Hoi An vs Da Nang: Where to Live

Central Vietnam's two biggest draws for internationals relocating for work are Hoi An and Da Nang — a compact, walkable heritage town and a fast-growing coastal city, roughly a 30-40 minute drive apart. If you're considering a sales career in the region, here's how the two compare.

Hoi An vs Da Nang at a Glance

Hoi An is a small, historic riverside town best known for its UNESCO-listed old town, tailoring shops and slower pace of life. Da Nang is a much larger coastal city with an international airport, modern high-rises, long beaches and a growing base of international businesses. Many people who move to the area end up splitting their time between both — living in one, socialising or working in the other.

Lifestyle

Hoi An suits people who want a quieter, more traditional daily rhythm: cafes, tailors, riverside walks and an easy bicycle commute. Da Nang feels more like a conventional city — bigger malls, more nightlife options and a larger expat and international community, but with more traffic and noise to match.

Accommodation

Both towns offer everything from serviced apartments to longer-term villa rentals. Hoi An tends to have more standalone houses and riverside villas outside the old town core, while Da Nang has a wider range of high-rise apartments, especially along the beachfront and near the city centre. Rental costs vary a lot by season and proximity to the water, so it's worth comparing a few listings directly before committing to a lease.

Transport & Connectivity

Da Nang International Airport is the main gateway to the region, with domestic and international connections. From there, Hoi An is a straightforward taxi or Grab ride away. Within both towns, motorbikes and ride-hailing apps are the most common way to get around day-to-day, and the coastal road connecting the two makes commuting between them manageable for most people.

Hospitality & Tourism

Both destinations have well-established hospitality and tourism industries, from boutique hotels and resorts to restaurants and tour operators serving international visitors year-round. That makes the area a natural fit for sales roles that involve hospitality clients, guest relations or travel-adjacent products and services.

Work Opportunities

Da Nang's larger business base means a broader mix of industries, while Hoi An's opportunities tend to concentrate around hospitality, tourism and boutique retail. Sales roles in the area are often based with employers operating across both towns, so day-to-day work can involve time in either location depending on the role.

Which Location Suits Sales Professionals?

If you prefer a calmer base with a shorter commute to hospitality-focused clients, Hoi An is usually the better fit. If you'd rather be closer to a wider range of employers, amenities and a bigger international community, Da Nang tends to suit better. Neither choice rules out the other — plenty of sales professionals in the area live in one and work regularly in both.

Can You Live in Da Nang and Work in Hoi An?

Yes — this is a common setup. The drive between the two is short enough that many professionals base themselves in Da Nang for the lifestyle and amenities while commuting to a role in Hoi An, or vice versa. Ask about your specific employer's expectations around on-site days and flexibility before you commit to where you'll live.

Current Opportunities in Central Vietnam

To see current openings and get a fuller picture of what it's like to work in the region, visit our Vietnam sales jobs hub. We currently have a hospitality sales role based in Hoi An open for applications — or submit your CV if you'd like to be considered for future roles across Central Vietnam.