I’ve spent a lot of time on a motorbike here. Having traversed the roads of Da Nang daily – and frequently making the sweaty, sun-drenched journey down to Hoi An – I have developed what I think is a pretty intimate knowledge of the coastal offerings in both cities. You get to know the curves of the coast when you drive them every single day.
The geography of Da Nang is distinct – blessed, really – with more than 30 kilometers of shoreline. But it’s not just one long strip. This geography provides two very different maritime experiences: you have the sheltered, tranquil waters of Da Nang Bay on one side, and the expansive, sunrise-greeting stretch of the East Sea on the other. It’s a tale of two coasts. Whether your goal is to capture local culture through a camera lens, find a luxurious resort for a family vacation, or chase winter swells on a surfboard, there is a specific strip of sand here tailored to your needs. You just have to know where to look.
For a deeper dive into the climate of central Vietnam – because the rain here is no joke – you can refer to my specific guide regarding the best time to visit Da Nang. I also have a separate guide covering the weather in Hoi An. It is common for itineraries in Vietnam to group Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An together as a central travel trio. It makes sense; they’re neighbors.
The locations listed below are dispersed throughout the city. If you are seeking solitude – like, actual quiet where you can hear yourself think – travel south to Non Nuoc Beach. That’s your spot. Conversely, My Khe Beach is the most central option. It’s bustling. It’s loud. It’s where the action is.
Travel Tip: Generally, the prime “beach season” for swimming occurs between May and August. That’s when the ocean is blue and calm, like a postcard. But… things change. The coast transforms into a haven for kitesurfers and surfers from September through December as the surf intensity increases. The water gets wilder.
1. My Khe Beach (Bãi biển Mỹ Khê)
Location: Google Maps
My Khe Beach is widely recognized as the most famous stretch of sand in Da Nang. It just is. This is largely due to its convenient location and the sheer abundance of high-quality hotels nearby. It is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. In fact, in the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards by Tripadvisor, My Khe was named the 6th best beach in Asia. Not bad for a city beach.
The beach begins in the bustling My An neighborhood (often called An Thuongs by the expats) and extends northward along the coastline into the Son Tra district. It’s a long one.
Historically, this area achieved global recognition during the American War (Vietnam War). It was nicknamed “China Beach” back then and served as a primary location for R&R for American troops. That’s the history. Today, the area has moved past its wartime shadows to become a world-class destination, celebrated for its warm water year-round, gentle seabed slope, and soft white sand.
Local Insight: There is often confusion regarding the names My Khe Beach, Bac My An Beach, and My An Beach. It gets mixed up all the time. In reality, My An is simply a small section within the greater My Khe area. Locals tend to use the names interchangeably, so don’t stress the semantics.
Because the beach is so long, the atmosphere varies significantly depending on your entry point. The northern sections are generally more spacious – more breathing room – whereas the central zone near the roundabouts buzzes with tourist energy.
For fitness enthusiasts, the walking path adjacent to the sand is excellent for exercise. I frequently run a 5K on this beachside route. It’s my morning ritual. You will find outdoor exercise equipment and pull-up bars installed at various intervals if you want to get a pump in.
Running parallel to the entire length of the beach is Vo Nguyen Giap Street. This road is the artery of Da Nang’s tourism. It’s lined with convenience stores, juice bars, restaurants, and hotels. Here, you can find everything from humble coconut stands to upscale seafood establishments featuring live tanks. This is also the hub for surf lessons; several schools operate right on the sand, with activity peaking during the swell season (September to March).
The Daily Rhythm
During daylight hours, the beach is occupied mostly by travelers and is relatively quiet. Access to the beach is free, though there are small fees if you wish to rent loungers or sun chairs. In most areas, parking your motorbike or scooter along the beach is free of charge.
But then… something happens. A cultural phenomenon occurs daily from 5:00 PM onwards. Because Vietnamese locals generally avoid the midday sun – smart move – families descend upon the beach at sunset to socialize and swim.
This is a spectacle not to be missed. Honestly. As the day’s heat fades, thousands of locals take to the water. You will witness grandmothers performing aerobics in the surf, impromptu picnics, and pop-up football games. If you are an early riser, this massive gathering happens again at sunrise (between 4:30 AM and 5:30 AM). Watching the sun crest over the East Sea at this hour is arguably the most stunning sight in the city.
As night falls, the area transitions from quiet to bustling, with many people dancing, jogging, or joining fitness classes held directly on the path or the sand.
2. Non Nuoc Beach (Bãi Tắm Non Nước)
Location: Google Maps
Located south of the My An area and My Khe Beach is Non Nuoc Beach. The specific location pin provided leads to a spot directly opposite the Marble Mountains. To reach this area – it’s about 10 minutes (5.8 km) south of My Khe – you travel along Vo Nguyen Giap Street until it becomes Truong Sa Street. That’s the same road you would take to reach Hoi An. (For those heading further south, I have a guide on An Bang Beach in Hoi An).
Historical & Cultural Context
Non Nuoc holds historical significance due to its location near the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son). These are a collection of five limestone and marble hills housing Buddhist pagodas, tunnels, and caves. It’s mystical stuff. The beach was once famed for stone carving villages that extracted material from these hills. Although mining is now prohibited to protect the mountains – thankfully – the beach remains a tranquil refuge beneath these peaks.
This is my personal favorite spot for a secluded beach experience. It is exceptionally quiet. On a recent Sunday visit at 2:00 PM, I encountered only two other people. Just two.
Amenities & Atmosphere
This specific access point sits between the Melia Danang Beach Resort and the newly opened Koi Resort. Nearby, you will find the budget-friendly Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort down the road and the Danang Marriott Resort just up the street.
Because luxury resorts dominate this coastline, maintenance is superb. They keep it clean. The sand is frequently groomed, and there is significantly less litter compared to the public beaches further north. The seabed slopes gently here, making it ideal for swimming with children or wading.
While motorbikes park for free and beach access is cost-free, Non Nuoc is less convenient than My Khe regarding amenities. There aren’t a million stores nearby. I suggest bringing light snacks and water with you. Lifeguards are on duty, making it safe to swim.
3. East Sea Park (Công viên Biển Đông)
Location: Google Maps
Just north of the My An area and My Khe Beach lies East Sea Park. This location is connected to the main beachside walking path, meaning you can reach it by walking north from My An. It’s all connected. I often pass this spot during my 5K runs.
Locals frequently call this area “Pigeon Park.” Why? The nickname comes from the thousands of doves that gather in the main plaza. It’s a lot of birds. It offers a unique photo opportunity, particularly in the early morning during feeding time. The park acts as a community center for Da Nang, effectively dividing the fishing-centric northern section from the tourist-heavy southern section.
Events & Features
At East Sea Park, the walking path expands into a wide promenade that hosts live music, concerts, and shows. I recently witnessed an organized yoga session here with a large stage and at least 200 participants. It was impressive.
If you visit during the summer, keep an eye out for the “Da Nang Summer Destination” festival. This event typically includes massive nightly food festivals, sandcastle competitions, and paragliding exhibitions. It gets lively.
The beach here features numerous palm trees that offer welcome shade. Conditions in the water are similar to My Khe, but the breeze can be delightfully stronger on hot days because fewer high-rise hotels block the wind.
For parking, there is a lot with security guards; bicycles cost 2,000 VND and motorbikes cost 4,000 VND. Amenities are plentiful, with many beachside bars nearby. A great spot for craft beer in the vicinity is East West Brewing.
4. Man Thai Beach (Bãi biển Mân Thái)
Location: Google Maps
Continuing north along the coast past East Sea Park into the Son Tra district, you will find Man Thai Beach. This area is significantly quieter than the popular spots at My Khe and My An. It feels different here.
Man Thai preserves the soul of old Da Nang. Before the era of resorts and skyscrapers, the city was comprised of fishing villages. This beach is one of the few remaining places on the main strip where traditional life continues. It serves as a transition zone between the wild jungles of the Son Tra Peninsula and the urban city center.
Local Life & Authenticity
I have been riding my motorbike through this section of Da Nang daily for recent weeks. If you ride toward Lady Buddha or the Son Tra Peninsula via Hoang Sa Road, you will pass directly along Man Thai. Occasionally, you may notice a distinct smell.
Don’t turn your nose up at it. This scent is a mark of authenticity – it is the smell of fish sauce fermentation and drying seafood, vital components of the local economy.
The area is the premier spot to observe the iconic Vietnamese basket boats (thung chai). These unique, round bamboo vessels were historically created to evade boat taxes levied by French colonialists, who classified them as “baskets” rather than boats. Clever, right?
At sunrise (around 5:00 AM), the fishing fleet returns from the sea, and a market springs to life on the sand. Locals gather around the fishermen to buy the daily catch. If you linger, you can purchase fresh seafood directly.
Notes for Visitors
As you head north toward Lady Buddha, the fish smell intensifies. It gets strong. However, the beach area just south of the activity is open, quiet, and offers spectacular views of the Son Tra Peninsula and Lady Buddha.
While swimming is possible, caution is advised regarding anchors and nets due to the docked fishing boats. It’s a working beach. The walk here from My An takes 30 to 40 minutes along a continuous sidewalk, but the view looking back at the city skyline is unmatched.
5. Tan Tra Beach (Biển Tân Trà)
Location: Google Maps
Located approximately 7.5 km (about 12 minutes) south of the main My Khe Beach area, Tan Tra Beach sits between the Danang Marriott Resort & Spa, Non Nuoc Beach Villas, and the Sheraton Grand Danang Resort. It is also situated near the Legend Da Nang Golf Resort.
This coastline is often dubbed the “Five Star Boulevard” due to the concentration of luxury properties. Despite this high-roller nickname, Tan Tra remains a public access point that feels delightfully abandoned. The pristine white sand is rarely crowded, making it a favorite location for local couples taking wedding photos. You’ll see them in their suits and gowns, sweating in the sun.
Vibe & Amenities
I revisited this spot recently to check it out. A long road leads from Truong Sa Road directly to the sand, allowing you to pull your vehicle right up to the beach. During my visit, it was incredibly quiet; I was the only foreigner present, accompanied only by about ten locals relaxing under the palm trees.
The sand here is slightly coarser and the beach wider than the northern spots, providing a more open, wild atmosphere. It feels bigger. It is an excellent stop for golfers finishing a round at the nearby Montgomerie Links or BRG Da Nang Golf Resort.
You can swim here safely as lifeguards are on duty. For food and drinks, Ortus Bistro & Beers is located directly on the beach.
6. Son Thuy Beach (Bãi tắm Sơn Thủy)
Location: Google Maps
Son Thuy Beach is located 4 km (approximately seven minutes) south of My Khe Beach. It is often overlooked in favor of Non Nuoc to the south or My Khe to the north, making it a true “hidden in plain sight” treasure. People drive right past it.
Situated in the Hoa Hai ward, this area has cultivated a robust ecosystem of local dining. Walking inland from the beach reveals excellent “Quan Nhau” (local pubs) that serve fresh seafood at prices far lower than the tourist-centric restaurants in My An. Plastic chairs, cold beer, good food.
Water & Logistics
This beach features excellent water quality. A sandbar extends significantly far out, allowing visitors to stand while wading deep in the water. It’s a strange feeling, standing that far out. When the waves pick up, it becomes a prime spot for bodyboarding.
Son Thuy is the closest beach if you are traveling south from My Khe and My An. The geographical order heading south is: My Khe area -> Son Thuy -> Non Nuoc -> Tan Tra.
Swimming is permitted, and lifeguards are present. The beach is located next to the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa (hotel website). Parking fees are standard: 2,000 VND for bicycles and 4,000 VND for motorbikes.
7. Lien Chieu Beach (Bãi tắm Liên Chiểu)
Location: Google Maps
For a more localized experience, Lien Chieu Beach (also known as Xuan Thieu Beach) is located in the northwestern sector of Da Nang. To reach this somewhat remote spot – it’s off the beaten path – I recommend hiring a Grab taxi. You can download the Grab App here.
The crucial geographical difference here is that Lien Chieu faces Da Nang Bay, unlike the other beaches on this list which face the East Sea (Pacific Ocean). Consequently, the water is generally flatter and calmer. It’s better for wading than surfing.
History & Scenery
Historically, this site is known as “Red Beach” and was the landing point for the first US Marines in 1965. A lot of history here. Today, it is a peaceful district populated by fishermen and university students.
One distinct advantage of Lien Chieu is the sunset view. This is key. While the main Da Nang beaches offer spectacular sunrises, the sun sets behind the city on the east coast. At Lien Chieu, the curve of the bay allows for stunning views of the sky changing colors over the western mountains. It’s the place to be at dusk.
Nearby Attractions
If you plan to ride a scooter to the Hai Van Pass, your route along Nguyen Tat Thanh Street will take you directly past this beach. This road is one of the city’s finest coastal drives, offering unobstructed views of the pass in the distance.
You will also pass Lien Chieu if you are heading to Nam O Beach. While Nam O isn’t easily accessible or a traditional “beach” for swimming, it offers great scenery, including a traditional fish sauce village dating back centuries and moss-covered rocks that are best viewed in January and February.
Accommodation nearby includes the Mikazuki Japanese Resort & Spa (hotel website). While you can sunbathe and swim in certain sections, amenities for snacks and drinks are far less convenient here than in My Khe. You will likely be the only tourist exploring this area.
8. Tien Sa Beach (Bãi biển Tiên Sa)
Location: Google Maps
Tien Sa Beach is a very laid-back, small beach located north of Da Nang’s main area, overlooking Da Nang Bay. You will need to ride your own scooter or take a Grab taxi to reach it. It’s a bit of a trek.
Legend & Landscape
The name “Tien Sa” roughly translates to “Fairy Descent” or “Angel’s Landing.” Legend says that fairies descended from the heavens to play here due to the beach’s secluded beauty. Nice story, right? The name makes perfect sense once you see the lush jungle of Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain) meeting the sea.
Because the beach is tucked into a cove on the peninsula, it is incredibly sheltered from waves and wind. This unique calm makes it one of the few places in Da Nang suitable for light snorkeling near the rocks.
Access & Wildlife
To enter, you must go through the Navy Hotel Da Nang gate. It feels a bit official. You will need to pay the guard 10,000 VND to park your scooter inside and/or use the beach. If taking a Grab, ask to be dropped at the Navy entrance.
Once inside, turn left for scooter parking. Then, go down the stairs and to the left to find a spot called Simple Beach Tien Sa. This small beach bar offers food, drinks, bean bag chairs, and loungers. It’s chill.
Be observant on the drive in – you are entering the habitat of the Rhesus macaque and the Red-Shanked Douc Langur. Seeing monkeys near the road leading to the resort entrance is not uncommon. They’re everywhere.