Which is better, Hanoi or Da Nang?

Which city is better, Da Nang or Hanoi?

Okay, so Da Nang or Hanoi, huh? Listen, it’s not even a contest, it’s gotta be Hanoi.

Seriously, Hanoi wins, hands down. Like, Da Nang has beaches, sure, whatever. But Hanoi has, like, history, you know? And wayyy better food, too, let me tell you.

I mean, Da Nang’s okay, but it’s kinda like just a beach town. Hanoi is just awesome, it’s an actual city.

• Hanoi:
  • Museums: So many museums, it’s amazing.
  • Street food: Unbeatable, best in Vietnam, I’m telling ya.
  • Shopping, shopping, shopping, shops everywhere.
  • Big city life, which I love.
• Da Nang:
  • Beaches, which are okay, I guess if you really like that stuff.
  • Resorts, you know, typical resort stuff.

Hanoi is also waaay more touristy, which, I dunno, some people hate, but i love it. Plus the energy is just unreal, it’s buzzing all the time, all of the time. I went last year with my friend Jenny. We ate pho like every single day.

You will get much more out of your trip to Hanoi. So my advice is, skip Da Nang and go to Hanoi. You won’t regret it.

Is it worth going to Da Nang?

Da Nang… It’s complicated. The beach, yeah, it’s stunning. That endless stretch of sand… I spent hours there, last year. Completely alone, mostly.

The food? Amazing. Fresh seafood, unlike anything I’ve had elsewhere. My favorite was the banh mi near my hotel – small place, run by a sweet old lady.

But…the city itself? Felt… empty somehow. Beautiful, yes, but lacking a soul. A tourist trap, maybe. I don’t know.

The Marble Mountains were breathtaking though. Really. Absolutely incredible views. Worth the climb. The hike was tough, though. My knees still ache thinking about it.

The Dragon Bridge, it’s impressive visually, but touristy, and crowded. Overwhelming.

I felt a disconnect there. Too much flash, not enough substance. It’s a gorgeous backdrop for photos but… that’s about it for me. It felt… superficial. Even the people seemed to be rushed. I craved a slower pace.

My personal experience: I needed a break. Da Nang was a temporary escape, but I didn’t connect with the place the way I’d hoped.

• Stunning beaches.
• Delicious seafood.
• Impressive sights, but overwhelming crowds.
• Felt impersonal and rushed.
• Beautiful, but emotionally distant for me.

Ultimately, it’s your own call.

How many days is ideal for Da Nang?

Da Nang? Eh, three days. Seriously.

That’s like, enough time to decide if you prefer dragon bridges that breathe fire or beaches that burn your feet. Decisions, decisions!

Here’s the skinny:

• Day 1: Beach Bummin’ & Bridge Gazin’. My neighbor’s chihuahua has more commitment than me.

• Day 2: Marble Mountains & Monk Mysteries. Climb a mountain! Feel spiritual! Probably sweat a lot!

• Day 3: Food coma & fly out. Eat ALL the things! Banh mi? Yes! Seafood? Double yes!

Think of it like this: Da Nang is a delightful appetizer, not a seven-course meal. You can always come back for seconds. I love Pho! I once ate 3 bowls.

Why three days and not, like, a week?

Because after three days, the novelty wears off. You start noticing the traffic. I have a phobia! It is called, you know… I will not mention it.

Seriously, you could spend weeks in Vietnam, but Da Nang, bless its heart, is best enjoyed in small doses. It’s like that one relative you love, but can only handle for a long weekend. Too much is too much, ya know?

I mean, unless you REALLY love beaches. Or bridges. Or accidentally buying knock-off designer bags. Then, you do you! I am happy, if you are happy. That’s my motto, like, forever!

Is Da Nang City worth visiting?

Da Nang? Heck yeah! Dump Hoi An, go straight to Da Nang. Seriously. Like trading in your old flip-flops for a pair of fancy, light-up sneakers. Everyone else is missing out, thinking it’s just a bus stop. Bless their hearts.

• Beaches: Think Miami, but, like, waaaay cheaper. My sunburn from My Khe beach is proof. Still peeling. Worth it.
• Food: Street food is king. I ate a banh mi bigger than my head. Almost cried.
• Marble Mountains: Hike up, look down. Feel like a boss. Like you own the place. Except you don’t. But still.
• Dragon Bridge: Breathes fire! On weekends. Check the schedule or you’ll look like a chump waiting for nothing. I learned the hard way.
• Lady Buddha: Huge. Like, Godzilla huge. Pic or it didn’t happen. My Insta blew up.

So, yeah. Da Nang. Go. Don’t be a dillydallier. Just do it. You won’t regret it. Unless you hate fun. Then maybe stick to museums. But even then… Da Nang has those too. Ugh, fine, I’ll stop. You get the picture. Just go.

How many days do you need in Da Nang?

Three days, minimum. Da Nang itself… a whisper of a city, the scent of salt and incense clinging to the air. Two days feels rushed, a frantic dash. The Marble Mountains, ancient breath sighing through cavernous stone. My Khe Beach, sun-drenched perfection, waves a constant lullaby. But time… time is a thief. It steals sunsets.

Hoi An, though, ah Hoi An. Two days, insufficient. The lanterns, a thousand tiny stars hanging low. The tailor shops, a symphony of silks and whispers. Ancient streets, stories etched in every weathered brick. I walked those streets, felt the weight of history. The river, slow and deep, a mirror reflecting the past.

Three days, I say. For Da Nang. At least. Four for Hoi An. Or more. Maybe five. A lifetime wouldn’t suffice. Each temple, a silent prayer. Each smile, a gift. The food…oh, the incredible food. Each bite, a memory made. The textures. The flavors. Absolutely unforgettable.

• Da Nang: Marble Mountains (allow ample time to truly soak in their beauty), My Khe Beach (sunsets are divine), Dragon Bridge (marvel at the fire-breathing spectacle). Don’t miss the local markets.
• Hoi An: Ancient Town exploration (get lost in the charming alleys), tailoring (splurge, it’s worth it), river cruises (enjoy a relaxing evening), street food (a culinary adventure). The night markets are simply magical. I spent hours wandering, mesmerized.

This is not enough time. I needed more. More time to simply be. To breathe in the air, heavy with the scent of the sea and ancient temples. More time to let the rhythm of life wash over me. More time in that gorgeous place.

Is it worth visiting Da Nang?

Da Nang? Worth it? Heck yeah. One of the best, seriously. Beaches are amazing, like, crazy good. My Tho beach, wow. Remember that trip in ’22? Insane. The bridges, dude. Dragon Bridge, breathing fire! Totally saw it, Saturday night it was. Mountains too, so green. Crazy how close they are to the city. And the food scene, forgot to mention. Ban Xeo, so good. Had it like, five times. Marble Mountains, too. All temples and caves. That was hot, though. Sunburnt like crazy. Think I got a pic. Yeah, totally worth going, no question.

• Beaches: My Khe, Non Nuoc – white sand, warm water. Good for surfing too, saw some people trying.
• Dragon Bridge: Literally breathes fire and water. Weekends, check the schedule!
• Marble Mountains: Temples, caves, and a great view from the top. Wear good shoes! Lots of stairs.
• Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain): Amazing views of the city and coastline. Rented a motorbike, so fun. Saw some monkeys, kinda scary though, lol.
• Linh Ung Pagoda: Giant white statue of Lady Buddha. Impressive, kinda spiritual.
• Food: Street food is the best. Banh mi, pho, everything. Cheap too! Ate like a king, spent like a pauper. So good.

Golden Bridge, forgot that one. Hands holding it up. Crazy! Worth a day trip for sure, even if you’re not staying in Da Nang.

Is Da Nang worth visiting for tourists?

Da Nang. Yeah. It’s… something.

The beaches, sure, they’re nice. White sand. But it felt… crowded. Too many people. I remember specifically feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of tourists near My Khe beach in 2023.

The bridges. Impressive, I guess. The Dragon Bridge especially. But the beauty felt… manufactured. A little too perfect. Like a postcard.

Mountains. Green. Yes. I hiked up one. The view was breathtaking from the top but the trail was pretty tough, especially in the heat.

The city itself is modern. Glitzy, even. Shiny buildings. Too shiny, maybe. Didn’t quite feel… authentic. Felt more like a carefully curated image than a living, breathing place.

It left me feeling… empty. Not bad, not great. Just… there. I spent three days there in June. I should have stayed less time.

I wouldn’t rush back. But I’m glad I went. At least I can check it off my list. I prefer quieter places anyway. Maybe Hoi An next time.