Which part of Da Nang is best to stay?

Where is the best part of Da Nang to stay?

My Khe Beach. It’s always My Khe, isnt it? The beach, so close. Easier to feel something real there, you know? Easier than anywhere else. Waves crashing… drowns out the thoughts for a little while.

Han River Waterfront. Down by the Han River. The lights reflecting on the water. Pretty. Like fake stars. You watch them, pretend. Sometimes, that’s all you can do.

Son Tra Peninsula. Lost up on Son Tra Peninsula. Quiet, mostly. Like escaping. Like you could disappear. No one would even notice maybe.

An Thuong Area. An Thuong… ah, the expat area. I went there once, felt even more alone somehow. Too many voices, none of them mine. Felt like a ghost, just passing through.

• My Khe Beach:
  • Known for soft, white sands stretching for miles.
  • Close to seafood restaurants; I ate a horrible meal there once.
  • Ocean swimming is sometimes safe, sometimes not. Risky, I guess.
  • Close to the city center but feels far away enough.
• Han River Waterfront:
  • Home to the Dragon Bridge; it breathes fire. I saw it!
  • The Han Market nearby. Overwhelming. I hated it.
  • Good for evening strolls. I should do that more.
  • Plenty of cafes for watching people. What else is there to do?
• Son Tra Peninsula:
  • Lush mountains and stunning coastal views.
  • Home to the Linh Ung Pagoda; giant Buddha statue.
  • A bit isolated, requires transportation. I don’t drive.
  • Good for hiking and nature. I’m too tired.
• An Thuong Area:
  • Known as the “expat area,” full of international restaurants and bars.
  • Busy nightlife. Not my scene.
  • Close to the beach, but more crowded.
  • A melting pot of cultures. Always feels a bit fake, though.

How long should you stay in Da Nang?

Three days? Nah, that’s not enough. I spent a week there last year, 2023, and still felt rushed. So much to do! Marble Mountains? Totally worth it. The views were insane. Should have spent more time hiking, though. My legs were killing me.

My Son Sanctuary. Ancient ruins, amazing history. Sun was brutal, though. Bring a huge hat. And sunscreen. SPF 50, minimum. I got sunburnt like a lobster. Ugh.

The beaches! My god. Non-stop swimming. Seriously, I could have spent a whole week just chilling on the sand. But then I’d miss out on the food. The food is incredible. So much fresh seafood. Every day I ate something different.

Should have booked more tours. There are cooking classes, bike tours… oh my god, the food again! I need to go back. Next time, two weeks. Minimum.

Key things to consider:

• Duration: At least a week. Three days is just scratching the surface.
• Activities: Hiking, sightseeing, beach time, food tours. Pack it all in!
• Sun Protection: Seriously, SPF 50+ sunscreen. A hat is essential. I learned that the hard way!
• Food: Embrace it. Explore. Get the seafood!

Planning my next trip already. Thinking about October this year, 2024. Maybe longer than two weeks even.

Which is better, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh?

Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City? Well, that’s like asking if you want a fire-breathing dragon (Ho Chi Minh City) or a chill surfer dude (Da Nang)! Both are Vietnam, both have pho, but wildly different vibes.

Ho Chi Minh City? It’s a non-stop party! Think motorbikes buzzing like angry bees, markets that make your head spin, and history lurking around every corner. Plus, the nightlife? Forget sleep!

Da Nang, though. Ah, that’s where you go to actually relax. Beaches galore! Marble Mountains that look like they popped out of a fantasy novel. It’s a “take it easy, man” kinda place. Like that time I tried surfing in Waikiki and spent more time underwater than on the board.

Honestly, it boils down to this:

• Ho Chi Minh City:
  • Buzzing metropolis! Motorbikes! Noise! Excitement!
  • History buffs? You’ll be in heaven. War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace… oh my!
  • Nightlife that’ll make you forget your name. Seriously, pace yourself.
  • Street food scene? Off the charts. But watch out for the mystery meat.
• Da Nang:
  • Beaches that scream “vacation!” White sand, blue water, sunshine… yup.
  • Marble Mountains: Instagram gold. Trust me, your feed will thank you.
  • More laid-back than a sloth on a hammock. Perfect for chilling.
  • Seafood, seafood everywhere! Fresh and delicious. Bring your appetite.

So, you want to party till dawn or soak up the sun? That’s the real question. Personally, I’d pick Da Nang. Unless there’s a really good karaoke bar in Ho Chi Minh City!

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city and the economic hub. Da Nang is in Central Vietnam known for its pristine beaches, the Dragon Bridge and nearby historical sites like Hoi An ancient town and My Son sanctuary. The best time to visit Da Nang is from February to May. The ideal period to visit Ho Chi Minh City is between December and March.