What is the best area to stay in Da Nang?
By Aimee Long. Dec 01, 2022
Once a tiny coastal town turned to an American base in the Vietnam War, Da Nang has grown into a bustling coastal metropolis in the last 10 years. Firmly on the list as one of the best beach destinations in all of Vietnam, Da Nang might be the most glamorous place to stay in the entire country. With an endless list of day trips to take, beautiful beaches to come home to at night, and its perfect geographical location in the middle of the country, Da Nang is one of the best places to visit on a trip to Vietnam.
The best area to stay in Da Nang is the My Khe neighbourhood. As the premier beach in Da Nang, My Khe is a gorgeous stretch of coastline, punctuated by the Son Tra Peninsula at its end. This is where a large portion of the expat community lives and it’s reflected in the westernized restaurants and ease of living that you’ll find. Take a surfing lesson, rent a cabana in the sand, or simply float in the sea. Proximity to the beach, vibrant nightlife, and gorgeous scenery make My Khe the ideal place to stay on a trip to Da Nang.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Da Nang, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you were interested in finding out where to stay in Da Nang, you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Hoi An or where to stay in Hue.
My Khe Beach, the best area to stay in Da Nang
Vibrant Nightlife / Stunning Beaches / Well Touristed.
The My Khe Beach neighbourhood of Da Nang is the best place to stay on a trip to the city. Sandwiched between the Han River and the palm tree lined beaches, Da Nang’s largest expat community lives in this area, and it’s easy to see why. Millions of dollars have been poured into Da Nang’s tourist infrastructure in the last ten years, and it’s evident in this neighbourhood.
Head down to the beach in the evening when locals congregate for sunset and to swim after the sun dips below the Bach Ma mountain range, behind the city. Seafood restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are abundant in this part of town. The area’s vibrant nightlife is apparent from the many karaoke bars, rooftop nightclubs, and bars that cater to travellers. Visitors looking to stay in the My Khe beach neighbourhood will find a mix of luxurious ocean front high rise hotels and smaller B&B style hotels and hostels further inland.
Other areas to stay in Da Nang
Da Nang City Centre
Shopping / Business District / Coffee Culture / In the Centre of it All.
Perfect for business travellers or those looking for a city stay, Da Nang’s City Centre has a little bit of something for everyone. This is a great neighbourhood to shop for inexpensive clothing and to sample the incredible coffee scene that Da Nang has to offer. While there aren’t any beach views in the city centre, you can find countless hotels overlooking the beautiful Han River. Most accommodation in this area are small, family run hotels.
Pay a visit to the uniquely pink Da Nang cathedral that punctuates the city centre skyline with its iconic steeple. The large Han Market near the cathedral is another great stop on a walk around the neighbourhood. With an endless array of cafes to choose from in this part of town, be sure to stop in and try Da Nang’s famous coconut coffee, delicious dark roast espresso poured over a mixture of frozen coconut milk and condensed milk.
Non Nuoc Beach
Luxury Resorts / Pristine Beach Area / Relaxing.
Named by Forbes as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Non Nuoc Beach is the luxury side of Da Nang. Home to most of the city’s resorts and another pristine stretch of coastline, this is a great place to get away from it all and truly relax apart from the hustle and bustle of the city centre or busy My Khe beach.
Located a few minutes drive south of My Khe, Non Nuoc’s secluded location lends itself to a more natural side of Da Nang. We highly recommend this area for those who are just looking for seclusion and luxury, with the ability to take day trips out and about as well. The Marble Mountains are a popular day trip from Non Nuoc Beach and only a few minutes drive away. This area of Da Nang is also home to several elite golf courses for those interested in playing.
Han River
Fantastic Restaurants / River Views / Romantic Getaway.
The Han River neighbourhood quite literally cuts the city of Da Nang in half, separating the bustling city centre from the coast. Hotels line the riverfront with beautiful views of the Han River and are usually mid-range in price. This area of town is well known for its delicious riverfront restaurants, riverside promenade, and dinner cruises.
On a weekend night, join the throngs of tourists and locals alike who gather on the Da Nang Dragon Bridge to watch the golden serpent breathe fire and spray the crowd with water. The popular tourist boats gather on the river with the bridge in view if you’re interested in taking a cruise. This area of the city is also known for romance. There have been numerous songs inspired by the Han River and its beauty, and many locals think of this area as the perfect place for a date or romantic getaway.
Son Tra Peninsula
Local Life / Water Sports / Lady Buddha & Linh Ung Pagoda.
Tucked away at the northern end of Da Nang’s main beach, Son Tra is a beautiful look into a traditional Vietnamese neighbourhood. Here you’ll find a mix of locals as well as tourists, and plenty of coffee shops and restaurants to keep you satisfied. The beach on this end of the peninsula is a bit less cultivated, in a truly endearing way.
Towards the end of the beach, you can find paddle board rentals, perfect for gliding along the typically calm water. Be sure to head out to the peninsula itself which is home to the stunning Linh Ung Pagoda and the famous Lady Buddha, standing at 67 meters tall, keeping watch over the city. If you’re really looking to splurge, the Son Tra Peninsula itself is home to a 5-star resort, the Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. Aside from the resort, the Son Tra neighbourhood is a great budget accommodation area.
Marble Mountain
Marble Mountains / Off-the-Beaten Path.
Located only a 15-minute drive south from My Khe beach, the Marble Mountain neighbourhood is an off-the-beaten path section of the city. What it lacks in diverse amenities, it makes up for in proximity to the attraction itself, lending you ample time to explore. Accommodation in this area is a bit more sparse, but it’s a good option if you want to be near the Marble Mountains themselves or in closer proximity to Hoi An, one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam.
The biggest draw to this area is, of course, the Marble Mountains. The name is a bit of a misnomer as the “mountains” are actually marble and limestone hills, each one named after an element with temples and shrines tucked inside the caves. This area of town is also close to the Non Nuoc beach neighbourhood if you’re still looking for easy access to the coast, which is never too far in Da Nang.
Our recommended hotels in Da Nang
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Da NangNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.