Honest Impression of Da Nang 2025! World’s Cheapest Country (Vietnam)

Da Nang, Vietnam, is often talked about as a budget-friendly paradise for digital nomads, with its beaches, cafes, and good Wi-Fi. This trip was a first-hand look to see if the hype was real. While some aspects were great, like the beautiful walking promenade and the potential for low living costs, other things, like the weather during the visit and some abandoned buildings, gave a mixed impression. It’s a big city with a lot to offer, but it’s not without its quirks.

First Impressions of Da Nang

My first day in Da Nang was a bit of a mixed bag. The city is on the coast of Vietnam, and it has some really nice parts. But it’s also different from what I expected. When people talk about Da Nang, they often mention the low cost of living. It’s a big city, the fifth largest by population and third by territory in Vietnam. You can really feel its size when you drive from the airport.

One thing that stood out was the weather. Even at this time of year, it wasn’t super warm, around 26-27 degrees Celsius, and a bit cool in the evenings. It might be the low season, and Da Nang is further from the equator than places like Thailand. From a distance, the skyline looks cool with nice hotels and islands. But the area right next to the beach wasn’t my favorite. There are some abandoned buildings and graffiti, mixed in with nice hotels. It’s a bit of a jumble.

However, the walking promenade is beautiful, with little cafes. It seems like a lot of people come here for vacation, and we were lucky with the weather after a week of rain. The city feels a bit like Phuket, Thailand, or a smaller version of Pattaya, especially with how busy it is year-round.

The Beach and City Life

The beaches in Da Nang are quite nice, with clear, bright sand. It’s a long stretch where you can walk for hours. It’s not often you find a proper, walkable beach like this. This makes it appealing if you want to stay somewhere longer. The vibe on the beach is pretty chill, with all kinds of people – families, couples, and older folks. The nationalities are diverse too.

When it comes to prices, especially in the tourist areas, Da Nang didn’t feel as cheap as I expected. Coffee can be $3-4, and pho is $4-5. These are still decent prices, but not as low as some might imagine for a place known for its low cost of living. However, there are many cool local spots and restaurants.

Apartment Costs and Digital Nomad Life

One area where Da Nang really shines for digital nomads is apartment costs. I personally booked an apartment for about $75 for a week, which was a good value. But I met someone who was renting a studio for $250-300 a month. Online, you can find a lot of value in long-term rentals, which is why many digital nomads come here.

Key Takeaways:

• Apartment Value: Long-term rentals can be very affordable, making Da Nang attractive for extended stays.
• Walkable Beaches: The long, clear beaches are great for walks and offer a relaxed atmosphere.
• Mixed Development: The city has a mix of new, nice buildings and older, less maintained ones.
• Diverse Community: You’ll find a wide range of people and nationalities.

Travel Medical Insurance

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TIA Wellness Resort: A Luxury Escape

During my trip, I also checked out TIA Wellness Resort, which is a bit further down the coast. This place is special because it’s not just a resort; it focuses on wellness with different treatments, activities, yoga, exercise, and massages. It’s larger than I expected and right by the beach. The rooms are more like villas, with a living area, outdoor pool, and a unique, large bathtub. The resort offers activities all day long, and the mini-bar has healthy snacks and herbal iced tea.

Beach and Pool at the Resort

The resort’s beach area is beautiful, with clear sand and a nice breeze. The waves can be high, especially in February and March, when the water is a bit cold. But the resort has a large pool that feels like an infinity pool looking out to the ocean. It’s deep, about 1.4 meters, which is pretty good. There’s also a gym. Even if the ocean is wavy, you have the pool right there. The beach is wide and private, making it very peaceful.

Dining and Spa Experiences

Dining at the resort’s ocean-side restaurant is a treat. You can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner there. I tried some meat skewers and dark spaghetti with meatballs. The resort also has an all-day spa. If you book the wellness package, you get 80 minutes of spa treatments daily. I tried a deep tissue massage, which was very relaxing. The spa area is peaceful, with only the sound of the ocean breeze, even though it’s in a big city.

Final Thoughts on Da Nang

After almost a week in Da Nang, exploring the city, beaches, and the TIA Wellness Resort, I have a good sense of the place. The resort, with its focus on wellness and daily treatments, was a highlight. My favorite was the hot stone Himalayan massage. I’ve moved to a different area for another week to explore more, including renting a scooter to visit nearby cities and the downtown area of Da Nang, which I haven’t seen much of yet.

Southeast Asia, and places like Da Nang, offer a unique blend of opportunity, freedom, and adventure. It’s a place where you can spend months and get great value, whether you’re looking for fancy vacation spots or want to explore the local cost of living. I always try to cover both aspects, checking out Airbnbs, hotels, and local prices. Da Nang has a lot to offer, and I’m excited to explore it further.