We are back in Danang after traveling Europe, Eastern Europe, and Asia, because Danang is one of our favorite places.
Some things have changed, some for the better, some maybe not. We will discuss what we have noticed and then tell you if we would still retire in Danang, Vietnam.
We will discuss … Healthcare, Apartments, Beaches, Restaurants, Traffic, Public Markets, Gyms, Internet, language barriers, Nightlife, Safety, Visas, Weather, Cost of Living, Expat Community.
Dan, VA, USA, 18 Years, 73 Countries, 2016, met Qiang on Tinder.
Qiang, HV, Malaysia, 48 countries,
1. Healthcare – The best insurance in the world
- Quality of hospitals and clinics, My Cardiologist
- Availability of English-speaking doctors
- Personal Experience
- Dental care, My Dentist
- Traditional medicine and pharmacies
2. Beach – hang out best place
- Cleanliness and maintenance of My Khe and My An Beach
- Crowds (busy vs. quiet areas, red areas)
- Swimming conditions (waves, lifeguards)
- Beachfront cafés and activities (yoga, surfing, beach volleyball, frisbee)
- Sunrise views and jogging paths
3. Apartments
- Cost comparison (6.5m-end of 2023 VS 9m-2025)
- Furnished vs. unfurnished
- Availability of Western-style amenities
- Safety and security
- Access to elevator, generator, or parking
- Dealing with landlords (English-speaking or not)
4. Restaurants
- Variety of cuisines (Vietnamese, Mexican, Steak house, Pizza, Korean, Japanese, Western)
- Food delivery options, Grab
- Street food scene and cleanliness
- Cost of eating out regularly
- Vegetarian/vegan
5. Traffic
- Motorbike vs. car vs. bicycle
- Safety for pedestrians
- Noise levels and pollution
- Ride-hailing apps, Grab Taxi
6. Public Markets (Ours)
- Availability of fresh produce, seafood, meats, grains, beans, nuts
- Price comparison with supermarkets
- Street snacks and local specialties
- Moonmilk for imported goods
7. Gyms
- Types of gyms (local vs. international chains)
- Yoga, pilates, and dance classes
- Monthly membership costs (Ours)
- Fitness community for expats and locals
8. Internet
- Speed and reliability (especially if working online)
- Cost of mobile data and home fiber internet
- Internet cafés/co-working spaces
- VPN works for Netflix
9. Language Barrier
- English level among locals (young vs. older generation)
- Use of Google Translate or apps
10. Nightlife (Party Area)
- Bars, rooftop lounges, and beach clubs
- Live music and events
- Expat meetups and quiz nights
- Safety at night
- Drinking laws and closing hours
11. Safety
12. Visas (Official Webpage)
- Tourist visa options (e.g., e-visa, visa run)
- Long-stay or retirement visa alternatives
- Business visa (agent help)
- Updates on Vietnam visa policies
12. Weather
- Rainy season (Typhoon season: Sept–Nov)
- Humidity and air conditioning needs
- Best months for beach life
- Siesta lifestyle
13. Cost of Living
- Total monthly budget for two people
- Utilities and groceries
- Local vs. imported goods
14. Expat Community
- How easy to make friends
- Facebook groups and meetups
- Language exchange groups