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Which city is better for expats, Da Nang or Penang?

Da Nang Penang expat living comparative city analysis travel recommendations Vietnam Malaysia

Apr 24, 2025

23 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Da Nang or Penang?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion compares Da Nang and Penang as potential destinations for expats. Da Nang receives strong support for its appealing lifestyle, vibrant local culture, stunning beaches, and nearby attractions like Hoi An and Ba Na Hills. Many comments highlight the city's potential for longer stays due to its various amenities and activities. Penang, while also praised, is noted for its unique charm but seems to have less unanimous support. Overall, the consensus leans towards Da Nang for its livability and appeal.

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Jesper *******

Danang hands down

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Mitchell *******

DaNang has more of everything. So DaNang gets my vote.

How much time do you have? Do both. It could be me, but I think you have more fun in Penang if you know locals.

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Eriq *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mitchell ******

We will be there for 1 week

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Mitchell *******

There is more to do around DaNang. Not necessarily IN DaNang. They have nice beach front too.

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Mitchell *******

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Simon ********

Very different, but Danang has more appeal for longer stays

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Michael ********

Both have there merits, but did like staying in the hills in Da Nang

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Eriq *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

Send info please

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Michael ********

Try google Ba Na hills there is resort there

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Michael ********

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Graham *******

Penang

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Eriq *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello. What did you like about the city?

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Graham *******

Everything, I can't wait to go back

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Graham *******

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Nick **********

Been to both. Both great and could easily live in either. But my vote goes to Danang. It's a great city in its own right but it also has loads of places close by to explore.

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Lucas **********

Da nang easily

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Eriq *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Lucas *********

Hi. What did you like about it?

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Eriq *******

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Ko *****************

I'll pick Da Nang

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Jean-francois *******

Penang

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Tracey **********

Da Nang all day long

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Geno *******

If you go to Da Nang Visit Hoi An. Pottery Village is a must see.

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Eriq *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

We will put that on the list. Thanks

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Geno *******

Must see Bamboo Dance in Hoi An.

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Geno *******

***************************************************************************

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Geno *******

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James ******

Just got back from Da Nang and it was amazing, great beaches amazing hotels, sea food out of this world, and loads to do. Absolutely stunning 😍

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Peter *******

Great beaches 😂. Nah

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James ******

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James ******

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James ******

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Peter *******

Yep, been there and red flags all the time.

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James ******

there was red flags also when I was there but only certain areas where riptides, but people where swimming in the safer areas and surfing.

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James ******

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Eriq *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

From what I see it looks like heaven.

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James ******

pretty close, I will definitely be going back, I recommend hotel M danang prime location across from the beach, excellent rooms with silent air conditioning roof top infinity swimming pool 5* breakfast not a single negative about the place, complimentary drink on arrival friendly and professional staff.

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Eriq *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you. I will look into it.

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Eriq *******

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Wayne *****

Penang

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Benyathip **********

Da Nang

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Benyathip **********

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