What Shocked Me Most in Vietnam, Da Nang

Have you ever moved to a completely new country and instantly felt… shocked? That’s exactly what happened to me just a few days ago.

After 5 years of living in Luxembourg, I moved to Da Nang, Vietnam with my partner for a 3-month stay. We arrived just 3 days ago, and I already have some strong first impressions both good and bad. Grab some coffee and read what shocked me most in Vietnam, Da Nang.

If you’re considering visiting Vietnam, living in Da Nang, or even just curious about what life here is like for a European expat, here’s my honest take.

First Day Shock: What I Didn’t Like About Da Nang

1. Dirty Sidewalks & Trash

My first day here, I actually hated it. The sidewalks are full of trash, parked motorbikes, random obstacles like bricks, trees, even people sleeping on hammocks. Many times it’s impossible to walk on the sidewalk at all you’re forced to walk on the street, dodging traffic.

2. The Heat

Next shock? The weather.
It’s extremely hot. I’m talking about over 35°C. I sweat constantly, my clothes stick to me, and stepping outside feels like walking into a sauna.

Even the sea didn’t help I jumped in, hoping to cool off, but the water was so warm it felt like bathwater! For now, my only real way to cool down is sitting indoors with AC until late afternoon.

3. Dangerous Street Crossings

Crossing the street here is another adventure. Cars and scooters don’t stop for pedestrians. You have to weave between moving vehicles terrifying at first! Now I’m getting a little more used to it, but it still feels risky every time I cross.

4. Rats & Mosquitoes

Another unpleasant surprise I saw rats running on the sidewalk.
On top of that, mosquitoes are everywhere, and after just a few days, we already have tons of bites. It’s something I’ll need to manage during our stay.

5. Hygiene Concerns

Seeing how dishes were washed at some local markets was eye-opening… and not in a good way. It didn’t look very clean or safe, and I’m now more cautious about where I choose to eat. It definitely makes you question health & hygiene standards here.

6. English Language Barrier

English is not widely spoken.

We’ve already faced several communication problems. It helps to use translation apps and learn a few basic Vietnamese words, but be prepared most interactions will be a mix of smiles and hand gestures!

The Good Sides I Like About Vietnam (So Far)

1. Super Friendly & Polite Locals

Vietnamese people are incredibly polite and friendly.
As a blonde European girl, I get lots of curious looks, waves, and “Hello!” greetings from locals, always with warm smiles. It feels welcoming, not threatening.

2. Insanely Affordable

Vietnam is one of the cheapest places I’ve ever visited.
Grab scooter rides cost less than €1. Grab works same as Uber but it is way too cheap to not use it all the time 😀 For the price of a coffee in Luxembourg (€4.60), I can buy a Grab ride, a Pho (Vietnamese soup), a coffee, and snacks here. The cost of living is mind-blowing compared to Europe.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Item	Luxembourg	Da Nang
Coffee (cappuccino)	~€5	~€1
Taxi ride (Grab scooter)	€10+	< €1

We rented an apartment close to the beach for €321/month, compared to €2,500/month in Luxembourg. That’s insane savings!

3. Very Easy to Meet Other Travelers & Expats

It’s incredibly easy to meet other expats and Westerners here. Everyone is friendly and open we’ve met people from Europe, USA, and Australia, many of them digital nomads like us.
It’s such a relief to connect with fellow travelers who are navigating the same challenges (language barriers, cultural differences) and looking to build community. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming.

4. Amazing Food & Fruit

The food here is cheap, tasty, and fresh!
So far, we’ve only had good meals and haven’t gotten sick (yet 🤞). The fruit is also fantastic fresh, sweet, and perfect for smoothies. Eating healthy here is fun and affordable.

5. 24/7 Shops & Restaurants

A huge bonus: many places stay open very late, and some are open 24/7.
In Luxembourg, everything closed by 7–8 pm here, I can grab groceries or a Pho soup even at midnight. This flexibility makes daily life feel much easier.

Unlike in Europe, where stores often close early, here in Vietnam many places are open late or 24/7. I loved getting Pho soup at 11 pm and knowing I can buy water even at 3 am.

6. Affordable Housing

We rented an apartment near the beach (6-minute walk) with aircon for €321/month (€9.5 million VND). In Luxembourg, we paid €2,500/month the contrast is crazy! It makes long stays here much more budget-friendly.

7. The Sense of Safety

I feel very safe here.
Locals are welcoming, and I’ve never felt threatened walking around, even late at night. This friendliness is a huge contrast to my experiences in Poland, where foreigners can sometimes face cold attitudes.

For example, last night I went alone to eat a Pho my fav soup, at 11 pm as my boyfriend had to work so he stayed in the hotel. I felt super safe walking alone that late. Nobody was looking weird at me or talk to me. Only few locals were trying to sell me massage 😀 apart from that no fear so far.

Would I Live Here Long Term?

Honestly? No.

I’m happy to stay for 3 months and experience Vietnam, but for me as a Polish girl who loves temperatures around 25°C and clean surroundings, Da Nang isn’t the perfect long-term place.

The heat and dirty streets are major downsides for me. But this experience is teaching me to appreciate the standard of living in Europe while also admiring the warm-hearted Vietnamese culture.

Final Thoughts of What Shocked Me Most in Vietnam

In just 3 days, Vietnam has already taught me a lot. It’s not perfect, but it’s fascinating. If you’re considering moving here:

✅ Be ready for culture shock
✅ Pack lots of light clothing
✅ Stay flexible and open-minded
✅ Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases
✅ Most of all: Embrace the adventure!

I still have 3 more months ahead, and I can’t wait to explore more. Will I end up loving it? Will the heat drive me crazy? I’ll keep you posted. 🇻🇳✨