DA NANG - VIETNAM

Da Nang, located along Vietnam's central coast, is a city known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and friendly locals. As a gateway to nearby Hoi An and the ancient imperial city of Hue, Da Nang combines natural beauty with cultural experiences. Its pristine My Khe Beach, the Marble Mountains, and the iconic Dragon Bridge make it a popular stop for many travellers.

Da Nang really reminded us of Hawaii or the Gold Coast, but with a much lower price tag. It really is stunning.

Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers: Da Nang is an excellent destination for budget travelers. You can find affordable accommodations, inexpensive yet delicious street food, and plenty of free or low-cost attractions. Its relaxed atmosphere, combined with the opportunity to explore nearby destinations on a budget, makes Da Nang a perfect spot for those looking to experience Vietnam affordably.

How to Get There

Flights: Da Nang International Airport is serviced by a variety of budget airlines, including VietJet Air, Jetstar, and AirAsia, with direct flights from cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul. Domestic flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are often under $50 USD if booked in advance.

Other Transport Options: If you’re traveling from nearby cities like Hoi An or Hue, buses and private shuttles are the most affordable options, costing around $4-8 USD. Trains are also available from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, offering scenic routes along Vietnam’s coastline for as little as $20-30 USD in a sleeper cabin.

Budget Tip: Use budget travel platforms like 12Go Asia to compare flight and train prices. For the cheapest flights, aim for midweek travel and book during low seasons.

Visa Information and Entry Requirements:

Visa Requirements: Vietnam offers visa-free entry to a select number of countries (Full list below). For others, tourists can apply for an e-visa (valid for 30 days), which costs around $25 USD and can be processed online before arrival. Another option is the Visa on Arrival (VOA) if you’re flying into Vietnam and have arranged pre-approval online.

Necessary Documents: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity and bring along a printed copy of your visa approval letter if you’re doing a Visa on Arrival. Proof of onward travel may also be required. NOTE: Your Visa and your tickets MUST have the exact name as shown on your passport. When we booked our flight from HCMC to Da Nang, Vietjet didnt ask for my middle names when booking (There was no space for it) however when we went through security, we were sent back to have my middle names added for 108,000VND (Around $5USD).

Currency and Budgeting Tips

Local Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. At the time of writing, $1 USD is roughly 24,000 VND and AUD is 17,000. For budget travellers, you can expect to spend between $30-40 USD per day on basic accommodation, meals, and activities.

Recommendation: Opt for local ATMs when withdrawing Vietnamese Dong (VND) since cash is generally preferred over card payments in most establishments. Street vendors and small businesses might not accept card payments. It is advisable to exchange currency at banks or exchange offices for better rates rather than at the airport. However, if you arrive without cash, withdraw 2,000,000VND at the airport and make a small purchase to break one of the bills. You will need 10,000VND in cash for the airport fee, which your taxi or driver will request.

NOTE: There are very few ATM's in Da Nang. You would think that there would be ATM's near the tourist area by the beach, however the closest one was a 1.2km walk inland! So when you see an ATM, get some cash out. ATM's will dispense between 2-5 million Dong at a time. Each time you make a withdrawal, you will get charged a fee ranging from 22,000 - 80,000 VND. So withdraw the maximum you can each time to minimise additional fees.

Despite having a WISE travel card, we discovered that after accounting for their fees and conversion rates, it was more cost-effective to withdraw money using my home bank debit card. It was also challenging to use the travel card at local ATMs or vendors' machines, which was both inconsistent and frustrating. Ultimately, cash is the preferred payment method in Vietnam.

Where to Stay

Budget Accommodation Options: We were blown away with the vast amount of exceptional and very affordable accomodation options Da Nang offers. From beachside hotels that offer a free buffet breakfast for two for just $17.50 USD to luxury beachfront hotels with stunning sea views for just $75 USD. Everything is incredibly reasonable priced and high quality. Pictured on the right is our room at the Sekong Hotel, directly across from the beach for just $17.50 including a delicious buffet breakfast for two.

You can find Hostels and Dorms for as low as $5-10 USD per night but in my opinion, spending an extra $5-10 to get a nice room with a private bathroom and breakfast included is well worth it.

Popular areas to stay include My Khe Beach and the city center near the Dragon Bridge.

Budget Tip: Book your accommodation in advance through sites like Agoda or Hostelworld for discounts. You can also negotiate rates for longer stays if you plan to spend more than a week in the area.

Where to Eat and the Cost of Food

Da Nang’s street food scene is an absolute must for budget travelers. Enjoy dishes like "banh xeo" (crispy pancakes) for around $1 USD, "mi quang" (noodle dish) for $1.50-2 USD, and fresh seafood at local markets for under $5 USD. Visit Han Market or Con Market for affordable street food and fresh produce.

Dining Out vs. Cooking: While dining out is inexpensive, those staying in accommodations with kitchens can save further by buying fresh ingredients from local markets to cook meals. Groceries are generally affordable and plentiful.

Budget Tip: Look for set lunch menus at local restaurants, which often include a main course, drink, and dessert for under $3-4 USD. Avoid eating at touristy spots near the beach for better value. We found that restaurants just one street back from the tourist area (beach front) were at least 50% cheaper.

How to Get Around

Public Transportation: Da Nang is a walkable city, but you can also get around using affordable transport options. Public buses connect major spots in the city for as little as 7,000 VND ($0.30 USD). Grab, the popular ride-hailing app, offers cheap motorbike and car rides across the city.

Renting Vehicles : Renting a motorbike is a popular choice, costing around $6-8 USD per day. This is ideal for exploring nearby attractions like the Marble Mountains or driving along the scenic Hai Van Pass.

Walking and Cycling: Many areas, especially near the beach and the Han River, are pedestrian-friendly. Some hostels offer free bike rentals, making cycling a budget-friendly way to explore the city.

Budget Tip: If renting a motorbike, ensure you have an international driver’s license to avoid fines. For public transport, purchase a multiple-ride pass if you plan to use the buses often.

Top Free or Cheap Things to Do

Must-See Attractions:

My Khe Beach: Free to enjoy, this stretch of golden sand is perfect for relaxing or swimming.
Marble Mountains: Entry to this beautiful collection of limestone and marble hills costs about 40,000 VND ($1.75 USD), and the views from the top are stunning.
Dragon Bridge: Visit at night when the bridge comes alive with a fire-breathing dragon show (free).

Outdoor and Nature Activities:

Take a trip to Son Tra Peninsula, where you can hike through lush forests and spot wildlife.
Visit the Linh Ung Pagoda for breathtaking views of Da Nang’s coastline and its massive Lady Buddha statue (free entry).

Budget Tip: Use free apps like Maps.me for self-guided walking tours. You can explore many of the city’s landmarks without paying for a guided tour.

Hidden Gems for Budget Travellers

Underrated Spots:

Non Nuoc Beach: A quieter and less touristy alternative to My Khe, this beach offers a peaceful atmosphere without the crowds.
Tam Thanh Mural Village: About an hour outside Da Nang, this village is filled with colorful murals and makes for a unique and budget-friendly day trip.

Local Events/Festivals: If you're in Da Nang during the summer, don't miss the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, where the city hosts amazing firework displays over the Han River (free to watch from the riverbanks).

Sample Itinerary for Budget Travelers

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1:

Breakfast at a local "banh mi" stand ($1 USD)
Visit the Marble Mountains ($1.75 USD)
Lunch at Han Market ($2-3 USD)
Spend the afternoon relaxing at My Khe Beach (Free)
Dinner at a local restaurant ($4 USD)

Day 2:

Morning hike at Son Tra Peninsula (Free)
Visit Linh Ung Pagoda (Free)
Lunch at a local "mi quang" restaurant ($2 USD)
Stroll along the Han River and enjoy the Dragon Bridge show (Free)

Day 3:

Rent a motorbike ($6 USD) and explore the Hai Van Pass
Visit Non Nuoc Beach (Free)
Dinner at a street food vendor ($2-3 USD)

Final Tips for Saving Money

General Money-Saving Tips: Visit during the shoulder season (February-April or September-November) to avoid peak tourist prices. Consider staying in less touristy districts or guesthouses to save on accommodation. Walking or biking is not only healthy but also helps you save on transport costs.

Budgeting Tools: Download apps like Splitwise to track your expenses, or use Hopper to monitor flight prices before booking.

Conclusion

Da Nang offers a beautiful blend of beach, history, and nature without draining your wallet. Whether you’re exploring temples, relaxing on the beach, or indulging in street food, Da Nang is a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travellers.

Have you traveled to Da Nang on a budget? Share your travel tips and experiences in the comments below, and follow us on social media for more affordable travel guides!