Vietnam continues to rise as one of Asia’s most exciting destinations for teaching English. The combination of strong demand for teachers, welcoming locals, and low living costs make it a favorite for both first-timers and seasoned educators. But choosing the right city can shape your experience dramatically.
Hanoi and Da Nang are two of the most popular cities for foreign teachers, yet they offer very different day-to-day lives. Hanoi, the capital, is a chaotic blend of tradition and ambition. Da Nang, by contrast, is a breezy beach city that blends modern living with a more laid-back rhythm. Both are great places to live and work—but for very different reasons.
Teaching Job Market: Hanoi vs Da Nang
As Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi is packed with schools, language centers, and international institutions. From public schools hiring through government partnerships to private academies catering to adults and children, the variety of teaching jobs is vast. It’s not uncommon to find multiple job offers during a single job hunt if you're qualified and TEFL-certified.
Da Nang’s teaching scene is smaller, but steadily growing. Most opportunities here are centered around language centers, with a handful of private or international schools hiring foreign teachers. While there are fewer positions overall, the competition isn’t as fierce, making it easier to secure a good role—especially if you arrive in person.
In short: if you want maximum choice, Hanoi is your best bet. If you want something more relaxed and are okay with a narrower range of roles, Da Nang may suit you better.
Salary and Cost of Living
Salaries in both cities are quite livable, especially when compared to the cost of daily life in Vietnam. In Hanoi, teachers typically earn slightly more—ranging from $1,200 to $2,000+ per month depending on experience, school type, and hours. But rents in popular neighborhoods like Tay Ho or Ba Dinh can eat into that income quickly.
Da Nang’s salaries tend to hover in the $1,000 to $1,500 range, but the overall cost of living is lower. You’ll find cheap, high-quality meals, low rent near the beach, and easy transport without the traffic chaos of Hanoi. Utilities and leisure costs also tend to be cheaper.
While Hanoi may offer more income, Da Nang often gives you more breathing room for a comfortable lifestyle—especially if you’re not focused on saving aggressively.
Lifestyle and Vibe
Hanoi is a whirlwind of history, honking motorbikes, and café culture. You’ll be surrounded by street food, French architecture, lakes, and a buzzing arts scene. Life here moves fast—especially in the Old Quarter—but it’s also where you’ll find the richest immersion into northern Vietnamese culture.
Da Nang, on the other hand, is Vietnam’s coastal gem. The city is modern, clean, and dotted with palm trees and mountains. Teachers in Da Nang often rave about the relaxed vibe, with early-morning beach walks, fresh seafood dinners, and sunsets over the Han River becoming daily rituals.
Think of Hanoi as the cultural heart of the north, ideal for those who thrive in big-city energy. Da Nang is for those who want tropical calm without giving up city comforts.
Ideal Teacher Profile for Each City
Hanoi tends to attract teachers who are career-focused, looking for growth, and keen to immerse themselves deeply in Vietnamese culture. If you’re planning to stay long-term, want to explore different teaching contexts (from kindergartens to IELTS prep), or hope to transition into more senior roles, Hanoi’s diversity makes it a strong choice.
Da Nang is a better fit for those prioritizing lifestyle. It’s perfect for teachers who value the outdoors, want a slower pace, or see their teaching stint as a balance between work and rejuvenation. First-time teachers also feel comfortable here thanks to the welcoming expat community and less intense work culture.
Whether you’re driven by professional development or the idea of a peaceful daily routine, your teaching goals will guide the best fit.
Infrastructure and Daily Convenience
Hanoi, being the capital, has the edge when it comes to infrastructure. Public transport is improving (with the new metro lines), hospitals are well-equipped and have more English-speaking staff, and there’s a wide array of international supermarkets, banks, and services that cater to expats. Cultural institutions like museums, theaters, and historical landmarks are also abundant.
Da Nang, while smaller, offers surprisingly good digital infrastructure—fast internet, modern apartment buildings, and convenient ride-hailing apps. The city is walkable in many areas, and the traffic is far less stressful than Hanoi’s. However, services like international healthcare, embassies, or specialized goods can be more limited. For most daily needs, though, Da Nang delivers comfort and ease.
Both cities offer reliable internet, access to necessities, and the essentials for daily life—but Hanoi wins in depth and variety, while Da Nang wins in simplicity.
Expat Life and Community
Hanoi’s expat scene is big, diverse, and long-established. You’ll find teacher meetups, networking nights, creative communities, language exchanges, and lively social hubs. There’s a strong sense of movement and connection, and it’s relatively easy to make friends, especially through work or shared housing.
Da Nang’s expat community is smaller but warmer. People here tend to stay longer and settle into routines, which creates a more stable, tight-knit vibe. Social life leans toward beach cafés, relaxed gatherings, and weekend hikes, rather than bar crawls or club nights. It’s a great place for those who enjoy calm community and deeper friendships.
If you want to meet lots of people quickly and dive into an active scene, Hanoi delivers. If you prefer a quieter, more familiar social rhythm, Da Nang is a better match.
Travel and Weekend Getaways
Hanoi is a fantastic base for exploring northern Vietnam. You’re just a few hours from epic destinations like Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Mai Chau. Whether you’re into trekking, boat cruises, or rice field villages, you’ll never run out of weekend options. It's also easier to access northern Laos and China if you're up for cross-border adventures.
Da Nang shines when it comes to coastal and central travel. Hoi An is just 30 minutes away, and Hue, the former imperial capital, is an easy weekend trip. You’ve also got access to the Central Highlands, caves in Phong Nha, and endless beach towns down the coast. Flights from Da Nang Airport also make it easy to hop around Southeast Asia.
Both cities offer incredible escapes, but the landscapes and atmospheres differ—mountains and heritage up north, beaches and ancient towns down central.
Long-Term Prospects and Career Growth
Hanoi offers significantly more options for career-minded teachers. You can transition from language centers to better-paid jobs in bilingual or international schools, take on academic coordination roles, or specialize in IELTS or corporate training. Some teachers even move into educational consulting or run their own programs after a few years.
Da Nang’s market is more stable and entry-level friendly but has fewer paths upward. Most teachers stay in language centers, with limited openings in higher-end institutions. To grow beyond the basics, teachers here often go online, freelance, or relocate to bigger cities.
If you’re in TEFL for the long haul, Hanoi is the smarter bet for climbing the ladder. If you’re looking for a balanced year or two with less pressure, Da Nang fits nicely.
Final Thoughts: Which City Is Right for You?
Both Hanoi and Da Nang are excellent choices for teaching English in Vietnam—but the right fit depends on your lifestyle, career goals, and temperament.
You might prefer Hanoi if…
- You want access to a large job market with career growth potential.
- You enjoy fast-paced, energetic cities with a deep cultural core.
- You thrive in social scenes and want lots of networking opportunities.
- You’re planning to stay long-term or build a teaching career in Vietnam.
Da Nang may suit you better if…
- You’re looking for a peaceful, beachside lifestyle with good work-life balance.
- You value nature, fresh air, and a more manageable daily routine.
- You’re happy teaching in language centers without chasing promotions.
- You want a lower-stress introduction to life in Vietnam.
Whichever you choose, both cities offer a meaningful experience—with friendly students, rewarding work, and unforgettable moments inside and outside the classroom.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.