As the largest city in central Vietnam, it’s clear to see why the best beaches near Da Nang are famous and attract many tourists. Locals and workers in the fish industry also enjoy spending time on this part of the country’s coast, adding to the beautiful culture of the area.
In addition to spending time at the beach, Da Nang has many other attractions, including pagodas, bridges, and scenic drives, making it a well-rounded city for vacationers. It’s nestled between Hue and Hoi An, both of which have their own set of fabulous beaches and historical points of interest. Hai Van Pass and the Marble Mountains are likewise close by, giving sightseers a lot to consider when building their itinerary.
The dry season in Da Nang is typically April through August, and the wet season is September through March. When planning time at the beach, it’s ideal for traveling between March and May before it gets too hot and overcrowded with other people. The hottest months are June through August, with an average temperature of 35° C/95° F, and the coldest months are November to January, averaging 18° C/64° F.
Without delay, here are the top beaches near Da Nang in order of proximity from the city center.
My Khe Beach – 1.5 km | 5 minutes
Ranked in TripAdvisor’s top ten list of activities for Da Nang, My Khe Beach is is 9 km/5.6-mile-long stretch of pure sand along the ocean. Depending on the tide, the width of the beach is anywhere from 50 to 70 meters, with the Son Tra Peninsula sticking out to the north and shielding My Khe from harsh winds.
Despite that, the waves at this beach are known to get pretty choppy, so swimming closer to shore is recommended. The back of the beach is lined with beautiful trees and is near the Kinh River, which empties into the sea. Lifeguards are on duty from 5 am to 8 pm.
Thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs are set up along the sand and make excellent spots for napping in the sun or reading a book out in the sea breeze. There’s an area for shopping behind the sandy zone and many restaurants featuring delicious fresh seafood on their menus.
History buffs like visiting My Khe Beach too, as this is the famous location of “China Beach,” where American troops came ashore in 1965. It was a place that US soldiers used to go for a bit of reprieve during their time overseas, and today is an area with many luxury accommodations for tourists.
Bac My An Beach – 4 km | 10 minutes
The scenic Bac My An Beach is one of the most beautiful escapes in Da Nang, providing soft white sand and azure waters that stretch as far as the eye can see. The romantic atmosphere of this beach makes it an ideal spot for couples looking to reconnect with nature and decompress from the business of everyday life.
These sands are suitable for capturing incredible sunrise and sunset photos with the water glistening in the background. This beach is just a short distance away from My Khe Beach, offering options for visitors. An abundance of seafood restaurants and water activities are available here as well.
Canoeing, windsurfing, swimming, and snorkeling are some of the most popular ocean sports in this area.
Thanh Binh Beach – 6 km | 15 minutes
Located just minutes from Da Nang International Airport in the Hai Chau District, Thanh Binh Beach is a lovely stretch of sand that locals often frequent. The soft white sands and clean waters are a great place to relax with views of the city in the distance. Typical water sports and activities are done here, along with plenty of space to sunbathe.
With a metro area close by, there are a lot of restaurants and shops too, but it also means that weekends and holidays are guaranteed to bring crowds here.
Non Nuoc Beach – 10 km | 20 minutes
Non Nuoc Beach is 5 km long and very wide, providing plenty of space for many beachgoers without feeling too cramped. This beach is a ways out of the metro area, so unlike other Da Nang beaches, this one is more isolated in nature. The Non Nuon Tourism Company manages the beach, so there are also a few hotels nearby with decent accommodations and many amenities.
Aside from spending time on the sand and indulging in seafood dining, the Non Nuoc Beach area is also home to various pagodas, craft villages, caves, landmarks, and access to the Marble Mountains. Staying at a hotel by the beach is a great way to experience the land and sea attractions during one trip.
Tien Sa Beach – 10 km | 20 minutes
Located on the north side of the Son Tra Peninsula, Tien Sa Beach is a primarily local beach with a peaceful environment for reading, swimming, or sunbathing. Even though it is affiliated with the Tien Sa Retreat Da Nang, it is open to the public to come and use the shoreline.
While there aren’t many amenities available for daytrippers, there are plenty of little shops and places to have a meal or snack after some time by the ocean.
North Beach – 15 km | 30 minutes
North Beach (Bãi biển Bắc) is located to the northeast of the city on the Son Tra Peninsula and is a private beach for guests staying at the InterContinental Da Nang Resort. It has a separate entryway and is not open to the general public. However, if you’re staying on the property, it’s a beautiful slice of land to enjoy some pristine sand and sea views.
Nam O Beach – 16 km | 30 minutes
Set along the Da Nang Bay, Nam O Beach (Bãi tắm Nam Ô) is a picture-perfect beach located in the city’s western suburbs, near a village of the same name. There is no entry fee to enjoy the area here, and the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, providing a calming nature retreat.
With a mountainous background, golden sands, and stunning blue water, this unspoiled land is a real gem for sightseers on the hunt for a less crowded beach. The ocean has gentle waves and large rocks set on the bottom of the shallow area. Because this beach isn’t developed as an attraction, there aren’t any facilities or rental equipment to use on the sand.
You can always bring your own, though, and after enough time outside, plenty of waterfront restaurants are nearby to grab a bite.
Xuan Thieu Beach – 17 km | 30 minutes
Travelers looking for a place to capture the perfect beach sunset should consider hitting Xuan Thieu Beach, also known as “Red Beach,” due to the way it changes colors at dusk. This lovely little sandy area is just a short way out of Da Nang and provides views of the Son Tra Peninsula to the south and Hai Van Pass to the north.
Not only are there plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, including fresh seafood, but water sports like canoeing, swimming, and casual water play are done here. Many sand sports like volleyball and soccer are played on the beach by locals and tourists alike.
There are many accommodations near this beach, making it easy to have a complete beach vacation. A little-known fact about Red Beach is that it was formally occupied by American Troops in the 1970s, used as a military storage location. However, there is little evidence left of that presence today.
Cham Islands – 28 km | (45 minutes) to Hoi An
Eight islets make up the Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm), which are now labeled a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as of 2009. The biggest island, Hon Lo, is the most frequently visited of the eight, and this destination is also considered to have some of the best beaches near Hoi An.
The teal waters and fluffy white sands are inviting and create an environment of natural luxury, showcasing some of the ocean’s most beautiful scenery. Getting to the Cham Islands is most accessible from Hoi An, so visitors from Da Nang will have to take some transportation to the port there first.
Market boats, speedboats, and ferries are all options for travel to the islands, but be sure to know their return schedules before departing the mainland. Especially on Hon Lo, the most popular activities are snorkeling, diving, and swimming, viewing the colorful wildlife beneath the waves.
Lang Co Beach – 34 km | 45 minutes
Lang Co Beach is located to the north of Da Nang and is considered one of Hue’s best beaches, too, being between the two cities. With 10 km/6 miles of fine white sand and deep blue waters, it’s no wonder that this is a popular place to stop when spending time on the coast.
Visitors from Da Nang get to see an array of gorgeous scenery when heading to Lang Co Beach, as traveling through the famous Hai Van Pass is a treat. The mountains by Lang Co provide a stunning backdrop and create a lot of early morning mist on the beach, which is unique and fun to witness.
Travelers who enjoy spending a few nights at the ocean can easily find accommodations and resorts along Lang Co. Others who come for a day trip enjoy swimming, water sports, sunbathing and indulging in seafood restaurants along the water. A nice feature of this beach is its proximity to other popular destinations, with easy access to the historic Hue and Hoi An towns.
Da Nang is such a fun city with a vibrant history and culture, and it’s clear to see its beaches play a significant role in that. With so many options near the city and on the outskirts, there are plenty of places to spend a day by the sea, including some fabulous beach resorts for your overnight accommodations.