Da Nang is a clean and modern Vietnamese city and definitely somewhere you should consider if you are thinking of retiring in Vietnam. Da Nang benefits from a charming riverfront, and close proximity to three different UNESCO World Heritage sites. These things combine to make it one of the best places to retire in Asia today.
Retiring in Da Nang offers a chance to experience a completely different culture. But you can be reassured that there are some western amenities. A strong expat community live here, and you can find some big stores selling some of your favorite brands.
Cost Of Living
Da Nang is a bargain by western standards. AN expat couple can enjoy a good standard of life here on less than US$1,200 per month excluding rent. You can expect to pay around US$400 for a nice house. Luxury homes start from about US$800 monthly.
For more detailed information, take a look at our budget page.
Expat Community
Da Nang has expats from around the world and you will have no difficulty meeting up with fellow English speakers. There are a couple of international schools here including the Green Shoots International School. This international school has campuses in Hoi and and Da Nang and follows the British Curriculum.
Public Transport
Da Nang has the best roads in Vietnam. The government has big plans for the city, and has invested a lot of money into the infrastructure. They are well maintained and more importantly easy to navigate. Driving here is less chaotic than elsewhere in Vietnam. However, there are a lot of motorbikes and scooters on the road, and driving here will still take some getting used to.
Da Nang has plenty of taxi’s which are inexpensive and reliable. There is also a service called Grab, which works like Uber. Download the app and book a ride from your smart phone. Grab is generally cheaper than a taxi.
Reputable taxi companies include
- Mai Linh Taxi: +84 511 352 5252
- Tien Sa Taxi:+84 511 379 7979
- Vinasun Taxi: +84 511 368 6868
The cheapest way to get around is via bus. The price is set at 5,000 VND per journey regardless of how far you are travelling. For more information on navigating Da Nang by bus, you can visit the DanaBus website here.
Things To Do
Vietnam guide has put together a comprehensive guide to Da Nang’s top attractions. This includes opening hours and contact details. Click here to find out more.
Da Nang is a great destination for foodies. The street food here is cheap and delicious. There are restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. As well as Vietnamese food you can find lots of good French restaurants, thanks to France’s previous presence in the region.
There are a lots of golf courses here, be sure to schedule your game early before it gets too hot.
One of the main reasons people are choosing to live in Da Nang is the beaches. Although the area is becoming more popular with tourists you can still find lots of quiet, peaceful beaches to laze away the day. As a general rule, the southern beaches are the most popular. The northern beaches are off the beaten track but also free from amenities. Some beaches here are private and may charge you to enter.
Da Nang is by no means a major shopping destination. However there are a few malls here which will should be enough for most people. Western brands can be hard to come by as most malls stock goods from Vietnam, China and Korea.
Transport Links To The US
There’s no getting away from the fact that Vietnam is a long way from the USA. A flight from New York will take at least 20 hours, including a change in Hong Kong. Flights from Los Angeles can be slightly quicker, with the fastest taking 17 hours 25 mins.
Climate
Da Nang has a tropical climate and you can expect significant bursts of rainfall through much of the year. The dry season is fairly short starting sometime in February and ending in May. The rainy season peaks in October but September, November and December all receive heavy rain. Rain is likely to come in short and heavy bursts and even on a rainy day you can expect a few hours of sunshine. For detailed information on Da Nang’s climate click here.
Anything Else You Should Know About Retiring In Da Nang?
Da Nang has a huge bridge which has been shaped to look like a dragon. The illuminated dragon winds its way across the bridge, and the colors change throughout the night. If you are lucky enough to be there at a weekend the dragon breathes fire at 9pm.
Da Nang is also home to Vietnam’s biggest Buddha statue. This statue is different from all the other Buddha statues though. Buddha is a woman. Although people today tend to think of Buddha as a man, it is actually a state of enlightenment as well. The giant female Buddha shows both men and women can come into resonance with the Buddha.
Oliver Lovett
