What to do in Da Nang: The amazing My Khe Beach & more
Everything you need to know about Danang: My Khe Beach, where to stay in Da Nang, a photography guide and things to do.
I have just finished a month touring around Vietnam and I wanted to write a full Vietnam Travel guide; Central Vietnam is so underestimated by most travellers and I wanted to change that.
I nearly skipped it; I’m so glad I didn’t. It’s a region of rich history, incredible culture, vibrant colours, incredible oceans (and My Khe Beach!) and dramatic landscapes.
You can visit the incredible dragon bridge that shoots fire (what?) or visit the pink cathedral. Start with Da Nang Beach, one of the best beaches in Vietnam, or stop by a fire breathing dragon, at Dragon Bridge Vietnam.
This blog post may contain affiliate links.
Quick Mini Guide To Da Nang & My Khe Beach
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Da Nang.
Where to stay
– Intercontinental Sun Peninsula Resort
– Pullman Beach Resort
Da Nang & Hoi an are about 30 minutes from each other. You must explore both cities!
How to get there
It’s best to fly into Da Nang from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. Bus journeys are long can take 25h, and we found the 1 hour flights were cheaper!
Don’t miss…
- Golden Hands Bridge & Marble Mountain
- The fire breathing dragon bridge
- Motorbike tour of Da Nang
- My Khe Beach
- Basket Boats
Where to eat
Thìa Gỗ Restaurant – rated number 1 on Tripadvisor
Best time to go
November-April. It gets very hot from May onwards. To avoid the crowds, explore during the weekdays.
Stay connected
Buy an eSim with Airalo to get mobile data abroad! Life saver. Use code A&M3 for $3 off your first order.
Danang, Vietnam
Danang / Da Nang can only be described as a foodie town, at least, that’s my personal experience of it. Expect hundreds of fairy lit cafes, a crazy number of restaurants on every street corner; a super modern and vibrant city with high rise buildings. That, and of course, the beaches.
My Khe beach, specifically, which spans for miles and miles.
This is honestly not what I expected from Danang, but there you go. Every day I was wandering around, grabbing a fresh coconut shake by the beach and picking up a bowl of Pho or Bun Cha – yum! But there are some other fun things to do in Danang too, so keep on reading.
You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam guides:
Hue Imperial City: Things to do
Full guide to the Hoi An Lanterns
Ho Chi Minh City – Things to do
The incredible Incense Village in Hanoi
Things to do in Da Nang
Here’s a list of things you’ll want to check out in Vietnam, starting off with the lovely My Khe Beach!
Best Beaches in Da Nang
Let’s start with the Best Beaches in Da Nang of which My Khe Beach is the biggest, broadest and best!
Danang Beach: My Khe Beach
Surely this is Danang’s best beach? Relax and soak up the sun at My Khe Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Think of the most beautiful golden beaches, with soft white sand that stretches for (literally) miles!
The golden sand and crystal clear blue waters, it’s an ideal spot for swimming.
TIP: if you want to see how crazy it gets on a Friday night or the weekend, check it out. 1000s of locals end up on the beach, it’s quite a sight to see. It’s totally understandable as it is one of the best beaches around.
My Khe beach is a totally different experience if you go on a weekday vs at the weekend. Going at the weekend is an experience in itself, it is very crowded! If you’re around on a weekday, it’s virtually empty!
It is also called China Beach. It was nicknamed China beach during the Vietnam War by American and Australian Soldiers. It’s definitely worth a visit as it is the best beach in Da Nang Vietnam, spanning for miles!
There are loads of hotels that are situated near or directly on My Khe Beach.
Have a look at my full guide to the best places to stay in Danang, with photos and full reviews! We stayed at The Memory Danang, just a few minutes walk from My Khe Beach – such a beautiful hotel, with thoughtful touches throughout our stay.
My Khe Beach Sunset
Make sure you head down to My Khe Beach at sunset; it’s incredible!
You should also check out the basket boats lined up on the beach – they are incredibly unique and definitely a lot of fun. Each basket boat is painted in a unique design. Have a look at some of the basket boat tours below:
Non Nuoc Beach
Non Nuoc Beach is another one of Da Nang’s best beaches, just further along the coast from My Khe Beach.
There are, however, less restaurants and beach bars, so if you’re after peace, quiet and serenity this is your place, but if you’re after buzzing beach vibes, then head Man Thai Beach.
Man Thai Beach
Man Thai beach is another one of the best beaches in Da Nang you should be exploring. This one is famous for the incredible basket boats, similar to My Khe Beach. Worth walking along this golden beach just to see all of them.
You might also want to check out:
- Son Tra Peninsula beach
- Bac My An beach
- Thanh Binh beach
- Lang Co beach
- Tien Sa beach
- Nam O beach
Dragon Bridge
This is a great place to start – the best of all Danang bridges. It’s a fire breathing bridge! I LOVED this experience and it is a total must!
This 15-minute show attracts huge crowds (of both locals and tourists!) who come to witness this unusual bridge.
The impressive Dragon Bridge is an iconic symbol of Da Nang, and it’s not exactly hard to see why. There are plenty of cafes that line the river.
What time does the Dragon Bridge breathe fire?
Every weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9pm, the Dragon Bridge puts on an incredible show where the dragon breathes fire and shoots water from its mouth.
Da Nang Helio Night Market
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Literally 2 minutes from Dragon bridge is the night market. Go for the lively atmosphere, grab a mango smoothie or some grilled food. It’s, again, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Browse the stalls selling a variety of products from shoes to portable fans and souvenirs and if you’re lucky you might spot some live performances too.
Marble Mountains Danang
This cluster of five marble hills (mountains) are pretty spectacular; you’ll get to see panoramic views of the city and the coastline up and down My Khe Beach.
Visit the caves, climb the stairs to enjoy the scenery, and discover the Buddhist pagodas nestled within the mountains. TIP: Don’t go at midday. It can get very hot.
The marble mountains are half way between Danang and Hoi An, so a popular day trip includes a stops at the marble mountains then heads on to Hoi An. Hoi at is an incredible city, (in fact, it was my favourite city in all of Vietnam!).
Son Tra Peninsula
Head to Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain. Explore the thick, green luscious forests, visit the Linh Ung Pagoda with its towering Lady Buddha statue, and stop with a little picnic to watch the breath taking coastal views of the Beach from the mountain.
Be careful about staying for sunset because the roads here are uneven and bumpy, and you might find it difficult to get back after dark.
My Son Sanctuary
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, constructed between the 4th and the 14th century by the Kings of Champa, is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Shaiva Hindu temples in central Vietnam.
Think of it as Vietnam’s version of Angkor Wat. My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO world heritage site and definitely worth a visit.
Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture
Check out the Champa civilization at this museum. There are hundreds of Cham artifacts, including stone sculptures, pottery, and ancient artwork which is fascinating to see. I didn’t know much about it, but it’s worth a visit if you have time!
Han Market
This is where you’ll get to experience the local culture and vibrant atmosphere of a bustling market. Browse through the chaotic stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, handicrafts, and local delicacies and souvenirs from My Khe Beach.
Da Nang Cathedral – Con Ga Church
Did anyone say instagrammable? Visit this beautiful pink church located in the city centre. Admire its Gothic-inspired architecture, stained glass windows, and peaceful ambiance.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Yes, the Ho Chi Minh Museum is located in Da Nang! Located at 3 Duy Tân, Da Nang, Vietnam, the Zone 5 Military Museum showcases the comprehensive history of Vietnamese resistance to foreign occupation.
It covers significant events such as the Chinese occupation, the First Indochina War against the French, the Vietnam War, and the ongoing territorial dispute with China over the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands. It’s really interesting and well worth a visit.
Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Pass in Vietnam has gained worldwide recognition as one of the top 10 stunning coastal roads worldwide. The pass is simply stunning; it has breath taking views, incredible landscape formations and sheer peaks and valleys.
It comes with a treacherous curve and winding zigzaging roads. It’s a thrilling adventure for backpackers, motor heads, motorcyclists and it’ll be sure to deliver an incredibly unique experience along the way.
Da Nang Foodie Scene
I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen more restaurants in one place. We went straight to the number 1 rated restaurant on TripAdvisor (under local eats) and it did not disappoint; Thìa Gỗ Restaurant Da Nang is the best place for some delicious food.
It’s worth doing a food tour; not only do they know the best food joints in the city, they will take you to ones that are tourist-safe and wont give you tummy upsets!
You can’t miss some of Danang’s yummiest dishes… try their regional specialties like banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake), mi Quang (turmeric-infused noodle dish), and bun cha ca (fish cake noodle soup).
Hoa Trung Lake
Hoa Trung Lake is a beautifully glassy lake with a number of small floating islands. It’s is a man-made lake in the Hoa Son and Hoa Lien communes in Da Nang.
It’s about 20 km from Da Nang city center, and it takes about 40 minutes by motorbike or car to get there. Hoa Trung Lake is an ideal place for a day out from Da Nang.
Sun Wheel
Take a ride on the Sun Wheel, which is in the Asia Park complex. As one of the tallest Ferris wheels in Vietnam, it has some of the best views of the city, the Han River, and the surrounding mountains.
It’s extremely photogenic; you’ll have the best viewpoints from high above of My Khe Beach and be able to capture breath taking panoramic photos.
Ba Na Hills – Sun World Theme Park
This incredible theme park is just outside Da Nang, about a 45 minute drive away. I cannot recommend this place enough, it is one of my ultimate highlights of Vietnam and absolutely cannot be missed.
The Golden Bridge is everything you could dream of! If you’re looking for a fun theme park that’s a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay in Europe or America, come here.
There’s so much to do… there’s thrilling rides, 3D, 4D and even 5D cinemas, free arcade games, tonnes of pagodas, the French village, Bavarian Village, Rose gardens, star sign gardens and honestly, so much more! Have a look at my full guide on Ba Na Hills (coming soon!).
We stayed in the Grand Mercure Hotel at Ba Na Hills and it was 100% worth it and the views from my balcony were unreal.
Hotels to stay at in Danang Vietnam
There are plenty of great places to stay in Danang, but here I’m focusing on hotels near My Khe Beach. Have a look at my full guide to the best places to stay in Danang. I’ve listed a few below.
The Memory Danang – is an architectural wonder. It seems to be one of the best hotels / hostels in Vietnam, certainly one of the most instagrammable ones anyway.
We opted to stay in a private room, but there are dorms available from around £10. Honestly, the architecture is so beautiful with their circular bathtubs, circular rooms and hanging green plants.
But that’s not it! Their service is what makes it extra special. You get a pretty exquisite breakfast, with freshly squeezed health juices or ginger teas. You can also pick out the scented soaps, shampoos and conditioners whilst you’re there.
Intercontinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort – This is a great little Da Nang resort! Intercontinental Danang has access to gorgeous My Khe Beach that’s definitely worth having on your front doorstep.
Naman Retreat Danang Vietnam – This lovely 5 star hotel is definitely worth the price! This has got to be arguably the best hotel in Da Nang. Relax and lounge by the pool, sip a cocktail as the sun goes down. And yes, it is on the My Khe Beachfront!
Grand Mercure Danang – This is a great Da Nang hotel you’ll want to book with just for the relaxation alone! The perfect place in the centre of Danang with access to all the city. This is not to be confused with Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills Danang Vietnam – I actually stayed in this hotel, but it is situated in Ba Na Hills, 45 minutes away from Danang. Visiting Ba Na Hills (sometimes called Bana Hills Danang) is probably the best trip in Central Vietnam that I’d recommend – read here for more info!
Pullman Danang Beach Resort Danang Vietnam – Pullman Danang Beach Resort in Danang, Vietnam is a luxurious and idyllic resort that you should definitely stop by! It has fantastic views of the ocean, all the amenities you’d expect from a resort like this; free wifi, king size beds, kettles, a safe and of course, excellent views.
Travelling to / from Da Nang
If you’re looking to travel to/from Da Nang, there are plenty of options. You can book plenty of buses from Danang to Hue Imperial City or Hue to Da Nang. Alternatively, you can order a taxi or book a ride with Grab, which is like Uber.
Arriving by Air
We flew to Da Nang International Airport from Ho Chi Minh City. Danang International airport is just a 15 minute ride away from the centre of Da Nang, it’s super quick and convenient.
For traveling from Danang to Hoi An or Hoi An to Da Nang, it’s about a 45-minute drive away. You can also book a bus ride or order a taxi or book a ride with Grab, which is like Uber. This is what we did, and it cost around £10. Additionally, Da Nang Airport is just 15 minutes from the city centre!
It’s worth visiting Hoi An, it’s an incredible UNESCO world heritage site.
Da Nang Weather
Da Nang Weather in January
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 19-24°C (66-75°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 12
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:45 PM
Da Nang Weather in February
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 19-25°C (66-77°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 6
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:00 PM
Da Nang Weather in March
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 21-27°C (70-81°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 6
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Da Nang Weather in April
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 23-30°C (73-86°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 4
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Da Nang Weather in May
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 25-33°C (77-91°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 4
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Da Nang Weather in June
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 26-35°C (79-95°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 5
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
Da Nang Weather in July
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 26-35°C (79-95°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 8
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
Da Nang Weather in August
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 25-34°C (77-93°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 11
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Da Nang Weather in September
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 24-32°C (75-90°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 13
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Da Nang Weather in October
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 23-29°C (73-84°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 19
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:45 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:45 PM
Da Nang Weather in November
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 21-27°C (70-81°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 17
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:30 PM
Da Nang Weather in December
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 18-24°C (64-75°F)
- Number of Rainy Days: 15
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:45 PM
You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam guides:
Quick links
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