The Expat Parent's Guide to Da Nang & Hoi An — Part 2: Healthcare, Getting Around & Daily Life
- Odyssey International School
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
In Part 1 we covered choosing between Da Nang and Hoi An, and what to expect from the housing market. Now for the practical stuff — healthcare, getting around, and the rhythm of everyday life that most families settle into once they arrive.
Healthcare: Knowing Where to Go
Healthcare is one of the first things parents want to sort out, and the honest picture is this: Da Nang has solid options for routine and paediatric care, but for anything complex or specialist, many expat families prefer to travel to Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok.
For day-to-day needs, Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital and Da Nang Family Medical Practice are the most commonly recommended options among expat parents. Both have English-speaking staff and handle everything from vaccinations and GP appointments to paediatric consultations.
Before you arrive, make sure you have comprehensive international health insurance in place — ideally with a globally recognised provider. Processing times vary, but being covered from day one removes a significant source of stress.
If you're brand new to Vietnam, it's also worth knowing that pharmacies here are well-stocked and accessible, and pharmacists can advise on common ailments without an appointment. For minor issues, it's often the fastest first stop.
Getting Around
Da Nang is a genuinely manageable city to navigate, especially compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Most expat families use a combination of options:
Grab — Vietnam's equivalent of Uber, available for both motorbikes and cars. Reliable, affordable, and easy to use even without Vietnamese. Essential for your first few weeks.
Motorbike — the most popular option for daily life once you're settled. If you plan to ride regularly, look into local licensing requirements.
Car — practical for families with young children, especially in rainy season. International driving licences are accepted for cars.
For families based in Hoi An, the Da Nang–Hoi An road (QL1A or the coastal route via Son Tra) is a straightforward commute. Odyssey's bus service also covers key pick-up points along the corridor, which many families find removes the daily logistics entirely.
Food, Markets & Everyday Shopping
If there's one thing every expat parent agrees on, it's the food. Central Vietnamese cuisine is its own thing — lighter than Hanoi, less sweet than Ho Chi Minh City — and the region has dishes with genuine cult status: Cao Lau, White Rose dumplings, Banh Mi Phuong. You will eat well here.
For groceries, GO! Supermarket and Lotte Mart in Da Nang carry a solid range of international products alongside local staples. For fresh produce, the local wet markets — Cho Con in Da Nang and Cho Hoi An in the Ancient Town — are cheap, lively, and worth getting comfortable with early on.
One thing to know if you're new to Vietnam: cash is still widely used, though QR payment via apps like VietQR is increasingly accepted. Having a local bank account set up early makes everyday life significantly smoother.
Up next — Part 3: Building Your Community & Social Life as an Expat Family
📧 admissions@odyssey.edu.vn | 📞 0938 688 600 | 🌐 odyssey.edu.vn
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