Why We Left Da Nang Vietnam - The Brutally Honest Truth

Why the Dufresnes Left Da Nang

After living in Vietnam for a year and visiting 14 areas of the country, the Dufresnes explain why they decided to leave Da Nang. They had hoped to make the city a long-term home base, but say their initial excitement faded after two or three months.

They emphasize that this is their personal experience: other visitors and residents may feel differently, and they still believe Vietnam is worth visiting for some people.

What made long-term life difficult for them

• Weather and environment: They found central Vietnam’s rainy season long, gloomy, stormy, and cooler than expected. Da Nang had less flooding than nearby Hoi An, but they disliked the extended gray weather and the hot, humid, still air they experienced in the dry season.
• Air quality and mold: They felt unusually tired and sluggish in Da Nang, which they attributed to pollution and mold in buildings. They say mold they reported in rentals was painted over rather than properly treated. These are their observations, not a medical diagnosis.
• Smoking, litter, and sanitation: They were bothered by indoor smoking, visible litter, unpleasant public beach bathrooms, and what they believed was sewage entering the sea near swimming areas. As a result, they chose not to swim there often.
• Crowds and noise: They found the beaches busy and loud, with frequent public announcements, organized activities, and photography sessions that sometimes intruded on diners’ or beachgoers’ space.
• Service and transport: They described Grab drivers cancelling or delaying rides. They also said restaurant service was often inattentive, orders were sometimes wrong, and staff did not always correct mistakes. They did mention a few restaurants where they felt the service was better.
• Safety and social atmosphere: The couple reported feeling uncomfortable with traffic, obstructed sidewalks, unreliable seatbelts, and occasional fights involving locals or foreigners. They also described some interactions as unwelcoming or intrusive, including unwanted touching and aggressive behavior in markets. These are their perceptions and anecdotes, not claims about every Vietnamese person.
• Scams and booking problems: They warned about people posing as Grab drivers, accommodation that differed from its online listing, unavailable amenities, last-minute cancellations, and reviews they suspected were incentivized. They also said they encountered extra charges during Tet and credit-card surcharges they believed were unlawful. Travelers should check current local rules and fees.
• Food and community: They initially enjoyed well-known dishes such as pho and bánh mì, but eventually found the local food repetitive for their tastes. They also felt they never developed the connection with local residents that is important to them when living abroad.

Practical tips they offer

• Try a place before committing. They recommend spending at least three to six months somewhere before selling possessions or making a major move, so you can experience daily life and different conditions.
• Inspect long-term housing in person before signing or paying, where possible. Confirm that advertised amenities, such as a pool or gym, are actually usable, and ask about construction or other disruptions.
• Use the official Grab app or a clearly identified taxi rather than accepting unsolicited rides from people claiming to be Grab drivers. The app can also help track a trip.
• Plan around Tet. Businesses may close, prices may change, and visa processing may be delayed during the holiday period.
• Check booking details and reviews carefully. Be cautious about unusually polished photos, high ratings tied to free gifts, and reservations cancelled shortly before arrival.
• Stay alert around traffic and on sidewalks. Check that seatbelts work and take care around traffic and blocked sidewalks.

Travel highlights and conclusion

Despite their criticism of Da Nang, they enjoyed some trips within Vietnam, especially Hoi An and Ninh Binh. They found Hue acceptable for shorter visits. They also compare their experience with time in Thailand, Costa Rica, Cambodia, Bali, and Hong Kong.

They eventually left Da Nang for Koh Samui, Thailand, where they say they felt better, though they do not describe it as a perfect place.

Notable locations: Da Nang; Hoi An and An Bang Beach; Ninh Binh; Hue; Phu Quoc; Hanoi; Sapa; Koh Samui; Bangkok; Costa Rica; Bali; Hong Kong.

Products and services mentioned: Grab; credit-card payment machines; hotel-booking platforms; e-visas. No specific product is recommended as a sponsor in the subtitles.

Speakers: The Dufresnes, including Chris and Shane; they also refer to their sons and friends.