Last updated: December 2025
Da Nang is a coastal powerhouse in central Vietnam. It blends beach access, affordable costs, and reliable connectivity for digital nomads basing 1 to 6 months. It is raw and rewarding with fast fiber, epic day trips, and local chaos. Verify all details as prices, rules, and conditions evolve.
Da Nang digital nomad quick facts
Who Da Nang is best for: Digital nomads who thrive on beach proximity, low overheads (typical $900 to $1,600 per month), and a balanced vibe between work and nature escapes. It is ideal if you handle variable weather and traffic, and want growing expat networks without overwhelming crowds.
Who should avoid it: Those needing constant urban energy, flawless dry seasons, or zero risks. Flooding disrupts, traffic demands caution, and enforcement of rules can vary. If you are risk-averse or on tight deadlines year-round, consider alternatives.
3 biggest pros:
- Affordable living with beaches and mountains.
- Strong internet rankings and backups.
- Easy day trips and visa options.
3 biggest cons:
- Wet season flooding and outages.
- Rising costs in popular areas.
- Chaotic traffic requiring vigilance.
Compact budget table (typical monthly, USD, single person; verify current rates):
| Band | Total | Rent | Food | Transport | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barebones | $800 to $1,200 | $250 to $450 | $200 | $60 | $290+ |
| Comfortable | $1,200 to $1,700 | $450 to $700 | $350 | $70 | $380+ |
| Cushy | $1,700+ | $700+ | $400+ | $80+ | $520+ |
Stop scrolling: Da Nang rewards adaptability. If wet outages wreck your flow, stick to dry months.
Best areas to live (An Thuong, My An, Son Tra, city center)
- An Thuong: Expat focal point with cafes, bars, gyms, and international options. Highly walkable, beach adjacent, but noisier and pricier. Typical rent: $500 to $800 for 1-bedroom. Suits social types prioritizing convenience.
- My An: Adjacent to An Thuong but more local blend. Good walkability, beach access, quieter vibe. Typical rent: $400 to $600. Fits those seeking balance without premium markup.
- Son Tra: Greener, calmer with strong beach and nature access. Less walkable (scooter helpful), more authentic feel. Typical rent: $350 to $550. Best for focused work and outdoor resets.
- City center (Hai Chau): Urban core with malls and local eats. No direct beach (20-minute ride), higher traffic noise. Typical rent: $400 to $650. Good if city amenities outweigh coast.
Stop scrolling: Scout Son Tra or My An for value. An Thuong’s vibe comes at a premium.
Where to stay short-term (first 7 to 14 days)
Book an Airbnb or hotel in An Thuong or My An for the first 7 to 14 days. Use this base to explore neighborhoods via scooter or Grab.
Key in-person checks: Wi-Fi speeds (aim for 100Mbps+ download), evening noise levels, mold presence (common in humidity), water pressure, and power reliability.
Airport to beach via Grab: Typically about $8, 20 minutes.
Apartments and monthly rentals (what you get for your money)
Rentals are typically furnished with AC, kitchen, and Wi-Fi included. Leases flexible, often month-to-month negotiable for nomads.
Deposits: Usually 1 to 2 months’ rent. Utilities separate, about $70 to $120 per month typical.
Good value: $200 to $400 often secures a modern 1-bedroom near beach with pool or gym. Hunt via Facebook groups, agents, or sites like Batdongsan or our housing guide.
Scams to avoid: Insist on in-person views. Beware fake listings or upfront wire demands. Pay deposits only with contract and keys.
Cost of living (real monthly budgets)
See quick facts table for bands. Rent dominates. Food and transport stay low. Costs rising in expat zones. Verify via local groups or our digital nomad guide. As of 2025, expect inflation tweaks.
Internet reality (fiber, mobile data, outages, backups)
Fixed broadband in apartments: Typically 100 to 300Mbps, with Vietnam ranking 11th globally per November 2025 reports. Average speeds around 262Mbps as of August 2025.
Cafe Wi-Fi varies. Reliable in chains like Highlands, inconsistent elsewhere.
Outages: Occasional, especially wet season power dips.
Real rule: Most days solid, but always have a mobile backup.
Da Nang leads Vietnam in 5G speeds, averaging about 671Mbps downloads in October 2025. Viettel offers strong coverage for tethering.
Coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafes
Spaces like Enouvo (modern, multiple locations) or Seaview (beach-adjacent). Day passes about $5 to $10, monthly $100 to $200 typical.
Look for: Strong AC, ample plugs, quiet areas.
Cafes: Highlands or Cong Caphe. Laptop-friendly with no strict limits.
Etiquette: Order regularly. Avoid peak hours for long stays. Test a few spots.
SIM/eSIM and phone plans (what to buy, what to avoid)
Buy at city stores for better deals (airport convenient but pricier).
Recommended: Viettel for coverage. Tourist plans: High data about $10 to $20 for 30 days.
Verify: Register with passport. Test signal/data before leaving.
Avoid: Overpriced airport options or weaker networks.
eSIM: Providers like Airalo for pre-arrival setup if compatible.
Getting around (Grab, scooters, walking, airport)
Grab bike: About $1 to $3 for short trips, efficient.
Scooters: Rental about $60 to $100 per month for freedom. Risk is real. Wear helmet, drive defensively, consider international permit (enforcement varies). If not confident, budget extra for Grab.
An Thuong/My An walkable. Others need transport.
Airport: 20 minutes/about $8 Grab to beach areas.
Food and groceries (cheap eats, supermarkets, vegan-friendly notes)
Street food: Banh mi or pho about $0.60 to $1.60 typical.
Local restaurants: $2 to $5. Western $10+.
Groceries: Easy at Lotte Mart or Big C, including imports.
Vegan: Abundant veggie options in pho, banh mi, and markets.
Tap water: Not safe to drink directly. Use filtered or bottled. Fine for brushing teeth or cooking if boiled/filtered, but verify local advice for safety.
Eat cheap safely: Choose busy stalls with fresh, hot prep.
Weather, monsoon, and flooding (best months, what it breaks)
Dry season (Feb to Aug): Warm 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, minimal rain. Optimal for beach and work.
Wet season (Sep to Dec): Heavy rains peak Oct to Nov, causing flooding that impacts commutes, power, and Wi-Fi.
Best months: Mar to May for dry warmth.
Plan around dry if deadlines sensitive. Wet disruptions common.
Visas and legality (what is true, what is risky, what changes)
No dedicated nomad visa as of 2025. Use e-visa framework: $25 single-entry or $50 multiple-entry, valid up to 90 days for eligible nationalities.
Extensions or border runs possible, but rules change. Verify current via official sites.
Remote work for foreign clients: Enforcement and interpretation vary. Assess your own risk and check updates.
For logistics: Options like lynnvisa.vn for border/visa assistance.
Healthcare, insurance, and pharmacies
Pharmacies widespread for basics, often cheap.
Clinics: Family Medical Practice for English-speaking care.
Serious issues: Hospitals like Vinmec.
Insurance recommended for coverage, including evacuation.
Keep on hand: Repellent, electrolytes, basic meds. Verify safety info.
Safety, scams, and common pain points
Overall safe, low violent crime.
Common: Traffic risks (drive cautiously), petty theft like bag snatches.
Scams: Rental fakes, overcharges. View properties in person, use apps like Grab.
Pain points: Wet-season mold, rising costs. Mitigate with prep.
Things to do (free, paid, weekend trips)
Free: Beach walks, Son Tra hikes, Lady Buddha views.
Paid: Marble Mountains exploration, markets.
Weekend trips: Hoi An ancient town, Ba Na Hills cable car, Hai Van Pass drive.
Focus on mixes that recharge without overload.
FAQ
Real cost as nomad?
Typical $900 to $1,700 per month. Rent $400 to $700, food/transport low. Verify 2025 rates.
Top neighborhoods?
An Thuong for social, Son Tra for quiet, My An balanced.
Internet reliable?
Typically 100Mbps+ fixed. Mobile backups essential for outages.
Coworking options?
Enouvo/Seaview: Community and AC, about $100 to $200 per month.
Best months?
Mar to Aug dry and warm. Avoid Oct to Nov for flood risks.
Visa basics?
E-visa $25 to $50, up to 90 days. Extensions possible but verify.
Scooter safety?
Common for mobility, but risks real. Helmet, caution key.
Family-friendly?
Beaches and schools yes, but traffic/wet seasons challenging. Son Tra calmer.