Da Nang has a 60-kilometer coastline. Seven major beaches, each with a completely different personality — from the party-friendly stretch of My Khe to the quiet rocky coves of Son Tra Peninsula.
Most travelers make the mistake of staying at one beach the whole trip. They pick My Khe because it’s closest to the city center and miss out entirely on the quieter spots like Xuan Thieu or the coral-rich waters at Nam O.
Here’s a breakdown of every major beach in Da Nang — what each one’s actually like, when to go, and which one fits your travel style.
My Khe Beach
Also known as China Beach from the Vietnam War era. This is the one you’ve seen in photos — 10 kilometers of white sand stretching from the Son Tra Peninsula down to the Marble Mountains.
Where: 3 km east of Da Nang city center
Best for: Swimming, people-watching, water sports
Crowd level: Busy — weekends are packed
It’s the most developed beach in the city. You’ll find loungers for rent, cafes along the promenade, and plenty of water activities — jet skis, parasailing, banana boats. The water is calm year-round thanks to the sheltered bay.
Go early (before 8am) if you want a good spot without the crowd. The sunrise here is legitimately worth waking up for — the sun comes up over the sea with the Marble Mountains in the background.
Non Nuoc Beach
Forbes named this one of the six most beautiful beaches on the planet back in 2005. That’s not marketing hype — the setting is genuinely striking: white sand running 5 kilometers at the base of the Marble Mountains.
Where: Hoa Hai Ward, 8 km southeast of city center
Best for: Relaxation, sunset walks, combining with Marble Mountains visit
Crowd level: Moderate — quieter than My Khe
The sand is finer here than at My Khe, and the waves are gentler. It’s popular with families and couples who want a more laid-back beach day. The Marble Mountains are right behind the beach — you can swim in the morning, then climb up to the pagodas and caves in the afternoon.
Non Nuoc is also the closest beach to Hoi An — only about 20 minutes by car. If you’re staying in Hoi An but want a proper beach day, this is your best option.
Bac My An Beach
This 4-kilometer stretch is where the resorts are. Anantara, Furama, and Pullman all sit along this strip, which means the beach is well-maintained but also tends to be quieter than My Khe.
Where: Bac My An Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, 7 km from center
Best for: Sunset views, resort stays, water sports
Crowd level: Quiet to moderate
The sunsets here are the best in Da Nang — the sun drops directly over the ocean with the Son Tra Peninsula silhouetted on the left. Kayaking and windsurfing are popular here because the wind picks up in the late afternoon.
If you’re not staying at one of the resorts, you can still access the beach through the public access points between the hotels. Just follow the signs down the side streets.
Son Tra Peninsula Beaches
Son Tra Peninsula is a 60-square-kilometer nature reserve covered in jungle and ringed with small beaches. There isn’t one beach here — there are several, each with its own character.
Key beaches on Son Tra:
- Bai Da Den (Black Rock Beach) — Big black boulders create natural tidal pools. Clear water, gentle waves. Great for swimming and snorkeling.
- Tien Sa Beach — Near Tien Sa Port. More developed, with restaurants nearby. Good for families.
- But Beach & Bac Beach — Smaller, quieter coves on the northeast side. Access is trickier but you’ll often have them to yourself.
The best time to visit Son Tra beaches is March to September — the dry season. Outside that, rain and fog can make the winding road up the peninsula unpleasant.
On the way up, keep an eye out for the red-shanked douc langurs — Son Tra is one of the last strongholds for these endangered primates. You’ll spot them in the trees along the road, especially early morning.
Nam O Beach
Completely different from the others. Nam O isn’t a sandy swimming beach — it’s a rocky area with giant boulders covered in green moss from March to August.
Where: Lien Chieu District, 17 km northwest of city center
Best for: Photography, snorkeling, unusual landscapes
Crowd level: Quiet
When the tide is low, the scene is surreal: big moss-covered rocks stretching 300 meters out into crystal-clear water, with small fish swimming between them. The area also has one of Da Nang’s best coral reefs for snorkeling.
Not the place to come if you just want to lie on the sand. But if you’re into photography or want to see something most tourists miss, it’s worth the drive.
Xuan Thieu Beach
Locals call this “Red Beach” because at sunrise and sunset, the sun reflects off the water turning the whole bay red. It’s in the same Lien Chieu district as Nam O, about 3 kilometers south.
Where: Lien Chieu District, 14 km northwest of center
Best for: Couples, quiet afternoons, sunset photography
Crowd level: Very quiet
The water here is less salty than other beaches — the Han River mixes with the sea at this point. It’s also calmer, making it a good spot for swimming if you’re not a strong swimmer.
There are seafood restaurants along the beach road. Prices are reasonable — a plate of grilled clams or squid won’t set you back much.
Thanh Binh Beach
The closest beach to downtown Da Nang — right at the end of Ong Ich Khiem Street in Hai Chau District. It’s only 1 kilometer long and much quieter than the bigger beaches.
Where: Thanh Binh Ward, Hai Chau District (city center)
Best for: Quick swim, sunset, avoiding crowds
Crowd level: Quiet
Not the most impressive beach on this list — the water isn’t as clear as My Khe or Non Nuoc. But if you’re staying in the city center and only have an hour to kill, it’s walkable from most downtown hotels.
What to Know Before You Go
- Best season — April to August is prime beach weather in Da Nang. Sunny, low rain, water temps in the high 20s.
- Swim safe — Most beaches have lifeguards during daylight hours. Look for the red-and-yellow flagged zones. Rip currents happen at My Khe during storms.
- Bring cash — Beachside cafes and lounger rentals are cash-only in most spots. Cards work at the resort beaches.
- Sunset timing — Around 5:30-6pm depending on the month. Bac My An and Xuan Thieu have the best sunset views.
- Getting around — Grab bikes are cheap within the city (15,000-30,000 VND). For beaches further out like Nam O or Son Tra, book a car for the day.
Exploring Central Vietnam — Beyond the Beaches
Da Nang is the perfect base for exploring Central Vietnam. Hoi An is 30 minutes south. The Marble Mountains are right behind Non Nuoc Beach. And if you’re heading further north, Hue is about 2 hours up the Hai Van Pass — one of the best coastal drives in the country.
If you’re planning to visit Hue as well, check out MIA Hue Tours for the best local experiences around the ancient capital — they run small-group tours to the royal tombs, the Perfume River, and the best street food spots that most guidebooks miss.
The Short Version
Da Nang’s beaches are genuinely good — not just “good for Vietnam” good. My Khe is the all-rounder everyone talks about. Non Nuoc is the quieter, prettier alternative. Son Tra has the most unique coves. And Nam O is the oddball that photographers will love.
Book a hotel near Bac My An if you want resort comfort, or stay in the city center and beach-hop by Grab. Most beaches are within a 20-minute drive of each other, so you’re not committing to one spot.
Need an airport pickup when you land? AN Tours Vietnam runs Da Nang Airport transfers from 200,000 VND. WhatsApp/Zalo: +84 70 6666 520.
