to My Khe Beach in Da Nang? It’s stunning, spacious, and not suffocating with tourists. The water is warm, the sand is soft, and there are entire stretches where you feel like you have the place to yourself. When you need an even quieter escape, An Bang Beach in Hoi An is waiting—just a short bike ride from the Old Town, it’s where you’ll find peaceful waves, beachfront cafes, and maybe a friendly local dog napping in the sun.

A man on a bike drives by a small fruit stand

5. Cost of Living That Feels Like Cheating

Your money stretches far in Vietnam, and Da Nang-Hoi An makes it even better. Rent a modern, sea-view apartment in Da Nang for $400 a month, then spend your weekends in Hoi An where boutique homestays cost as little as $15 a night. A full meal? $2-$3. A motorbike rental? $40 a month. You can live well, eat fresh, and enjoy a premium lifestyle for a fraction of what it costs elsewhere.

A busy street in Da Nang filled with shops and people

6. The Ultimate Work-Life Balance

If you’re a digital nomad or remote worker, this combo is your golden ticket. Da Nang has dozens of coworking spaces (and some insanely aesthetic cafes that double as work hubs), while Hoi An gives you the peace to unplug, take a break, and avoid burnout. The time zone is also friendly for remote work—no brutal all-nighters just to sync with clients in Europe or the U.S.

French bakeries and breads are not uncommon in Vietnam

7. The People Here Make It Even Better

Vietnamese people are some of the warmest and most welcoming you’ll ever meet. Whether it’s your landlord inviting you over for homemade spring rolls or a local fruit vendor throwing in an extra mango just because—you’ll constantly be reminded that kindness is woven into daily life here. And the expat community? It’s chill, diverse, and full of interesting people who’ve built incredible lives in this unique part of the world.

Walking on air at Vietnam’s legendary Golden Bridge—where ancient hands cradle the sky

Final Thoughts: Why Choose One When You Can Have Both?

Da Nang and Hoi An give you the best of both worlds—modern convenience and ancient charm, city buzz and beach calm, affordability and luxury. Whether you base yourself in one and escape to the other or split your time evenly, this dynamic duo redefines what it means to live abroad.

So, why settle for just one? Live in both.

Why You Should Live in a Combo of Da Nang & Hoi An, Vietnam