Have you ever considered having long stays in Vietnam? Imagine spending quality time exploring the changing landscapes of this magical country. Soak up the energy of Vietnam’s bustling cities, trek within peaceful mountain scenery and discover the endless coastlines of Da Nang and beyond.
With a generous ninety-day visa, Vietnam is the perfect destination for long-term travellers wanting an unrushed Southeast Asian experience. In this guide, we delve into Vietnam travel and focus on Da Nang as a base for long stays in Vietnam.
Are Long Stays in Vietnam For You?
If you are interested in immersing yourself in Vietnamese culture, sampling the incredible food scene, and looking forward to affordable living, a long stay in Vietnam may be for you.
Vietnam has something for everyone. Fall in love with the big city vibe of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Relax in the coastal resort cities of Da Nang, Nha Trang or Vung Tau. Cool off in the breathtaking mountain scenery of Sa Pa and Da Lat or take a deep dive into Vietnamese history at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An and Hue.
A long stay in Vietnam not only gives you a break from the road but also allows you to unpack and uncover the true spirit of Vietnam and its people.
Your choice of long stay destination will depend on your interests and preferred lifestyle. Over the years we have had long stays in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), but our favourite place for a long stay in Vietnam is Da Nang.
Why Da Nang?
Over the years we have enjoyed long stays throughout Asia, visiting the countries of Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. During this time, we based ourselves in the cities of Chiang Mai Thailand, Penang Malaysia and Phnom Penh Cambodia.
In Vietnam we visited destinations across the country before basing ourselves in the coastal city of Da Nang in Central Vietnam. What we love most about Da Nang is that you have all the conveniences of a big city with a slower pace of life than Hanoi or Saigon.
Da Nang Vietnam Overview
Da Nang is a much-loved destination for long stays in Vietnam. This lively coastal city is approximately halfway between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Da Nang is serviced by a busy International Airport with flight connections within Vietnam and across the world.
The city is renowned for its cultural and historical heritage, stunning beaches and mountains. Add modern amenities and a vibrant nightlife and you have the makings for an ideal long stay hub.
Da Nang is within easy reach of the Marble Mountains and the impressive Lady Buddha statue which overlooks the sea from the Son Tra Peninsula.
Another feature of Da Nang is that it is a steppingstone to the wonders of Ba Na Hills and the charming UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An Ancient Town. The Imperial City of Hue and the My Son Sanctuary are popular day trips from the city.
Da Nang for Long Stays in Vietnam
Da Nang’s biggest attraction would have to be its beaches. My Khe Beach and My An Beach are two of the most sort after places to live near for long stays in Vietnam. The beauty of Da Nang is that you can enjoy all the trappings of city life at affordable prices.
Immerse yourself in Da Nang’s vibrant coffee culture. Try local dishes such as Mi Quang or choose from the myriad of International cuisines available within the city.
Da Nang has reliable and affordable internet which is perfect for digital nomads or keeping in touch with family and friends at home.
Although Da Nang is a busy city it has a casual, relaxed vibe, far different from the chaotic rush of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. That is why Da Nang is one of our top picks for long stays in Vietnam.
Da Nang Cost of Living
Like anywhere your cost of living depends on your lifestyle and budget. If you are travelling without a budget Da Nang offers luxury in abundance.
For those wanting to stretch their travel dollar further, Da Nang will suit your needs perfectly. The cheaper price of accommodation, food and transport is much more affordable than in the West and makes for an enjoyable quality of life.
Da Nang Accommodation
The cost of Da Nang accommodation will vary depending on budget, style of accommodation, preferred location and length of stay in Vietnam.
Over the years we have stayed in a wide variety of Da Nang accommodation. These range in style from budget guesthouses, midrange hotels to luxury hotels such as the Novotel Danang Premier Han River and the Mercure Danang French Village Ba Na Hills.
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Da Nang Apartments
For long stays in Vietnam, renting an apartment in Da Nang is a good option especially if you want to take a plunge into the local culture. Most apartments will have a stove top and microwave, sitting area and dining table which makes for a more comfortable stay.
Da Nang apartments can be booked on hotel booking websites and usually include utilities such as electricity, water and internet in the total price. If you are a first-time visitor to Da Nang this is an easy method of finding an apartment, as you know exactly what you are paying for up front.
Click here for Da Nang apartments
Other options include renting through a real estate or approaching apartment blocks independently and negotiating a price for your stay. These prices are often cheaper than hotel booking websites, but you may have to pay an additional security deposit which is normally refunded when you leave.
Other costs will include electricity, water and sometimes internet, the usage will be calculated on a time frame that suits the landlord.
During our time in Da Nang, we initially booked a short stay in an apartment through a hotel booking website and then negotiated a price for a longer stay after we saw that everything was to our liking. We also found that the additional utility prices were reasonable and affordable compared to prices at home.
Best Area to Stay in Da Nang
We recommend either the My Khe Beach and My An Beach areas as a place to stay in Da Nang Vietnam. These areas are user friendly for foreigners with English and other languages being widely spoken. The beaches are chock full of hotels and apartments, have a vibrant nightlife and a good restaurant and café culture.
Da Nang Food Scene
Vietnam cuisine is renowned for its fresh, mouthwatering flavours. You can get your daily Banh Mi from your favourite food cart, pull up a chair at your local Vietnamese restaurant or sample the city’s finest Vietnamese dishes at a high-end restaurant.
If you are not keen on Vietnamese food, you will be spoilt for choice with the variety of International cuisines on offer.
During our time in Da Nang, we ate mostly Vietnamese food from local restaurants, supermarket food courts, the market or street food vendors. This allowed us to keep our costs down, stretching our travel dollar further.
As much as we love Vietnamese food there were times when we craved Western cuisines. Thankfully there were a fabulous selection of Western style restaurants that allowed us to satisfy these cravings.
Da Nang Shopping
If you are looking for a little retail therapy, Da Nang has an interesting selection of markets, boutiques and specialty shops to choose from.
Markets such as Cho Con and Cho Han have a massive range of clothing, homewares, fresh produce and food stalls.
If you are looking to purchase clothing, keep in mind that sizes may be on the small side, fortunately there are tailors and dressmakers’ shops scattered across the city.
Around the My Khe and My An Beach area you will find many corner stores selling snacks and a small collection of everyday items. By far the best of these shops is Moonmilk which sells a good selection of fresh produce, meat and many Western brand items.
Da Nang Shopping Malls
You will find three large shopping malls within proximity to the Da Nang city centre, they are Go! Da Nang, Lotte Mart Supermarket and Vincom Plaza.
Each have a variety of local and international brand shops, a supermarket and food court restaurants. Supermarkets have a range of fresh produce and sell a small selection of Western brand grocery items.
Da Nang Transport Options
Da Nang transport options include taxi, bus, renting a motorbike or car. During our stay in Da Nang, we used Grab taxi, a ride share company similar to Uber. This is a fabulous option as you know the fare price before you start your journey.
Renting or buying a motorbike is another popular choice especially if you are staying for long periods of time. Of course, I would only recommend this option for experienced motorbike riders as the traffic is chaotic. If you plan to hire a motorbike inspect the vehicle thoroughly and take photos of any existing damage.
Vietnam Currency
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong
In Da Nang cash is still king when it comes to purchasing goods. High end restaurants and hotels may accept credit cards, but small restaurants, local businesses, street cart and market vendors will only accept cash.
You will find ATMs scattered throughout the city. During our long stays in Vietnam, we used Wise Card to keep currency conversion costs to a minimum.
Check here to learn more about Wise Card and other travel saving specials
Vietnam Visas
Travel within Vietnam will depend on your length of stay and the visa requirements into Vietnam from your home country.
If you are Australian, the Vietnam eVisa offers a choice of ninety day single or multiple entry visa options.
Click here for Vietnam Visa information for your country
Da Nang Weather
Da Nang has a humid tropical monsoon climate which is split into two seasons, the dry and wet season. The average yearly temperature in Da Nang reaches roughly 26C (79F). The hottest months are between June and August when temperatures soar to a steamy 35C (95F).
Dry Season – January to August
Average Temperature – 25C (77F)
From January to August Da Nang shines with dry days and sunny weather. This time of year, is perfect for enjoying the seemingly endless beaches of Da Nang.
Wet Season – September to December
Average Temperature – 23C (73F)
Da Nang’s rainy season lasts from September to December. During this time the city experiences regular rainfall which can often lead to flooding. Along with the rain comes slightly cooler days, higher humidity and the chance of an occasional typhoon.
Da Nang Vietnam Health & Safety
When you walk around Da Nang make sure to be careful on the footpaths as they may be uneven. Be aware that motorbikes can scoot by at any moment and parking is often on the sidewalks.
Crossing the road can be daunting as traffic moves in a constant stream. Do not expect traffic to automatically stop at the crossings. Look for a break in traffic and walk confidently across the road and the motorbikes should go around you.
When crossing the road, take extra care if a car is coming toward you, judge the distance and speed of the car as they often do not slow down or stop for pedestrians.
If you have never ridden a motorbike, Da Nang’s chaotic traffic is not the place to learn. During our time in Da Nang, we often saw tourists limping around the city. Always take out travel insurance before you leave your home country.
Last Words on Long Stays in Vietnam: Da Nang and Beyond
If you are yearning for beachside fun, cultural and culinary experiences, visiting Da Nang for long stays in Vietnam may just be what you need. The city offers an inexpensive option that will help stretch your travel time in Southeast Asia further.
The city has a laid-back atmosphere and is user friendly with a good selection of modern creature comforts. You will enjoy a high quality of life without the hefty price tag, as you enjoy fresh local dishes and lively beachfront restaurants and bars.
There is so much to see and do in Da Nang. Sitting on its doorstep is Hoi An Ancient Town and Sun World Ba Na Hills. The scenic Hai Van Pass and Imperial City of Hue are a day trip away from the city.
No matter what style of travel you enjoy, we can highly recommend long stays in Vietnam from Da Nang and beyond.
Have you had long stays in Vietnam? Have you visited Da Nang? Feel free to leave a comment we would love to hear from you.