Why Everyone Is Suddenly Moving to Da Nang, Vietnam (2026)

    Da Nang, Vietnam: Why Everyone’s Moving Here (Cost, Construction, Community & More) | Philly and the Brain

    Vietnam isn’t just trending — it’s having a tectonic shift. In 2025, Vietnam welcomed nearly 21.2 million international visitors, the highest in its history, making it the fastest-growing tourist destination in Southeast Asia.

    In this episode, we land in Da Nang to find out why.

    We break down the record-breaking tourism numbers, the $3.3 billion in construction reshaping the city’s skyline (including a Robert De Niro-backed hotel and what will be the tallest tower in Da Nang), and what it’s really like to live here day to day.

    We also share our stay at two IHG properties — Voco Hotel and Crowne Plaza Da Nang City Center — and talk about what
    “go where you are treated the best” really means.

    Plus, we get into something we didn’t expect to find on the other side of the world: community. From a Black comedy show to a Juneteenth celebration held right here in Central Vietnam, this trip reminded us why we slow travel in the first place.

    We also cover the beaches, the food, the cost of living, and the people — and why so many travelers, retirees, and remote workers are choosing Da Nang as their next home base.

    📍 Next stop: Chiang Mai, Thailand

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    The Bánh Bao New Mix courtesy of Dean Beresford from / @itstheberesfords

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    15 Comments

    1. Ok. Now I have to put Da Nang on my list. Ya’ll have to do a comparison video; Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh? Food, safety, affordability and community.

    2. The only thing for me is they don't have those huge luxury malls like they do in Thailand and other Asian countries. No, I am not trying to buy Chanel everyday but…………….some Chanel shoes once every couple months. How is it for a single person moving over there. Why is that man always yelling in the megaphone in everyone's video. Is someone paying him to do that all day????????????

    3. I’ve always trusted your opinions and it’s making lean a lil more twds Da Nang over Bangkok. I’ve had my heart set on Thailand but my mind is starting to say Da Nang.

    4. I saw that thumbnail and I thought to myself, I better go to whatever body sculpting place you two went too. 🤣

      We arrived in Bangkok on Sunday. We will be here through early August. (Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya.) Will you guys be back in this area before we leave?

    5. When the video first popped up I thought you guys were holding blue popsicles!!! Omg, this heat wave has me hallucinating. Lol. Can't wait to get back to Asia and check out this wonderful city 🙂

    6. If you want to stay long term in Vietnam , never ever call the East Sea of Vietnam , the South China Sea . China has nothing to do in this region. You can call that sea , the East Sea or the South East Asia Sea , but ABSOLUTELY NOT the South China Sea . Do you understand guys ?

    7. For the record my friends, pre pandemic tourist visas based on the country of origin, especially for US citizens was one year multi entry. After the pandemic was over, the Vietnamese government dropped all tourist visas to 30 days regardless of country of origin. Then, gradually the government increased it to 90 days as it stands now. I know as I’ve been living in da Nang since 2016. I’m originally from New York City.

    8. Philly and the Brain… another great video, keep'em coming! I'll be in Da Nang the first 3 weeks in August, meanwhile do you guys have an email address for Business Inquiries?