Mike and Muriel, an American couple retired from Miami at 60, share their experience settling in Da Nang's An Thuong neighborhood during their second extended stay. They opted out of high-rise condos to rent a two-bedroom apartment at $575 per month, choosing a walkable street over a motorbike commute. The couple emphasizes the value of scouting in person—walking blocks to snap rental signs directly—to land in a community where landlords bring flowers on Christmas and expat neighbors become friends. Their unit includes a full kitchen with a toaster oven, a spare guest room, and quiet bedrooms at the rear. The beach lies two blocks away, providing free cardio and outdoor options. They cite the local LMS coffee spot and Scallywags bar as expat hubs, the latter hosting NFL Monday meetups. Returning to the US to sell property, they plan to make the move permanent, valuing the easy access to food, nightlife, and social connection without isolation. The discussion covers weather timing—avoiding rainy season—and the practicality of border runs for extending stays.
Key Facts
- Rent is $575/month for a 2BR/2BA apartment in An Thuong.
- Two blocks from My Khe Beach.
- Includes a toaster oven, stove, microwave, and a guest bedroom.
- Lynn's Coffee and Scallywags bar are local expat spots with NFL meetups.
- Visit timed after Christmas to avoid the rainy season.
