Comparison · Da Nang vs Hoi An · Vietnam
Da Nang vs Hoi An
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Somerset999, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Da Nang for My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge, nightlife and free sights; choose Hoi An for Lanterns and Japanese Covered Bridge. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 24 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 24 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Da Nang
- February–May
- Best time for Hoi An
- February–May
Side by side
| Da Nang | Hoi An | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Vietnam | Vietnam |
| Known for | My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge and Marble Mountains | Lanterns, Japanese Covered Bridge and Tailor-made clothes |
| Best time to visit | February–May | February–May |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $60–$130 | $60–$130 |
| Cost level | Very affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | June, 34°C (93°F) | June, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 25°C (77°F) | January, 25°C (77°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 6 |
| Beaches | My Khe Beach | An Bang Beach |
| Airports | DAD | DAD |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Da Nang for…
My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge, nightlife and free sights. Da Nang is central Vietnam's largest city, stretched between the Han River and a long sandy beach on the East Sea. Its airport sits only a few kilometres from the centre, which makes it the gateway to Hoi An, Hue and the Hai Van Pass. Visitors split their…
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Choose Hoi An for…
Lanterns and Japanese Covered Bridge. Hoi An was a busy trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries, when Japanese, Chinese and European merchants traded here on the Thu Bon River. Its compact Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, keeps more than a thousand timber-fronted shophouses…
Top sights compared
| # | Da Nang | Hoi An |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dragon Bridge | Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) |
| 2 | My Khe Beach | Ancient Town streets and lanterns |
| 3 | Marble Mountains | Lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon |
| 4 | Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha | Tan Ky Old House |
| 5 | Son Tra Peninsula and Ban Co Peak | Fujian Assembly Hall (Phúc Kiến) |
Food compared
| Da Nang | Hoi An |
|---|---|
| Quang-style noodles | Cao lầu |
| Pork in rice paper with fermented anchovy sauce | Hoi An bánh mì |
| Fish-cake noodle soup | Hoi An chicken rice |
| Vermicelli with fermented anchovy sauce | White rose dumplings |
Which is cheaper?
Da Nang and Hoi An cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $60–$130 in Da Nang and $60–$130 in Hoi An (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Da Nang on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Da Nang and Hoi An are about 24 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Da Nang and 4 in Hoi An.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Da Nang or Hoi An cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $60–$130 in Da Nang and $60–$130 in Hoi An (estimates).
+Is Da Nang or Hoi An better for a first trip?
Pick Da Nang for My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge, nightlife and free sights, or Hoi An for Lanterns and Japanese Covered Bridge.
+How far is Da Nang from Hoi An?
About 24 km in a straight line.