Da Nang with Kids: Our Family Guide to Living in Vietnam's Beach City

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Considering Da Nang for Your Family?

We’re spending a month in Da Nang with our two boys, Louie (9) and Leo (2), and getting to know the city as a family rather than simply passing through as tourists.

We’re staying near My Khe Beach, working remotely, finding our daily rhythm and discovering the places that make family life easier. From vegetarian-friendly restaurants and creative cafés to beaches, museums, swimming pools and activities for different ages.

This guide is being updated from the ground as we explore. We’ll share the places we actually visit, what worked well for us, what surprised us and the practical details we wish we’d known before arriving.

If you’re considering Da Nang as a base for your own family, we hope this gives you a more realistic picture of what everyday life here can look like. Including the good bits, the challenges and everything in between.

Living in Da Nang With Kids

Is Da Nang a good place to live with kids?

For our family, one of the biggest advantages of Da Nang was how easy it was to combine everyday family life with a sense of adventure. We had the beach close by, plenty of places to eat, cafés to work from, supermarkets and everyday services, plus mountains, cultural sites and other parts of central Vietnam within easy reach.

We spent a month here with Louie (9) and Leo (2), so we experienced Da Nang quite differently from how we would on a short holiday. We had to figure out where to eat when everyone was hungry, what worked around a toddler’s nap, where Louie could burn off some energy and how to fit remote work into the day.

Staying near My Khe Beach was particularly convenient for us. We could walk to the beach, pop out for breakfast or coffee, find somewhere to eat and get back to the hotel without every outing becoming a major trip. Having a pool was also a big bonus with Leo, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Da Nang isn’t completely effortless with children. Traffic takes some getting used to, pavements aren’t always easy with a pram and the heat can make midday activities challenging. We also found that some places that look family-friendly online weren’t necessarily set up for young children once we arrived.

Still, the combination of beach, city conveniences, food, nature and relatively easy day-to-day living makes Da Nang an interesting option for families considering a longer stay.

What we’ve noticed after spending time here

One thing we’ve enjoyed is that family life doesn’t have to revolve around organised children’s attractions. A morning can be as simple as breakfast, a walk along the beach, a swim and some time exploring a new neighbourhood.

Louie has also had plenty of opportunities to learn outside a classroom. Museums, Vietnamese food, local markets, architecture, the beach and simply navigating a different culture all become part of our worldschooling experience.

For Leo, our priorities are much simpler: somewhere safe to move around, food he can eat, a place to cool down and activities that don’t completely derail nap time.

That has changed how we explore Da Nang. We’re learning to do less, start earlier and leave plenty of room for the unexpected.

What we love

• 🏖️ The beach is part of everyday life rather than something we need to plan a whole day around.
• 🌴 There is plenty of nature nearby, from the coastline to mountains and the Son Tra Peninsula.
• 🍜 Food is easy to find, with everything from local Vietnamese dishes to international and vegetarian options.
• ☕ Cafés are everywhere, which makes remote work and family life easier to combine.
• 🎨 There are plenty of opportunities for informal learning, from museums and cultural sites to cooking, art and everyday life.
• 🚕 Getting around is relatively easy using Grab and taxis when walking isn’t practical.
• 🏊 Pools are common, which has been particularly useful with a toddler in the heat.

What has been harder than expected

• 🚦 Traffic can be hectic, particularly when crossing larger roads with children.
• ☀️ The heat changes your routine. We’ve found mornings much easier for outdoor activities.
• 🛒 Not every area is equally convenient. A beautiful apartment can become less appealing if you’re constantly travelling for food, groceries or activities.
• 👶 Travelling with a toddler requires more flexibility. The best-laid plans often need to change around naps, meals and energy levels.
• 🌧️ Weather can disrupt plans, so having indoor alternatives is important during wetter periods.

For us, that balance is what makes Da Nang interesting. It isn’t a perfect family bubble, but it feels like a place where we can build a normal routine while still having plenty to explore.

Where to Stay in Da Nang With Kids

Where you stay can make a surprisingly big difference to family life in Da Nang. A place that looks inexpensive or beautiful online may be less convenient once you factor in traffic, heat, naps, groceries and how often you need to use Grab.

For a longer stay, we’d prioritise walkability, a comfortable apartment, reliable Wi-Fi, air conditioning and easy access to food and everyday essentials over simply finding the cheapest accommodation.

We’re staying near My Khe Beach, and being able to walk to the beach has made a real difference to our daily routine. With two children, particularly a toddler, having places nearby means we don’t need to turn every coffee, meal or beach visit into a car journey.

The best areas for families in Da Nang

My An & An Thuong

My An and An Thuong are popular with international residents and digital nomad families. You’ll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, convenience stores and accommodation, with My Khe Beach only a short walk or ride away.

Best for: families who want a lively area, lots of food options and easy access to the beach.

This is probably the easiest place to start if you’re new to Da Nang and want plenty around you while you settle in.

My Khe Beach

The area around My Khe is ideal if beach access is high on your family’s list. The beachfront gives you plenty of opportunities for swimming, playing, walking and watching the sunrise without needing to plan a full day around it.

For us, being close to My Khe has been one of the biggest practical advantages of our stay.

Best for: beach-loving families, early risers and anyone who wants the sea to be part of everyday life.

Son Tra

Son Tra offers a different feel, with more greenery, beaches and access to the peninsula. It can suit families looking for a quieter base while still being within reach of the city.

The trade-off is that you’ll want to check how close your accommodation is to supermarkets, restaurants, schools and other places you’ll use regularly.

Best for: families prioritising nature, quieter surroundings and access to Son Tra.

Hai Chau

Hai Chau is the more central, urban option. You’re closer to markets, shops, cultural attractions and many of the city’s everyday services.

It’s less focused on beach life than My An or My Khe, but it can work well for families who prefer being in the middle of the city.

Best for: families who value city conveniences and cultural experiences over being close to the beach.

What should families look for in accommodation?

For a stay of a few weeks or more, we’d look beyond the photos.

Our family checklist would include:

• Reliable Wi-Fi
• Good air conditioning
• A proper kitchen or kitchenette
• Washing machine or easy access to laundry
• Enough space for children to play
• A pool if your budget allows
• A lift if you’re travelling with a pram
• Safe windows and balconies
• A comfortable sleeping arrangement for children
• Nearby supermarkets and food options
• Noise levels, particularly at night
• Easy access to the beach or other places you’ll visit regularly

A swimming pool isn’t essential, but with a toddler in Da Nang’s heat, we’ve found having somewhere to cool down can make a big difference.

Should you book online or rent locally?

For a first visit, booking a short-term stay can give you time to understand which area suits your family before committing to a longer rental.

Once you’re here, you may find local agents and landlords offering different options, particularly for stays of several months. Always check exactly what is included in the advertised price, including electricity, water, internet, cleaning and other fees.

For families, we’d also visit the apartment before signing a longer agreement if possible. Photos don’t tell you how noisy a building is, how strong the Wi-Fi actually is or what the surrounding streets feel like with children.

Our tip: choose your street, not just your neighbourhood

Two apartments in the same Da Nang neighbourhood can give you completely different experiences.

Before booking, look at the surrounding streets on a map and consider where you’ll actually spend your time. Being five minutes closer to the beach, supermarket or favourite café can save a surprising amount of time over a month.

For us, that has been one of the biggest lessons of staying somewhere for longer: convenience becomes much more important when you’re living somewhere rather than sightseeing.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Da Nang With Kids?

One of the reasons we were interested in spending a month in Da Nang was the potential to keep our family costs manageable without giving up the things that make everyday life comfortable.

For our family of four, we’re currently spending around €2,265 a month on accommodation, food, local transport and mobile data.

Our accommodation: €1,200

We’re paying €1,200 for our month-long stay near My Khe Beach. This isn’t the cheapest accommodation option in Da Nang, but we deliberately chose somewhere comfortable while we settled in.

Our room includes:

• Daily breakfast
• Daily housekeeping
• Swimming pool
• Air conditioning
• Kitchenette
• Washing machine
• Reliable Wi-Fi
• A convenient location near My Khe Beach

For us, that combination has been worth paying a little more. With two children, including a toddler, having breakfast sorted, laundry facilities, a pool and the beach nearby makes everyday life much easier.

You can definitely spend less on accommodation in Da Nang if you’re prepared to look around. Longer-term apartment rentals, local listings and places outside the most popular beach areas can offer much better value.

On the other hand, larger apartments, villas, newer buildings and more central locations can push your monthly costs considerably higher.

Food: around €900

We’re spending roughly €30 a day on food for our family of four, which works out at around €900 a month.

Breakfast is included with our accommodation, so this mostly covers lunch and dinner.

We’re vegetarian, so we tend to mix local Vietnamese food with international restaurants and cafés. We’ve found plenty of options, although finding somewhere that works for the whole family sometimes takes a little planning.

Eating locally can be very inexpensive, while international restaurants, cafés and more upscale venues quickly increase the daily total.

Cooking more meals at home would also bring our food costs down, but at the moment we’ve been enjoying eating out and experiencing the food scene rather than trying to recreate everything in our kitchenette.

Grab and local transport: around €150

We’re spending about €5 a day on Grab, or roughly €150 for the month.

For our family, Grab has made getting around Da Nang without a car surprisingly straightforward. We can use it when the heat is too much, when we’re carrying things or when somewhere is simply too far to walk with Leo.

We haven’t needed to rent a car, and we don’t have a scooter. For a family staying in or around the beach areas, that makes a big difference to the overall cost of living.

SIM cards: €15

We’re paying around €15 a month for two SIM cards.

Having reliable mobile data has been useful for everything from booking Grab rides and checking maps to staying connected while we’re out exploring.

What about activities?

One thing we’ve noticed is that everyday entertainment doesn’t have to cost much.

The beach is free, swimming at our accommodation is included, and simply exploring different neighbourhoods gives us plenty to do. We’ve also found kids’ play cafés and other inexpensive activities that work well when the weather is too hot for being outside.

Our worldschooling activities have included things such as museum visits and surf lessons. These add occasional costs rather than becoming a significant monthly expense.

For us, that’s one of the appealing things about Da Nang. You don’t need to book an activity every day to keep the kids busy.

So, how much do you really need?

Our current €2,265 monthly spend gives our family of four a comfortable base in Da Nang.

It’s important to put that number into context, though. This isn’t a bare-bones budget. We’re staying in a comfortable hotel with breakfast, housekeeping, a pool and a great location. We’re also eating out regularly and using Grab rather than relying on the cheapest possible options.

A family could spend less by:

• Choosing a cheaper apartment or longer-term rental
• Cooking more meals at home
• Eating mainly local Vietnamese food
• Walking or using public transport more often
• Staying further from the beach

You could also spend considerably more with a larger apartment or villa, international schooling, regular childcare, frequent tours, private transport or more expensive restaurants.

For us, Da Nang currently feels like a place where €2,250–€2,300 a month can provide a comfortable family lifestyle without needing to constantly watch every euro.

We’ll keep updating this section as we spend more time here, because our real monthly costs will become more useful than any generic cost-of-living estimate.

Food in Da Nang With Kids

Food is a big part of everyday life in Da Nang, and we’ve found eating out with the kids surprisingly easy overall.

We’re vegetarian, so we’re paying particular attention to places with good vegetarian and vegan choices. Da Nang has plenty of options, from traditional Vietnamese dishes to cafés and restaurants serving international food.

Is Da Nang good for vegetarian and vegan families?

For us, yes, although it isn’t completely effortless.

There are plenty of vegetarian restaurants and Vietnamese dishes that can be adapted, and we’ve found more choice than we expected. Tofu, vegetables, rice, noodles, fresh fruit and vegetarian versions of local dishes are easy to find.

We’ve also been exploring cafés and restaurants around the beach and An Thuong areas, where international food is more common.

The main thing we’ve learned is that “vegetarian” doesn’t always mean the same thing everywhere. If you’re strictly vegan, it’s worth checking ingredients rather than assuming a dish is completely plant-based.

We’ve also found that having a few reliable restaurants and cafés makes family life much easier. With a toddler, you don’t always want to spend an hour searching for somewhere suitable when everyone is already hungry.

Eating local with kids

One of the best parts of living here is that eating local doesn’t have to mean sitting down for a formal meal.

Breakfast can be noodles or another Vietnamese dish, lunch might be rice and vegetables, and fresh fruit and drinks are easy to pick up throughout the day.

For Louie, food is also part of the worldschooling experience. Trying unfamiliar dishes, learning what different ingredients are called and seeing how food fits into everyday Vietnamese life all become part of living here.

Cafés are part of family life

Da Nang has a huge café culture, and we’ve found this particularly useful as a family.

Some cafés are better suited to working with children than others. We’re looking for places with enough space for Leo, comfortable seating, air conditioning when it’s hot and food or drinks that work for the whole family.

We’ve also discovered cafés where Louie can do something creative or where we can combine a coffee stop with an activity.

For remote-working parents, this makes the café scene more than just a place to grab a coffee. It can become part of the daily rhythm.

Eating out with a toddler

Having Leo with us has changed the way we choose restaurants.

We look for:

• Enough space for a toddler to move around
• Air conditioning or good ventilation
• High chairs where available
• Quick food service
• Vegetarian options
• Easy access from where we’re staying
• Somewhere we won’t feel uncomfortable if a two-year-old gets restless

We’ve found that keeping meals fairly casual works best. A restaurant doesn’t need to be specifically designed for children to work well for families.

What we’ve learned

Our biggest takeaway so far is that food is one of the easier parts of family life in Da Nang, particularly if you’re comfortable eating a mixture of local and international food.

The challenge isn’t finding food. It’s finding the right place for your family at the right time, especially when you’re balancing a toddler’s routine, the heat and everyone’s hunger.

We’ll keep adding our favourite vegetarian restaurants, cafés and family-friendly food spots as we discover them during our month here.

Beaches in Da Nang With Kids

For our family, having the beach so close is one of the biggest advantages of living in Da Nang.

We’re staying near My Khe Beach, so a trip to the beach doesn’t need to become a whole-day outing. We can walk down in the morning, spend some time by the water and head back when Leo needs his nap or the heat starts to build.

That makes a big difference when you’re travelling with a toddler.

My Khe Beach

My Khe is the main beach we’ve been using during our stay and it’s easy to see why it’s popular with families.

The beach is long, wide and easy to access from the neighbourhoods around An Thuong and My An. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops nearby, so you can easily combine a beach visit with lunch, a coffee or an afternoon back at your accommodation.

For us, the biggest benefit is convenience. We don’t have to plan around a complicated journey to get there.

We’ve found mornings and later afternoons much more comfortable with the kids. During the hottest part of the day, the combination of strong sun and heat can make the beach less enjoyable, particularly with a toddler.

Beach time with a toddler

Having Leo with us means we’re not spending hours lying on the sand.

Our beach visits are usually about playing in the sand, paddling, walking along the shore and letting him explore.

A nearby pool has also been useful because sometimes a quick swim is much easier than packing everyone up for a longer beach session.

If you’re travelling with a baby or toddler, we’d recommend bringing plenty of water, sun protection, a hat and whatever your child needs for shade and naps.

What about older kids?

Da Nang works well for older children too because the beach isn’t just somewhere to swim.

Louie has been interested in activities such as surfing and beach volleyball, which gives older kids more opportunities to get active and meet other children.

The beach also provides an easy break between sightseeing and more structured activities. After visiting a museum or exploring the city, heading to the beach can be a simple way to finish the day.

Are Da Nang beaches safe for kids?

As with any beach, conditions can change, so we wouldn’t treat the sea as automatically safe just because the beach is popular.

Check the conditions before swimming, keep younger children close and pay attention to local warnings and lifeguards.

For us, the beach is best viewed as part of everyday family life rather than an activity we need to organise perfectly.

That’s one of the things we’ve enjoyed most about staying in Da Nang. Sometimes the best family outing is simply walking down to the beach, playing for an hour and heading home.

What to Do in Da Nang With Kids

One thing we’ve enjoyed about Da Nang is that we don’t need to fill every day with organised activities.

With Louie at nine and Leo at two, we’re looking for a mix of things that interest an older child while still being realistic with a toddler’s routine.

Some days are as simple as the beach and a swim. Other days give us a chance to explore the city, learn something new or try an activity together.

Beach and swimming

The beach has naturally become one of our easiest family activities.

We can walk down to My Khe, play in the sand, swim and head home without spending much money or committing to a full day out.

Our hotel pool has also been a big part of our routine, particularly when it’s too hot to be outside for long.

Museums and cultural activities

Da Nang has several places where older children can learn about Vietnamese history and culture without it feeling like a traditional school lesson.

We’ve visited the Cham Sculpture Museum, which gave Louie a chance to learn more about the Cham people and the history of central Vietnam.

For us, these kinds of outings are a natural part of worldschooling. We can learn about something before visiting, see it in person and then talk about it afterwards.

Surfing and beach activities

Louie has also been able to try surfing at My Khe Beach.

For an older child, activities like surfing and beach volleyball add another dimension to living near the coast. They’re active, social and something he can continue developing during a longer stay.

Creative activities

We’ve also been looking for creative cafés and activities around the city.

These have been useful on hotter days when spending hours outside isn’t realistic. They also give Louie something different to do while Leo can have a more relaxed morning.

We particularly like activities where the children can actually make or do something rather than simply watching.

Indoor play

Indoor play cafés have become another useful option, especially for Leo.

They’re not necessarily something we’d travel across the city specifically to visit, but having these options nearby is helpful when the weather is too hot, rainy or everyone simply needs a change of scene.

For families with toddlers, this kind of everyday option can be more valuable than a long list of major tourist attractions.

Exploring the city

We’ve found that simply exploring Da Nang can become an activity in itself.

Walking through different neighbourhoods, trying new food, visiting markets, looking at the architecture and stopping at cafés gives the kids plenty to notice.

It also means we don’t have to spend money every time we leave the hotel.

Family-friendly day trips

Da Nang is also a useful base for exploring other parts of central Vietnam.

Depending on the age of your children and how much travel they can handle, possibilities include:

• Hoi An for the old town, food and cultural experiences

• Marble Mountains for caves, temples and views

• Ba Na Hills for a very different kind of family day out

• Hue for history and cultural sites

• My Son Sanctuary for ancient Cham history

• Cu Lao Cham for a boat and island experience

We wouldn’t try to do all of these during a short stay. With young children, the travel time and heat can make a big difference to how enjoyable a day actually feels.

Our approach to activities

One of the biggest things we’re learning during our month here is that we don’t need a packed itinerary.

Some of our best days have been a combination of breakfast, a swim, a beach visit, lunch somewhere new and an afternoon back at the hotel.

For us, that’s part of the appeal of living in Da Nang rather than simply visiting it. The city gives us enough things to explore without making every day feel like a holiday schedule.

Worldschooling & Education in Da Nang

Da Nang and nearby Hoi An give families quite a few ways to approach education, from full-time international schools to homeschooling, worldschooling and flexible learning communities.

For us, worldschooling has been a natural fit during our month here. We’re continuing some structured learning with Louie, but we’re also using the place we’re living in as part of his education.

Worldschooling in Da Nang

For us, learning happens naturally throughout the day. Louie has visited the Cham Sculpture Museum, explored Son Tra and taken a surf lesson at My Khe Beach, alongside some structured learning each week.
We’ve written a separate guide to how we worldschool here, from finding community and kids’ clubs to building a weekly rhythm and a sample week.
👉 Worldschooling in Da Nang: Our Family’s Guide to Settling In

Homeschooling and learning communities

Families who prefer a more flexible approach have options beyond traditional schools.

Hoi An has several established communities and learning options. Tay Tai Hoi An Learning Community offers mixed-age, hands-on learning, field trips and regular activities for homeschooling and worldschooling families.

In Da Nang, families can create a more flexible learning mix. Lalaland Da Nang is a local family and learning hub that hosts activities, workshops, language exchange and community events. It can also be a useful place to connect with other families and discover learning opportunities.

This type of community can be particularly useful if you’re staying for several months and want your children to have regular social and learning opportunities without committing to a full-time school. For more options, our worldschooling hubs directory lists communities around the world.

International schools in Da Nang

For families who prefer a more traditional school setting, Da Nang has international and bilingual options.

Singapore International School (SIS)

Singapore International School is one of the city’s established international school options, offering a pathway from Pre-Nursery through to Year 12 and A Levels.

Its International Programme combines the Singapore curriculum in English, Maths and Science with Cambridge elements, leading to IGCSE and A Level qualifications. Vietnamese and Chinese are also offered alongside English.

Classes in Da Nang are relatively small, with around 12–18 students. From Year 4, students also participate in the Outward Bound Vietnam outdoor education programme, giving children opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership and resilience outside the classroom.

For families looking for a structured international education while living in Da Nang, SIS is one of the schools worth researching.

Odyssey International School

Odyssey International School is another option, particularly for families interested in an IB pathway.

The school focuses on individualised attention and teacher-student relationships, with students from around three to 14 years old. Its eco-friendly campus sits between Da Nang and Hoi An, making it accessible from either base.

For families considering a longer-term move, it’s worth looking at the current programme, admissions requirements and fees directly with the school, as these can change.

Learning through travel

This is one of the reasons Da Nang has been interesting for us.

We’re not trying to turn every outing into a lesson. Sometimes we’re simply going to the beach or finding somewhere for lunch.

But living somewhere new naturally creates questions.

Why are these buildings designed this way? What language is being spoken? Where does this food come from? Why does the landscape change from city to mountains to coastline? What animals live around Son Tra?

Those conversations are often where some of the most useful learning happens.

Which approach is right for your family?

That really depends on how you’re travelling.

For a short stay, homeschooling or worldschooling can be the simplest option.

For a few months, learning communities and flexible activities can provide more structure and social connection.

For a longer-term move, an international or bilingual school may make more sense if you want your children following a recognised curriculum and working towards formal qualifications.

The good thing about Da Nang is that families don’t necessarily have to choose one approach forever. You can create a learning style that fits the length of your stay, your children’s ages and what works for your family.

👉 See our full guide: Education & Childcare for Digital Nomad Families

Working Remotely From Da Nang

Working remotely in Da Nang has been one of the easier parts of our month here.

There are cafés everywhere, and seeing people working on laptops is completely normal. You don’t need to find a dedicated coworking space every day. In many cafés, working is simply part of the atmosphere.

For digital nomad families, that makes the city particularly practical.

You can work from almost anywhere

We’ve noticed that there are so many places to work that you could probably spend a month trying somewhere different every day.

There are dedicated coworking spaces, cafés designed with remote workers in mind and plenty of regular coffee shops where people sit with their laptops for hours.

For us, this has meant we don’t feel tied to one particular workspace. Some days we want somewhere quiet and focused. Other days, getting out for coffee and working for a few hours is enough.

HI4 Coffee & Workspace

Marty has spent quite a bit of time working from HI4 Coffee & Workspace, which has become one of our go-to spots.

It’s also been useful for family life because we even did some of Louie’s schoolwork there.

That was a good reminder that worldschooling doesn’t always need a dedicated classroom or homeschool setup. Louie can sit with us, get some structured work done and then we’re free to head off and explore.

Working with kids

Of course, having lots of places to work doesn’t automatically make remote work with children easy.

With Louie at nine and Leo at two, we’re still working around family routines, naps and activities. But having so many cafés and workspaces nearby gives us more flexibility.

We can change our environment rather than being stuck at home or in a hotel room every day.

Staying near My Khe Beach has helped too. We can walk to cafés, the beach, restaurants and other everyday services without turning every work session into a major outing.

Internet and mobile data

Our accommodation Wi-Fi has been reliable, and we’ve also got two local SIM cards as a backup.

We’re paying around €15 a month for both SIMs, which gives us mobile data when we’re out and about.

So far, connectivity hasn’t been something we’ve had to worry much about.

Is Da Nang good for digital nomads?

From our experience, yes, particularly if you like working from cafés rather than sitting in a traditional office.

The sheer number of cafés, coworking spaces and laptop-friendly spots gives remote workers a lot of choice.

And that’s perhaps what we’ve liked most: working remotely doesn’t feel unusual here. You can grab a coffee, open your laptop and get on with your work while the rest of Da Nang carries on around you.

For a digital nomad family, that flexibility is a real advantage.

👉 See our full guide: Remote Working for Families

Getting Around Da Nang With Kids

Getting around Da Nang with kids has been easier than we expected.

We’re travelling with a toddler, so we always order a Grab car rather than using a scooter. We also walk when somewhere is close enough.

Grab cars are our go-to

Grab has become part of our everyday routine.

Because we’re travelling with Leo, we specifically order a car rather than a GrabBike. We use it when somewhere is too far to walk, when it’s too hot or when we’re heading somewhere with the whole family.

Our current transport costs are around €5 a day, or roughly €150 a month.

For us, that’s an easy trade-off for the convenience of having a car and driver whenever we need one.

What about child car seats?

This is one area where travelling in Vietnam is different from what we’re used to at home.

We haven’t found child car seats to be routinely available in the Grab cars we’ve used. We’ve therefore been travelling without one, with Leo sitting with us and a seat belt positioned over us.

This isn’t something we’d recommend as the safest option, but it’s the reality we’ve encountered while travelling here. If having a proper child restraint is important to your family, it’s worth researching private transfers or providers that can supply an appropriate car seat before you travel.

We feel comfortable with the drivers

Despite the differences in road rules and driving culture, we’ve generally felt comfortable travelling around Da Nang by car.

From what we’ve seen, the drivers are very skilled at navigating the traffic. There can be a lot happening on the roads, particularly with scooters, but the traffic tends to keep moving and our Grab journeys have generally felt smooth.

We’re much happier travelling by car with Leo than putting our toddler on a scooter.

Walking with kids

Where you stay makes a huge difference.

Because we’re staying near My Khe Beach, we can walk to the beach, restaurants, cafés and plenty of everyday services.

That has made a bigger difference to us than having access to a car. With a toddler, being able to walk somewhere in ten minutes is much more useful than having to organise transport for every little outing.

The pavements aren’t always perfect, though. Scooters, parked vehicles and uneven surfaces can make walking with a pram more challenging than you’d expect.

What about renting a scooter?

You’ll see scooters everywhere in Da Nang, and they’re one of the main ways people get around.

For our family, a scooter isn’t the right choice. We’re travelling with a two-year-old and would rather use a car when we need to go further.

If you’re an experienced rider travelling without very young children, you may feel differently. We’d still recommend taking some time to understand the traffic and road conditions before deciding.

Do you need a car in Da Nang?

For our family, no.

If you stay in one of the popular beach areas, you can walk to plenty of places and use Grab cars when you need to go further.

We’ve found that combination works really well for us. We don’t have the expense or hassle of owning a vehicle, but we can still get across the city easily when we need to.

For a family with young children, we’d definitely prioritise location and walkability when choosing where to stay.

Healthcare, Pharmacies & Everyday Essentials

Having access to everyday essentials makes a big difference when you’re travelling with children, particularly with a toddler.

So far, we’ve found Da Nang relatively easy to navigate for the basics. Pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores and other everyday services are widely available, particularly around the areas where many international families and digital nomads stay.

Pharmacies and everyday medicines

Pharmacies are easy to find around Da Nang, and you’ll see them throughout the beachside neighbourhoods.

For families travelling with young children, it’s still worth bringing any regular medicines your child needs rather than relying entirely on finding the same products locally.

We also like having a small basic travel kit with us, particularly for those moments when you don’t want to leave the accommodation with a tired or unwell toddler.

Healthcare

Da Nang has hospitals, clinics and private medical facilities, including options that cater to international residents and visitors.

For anything more serious, we’d recommend checking your travel or health insurance before you arrive so you understand which facilities you can use and how claims work.

If you’re staying for several months, it’s worth researching healthcare options in advance rather than waiting until someone gets sick.

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Supermarkets and groceries

We’ve found it relatively easy to buy everyday groceries in Da Nang.

Local markets are useful for fresh fruit, vegetables and other Vietnamese ingredients, while supermarkets and convenience stores make it easier to find familiar products.

For vegetarian and vegan families, having access to fresh produce and tofu has been particularly useful.

The range of imported products varies between shops, so if there’s something specific your family relies on, don’t assume you’ll find it everywhere.

Laundry

Laundry is another everyday consideration that becomes much more important when you’re travelling with children.

Our accommodation has a washing machine, which has been a huge convenience with Leo.

For families staying somewhere without laundry facilities, laundries are common and generally easy to find. It’s worth checking what’s available before choosing accommodation, especially if you’re travelling with young children.

Baby and toddler essentials

You can find nappies, wipes, snacks, drinks and other basic toddler supplies in Da Nang without too much trouble.

The selection won’t necessarily be identical to what you’re used to at home, and imported brands can be considerably more expensive.

For anything your child is particularly attached to, we’d bring enough to get started and then work out the local alternatives once you’re settled.

The little things matter

We’ve realised that these everyday conveniences are one of the less glamorous but important parts of living somewhere with children.

Being able to walk to a supermarket, grab nappies, find a pharmacy or order something through an app can make a much bigger difference to family life than another tourist attraction.

For us, Da Nang scores well here. It feels like a functioning city where you can actually build a routine, rather than somewhere that only works when you’re on holiday.

Weather & Seasons in Da Nang

The weather is one of the biggest things to think about before choosing Da Nang as a family base.

The climate is warm for much of the year, but the seasons can have a real impact on how easy everyday family life feels.

For us, the heat has been one of the biggest adjustments.

The heat changes your routine

With a two-year-old, we’ve quickly learned that the middle of the day isn’t always the best time to be outside.

We’re much happier getting out earlier, heading back for a swim or some downtime during the hottest part of the day, then going out again later.

Having a pool at our accommodation has been particularly useful. It gives Leo somewhere to cool down without needing to organise another outing.

The heat also affects how much you can realistically fit into a day. With children, trying to squeeze several sightseeing stops into the middle of a hot afternoon isn’t necessarily going to make for a great family day.

Rainy season

Da Nang has a distinct wetter period, with heavier rainfall generally becoming more common towards the end of the year.

Rain doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t do anything, but it can change your plans quickly.

For families, it’s worth having a few indoor options ready: cafés, museums, play spaces, creative activities and swimming where appropriate.

It also makes having a comfortable apartment or hotel more important. If you’re stuck indoors for part of the day, you want somewhere your family can actually relax.

When is the best time to visit Da Nang with kids?

There isn’t one perfect month for every family.

If your priority is beach time and outdoor activities, the drier months are generally more appealing. If you’re travelling during wetter periods, you may get more rain but potentially find better accommodation value.

For us, the bigger consideration is how the weather fits your family’s routine.

A family with older children who are happy being outdoors all day may cope differently from a family travelling with a baby or toddler. Our month-by-month guide to family travel compares seasons across other destinations too.

Our biggest tip

Don’t underestimate the heat when you’re planning your days. We keep outdoor time for early mornings and late afternoons, and save the middle of the day for the pool, a café or Leo’s nap.

Safety in Da Nang With Kids

So far, we’ve felt comfortable living in Da Nang with our two boys.

Like anywhere, there are things to pay attention to, but we haven’t found ourselves constantly worrying about safety. For us, the bigger adjustments have been understanding the traffic, managing the heat and keeping an eye on the kids around the beach.

Traffic is the biggest adjustment

The traffic can look chaotic when you first arrive.

There are lots of scooters, cars and pedestrians sharing the roads, and crossing the street can take a little getting used to.

We generally avoid letting the kids navigate busy roads independently and use Grab cars when we’re travelling further across the city.

After spending time here, we’ve also become much more comfortable with the flow of traffic. The local drivers seem very accustomed to navigating around each other, even when the roads look busy to us.

Beach and water safety

With the beach being such a big part of life here, water safety is important.

We keep a close eye on the kids around the sea and pay attention to conditions, particularly when the waves are stronger.

With Leo being two, we’re always within arm’s reach when he’s near the water.

The beach is a wonderful part of living in Da Nang, but we don’t treat it as a completely risk-free playground.

Heat and sun

The heat is another practical consideration, particularly with younger children.

We try to avoid spending long periods outside in the middle of the day and make sure the kids have plenty of water, sun protection and opportunities to cool down.

Having a pool at our accommodation has helped enormously because we can cool off without needing to organise another outing.

Food and water

We use bottled or appropriately treated drinking water and take the usual precautions when eating out.

We’ve eaten at plenty of local restaurants without problems, but travelling with children means we’re a little more selective about where we eat.

Good hygiene, busy restaurants and freshly prepared food are generally our starting points.

Mosquitoes and tropical illnesses

Mosquitoes are something families should be aware of when spending time in Vietnam.

We use repellent when appropriate and take extra care around areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent.

If you’re staying for a longer period, it’s worth checking current health advice and travel vaccinations before travelling, and discussing any specific concerns with a qualified travel-health professional.

Our overall experience

For our family, Da Nang has felt like a comfortable place to live.

We don’t take that to mean there are no risks. We still keep a close eye on the kids, particularly around traffic, water and heat.

But we haven’t felt like we need to restrict family life because of safety concerns.

The biggest thing has been adjusting to a different environment and learning how things work here. Once you’ve spent some time in the city, many of the things that initially feel unfamiliar start to feel much more manageable.

Community & Making Friends in Da Nang

One of the things that makes Da Nang appealing to digital nomad families is the existing international community.

There are plenty of expats, remote workers, long-term travellers and families living around the beachside areas, so you’re not necessarily starting from scratch when you arrive.

Finding your people

The easiest way to meet people will depend on your family and how long you’re staying.

For families, Facebook groups, local events, children’s activities, international schools and community groups can all be useful starting points.

We’ve also found that simply spending time in the same cafés, beaches and family-friendly places can lead to casual conversations and connections.

With children, this can happen quite naturally. Louie can meet other kids through activities, while we get chatting with other parents. We’ve shared more about helping travelling kids make friends, including what’s worked for Louie.

The digital nomad community

Da Nang has a well-established digital nomad scene, particularly around My An and An Thuong.

You’ll regularly see people working from cafés, meeting friends for coffee or spending part of the day at coworking spaces.

That’s been noticeable during our stay. Working remotely doesn’t feel unusual here, and there’s a steady flow of people coming and going.

What about families?

This is something we’re still exploring during our month here.

Da Nang has a sizeable international family community, but it isn’t necessarily as obvious as walking into one dedicated “nomad family hub”.

You may need to be a little proactive about finding family events, activities and groups that suit your children.

For us, that’s actually part of the experience. We’re still discovering where families gather and which activities are best for Louie and Leo.

Why community matters for longer stays

If you’re only visiting for a week, meeting people may not be a priority.

For families staying for several months, it becomes much more important.

Having people to meet for coffee, children who can play together and other parents who understand the realities of travelling or working remotely with kids can make a destination feel much more like home.

That’s one of the things we’ll be paying more attention to as we continue exploring Da Nang: not just “What can families do here?”, but “Who can families connect with here?”

Day Trips From Da Nang With Kids

One of the advantages of using Da Nang as a base is how much you can explore without constantly changing accommodation.

Central Vietnam has plenty of interesting places within reach, although travelling with children means we’re learning to be selective about which trips are actually worth the effort.

Hoi An

Hoi An is an obvious option from Da Nang and can work well as a day trip or an overnight stay.

The old town gives older children plenty to explore, from architecture and markets to food and local crafts.

With a toddler, we’d avoid trying to cram too much into one day. The heat, walking and crowds can make a relaxed pace much more enjoyable.

Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains are close enough to Da Nang to make a relatively easy outing.

The caves, temples and mountain scenery can be particularly interesting for older children, although there are plenty of stairs and uneven surfaces.

If you’re travelling with a toddler, we’d consider your child’s age and ability before choosing which parts to explore.

Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra Peninsula is another option that’s close to the city but feels very different from the beach neighbourhoods.

We visited Son Tra during our stay, and it was a good reminder of how quickly the landscape changes once you leave the built-up parts of Da Nang.

For families, it offers a chance to combine nature, views and wildlife with a relatively short trip from the city.

Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is a very different experience, with attractions designed more around entertainment and sightseeing.

It’s likely to appeal more to families with older children who enjoy rides and attractions.

We’d consider the weather, crowds and travel time before committing to a full day there with a toddler.

Hue

Hue is further away but offers something quite different from Da Nang.

For families interested in history, it’s an opportunity to explore Vietnam’s imperial past, including historic buildings and cultural sites.

It’s a longer day out, so we’d probably consider an overnight stay if travelling with younger children rather than trying to rush there and back.

My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary offers another opportunity to explore Cham history and architecture.

It could pair particularly well with a visit to the Cham Sculpture Museum in Da Nang if your children are interested in history.

Again, the heat is worth considering. An early start can make a big difference when you’re travelling with kids.

Our approach to day trips

We’re deliberately not trying to tick every attraction off the list.

With two children, we’ve found that one good outing can be enough for the day. We’d rather have time to stop for lunch, swim afterwards and let the kids decompress than spend the whole day in a car.

That’s another reason we like Da Nang as a base. You can explore central Vietnam when you want to, then come back to a familiar family routine at the end of the day.

What We Love About Da Nang

After spending a month here, we’ve started to get a much better sense of what makes Da Nang work for our family.

It isn’t perfect, and some parts of everyday life take getting used to. But there are several things that have genuinely made our stay easier.

The beach is part of everyday life

Having My Khe Beach so close has probably been one of our favourite things.

We don’t need to plan a special beach day. We can walk down for an hour, let the kids play, then head back to the hotel.

That makes beach life feel like part of our normal routine rather than a tourist activity.

You can build a comfortable family routine

Da Nang has given us enough everyday conveniences to settle into a rhythm.

We have cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, the beach and plenty of places to work nearby.

With a toddler, that matters. The less time we spend organising logistics, the more time we have to actually enjoy being here.

Working remotely feels normal

We’ve really enjoyed how easy it is to work from cafés here.

There are so many options that you could spend a month trying somewhere different every day. Marty has found a regular spot at HI4, and we’ve even done Louie’s schoolwork there.

It’s made remote work feel like a natural part of life rather than something we have to organise around.

Worldschooling comes naturally

We’ve also enjoyed how much learning happens simply by living here.

Louie has explored Son Tra, visited the Cham Sculpture Museum and taken a surf lesson. He’s learning about Vietnamese culture, geography, history and the environment without every experience needing to become a formal lesson.

That’s exactly the kind of flexibility we’re looking for from worldschooling.

Eating out is easy

As a vegetarian family, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the range of food available.

There are plenty of Vietnamese vegetarian options alongside international restaurants and cafés, so we don’t feel restricted to eating the same few meals.

It’s also been fun introducing Louie to different foods and making meals part of the travel experience.

It’s relatively affordable

Our current family spending is around €2,265 a month, including our accommodation, food, Grab and two SIM cards.

We’re not living on the absolute cheapest budget, either. We’ve chosen comfortable accommodation with breakfast, housekeeping, a pool and a convenient location.

That gives us a good sense that Da Nang can offer a comfortable family lifestyle without the costs becoming overwhelming.

There’s plenty to do without constantly spending money

Some of our favourite family moments haven’t cost anything.

The beach, swimming, walking around different neighbourhoods and simply exploring the city have filled plenty of our days.

We don’t need to book an attraction every time we want to get out of the hotel.

The city and nature are close together

One of the things we like about Da Nang is how quickly the environment changes.

You can be having coffee in a busy beach neighbourhood and, not long afterwards, be surrounded by mountains, coastline or greenery.

That combination gives us plenty of variety without constantly moving from one destination to another.

It’s not a perfect family bubble

This is probably worth saying clearly.

The traffic can be challenging, the heat changes our routine, pavements aren’t always pram-friendly and travelling with a toddler anywhere requires flexibility.

Some things that look easy on paper aren’t always quite as straightforward once you’re actually here.

But that’s part of what we’re trying to capture in this guide.

Da Nang isn’t perfect. What we like is that it gives us enough of the things that matter to make family life here feel genuinely possible: beach, food, nature, community, work and everyday convenience.

Is Da Nang Right for Your Family?

After spending a month here with our two boys, we can see why Da Nang has become such a popular base for digital nomad families.

But that doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for everyone.

For us, the biggest advantage is the combination of beach, affordable everyday life, good food, remote-work infrastructure and plenty to explore without needing to constantly pack up and move.

Da Nang could be a good fit if your family:

• Wants easy access to a beach

• Enjoys a warm climate and outdoor lifestyle

• Works remotely

• Likes eating out and trying local food

• Is comfortable with a mix of Vietnamese and international services

• Wants to keep living costs relatively manageable

• Is interested in worldschooling or flexible education

• Doesn’t need a car for everyday life

• Likes having plenty of cafés and coworking options

• Wants a city that still has easy access to nature

You might find it harder if your family:

• Struggles with heat and humidity

• Needs extensive pavements and pram-friendly infrastructure

• Wants a very quiet or predictable environment

• Needs access to a specific international school

• Finds busy traffic stressful

• Prefers cooking most meals at home with familiar ingredients

• Needs a strong established family community immediately

• Wants everything to operate exactly as it does at home

Our take after a month

For our family, Da Nang has worked better than we expected.

We’re enjoying the freedom to walk to the beach, work from cafés, eat out, explore with Louie and still have a manageable routine with Leo.

We’ve also learned that longer stays are very different from holidays. The heat, traffic, toddler logistics and need to balance work with family life all become much more noticeable when you’re actually living here.

That’s why we’d recommend thinking about how your family lives, rather than simply asking whether Da Nang is a good holiday destination.

For us, the answer so far is yes.

Da Nang isn’t perfect, but it offers a pretty compelling combination of family life, adventure and affordability.

And perhaps that’s what we like most: we’re able to build something that feels reasonably normal while still knowing we’re living somewhere completely different from home.

Still weighing up your options? Our Saigon guide, Thailand vs Vietnam comparison and Chiang Mai guide cover other popular family bases in the region.

Da Nang for Digital Nomad Families: FAQs

Is Da Nang a good place to live with kids?

Yes. For our family, the combination of beaches, food, nature, cafés, activities and relatively manageable living costs has made Da Nang a comfortable place to spend a month with children.

How much does it cost for a family of four to live in Da Nang?

We’re currently spending around €2,265 a month for our family of four. That includes €1,200 for accommodation, around €900 for food, €150 for Grab and €15 for two SIM cards. We could spend less with cheaper accommodation and more cooking.

Which neighbourhood is best for families in Da Nang?

For families, My An, An Thuong, My Khe, Son Tra and Hai Chau are all worth considering. For us, staying near My Khe Beach has been particularly convenient because we can walk to the beach, restaurants, cafés and everyday services.

What are the schooling and worldschooling options in Da Nang?

Families can explore international schools, bilingual schools, alternative education, homeschooling and online learning. Worldschooling also works well because museums, beaches, nature, food and local culture provide plenty of opportunities for learning outside a classroom.

Is Da Nang safe for families?

We’ve felt comfortable in Da Nang with our two boys. The main things we pay attention to are traffic, beach and water conditions, heat and the usual health considerations when travelling with children.

What is the best time of year to visit Da Nang with kids?

The drier months are generally better for families who want lots of beach and outdoor time. The wetter part of the year can bring heavier rain, so it’s worth considering how flexible your family is with indoor days and changing plans.

Is Da Nang suitable for babies and toddlers?

We think so, although travelling with a toddler requires some flexibility. Walkable accommodation, a pool, nearby food and access to Grab have made things easier for us. The heat and less-than-perfect pavements are the biggest practical challenges we’ve noticed. Getting there is its own challenge too, and we’ve written about flying long-haul with a toddler.

Is Da Nang easy for vegetarian and vegan families?

Yes. We’ve found plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices, including Vietnamese food, dedicated vegetarian restaurants and international cafés and restaurants. Strict vegans may need to check ingredients carefully, as vegetarian and vegan aren’t always treated the same way.

Can you live in Da Nang without a car?

Yes. We don’t have a car or scooter and mainly walk or use Grab cars. We always choose a car when travelling with our toddler. Staying somewhere walkable makes a big difference.

What visa options are available for families?

Vietnam’s visa and entry rules can change, so families should check the current requirements before travelling. Your options will depend on your nationality, intended length of stay and circumstances. Don’t rely on an old blog post for visa information.

👉 See our full guide: Visas for Digital Nomad Families