Da Nang Starter Pack

Fly into Da Nang International Airport (DAD), just 3 km from the city center

Direct flights from many Asian cities and some international destinations

Grab: The main ride-hailing app. Very affordable, ~$3-5 to city center.

Taxi: Metered taxis available. Mai Linh and Vinasun are reputable.

Airport bus: Cheapest option, runs to the city center.

Hotel shuttle: Many hotels offer airport pickup. Arrange in advance.

Tip: Da Nang airport is one of the most convenient in Vietnam - right in the city!

E-Visa: Apply online for a 90-day single or multiple entry visa.

Visa exemption: Some countries get 15-45 days visa-free. Check your nationality.

Visa on Arrival: Available with pre-arranged approval letter.

Extension: Can extend visa at immigration office, though often easier to do visa run.

Visa runs: Quick trips to Thailand, Cambodia, or other countries to renew.

Digital Nomad Visa: Vietnam is considering this - check for updates.

Work permit: Required for legal employment. Employer usually sponsors.

Dry season (Feb-Aug): Best weather, sunny and hot. Perfect for beaches.

Rainy/Monsoon season (Sept-Jan): Heavy rains, potential typhoons, flooding possible.

Hottest months: May-August. Can reach 95°F+ with high humidity.

Best time to visit: March-May before peak heat, or Feb for pleasant temps.

Typhoon season: Sept-Dec. Can bring serious storms. Monitor weather closely.

Sea conditions: Swimming best Feb-May. Rough seas and red flags common Oct-Dec.

Tip: September-November can have major flooding. Plan accordingly.

Emergency Services

Ambulance

Fire

Vinmec Hospital (private, international)

Family Hospital Da Nang

Tourist Police

Save these numbers to your phone before you need them!

Grab: The essential app. Works for motorbike, car, and food delivery.

Motorbike: The local way! Rent for ~$50-100/month or buy used for ~$300-600.

Walking: Beach areas and city center are walkable, but spread out overall.

Bicycle: Nice for beach area. Rental widely available.

Taxi: Metered taxis. Mai Linh and Vinasun are trusted companies.

Bus: Public buses available but less convenient for tourists.

Traffic: Much more manageable than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City!

Tip: Get a motorbike! It's the best way to experience Da Nang.

SIM cards: Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone. Buy at airport or any phone shop.

Data is cheap: ~$5-10/month for generous data packages.

Home internet: VNPT, Viettel, FPT offer fast, affordable fiber. ~$10-20/month.

Coworking: Toong, enCity, The Hive, and many cafe-coworking hybrids.

Cafe WiFi: Abundant. Vietnamese coffee culture is perfect for remote work.

Starlink: Not widely available in Vietnam yet.

Tip: Vietnam has excellent, affordable internet. Digital nomad paradise!

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). $1 ≈ 24,000 VND (check current rate).

ATMs: Everywhere. Many accept international cards.

ATM fees: Some banks charge per withdrawal. Look for ACB, Techcombank for lower fees.

Cash is king: Most local shops, restaurants, and vendors are cash only.

Cards accepted: Hotels, upscale restaurants, malls accept cards.

Opening a bank account: Difficult without work permit. Most expats use Wise + cash.

Wise/TransferWise: Essential for managing money internationally.

Tip: Withdraw larger amounts less often to minimize ATM fees.

My Khe Beach: Expat favorite. Walking distance to beach, restaurants, and cafes.

An Thuong: The heart of digital nomad scene. Great restaurants, cafes, close to beach.

Son Tra: Near Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula. Quieter, natural.

Hai Chau (city center): Urban area, less beach access but close to amenities.

Hoi An: Historic town 30 min south. Many expats live here and commute to Da Nang.

Rental prices: $300-600/month for a nice apartment near the beach.

Tip: An Thuong / My Khe beach area is the sweet spot for most expats.

Vietnamese food is amazing: Pho, banh mi, com tam, bun cha - explore them all!

Mi Quang: Da Nang's signature dish. Turmeric noodles with meat - must try!

Banh xeo: Crispy Vietnamese crepes. Da Nang is famous for them.

Street food: Incredibly cheap and delicious. ~$1-2 for a full meal.

Café culture: Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) is a way of life.

Western food: Good variety in expat areas. Pizza, burgers, Mexican all available.

Groceries: Vinmart, Big C, Lotte Mart for groceries. Local markets for produce.

Tip: Eat like a local! Street food is safe, cheap, and incredible.

My Khe Beach: Main city beach. Long stretch of sand, good swimming, sunrise views.

An Bang Beach (Hoi An): 30 min south. More relaxed, beach clubs, popular with expats.

Non Nuoc Beach: Near Marble Mountains. Quieter, luxury resorts.

Son Tra Peninsula: Rocky coastline with hidden beaches and views.

Cham Islands: Day trip for snorkeling and pristine beaches.

Surfing: Limited in Da Nang, but China Beach has occasional waves.

Tip: Beaches face east - perfect for sunrise! Sunsets are over the mountains.

Marble Mountains: Five limestone hills with caves, temples, and panoramic views.

Ba Na Hills: Mountain resort with the famous Golden Bridge. Day trip.

Hoi An: UNESCO Ancient Town 30 min south. Lanterns, tailors, amazing food.

Son Tra Peninsula: Monkey Mountain. Hiking, Linh Ung Pagoda, Lady Buddha statue.

Dragon Bridge: Iconic bridge that breathes fire on weekends!

Hai Van Pass: Legendary coastal road. Rent a motorbike and drive it!

Cham Islands: Day trip for snorkeling, diving, and beaches.

Hue: Former imperial capital 2 hours north. Rich history, citadel, tombs.

Running: Beach promenade is perfect for running. Early morning is best.

Gyms: California Fitness, Elite Fitness, and many local gyms. ~$30-50/month.

Swimming: Beach and pool options. Many apartments have pools.

Yoga: Studios in the beach areas. Classes very affordable.

CrossFit: CrossFit Da Nang and other functional fitness gyms.

Golf: Several courses including BRG Da Nang Golf Resort.

Surfing: Limited waves, but SUP and kayaking available.

Diving: Cham Islands have good dive sites. PADI courses available.

Cost of living: One of the cheapest places for digital nomads. $1000/month lives well.

Motorbike life: Get one! It's essential and part of the experience.

Traffic: Much easier than other Vietnamese cities, but still be careful.

Visa runs: Plan ahead. Thailand and Cambodia are popular destinations.

Drinking water: Tap water is not potable. Use bottled or filtered.

Vietnamese: Learn basics! English is limited outside tourist areas.

Haggling: Expected at markets and with some vendors. Do it politely.

Rainy season: September-November can be challenging with floods. Plan accordingly.