Da Nang vs Hoi An: Which city offers the best lifestyle?

As we really had the opportunity to experience both Da Nang and Hoi An for several weeks, we are currently in a difficult position to choose between the two cities.

This is probably the toughest decision we’ve had to make — and it’s still ongoing. We’re so torn between the two cities that we decided to make a list of pros and cons for each to help us decide.

How to define quality of life?

Before getting into a comparison — which can easily become abstract and subjective — let’s first look at some objective criteria that help define quality of life.

1. Physical & Environmental Well-Being

Clean air, low noise, and healthy surroundings
Access to nature — sea, parks, trees, sunlight
Comfortable housing (light, space, temperature, design)
Safety and low crime levels
Reliable infrastructure — electricity, water, waste management

2. Health & Energy

Access to quality healthcare
Balanced diet and food quality
Opportunities for exercise and outdoor activity
Good sleep and rest patterns
Low chronic stress and manageable workload

3. Psychological Well-Being

Sense of peace, safety, and emotional stability
Low anxiety, freedom from constant worry
Time for leisure, reflection, and personal interests
Feeling of purpose and direction in life
Self-expression — ability to live according to one’s values

4. Relationships & Social Connection

Supportive family and friendships
Sense of belonging and community
Trust in neighbors and local people
Opportunities for meaningful social contact (not just surface-level)
Emotional reciprocity — giving and receiving care

5. Work & Financial Balance

Reasonable working hours and fair compensation
Job satisfaction or meaningful self-employment
Stability — predictable income and manageable expenses
Autonomy and freedom in decision-making
Possibility to take breaks and holidays

6. Lifestyle & Culture

Opportunities for learning, art, culture, and creativity
Variety of food, music, experiences
Access to travel or exploration
Aesthetic harmony of daily surroundings (architecture, design, light)

7. Freedom & Security

Personal freedom — movement, speech, life choices
Political and economic stability
Trust in institutions and systems
Low corruption and fair treatment

8. Time & Space

Having time for yourself and your family
Not feeling rushed — good rhythm of life
Space to breathe, both physically and mentally
Ability to disconnect from digital or urban noise

In summary:

Quality of life = (Health + Safety + Freedom + Connection + Meaning) ÷ Stress

Or more simply: A good life is one where your daily reality aligns with your values and energy.

Da Nang

Pros

Modern
Better amenities
Nicer beach
More activities and diversity
More dynamic and wider housing market
Better logistics and prices on Shopee
Overall cheaper cost of living
Larger city with more options
Closer to airport

Cons

A little bit disjointed
A little bit empty at times
A little bit odd

Hoi An

Pros

Richer authentic charm and culture
More photogenic, especially around the Old Town
Warmer, friendlier people and atmosphere
More laid-back and relaxing lifestyle
Tighter-knit community and local markets (like Ba Le)
More flowers, greenery, and soothing natural views
Less stress
More consistent, more human
More nature

Cons

Tight rental market with over priced housing
More expensive price in Shopee
Less offer overall
Farther from Airport
Very touristy old town
Less Vietnamese options from Grab food

Our personal opinion

Choosing between these two cities feels almost impossible, as they complement each other in many ways.

It’s easy to understand why people often say that living in Da Nang and spending weekends in Hoi An makes perfect sense — the two are so close, with Da Nang offering more diversity and a larger, more dynamic urban environment.

For us, it ultimately came down to energy. We wanted our daily outings to feel rejuvenating rather than like a chore. And for some reason, that’s exactly what the streets and scenery of Hoi An give us — a sense of calm and renewal every time we step outside.

Everything in Hoi An feels more compact and engaging — you don’t need to drive 10 kilometers across the city to find what you’re looking for. Life here is simpler and more straightforward.

Ultimately, what we’ll miss about Da Nang is the immediate access to its long, beautiful beach and the convenience of having cafés and amenities right along the shoreline — whereas in Hoi An, the beach and the city center are separated by roughly 10 kilometers.

The Food

It’s hard to say which of the two cities truly offers the best food, as both belong to the same coastal region and share many culinary traditions.

That said, we’ve found that the food in Hoi An tends to taste slightly better overall — perhaps because of its local charm and attention to detail. In Da Nang, you can still find plenty of delicious dishes, but the good spots are more spread out across the city.

Interestingly, food in Hoi An is often a bit pricier, likely because the town is smaller and more compact, with higher housing and general living costs concentrated in a limited area.

Commuting

This is certainly a strong point in favor of Hoi An, though Da Nang is still quite enjoyable to drive around, especially compared to larger cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

Hoi An offers a soothing, small-town coastal atmosphere while driving, making the experience feel refreshing and rejuvenating.

Shopping and groceries

On one hand, it’s easier to find products and services in Hoi An, as most of them are concentrated around the Old Town area. However, the overall experience with apps like Shopee or Grab tends to be smoother and more efficient in Da Nang.

Even when it comes to buying a motorbike, Da Nang generally offers a wider range of choices and better availability. Perhaps the one area where Hoi An truly outshines Da Nang is in tailoring — whether you’re looking to have a custom dress or suit made.

When it comes to groceries, the Ba Le Market in Hoi An is spacious and a genuinely pleasant place to shop. However, prices tend to be higher than in Hanoi — for instance, 1 kg of pork belly costs around 170,000 VND compared to about 130,000 VND in Hanoi.

Da Nang has markets such as Chợ Cồn, where you can buy both groceries and utensils, and grab a bite to eat. However, it feels somewhat more like Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City than a traditional, local Vietnamese market.

The Beaches

When comparing the two main beaches, we find My Khe to be the more visually appealing one. It offers modern amenities, and the surrounding area is filled with restaurants, hotels, and various businesses.

An Bang, on the other hand, offers a more local and authentic atmosphere — with fishing boats, small food stalls, and a distinct coastal charm. It feels wilder and more untouched, especially as you move toward the Hidden Beach or Cua Dai areas.

Photography wise

As an aspiring photographer and filmmaker, I find that both destinations offer unique advantages and challenges. On one hand, Da Nang has a more dynamic and modern atmosphere, making it better suited for studio work or contemporary projects although HCMC and Hanoi are still better option for this.

On the other hand, Hoi An’s ancient town provides a rich cultural backdrop — perfect for stunning street and fashion portraits. Da Nang, by contrast, blends urban modernity with seaside scenery, offering a diverse range of visual opportunities.

Da Nang also has better access to the airport if you need to travel around in other cities or countries for work. Ultimately, the only things Hoi An is missing are modern architecture and a vibrant photography community.

Conclusion

Ultimately, while both cities offer their own unique strengths and weaknesses, the choice really comes down to personal lifestyle and what you value most.

If you’re drawn to calm mornings, intimate streets, and a slower, more authentic pace of life, Hoi An might feel like home — its charm lies in its warmth, cultural richness, and the way time seems to stretch softly through the day.

If, on the other hand, you prefer a faster rhythm, modern conveniences, and a city that offers more opportunities for networking, nightlife, and creative energy, Da Nang is the natural choice. It’s vibrant, well-connected, and blends urban life with direct access to the sea.

In the end, it’s a matter of choosing between serenity and stimulation, between a place that soothes you — and one that pushes you forward.