The Best of Da Nang for Digital Nomads

Da Nang, a city located in central Vietnam, may not be the first location that comes to mind when thinking of a hub for digital nomads. However, despite a lack of co-works, this city is quickly becoming a popular destination for remote workers.

With a growing number of cafes offering fast Wi-Fi, Da Nang is proving to be a viable option for those seeking a change of pace from the typical bustling metropolis. Whether it’s for a quick work cation or an extended stay, Da Nang’s combination of stunning natural beauty and modern conveniences makes it an ideal location for digital nomads.

I have been to Da Nang 3 times, and each time I discovered new things. During my stay, I was able to explore the city and its surrounding areas by motorbike, meet more digital nomads, get some dates from Bumble, and find nice cafes and coworking spaces to work in.

In this guide, I’ll be summing up the best cafes and coworking spaces to work, how to meet new people, recommendations of things to do in the area, and some practical information about how to get around. So, let’s start!

Best Accommodation for DN in Da Nang

Here are the places I’ve been and would recommend.

Light House Hostel – Cheap Hostel with a Co-work

I spent a month at the Lighthouse Da Nang Hostel, and it turned out to be a gem for budget travelers. At just $6.30 per night. (Dammm Da Nang so cheap when it comes to accommodation.).

One of the standout features is the co-working space. It was convenient for me, allowing me to save some money and avoid the crowded cafes or pricier co-working spots in the city. The staff here are really friendly and always ready to help, making the stay even more enjoyable. Plus, I met people along the way.

The internet was fast and reliable, which is crucial for remote work. And the location? Just a 5-minute stroll from the beach.

However, there were occasional dead cockroaches in the rooms, which was a bit off-putting.

Overall, I’d recommend the Lighthouse Hostel to anyone seeking an affordable, convenient stay in Da Nang, especially if you need a good place to work and unwind.

Raon apartments – Affordable apartments

I spent two months at the Raon Apartments, and overall, it was a pleasant experience. The location is great – nestled in a quiet neighborhood and just a 5-minute walk from the beach. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, adding a personal touch to my stay.

The internet was mostly reliable and fast, though it did tend to drop out during stormy weather. On those days, I either used my mobile data (E-SIM) to connect my laptop or headed to a nearby café with a more stable connection.

My apartment was compact but clean and well-equipped, featuring a kitchenette, bathroom, and a small living area. It was comfortable and had everything I needed.

I would recommend Raon Apartments to solo travelers and couples seeking a private and convenient place to stay, especially those who plan to work from their room.

3 Top Cafes for Digital Nomads in Da Nang

Kopi Coffee & Co-Working Space – The best one!

I was impressed with my experience at Kopi Coffee & Co-Working Space, formerly known as LION COFFEE. The name change was not the only transformation, as the second floor has been turned into an impressive co-working space.

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with comfortable office chairs that provided excellent back support. The ambiance was quiet, which was perfect for concentration, and the friendly staff not only served me coffee but also helped me with my queries.

The stable internet connection was a huge plus, and although there was no 5G network available, I didn’t face any issues with the speed. I found myself spending most of my time here, as the space increased my productivity levels.

Previously, the best part about this co-working space was that you could get access to its facilities by simply purchasing a drink or food item from its menu. However, they have since updated their subscription model and now offer a variety of packages for accessing their facilities.

Here is a picture of their current subscription package options:

I highly recommend checking out Kopi, the place, and I’ve even made a video showcasing the place to give you an idea of what to expect.

Some pictures from the place

Cafe The Flower

I had also the chance to work at Cafe The Flower, formerly known as KAKAO KAFE. The main reason I chose this cafe was its convenient location – it was in the same building as my hotel.

This cafe has a charming ambiance and fast internet speed (5G), which is always a plus when working remotely. They have a variety of coffee options and some food options on the menu, which was perfect for grabbing a quick bite during my work breaks.

However, I must admit that the chairs were not very comfortable for me to sit in for long periods. Although I tried to adjust them, they didn’t seem to work well for my posture. Due to this reason, I usually worked here for an hour or so, and then I would move to another location.

Overall, Cafe The Flower is a great option for digital nomads who are looking for a cozy cafe with fast internet and delicious food and coffee. Just make sure to choose a seating option that works well for your comfort.

Location: 31 Nguyễn Công Sáu, Phước Mỹ, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng 550000, Việt Nam

Some pictures from the place

Der’Morgen Beverage & Coffee Shop

Der’Morgen Beverage & Coffee Shop is a great spot to grab a cup of coffee and get some work done. The atmosphere is quiet and perfect for those who want to focus on their work. Although the shop looks fancy, the prices of the coffee are quite low, which is a pleasant surprise.

The place has two floors, which provides a good amount of space for customers. The internet connection is stable, making it easy to work on the go.

Location: 236 Dương Đình Nghệ, phường An Hải Bắc, quận Sơn Trà, thành phố Đà Nẵng, Quận Sơn Trà, Vietnam

Some pictures from the place

More good options:

1. Space A for the coworking space
2. Local Beans
3. Bread N Salt
4. iVegan
5. Haian Rooftop
6. Arrow Cafe
7. Mua Cafe
8. Eco Green Cafe
9. Space A Travelers

What to Do & See While You’re There

Da Nang is a great city with plenty to offer, from beaches and mountains to traditional Vietnamese cuisine. There are plenty of things to do when you’re not working, such as taking a boat tour along the river or exploring the local markets for some delicious street food.

First, Rent a motorbike

Renting a motorbike is one of the best ways to explore Da Nang, as it saves you the cost of booking a tour or trip with a travel agency or taking a taxi.

In addition, It is much more convenient, as you are able to move around the city at your own leisure and explore all its hidden gems in a relaxed manner.

If you work during the week (like me) and hang out on the weekends (also like me). You can rent a motorcycle for the weekend and explore the city.

I rented a bike from Cho thuê xe máy Đà Nẵng. The owner was super friendly and helpful, and the process was very easy. It cost me 150,000 VND (around $7 – 6$) per day, and it was definitely worth it.

Monkey pass

There are monkeys in Da Nang!

One of the things to do when in town is to take the Monkey Pass with your rented motorbike. The pass is located in the Hai Van pass, about 30 minutes away from the center of Da Nang.

The Monkey Pass is a stunningly beautiful winding road that can be explored freely with your motorcycle. Along the way, you will encounter monkeys and stunning views.

Golden Bridge

The Golden Bridge is an iconic bridge that looks like two giant hands holding up a long golden bridge. (Who doesn’t want to take pictures with huge hands).

To reach the bridge. You can book a tour, take a taxi, or rent a scooter and make the journey on your own.

The Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are a great place to visit while in Da Nang. The area is made up of five limestone mountains and has several Buddhist temples, pagodas, and caves to explore. It’s a great spot for hiking as well as taking some amazing photos. You can also take advantage of the cable car or ride an elephant to the top.

For most of the sites, you can arrive with a motorcycle, so I highly recommend renting one.

Immerse yourself in the world of Vietnamese coffee!

Explore its unique history and culture, then brew the four most renowned Vietnamese beverages, including the famous egg coffee, in a fun, hands-on workshop. Click here to learn more.

How to Stay Connected with Fast Internet and Local SIM Cards

Sim card

You can find SIM cards at the airport and around the city. The most popular provider is Viettel, and the card costs around 200,000 VND (9$). For more information on local SIM cards, search on google.

WiFi

Most hotels and cafes in Da Nang will offer free Wi-Fi, so you should be able to get connected pretty easily. I also found WIFI in street restaurants, but the connection is unreliable.

TIP: When you book a place to sleep. Make sure there is a cafe / co-work nearby in case The Wi-Fi at your place isn’t good.

Internet speed

Da Nang was ranked first in Vietnam for mobile internet speed by the Speedtest Global Index in April 2022. So no worries about the speed.

Meeting other digital nomads in Da Nang

I did find it a bit challenging to connect with other digital nomads. Unlike other destinations where there are many events and co-livings specifically catering to digital nomads, I didn’t find as many opportunities to meet like-minded individuals in Da Nang.

But after all, we are in a technological age, and there are still apps and groups that can help in this matter. Here are some ways to meet more digital nomads:

Nomad list

Nomad list allows users to connect with other digital nomads in the area, making it a great way to meet like-minded individuals.

Facebook

Some of the active groups I found on Facebook:

• Digital Nomads in Da Nang
• Expats in Da Nang City

Couchsurfing

There is an activity on Couchsurfing Da Nang, and you can join in on some of the meetups or even host one.

Sure, here is the rewritten text with the keyword “Tinder in Vietnam”:

Tinder and Bumble in Vietnam

Tinder and Bumble are two of the most popular dating apps in Vietnam. You can use these apps to meet people in Da Nang and other cities in Vietnam.

To use Tinder in Vietnam, you can set your location to Da Nang and start swiping on the profiles of people in the area. You can also use the app’s bio section to mention that you are a digital nomad and that you are looking to meet other digital nomads in the area.

Bumble is similar to Tinder, but it has a few key differences. For one, women have to make the first move on Bumble. This means that if you are a man, you will only be able to match with women who have swiped right on you.

Both Tinder and Bumble are great ways to meet people in Vietnam. However, it is important to be aware of the local dating culture. In Vietnam, dating is often seen as a more conservative activity. Therefore, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when using these apps.

I made a guide about Tinder in Thailand. Although he is in Thailand, there is a lot of useful information that can be applied to any destination you go to in Asia.

Overall, digital nomads in Da Nang are hard to find, but with a bit of effort and the right apps, you should be able to find like-minded people. So don’t worry! You won’t get bored in Da Nang.

DO’S AND DONT’S:

Do’s

• Rent a motorbike or bicycle to get around the city.
• Try the local food. Da Nang is known for its delicious street food and seafood. Some must-try dishes include banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), mi quang (a type of noodle soup), and bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles).
• Visit the beaches. Da Nang has some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, such as My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, and Bac My An Beach.
• Visit the Marble Mountains. This group of limestone and marble hills is a popular tourist attraction and offers great views of the city.
• Take a day trip to the nearby towns of Hoi An and Hue. Both are known for their historical and cultural significance and make for great day trips from Da Nang.
• Be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Vietnam is a culturally rich country, and it’s important to be mindful of customs and traditions when visiting.

Don’ts

• Don’t haggle too aggressively. In Vietnam, haggling is common, but it’s important to remember that the prices are often quite low, and merchants make a living by selling their products. Haggling too aggressively can be considered rude and disrespectful.
• Don’t ignore traffic rules. Da Nang is a relatively safe city, but like most of the cities in Vietnam, traffic can be chaotic and dangerous. Make sure to follow traffic rules and be aware of your surroundings when crossing the streets.
• Don’t ignore the weather. Da Nang can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months. Be sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
• Don’t be too loud and rowdy. The Vietnamese culture values peace and tranquility, and it’s important to be mindful of the noise levels and not to be too loud or disruptive in public places.

Visa info

Visa Info: Great news! Vietnam extended the validity of their e-visa to 3 months. This means digital nomads and other visitors can now stay for up to 90 days without needing a visa on arrival.

Vietnam Digital Nomad Visa:

While Vietnam doesn’t currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, travelers can enter on a tourist e-visa valid for 3 months. This can be a good option for some remote workers, but keep in mind tourist visas don’t authorize working for Vietnamese companies.

ATM In DA Nang

ATMs are located throughout Vietnam, and most of them accept international cards. In Da Nang, you can find ATMs in almost all tourist spots as well as at the airport and shopping malls.

Be sure to check with your bank before traveling to make sure your card will work in Vietnam, and be aware that there may be extra fees.

• Withdrawal fee: 22000VND ($1)
• Withdrawal limit: 5,000,000VND ($200)

*The info is based on my experience and might have changed since then.

My Experience As A Digital Nomad in Da Nang

My experience as a digital nomad in Da Nang was a mix of good and bad.

I arrived in the city from a flight from Bangkok and initially stayed in a hostel because I wanted to start off in a social environment. Unfortunately, the hostel I was in wasn’t built for socializing, so after a few days, I decided to move to an apartment by myself.

This proved to be an excellent decision as it gave me a great atmosphere to work in, as I could work both from the cafe downstairs and in the apartment.

Regarding socializing, it was a bit challenging for me to connect with other digital nomads and foreigners, but I found some football games to play and attended a few meetups.

One of the challenges I faced was finding street food that suited my taste, as Vietnamese food is mostly seafood and spicy. That’s why I used the Grab application a lot, and it was through this experience that the idea to write an article about how to use Grab’s app in a way that will save you money.

Overall, the atmosphere in Da Nang was nice, and I liked going to the sea, which was only a few minutes away, to clear my head. I was also able to find some places with free Wi-Fi, which enabled me to work from different locations.

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