How Living in Da Nang Changed the Way I Eat (and Shrunk My Body)

How Vietnam Changed the Way I Eat

Before (May 2026) vs. After (October 2026)

I didn't move to Vietnam to go on a diet. But living in Da Nang has changed the way I eat, the way I move and, honestly, my body. And I didn't even really try that hard. It just kind of happened because of how life works over here.

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Now don't get it twisted. I am not a nutritionist, I'm not a personal trainer, and I am definitely not perfect. I have a bakery on speed dial, okay? I’m literally eating on this chocolate cake that I ordered last night while I write this. LMAO! I’m ridiculous. But I've picked up some habits here that have made a real difference, and if you're coming to Vietnam and you want to feel better, save some money and maybe shrink a little, these are the five things that changed for me.

1. I Shop at the Local Market (Not the Supermarket)

There is a market literally a few blocks from my apartment. It's SO close. The lady I buy from is wonderful, and every time I go I come home with like three bags of vegetables. It's amazing. And because I have all this fresh stuff in my kitchen, I've been cooking my own meals a lot. I don't eat out a lot anymore.

And here's the thing. I think cooking at home is the number one way to save money, even in Vietnam where food is already cheap, and it's the number one way to really shrink your body. Stop eating out so much. When you cook for yourself, you know exactly what's going in there: how much oil, how much sugar, how much of everything.

If you're coming to Vietnam and you want to lose weight or just better your life (which, let's be real, is probably why you're coming here in the first place), start shopping at the local markets. Not the supermarket. The markets. They're all over the place, tucked into little nooks and crannies, and the produce is fresh, cheap and in season. Most of them get going early in the morning, so that's when you'll get the best stuff.

You can also find markets that sell fresh meat and seafood. I personally don't buy my meat at the market because I'm very particular about my meat, but you absolutely can if you want to.

2. I Watch My Sugar (Easier Said Than Done)

Okay, I'm going to be honest with you. Grab Food is SO easy to use here, and baby, I'm probably the number one Grab user in Da Nang. I literally have this bakery on speed dial. Trust me, I get it. But there is a LOT of sugar in everything over here, and you have to watch it.

My biggest weakness? Coffee. I cannot live without my coffee. Every day I either have a coconut coffee or two, or I make my own coffee at home, and there's sugar in both. The coconut coffee especially is very, very sugary, because it's usually made with sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream blended together. It's delicious. It's also basically dessert. I'm low-key grateful that I'm leaving Vietnam soon, because I'm like, I need to stop drinking this shit. But it's addicting.

So watch how much of it you drink. A little tip: you can ask for ít đường (less sugar) or không đường (no sugar) when you order coffee or smoothies. And watch the bubble teas, the sweet sauces and the fruit shakes. Vietnamese food itself is pretty light and healthy, but the sugar sneaks in through the drinks and the snacks.

3. I Eat Like the Locals and Joined a Local Gym

There's just more health consciousness in Vietnam overall, and you can see it in the food. Vietnamese food is fresh, light and full of herbs. Think brothy soups like phở and bún bò, rice noodle bowls, fresh spring rolls, grilled meats and a big plate of fresh greens and herbs on the side of almost every meal. A lot of dishes are steamed, boiled or grilled instead of deep fried, and the flavor comes from herbs, lime, chili and fish sauce instead of heavy cream and butter. All of that really helps when you're trying to eat better.

And if you get up early, you'll see how active people are here. Locals are out at sunrise walking the beach, jogging, doing group exercise and stretching before it gets too hot. In Da Nang there are even free outdoor workout stations along the beach.

But if you want a real gym, there are SO many local gyms in Da Nang, and they're cheap. I go to KT Fitness and I recommend it. It's about $11 a week, which is roughly $1.57 a day. Come on now. That's less than my coconut coffee. You really don't have an excuse.

4. I Walk Everywhere

Vietnam is a very walkable country, especially the beach cities, and I can speak to Da Nang specifically. I walk everywhere, child, and I love it. I don't have a car here and I don't ride a moped, so my feet are my main transportation. Some days I hit 10,000 steps, some days I don't, but I'm moving way more than I ever did back home.

My favorite thing is walking along the beach, when it isn't storming like it is right now as I write this. Da Nang's rainy season usually runs from around September through December, so plan your outdoor time around that. But overall, it's a really active city. If you're looking to increase your activity without forcing yourself into some crazy workout plan, Da Nang is a great option for you.

5. I Stay Hydrated (With Electrolytes)

I LOVE THIS STUFF!

You are going to sweat a LOT here. Vietnam is hot and humid, and between the walking, the gym and just existing outside, you lose a lot of water. So you have to replenish your body. Plain water is great, but you need electrolytes too.

The good news is it's easy here. You can grab electrolyte packets at any pharmacy (look for Oresol, which locals use), sports drinks at every convenience store, and fresh coconut water from street vendors for super cheap. Fruits and veggies are also great ways to hydrate, and with all that market produce in your kitchen, you'll be eating plenty of them anyway. Watermelon, cucumber, dragon fruit: get into it.

So, Is Vietnam Good for Getting Healthy?

For me? Absolutely. I didn't follow some strict plan. I just started shopping at the market, cooking at home, walking everywhere, going to the gym and drinking more water, and my body changed. The only thing still fighting me is that damn coconut coffee. If you're thinking about moving to Vietnam or spending a few months here, it's honestly one of the easiest places I've lived to build healthier habits without it feeling like a chore.

FAQ

Is it easy to eat healthy in Vietnam? Yes. Traditional Vietnamese food is fresh, light and full of herbs and vegetables, with a lot of soups, grilled meats and rice noodle dishes. The main things to watch are sugary drinks, sweet sauces and fried street snacks.

Is it cheaper to cook at home or eat out in Vietnam? Street food is cheap, but cooking at home with produce from the local market is usually cheaper still, and you control the oil, sugar and portions. Delivery apps like Grab Food add up fast.

How much does a gym cost in Da Nang? It depends on the gym. Local gyms are very affordable. I pay about $11 a week at KT Fitness, while bigger international-style gyms charge more.

Is Da Nang walkable? Yes, especially along the beach and in the main neighborhoods. I don't have a car or a moped and I walk almost everywhere. Just watch the motorbikes when you cross the street.

How do I stay hydrated in Vietnam's heat? Drink water throughout the day and add electrolytes. You can buy Oresol packets at any pharmacy, grab sports drinks at convenience stores, or get fresh coconut water from street vendors.

How do I order less sugar in my coffee in Vietnam? Ask for ít đường (less sugar) or không đường (no sugar). Coconut coffee is usually made with sweetened condensed milk, so even a less-sugar version is still pretty sweet.

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