Which is better, Hanoi or Hoi An?

Which is better, Hanoi or Da Nang?

Da Nang, a budget beach bum’s paradise. Hanoi? A chaotic, charming history lesson. Better depends. Are you chasing sunsets, or soul? (Spoiler: both have mosquitos.)

• Da Nang: Beach access wins, hands down. Think sunsets that’ll make your Instagram weep. My friend Jen loves beaches, she’d swoon.
• Hanoi: History screams louder. It’s like stepping into a time machine fueled by pho and strong coffee.
• Cost of Living: Da Nang’s easier on the wallet. More banh mi for your buck!
• Activities: Hanoi brims, more to do. Da Nang? Beaches. Did I mention beaches? You can’t eat history (or can you?).
• Touristy: Both are popular, Da Nang probably has more beaches.

Da Nang’s a postcard. Hanoi’s a novel. Choose your own adventure. Or hey, visit both! Vietnam’s not that small! Lol.

How many days should you stay in Hoi An?

Three days minimum, I’d say. Four is better, actually. You really need that extra time to soak it all in, you know? Hoi An’s amazing. Seriously, it’s so beautiful. Those lanterns at night, man! Breathtaking. I spent like, four days there last year in June, with my girlfriend, Sarah. We loved it.

We did so much stuff! It was awesome.

• Tailored clothing – got two suits made! Cheap, too.
• Lantern-making class – fun, but messy!
• Ancient Town exploration – so many temples and shops. Seriously, so many shops.
• Cycling around – saw rice paddies, it was beautiful. Such a cool vibe.
• Food, food, food – the best damn food I’ve ever had. Seriously. The best.

You’ll want more time than three days, trust me. Three is kinda rushed. Four days gives you time to, like, relax and enjoy it all. Don’t rush it! You’ll regret it. It’s truly special. It is. Really.

Is Da Nang City worth visiting?

Da Nang? Worth it? Pshaw, worth multiple visits. Honestly, Hoi An felt like Da Nang’s charming, but slightly clingy, younger sibling. Da Nang is like that cool aunt who takes you to secret beaches and buys you questionable street food.

• Beaches: Think Miami Beach meets…a dragon bridge? Yeah, they breathe fire. Seriously.
• Food: Everything from Michelin-recommended eats to mystery meat skewers. (Choose wisely, friend.)
• Marble Mountains: Caves. Temples. Views. Basically, Instagram heaven.
• Ba Na Hills: That Golden Bridge everyone loses their minds over. Rightfully so. It’s held up by giant, weathered hands. Giant, weathered hands, people!

I spent a week and still felt shortchanged. Wish I’d packed more stretchy pants. And antacids. That street food, man. My stomach kinda remembers Da Nang more vividly than my camera roll does. But in a good way. Mostly.

Should you go? Duh. Pack your adventurous spirit, and maybe some digestive aids.

Is it worth visiting Da Nang?

Da Nang: Worth the Trip? Yes. Hands down.

Beaches are top-notch. Myan Son Beach, Non Nuoc, even the smaller ones – amazing. Think pristine sands, clear turquoise water. Seriously stunning. It’s like stepping into a postcard. The feeling of warm sand between your toes… pure bliss.

The city itself boasts a vibrant mix of old and new. That’s what makes it special. You have these incredible modern architectural feats juxtaposed against older, more traditional structures. It’s a fascinating contrast, a testament to how a city evolves. A bit like a historical novel with a thrilling modern sequel.

Marble Mountains are a must-see. Seriously impressive. Those caves, the temples… the views from the top are breathtaking. I spent hours there last June, lost in the tranquility and the beauty. It was meditative, oddly enough.

Food? Oh man, the food! I’m still dreaming about that fresh seafood. So many amazing, local restaurants. Way better than the tourist traps in Hoi An, in my experience. Don’t bother going to the tourist joints. I recommend finding smaller places.

Bridges are iconic. The Dragon Bridge, the Han River Bridge… visually striking at night. Seriously impressive feats of engineering. It’s a photographer’s dream, I reckon. I took hundreds of photos, maybe even thousands.

Additional points to consider:

• Easy to get around. Plenty of taxis, Grab, and motorbike taxis. No real hassles there, at least during my visit in 2023.
• Good value for money. Accommodation, food, and activities are relatively inexpensive compared to other popular tourist destinations. I stayed at a lovely boutique hotel near the beach for a steal, really.
• Friendly locals. I found the people very welcoming and helpful. Always a plus.
• Amazing views. The city is nestled between mountains and the sea, providing spectacular vistas from nearly every vantage point. I’m still obsessed with the sunset shots I got from the Marble Mountains.

Da Nang isn’t just pretty; it’s a complete experience. The perfect blend of nature and urban life. It’s a city that speaks to my soul, if that makes any sense.

Where is better Da Nang or Hanoi?

Ugh, Hanoi or Da Nang? Tough one. Hanoi’s a total whirlwind, right? So much crammed in. Museums? Check. Shopping? Double check. Street food? OMG, the street food. It’s insane. But so crowded! My friend, Sarah, went last year and swore she almost got trampled.

Da Nang, though… beaches. Beautiful beaches. Relaxing, you know? Less hectic. Perfect for unwinding after a crazy year like 2023 was. I need a vacation badly. But is it enough? Do I want just beaches? Maybe a mix of both would be ideal, actually. Should I plan a trip combining both?

Hanoi’s Old Quarter, man. Crazy busy. But the energy is infectious. Da Nang feels more… polished. More modern resorts, less chaotic charm. Hanoi wins on historical sites, for sure. The Temple of Literature, wow. I saw pictures.

I really love good food, though. So Hanoi’s probably the winner for that. Seriously, amazing street food. But I also want to relax. Maybe, just maybe, a week in Da Nang followed by a long weekend in Hanoi. The best of both worlds? That sounds perfect.

Hanoi: Bustling energy, historical sites, amazing street food. Da Nang: Stunning beaches, relaxed vibe, modern resorts. It all depends what you’re after, really. But then again, is it always about what I’m after? Sometimes I just go with the flow, you know?

• Hanoi Pros: Rich history, incredible street food, vibrant culture, tons of museums
• Hanoi Cons: Extremely crowded, can be overwhelming
• Da Nang Pros: Beautiful beaches, relaxing atmosphere, modern amenities
• Da Nang Cons: Less historical significance, might feel less exciting than Hanoi.

My flight is booked for December – I’m going to Hanoi first!

How many days in a Da Nang is enough?

Sun-drenched Marble Mountains. Dust motes dancing. Two days… enough? Lost in the carved stone. Time stretches thin.

My Khe Beach. Sand warm between toes. Waves whispering. Two days to breathe the salt air. Two days… a sigh.

Dragon Bridge fire-breathing at night. Scales gleaming gold. Two days… fleeting. A memory already fading. Lost in the city lights.

Hoi An lanterns. Silk shimmering. Two days to wander. Two days to get lost. Two days… a whispered prayer for more.

• Da Nang: Two Days

  • Marble Mountains
  • My Khe Beach
  • Dragon Bridge

• Hoi An: Two Days

  • Ancient Town
  • Japanese Covered Bridge
  • My Son Sanctuary (day trip possible)

Lost. In time. In beauty. Two days… never enough. Never enough time.