Central Vietnam: Da Nang & Hoi An Guide

Important: There is no such thing as expedited visa service. Multiple people I know were scammed by agencies offering it. 

Sunset on the roof. Hoi An, Vietnam (March 2024)

We only went to Da Nang because Samy moved there — and somehow, the city (and the country) became one of our favorites.

If you didn’t know, Samy (now @SocialSamy on YouTube) is a very close friend of mine. On his first trip to Da Nang, he met Emma and fell deeply in love. They got married, and he now lives full-time in Vietnam. In February 2024, Iryna and I went to Da Nang for the first time. We originally thought we were just going to cowork with friends and hang out by the beach. Little did we know, the trip would turn into so much more. Iryna made her first leather jewelry case at a local workshop (see www.bushmina.com), and now we have a whole crew of friends in the area.

Da Nang and Hoi An are about 30km apart (roughly 30–60 minutes by car). Da Nang is a big city, and we mostly stayed in the expat neighborhood called My An. Hoi An is a touristy town that feels like Ubud, Bali — but with a beach. If you're visiting for a short trip, I’d recommend 3 days in Hoi An and 2 days in Da Nang. You can also stay at one of the resorts between them (my favorite is obviously the Hyatt Regency) and commute to both.

As always, this isn’t meant to be a full guide — just a glimpse of what I loved about my time there.

Hoi An Town Center

Cao Lau - Local noodle spot, a bit touristy but really good! 

Faifo Coffee - Super busy rooftop cafe but gorgeous for sunset

Mr Hai Noodles - a local tailor brought me here, get Mi Quang, another local noodle dish

Masa Taqueria - surprisingly good tacos! I'd recommend the baja fish tacos

Chops - Really good burgers

Com Linh - Traditional Viet dishes, solid all around

Bánh Mì Phượng - Anthony Bourdain made this famous. It's good, but I don't think it's the best in town.

Madam Khanh - This bahn mi was better; the signature is spicy but delicious

Outside town center

Roving Chill House - this is a restaurant/cafe surrounded by rice fields

Sound of Silence Coffee Shop - cute cafe by the beach, very cozy vibes

DeckHouse - my fav spot to hang out by the beach and have food; everything is good. 

Esco Beach - Beach club vibes, owned by a German dude

Chao Ngheu - calm porridge on the way to the beach

Hoi An Hotels

Four Seasons Hoi An - Truly gorgeous beachfront property with the expected FS hospitality

New World Hoiana - Same owners as Rosewood, more modern luxury compared to others

Bay Resort Hoi An - City center, a bit older but fitting for a UNESCO World Heritage site

Reu Hotel - This is our new favorite. Locally designed using mostly recycled and local materials. Very beautiful overlooking the rice fields.

EMM Hotel - The most inexpensive option on this list. Great location and value in town center

*TBH, you can look for town center boutique hotels in the ~$50/night range is its usually good. 

Da Nang Food

Butcher Shop - Great place for steak. I visited 2-3 times a week for a month.

Phở, Bún Chả Hà Nội Xưa - Northern style pho, one of the best in the area

Golden Meat House - Best KBBQ we had in Vietnam

Umm - Solid spot for Bahn Mi

Good Folk Cafe - Best egg coffee, according to Iryna. I like to work here, good coffee/wifi.

H Coffee - Iryna likes to work here because of the outdoors and nature

RoadHouse - Best burger in Da Nang

Eco Green, Rainbow Poke, Roots (Vegan) - healthy options

Da Nang Hotels

Hyatt Regency Da Nang - Technically in between Hoi An and Da Nang but its a good spot to spend a few days to relax. 

Premier Village - More boujee but great location to explore the entire area. French owned Accor property with incredible pool/beach access. 

Moon Hotel - I stayed here for 20+ nights as our home base. Great value, great staff, amazing coworking spot in the lobby. 

InterContinental - The rich and famous stay at this secluded place for privacy and stunning sunsets.

MISC

Luxury Herbal Spa - hands down the best massage in Vietnam, super professional and consistent. 

Elite Fitness - Equinox-style gym (and price point). Cold plunge, sauna, steam, etc 

It's an unpopular opinion, but I think the hand bridge (Ba Na Hills) is artificial and not worth it. There's a beautiful goddess of mercy statue overlooking Da Nang Bay that is more worthwhile. Marble Mountains is cool but go early morning to avoid heat and crowd.