Da Nang Travel

Da Nang Weather Overview

Da Nang weather has a tropical monsoon climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year. A popular holiday destination among travellers, Da Nang has beautiful beaches such as My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach. UNESCO-listed Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary are just a short drive away.

The city has two seasons every year. The wet period is from September until March, while the dry period is between April and August. Its close proximity to the South China Sea allows for average temperatures between 18°C and 34°C.

Check the below table to have the general idea of Da Nang weather throughout the year

Best time to go to Da Nang

February to May is the best time to visit Da Nang. This is the time when the rainfall level is not very high, making it comfortable for the visitors to enjoy their vacation. Da Nang has a tropical monsoon climate, with mild temperatures almost throughout the year.

The months with soaring temperatures are May to September. Right after this, rainfall season begins which lasts until January. The temperature is usually around 24-degree Celcius in May to September, and the rest of the year it is said to not go below 20-degree Celcius. December and January are also said to be an excellent time to visit Da Nang as the rainfall received are less as compared to the other months in the wet season. September to November is the worst time to visit Da Nang as it gets a substantial amount of rainfall at this time.

Da Nang Seasonal Weather Guide

That said, Da Nang has 2 main seasons: Dry season & wet season.

Dry season in Da Nang

The dry season in Da Nang occurs from January to September, and these months are hot and humid. The highest average temperature is around 33 to 35 degrees Celsius (91 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) and the lowest is around 26 degrees Celsius (~79 degrees Fahrenheit). The hottest months of the year fall between June and August.

From January to March is when the weather is perfect. There isn’t much rain and the temperature fluctuates between 19.5 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius (~67 degrees – 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Hence, it is neither too hot and humid nor too cold and wet, which is fantastic. You can spend time doing all sorts of activities – from beaching to trekking, without feeling any extreme temperature. You will be joined by other tourists – foreign and locals alike that are keen to enjoy Da Nang during this time. The temperature continues to rise during April and May, and reaches the peak temperature during “summer” (from June to the end of August). The humidity also adds more discomfort to the situation.

What to wear during the dry season

Shorts and tank tops work well. Vietnam is not too conservative, but when you are going to temples, please be respectful and wear long sleeves. Sweaters are unnecessary but if you do plan on taking those long night buses, you may want one because they are literally moving refrigerators.

Travel tips for visiting Da Nang during the dry season

Here are some things you should remember when traveling to Da Nang during dry season:

• Stay hydrated: Don’t forget to buy a big bottle of water and carry it with you, especially if you are visiting Da Nang during the dry season. The heat and humidity will make you sweat a lot so you need to prevent dehydration. Make sure to eat well too, to make up for the lost vitamins.
• Apply sunscreen: Even if you want tan skin, you still need to put on sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. It can get pretty hot out there and we don’t want you to get sunburnt!
• Wear protective clothes: If you don’t want to get sunburned after five minutes of being outside, you really need long-sleeve shirts/jackets. Oh, and don’t forget a cap or hat for your hair. Sunglasses are a plus too!
• Bring a jacket: the weather during January to March is pretty cool. Sometimes the temperature can drop lower than 20 degrees Celsius (~68 degrees Fahrenheit), so you will need a jacket to keep you warm. It doesn’t have to be a thick winter coat but a suitable windbreaker or jumper will do.
• Book accommodation in advance: in peak season in Da Nang, it will be tricky to find a place to stay (especially during Da Nang International Fireworks Festival). I suggest you visit booking.com or Airbnb to reserve a room in advance.

Wet season in Da Nang

From October to March is when heavy rainfall occurs. At this time of the year, the rain will come frequently which makes the city much cooler. The average temperature is around 25.5 degrees Celsius (~78 degrees Fahrenheit) and the coolest months are November to January. Unfortunately, this time of the year is the typhoon season. There will be thunderstorms which could cause bad floods so you should check the weather forecast beforehand.

What to wear during the wet season 

You don’t need winter coats, but jackets are very useful. A raincoat will also be great but you can buy disposable ones for less than 20,000 VND (almost 1 USD). The weather can still be stuffy during the day so bring a mix of short sleeves and long sleeves and you’re all set!

Travel tips for visiting Da Nang during the wet season

So, what should you know before traveling to Da Nang in the wet season?

• Carry a raincoat or travel-size umbrella: This is surely your bestie when traveling during rainy season. I bet you don’t want your cute outfit getting wet when a sudden downpour happens.
• Check the weather forecast: You should really check the weather forecast to plan your day (and your stay). The weather forecast apps on your iPhone are pretty accurate. If you are not a fan of Apple, you can still check the weather on weather.com or accuweather.com
• Have a plan B: Just in case it rains heavily for days or floods you should have a plan B in case your original plan doesn’t work out.

Da Nang Current Weather & 7-day Forecast

DA NANG WEATHER

Da Nang – The City of Bridges is such a charming destination of Central Vietnam. Due to its close location to three cultural world heritages – Hue Imperial City, My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient Town, Da Nang city makes a great base to discover all the wonders of the central part of Vietnam. Once you are in the city of Da Nang, you can’t help to be attracted by the gentle, white sandy coastline, the colorful, impressive bridges and spectacular mountaintops and more.

Here is your ultimate list of the top things to do in Da Nang.

1. See colorful lit bridges of Da Nang

The thing Da Nang is most famous about is its collection of bridges. The bridges in Da Nang are so creative and iconic to the point that every time the city build a new bridge, it becomes trendy. After the Dragon Bridge and Love Bridge, the newest sensation that has gone worldwide recently is Golden Bridge, boasting a mind-blowing architecture.

Love Bridge and “Carp Turns into A Dragon” Statue

Welcome to the romantic side of Da Nang – a bridge that is dedicated to all the couples. Built in 2015 on Tran Hung Dao Street which is just a perfect location to watch Dragon Bridge, sunset and fireworks.

The bridge is 70m long, inspired by many love bridges across the world where lovers share their moments together. Right at the bridge is the statue of Carp Turns into A Dragon representing virtues like patience, dedication and determination in Asian culture.

The Iconic Dragon Bridge

This bridge was opened for traffic in 2013, became the 7th bridge in Da Nang over Han River. The bridge became a trend right away for its dragon-like appearance and its special feature of breathing water and fire through its mouth on every Sunday at 9:00 PM.

Come to the riverside at night to see the bridge light up across Han River. This bridge is absolutely the number-one thing to do in Da Nang.

Architecture Masterpiece – Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills

This should be the highlight of 2018 – the whole world was amazed by this newly built bridge which has already drawn so much attention and praises. Located in Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge boasts with an impressive architecture – two giant stone hands emerging from the mountain and holding the delicate gilded bridge.

With the magnificent backdrop view from the height of 1400m, this construction is even more outstanding. Adorned by lavenders and chrysanthemums, Golden Bridge is a dreamlike walkway for posing.

2. Visit the beautiful Linh Ung Pagoda

Featured a giant standing statue of Guan Yin looking over the sea, Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra peninsula is a perfect site for cultural exploring and sightseeing at the same time, especially at night, from the pagoda you can see Da Nang lit up with the colorful city lights.

To the locals, this pagoda is such a blessing because since built, it seemed that the hurricane season was less severe than before.

3. Trek up Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains)

Located only 7km from the centre of Da Nang city, Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains) include 5 mountains according to Wu Xing (Five Elements in Chinese culture) that are Kim, Moc, Thuy, Hoa, Tho mountains.

Ngu Hanh Son is a total package with breathtaking views on the top, beautiful caves – Huyen Khong, Van Khong, Van Nguyet, sacred pagoda – Tham Thai, natural stream Giai Oan and Non Nuoc village at the base of the mountain. Ngu Hanh Son is also known for stone carving handicraft.

*Tip: you can join Guan Tin festival held at Ngu Hanh Son during 18th – 20th days of the second lunar month. Activities: procession of Guan Yin statue, floating flower lights on the river and other philanthropic activities.

4. Get closer to the nature at Cu Lao Cham Island

Untouched by tourism, Cu Lao Cham is a wonderful getaway from the city life. You’ll be charmed with the turquoise, clean water color surrounding the island. The wildlife on Cu Lao Cham is fantastic for adventure with primitive landscapes.

Don’t forget visiting the fishing village to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere here and the delicious seafood. Come to Cu Lao Cham, you can have the whole beach for yourself where you can enjoy swimming, sailing and scuba diving.

5. Relax at My Khe Beach

If Cu Lao Cham is too far for you, My Khe is another excellent choice for your beach break. With length of 900 meters, My Khe boasts a white sandy beach and blue sea water running along the city’s road AND cleanliness which is a huge score for a beach in Vietnam.

Come to My Khe to enjoy swimming, surfing and other beachside activities. A wide range of restaurants and hotels along the coastline offers plenty options and services for your trip.

6. Loosen up at Ba Na Hills

Other than seeing the Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills is also the place to have fun and enjoy romantic French architecture. Located 40km southwest of the city centre, Ba Na Hills take you about 30 minutes traveling. The complex, only accessible by cable cars, features a range of gardens, French village, Wax Museum, Le Jardin D’Amour.

Ba Na Hills tickets: Adults: 700,000VND | Children (1m-1.3m): 550,000VND

7. Dip yourself in the healing water at Than Tai Spring Park

Than Tai Hot Spring is a wonderful place to take your kids and family to enjoy the landscape and of course, bathing time in such fairy tale like setting. The water would definitely relieve you from muscle ache and stress. There’s also a Japanese onsen site in the complex which is pretty similar to one in Japan.

Entrance tickets: 300,000VND/adult and 150,000VND/child 1m-1.3m 

8. Shop at Han Market - the largest market in Da Nang

If you're finding a place to shop and enjoy Da Nang cuisine, Han Market is your top choice. The market has been in operation since the French occupation in 1940s, caters all kinds of products to both locals and tourists who come to Da Nang. 

Han Market has two floors, is located on at the grand intersection of Tran Phu Street, Bach Dang Street, Hung Vuong Street and Tran Hung Dao Street.

Inside the market, you can find as many types of products as you can, including clothes, dried foodstuff, extract oils, household products, etc. The market's food court is the paradise of Vietnamese dishes like mi quang (Vietnamese turmeric noodles) and com tam (broken rice) to banh xeo (sizzling pancake) and goi cuon (Vietnamese spring rolls), each of which should cost you no more than VND 30,000.

9. Visit Museum of Cham Sculpture

The Museum of Cham Sculpture deserves to be one of the best things to do in Da Nang for its uniqueness and spectacular exhibition. Housing the largest exhibition of Cham sculpture in the world, the museum displays almost 300 terracotta and stone works of art ranging from the 7th to the 15th centuries, and many of them are considered the masterpieces of Cham sculpture. 

Opening Hours: Daily from 07:00-17:00

Location: At the intersection of Bach Dang and Trung Nu Vuong in Danang by the Han River

10. Enjoy Da Nang Nightlife

As the worthiest city to live in Vietnam, Da Nang nightlife is active, full of activities and wide range of choices. Here are some places to go and things to do in Da Nang after nightfall:

*Han River Dragon Night Boat Tour

Running hours: 18:00-19:00 and 20:00-21:00

Route: Han River Bridge, Dragon Bridge and Bach Dang Street

*Asia Park's Sun Wheel – 1 Phan Dang Luu Street, Hai Chau District

Opening Hours: 17:00 – 22:00

Price: 200,000VND

*Bars/Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes: Sky36 Bar, Seveteen Saloon Da Nang, New Phuong Dong Club, Oasis Tapas Bar, Café Cong

Da Nang restaurants range from decades-old local joints, roadside stalls and street markets to expat-owned eateries, beachfront cafes, and refined establishments set within luxurious beach resorts. Vietnamese cuisine is rated as one of the best (and healthiest) in the world thanks to its usage of wild caught seafood, farm-raised poultry, local herbs and fresh vegetables. Travellers can also enjoy delicacies from all over the world, including Japanese, French, Thai, Spanish, American, and Chinese.

#1 - Mi Quang (Quang Style Noodles)

“There are Hanoians that have never cooked pho, Saigonese that have never cooked hu tiu, but there isn’t one Quang Nam local that has never cooked mi Quang.” Mi Quang is not only a big star of its hometown – Quang Nam province but it’s also regarded as a specialty of Da Nang City. The noodles are incredibly soft, glutinous, and full of genuine rich rice flavor. Turmeric broth, tender chicken, dry pancake, roasted peanuts, and fresh vegetables combine to make this dish more delicious. Many locals like enjoying this food for breakfast, but you can see people hurriedly slurping their bowl at all times of the day.

Let us tell you a secret: Authentic mi Quang is eaten with nine different kinds of herbs: lettuce, Thai basil, spearmint, watercress, bean sprouts, Vietnamese mint, cilantro, scallion, and sliced banana flowers. These unique flavors help balance the dish and make it more healthy.

Our suggestion: Mi Quang Ba Vi

• Location: 166 Le Dinh Duong Street, My An Ward, Hai Chau District
• Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10 PM
• Price range: 1.5 USD – 2 USD

#2 - Banh Canh (Cake Soup)

This is exactly the food that will warm your heart and soul! Cake soup can be made from both rice flour and wheat flour, but more commonly it’s made with cassava flour. The cake is as long as a chopstick and super chewy. An interesting fact is that the cake isn’t boiled until guests come in and order the food to prevent the unwanted fast expansion of its texture. I know in some countries, it may be rude to blow on food to cool it down, but this is Vietnam, my friend! Banh canh is in its best state when it’s hot, so cool it down as fast as possible and go for it!

The broth of banh canh is made from fresh shrimp, fish, and pork bones. It goes best with boneless fish, fish balls, shrimp, and pork pie. And honestly, it tastes just as good, if not better, than it sounds!

Our suggestion: Banh canh Be Hue

• Location: 46 Tran Cao Van Street, Thanh Khe District
• Opening Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
• Price range: 0.8 USD – 1.2 USD

#3 - Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (Rice Paper with Pork)

I’ve been wondering about this for a long time: with basic ingredients, how can this dish be so good? Pork shoulder and buttocks are steamed to retain the juiciness of the meat. Vegetables are easy to find (you know, it’s Vietnam!), but they must be fresh. The vital ingredient that takes this dish to the next level is the typical Vietnamese sauce called “mam nem.”

To make mam nem, the chef chooses fresh anchovies, washes and dries them thoroughly, then mixes them with salt, and powdered grilled rice. After that, the mixture is put in jars. Sugar, chili, and garlic is added when the mixture turns red. A roll of succulent pork matched with fresh raw vegetables dipped into the sweet, salty, and spicy mam nem will absolutely create an unforgettable food experience for you!

Our suggestion: Banh trang cuon thit heo Quynh Dai Loc

• Location: 176 Nguyen Hoang Street, Hai Chau District
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
• Price range: 1.7 USD

#4 - Bun Cha Ca (Fish Cake Noodles)

I believe that bun cha ca is the most “controversial” dish in Vietnam. I say this because unlike bun cha (grilled pork and noodles) which clearly originated in Hanoi, or bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodles), every coastal province in Vietnam insists that bun cha ca is its specialty! Bun cha ca in Da Nang has two kinds of fish cakes: steamed fish cake and fried fish cake. However, the fried fish cake is more popular. Which one is going to be your favorite? I can’t choose!

Our suggestion: Bun cha ca Ong Ta

• Location: 113A Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hai Chau District
• Opening Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM
• Price range: 1.5 USD – 3.3 USD

#5 - Banh Xeo (Fried Pancake)

Believe me, this mouth-watering pancake is not only attractive but also tasty to boot! The chef chooses a typical rice in Quang Nam province, mixes it with turmeric powder, and then blends the mixture into the water for four hours so that the pancake is crispy on the edge and soft in the middle. To make a drop-dead delicious pancake, the chef has to fry it over a massive fire and at the most opportune time, add in other ingredients like bean sprouts, pork, shrimp, and fold the pancake when it’s fully fried. Once you’ve tried this, I have a strong feeling that you will say: “Gimme more!”

Our suggestion: Banh xeo Ba Tuyet

• Location: K25/16 Tran Quoc Toan Street, Hai Chau District
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 8:30 PM
• Price range: 1 USD – 2.5 USD

#6 - Goi Ca Nam O (Nam O Fish Salad)

Nam O fish salad is made from fresh raw fish with a touch of chili, garlic, ginger, galangal, and fish sauce. The dish needs to be spicy, because only when the spices gather together can the fishy odor be killed. The salty taste of fish sauce, the fatty flavor of fresh fish along with the fresh texture of raw banana and other herbs, will make you stick to your chopsticks… forever!

If you need more seafood suggestions special to Da Nang, check out this article here.

Our suggestion: Goi ca Da Da

• Location: 179 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Hai Chau District
• Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• Price range: 2.5 USD – 6.5 USD

#7 - Banh Trang Dap (“Breaking” Rice Paper)

I know many of you are wondering where this vague name came from. Although it sounds violent, it’s actually not that brutal at all. The name “breaking” rice paper came from the action of gently breaking the outer layer of grilled rice paper so it sticks to the inner layer of steamed thin rice pancake. This will make the food way tastier!

What makes this dish delicious is not only the crispy grilled rice paper but also the steamed thin rice pancake, peanuts and of course, the sauce! You might remember the name of this sauce from a different dish!  Well, it’s a popular fish sauce that is used with almost every Vietnamese rice-paper dish: mam nem.

You don’t need to (and shouldn’t) sit at a luxury table to enjoy this food. Just settle down on small local chairs, observe the Da Nang nightlife, and the food will do the rest of its job to make your evening glorious.

Our suggestion: a street store on Do Quang street

• Location: 47 Do Quang Street, Thanh Khe District
• Opening Hours: 2 PM – 7 PM
• Price range: 0.5 USD – 1.5 USD

Da Nang City Accommodation

Most of the convenient Da Nang accommodation choices in the city are alongside the Han River. Generally around Cau Rong, better known as the Dragon Bridge. The river has a wide, lengthy promenade ideal for a stroll while avoiding the city’s cluttered sidewalks. Veer into the backstreets and walking becomes an adventure. It is on the backstreets, however, where you encounter a thriving coffee, restaurant, and street food culture. Given the city’s mix of locals and expats, there is no shortage of domestic and international cuisine. Plus tons of bars and hopping nightspots. 

Being in the city provides easy access to shopping, local produce and craft markets, temples, and museums. Along with convenient transport in and out of town with Da Nang International Airport and the main bus terminal close by.
The downside of a city sleepover is the usual array of urban annoyances: traffic, noise, and crowds. Given Da Nang’s relatively small (by international city standards) population, however, and the fact it isn’t concentrated in any one area, they aren’t overwhelming. The one exception is for pedestrians who’ll soon discover foot traffic has no priority. In other words, don’t expect the litany of horn-honking motorbikes, cars and buses to stop for you.

Luxury Accommodation in Da Nang City – Grand Mercure 

Towering over the river on the far southern end of the city’s Hai Chau district, the twenty-one storey Grand Mercure is ideal if you want to feel out of the city but still be in it. On a small island facing the Tran Thi Ly Bridge – the next bridge south of the Dragon Bridge.  This hotel has 272 rooms (nine-room configurations and one suite) and three restaurants, a fitness centre, two tennis courts, bike rental, and more. There’s also a ground-level outdoor pool facing the bridge that’s wisely situated where guests won’t be bothered by any pool noise.

The hotel, with its comfortable modern lobby, is at least a half kilometre from any notable shopping. So either sweat on foot or rely on a vehicle to get there. However, this does add to its appeal as there’s an almost suburban feel to the neighbourhood. Meanwhile, the riverfront provides a calming ambience with reeds, mangroves, and other plant life. A much more tranquil setting than upriver where most of the activity, hotels, and infrastructure are concentrated.

The Grand Mercure is also well set up for conferences and business gatherings with five meeting rooms and a 433 square-metre, ground-floor ballroom.

Mid-Range Accommodation in the City – Samdi Hotel

The Samdi is a modest 4-star establishment located a block from the water.  Though not the Han River but a sizeable and pleasing, greenery surrounded lake in the centre of town. A kilometre and a bit from the river, the hotel loses nothing besides the congestion by being in this surprisingly refreshing spot.  

The hotel is centrally located near shopping and entertainment centres while being just a few minutes from the airport. It has 115 rooms available with lake, city, and mountain views. In addition to double, twin and king rooms, there are suites and two-bedroom apartments to choose from. The hotel’s third-floor restaurant serves up Western, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisine. The facilities include a rooftop pool and fitness centre, a spa, and meeting rooms for business and social functions. The Samdi also has some terrific room and spa package deals when booked online.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation in the City – Pariat Hotel

Tucked in among the shops and high rises alongside the river, 400 metres north of the Dragon Bridge, the Pariat has sixty double, twin and king rooms with river views and three types of suites. It’s well located, steps from bars, shops, and restaurants. Also nearby are markets, churches, and museums. 

With two welcoming marble lion sculptures at street level, the Pariat is a compact twelve floors. It has a rooftop that’s worth spending time on not only for the view but for its pool, patio, bar, and gym. The hotel’s second-floor restaurant does feel a little cramped but with so many dining options nearby, that doesn’t really matter.

While the rooms aren’t huge, they’re well done and practical with wonderful river views. Room rates include breakfast and check the hotel’s website for excellent special offer room rates.

Backpacker Accommodation in Da Nang City – Da Nang Backpackers Hostel

The city’s original backpackers’, the hostel is, like any hostel worth its salt, located close to all the action. There are shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars in just about every direction, while the hostel itself is just three blocks from the river. Not to be outdone by what’s outside, the hostel has plenty to offer inside.

The lobby has a comfortable ‘play room’ feel with scattered musical instruments, pets, books, music, and artwork. There are a host of travel services available and guest activities, including twice-weekly pub crawls, movie nights and karaoke. By all intents a party hostel, staff get you into the swing with a free beer each day. Really.

There’s nothing fancy about the rooms but do they really need to be? In addition to five private rooms which come in two-, three- and four-bed configurations, the hostel has three, ten-bed dorms, and, wait for it, a 36-bedder though you’d be a bit unlucky to be there when every bed is occupied. Still, for the bargain-basement price of a few US dollars a night it’s a deal.

The hostel’s rooftop bar, lounge, and pool table keep guests occupied until late should you need a nightcap after an evening out on the town.

Da Nang Beach Accommodation

If sand and sea are your pleasure, Da Nang’s got them.

The most popular spot is My Khe Beach which conveniently for travellers and locals alike is just a few minutes drive from the city centre. My Khe stretches south into neighbouring My An Beach, is a wide, flat stretch of sand with calm seas ideal for swimmers of all ages and abilities. There are loads of chez lounges for those wanting to soak up the sun or intent on checking their social media buzz. If you’re seeking more adventure, try jet skiing and parasailing, among others. 

Another big reason to be at the beach is for its dining. Seafood lovers after a good feed won’t have to look far as the area is jammed with fresh and affordable quality offerings: crab, lobster, squid, clams, prawns, fish and just about anything else you can think of. If dining alongside bubbling crustacean- and fish-filled tanks isn’t your thing, meat and vegetarian options are available too though those will require a little more legwork.

Luxury Accommodation Near Da Nang Beaches – Premier Village Da Nang Resort

Tucked away on My An Beach’s northern end and down a long palm-lined driveway with manicured lawns and hedges, the Premier Village is the choice for luxury and privacy. The resort literally fronts the beach with its lawns and palms inviting guests to the sand. While not a private beach per se as the public can easily access it from a driveway on the resort’s southern edge. It certainly feels private being far enough south to avoid most foot and vehicle traffic.

Unlike other Da Nang accommodation at the beach, the Premier Village has an almost village feel. Gone are the high rises, construction, traffic, and noise along the congested stretches of the beaches further north.  Replaced by lush gardens, swaying palm trees, and gentle sea breezes with picturesque offshore islands beckoning.

The resort has 111 multi-room pool villas in four styles. Along with immaculate grounds that the grounds staff must put in long hours to maintain. Each villa has either a plunge or private pool plus a fully equipped kitchen. There’s a beachfront infinity pool with a swim-up bar and an on-duty lifeguard, and a fitness centre. The dining options are limited to one restaurant and a meal- and drink-serving beach club.

The Premier Village feels secluded and personal beginning with a small, intimate reception that’s more typical of a bed and breakfast, not an international resort. Walking the property is calming where aside from the occasional child’s squeal in the pool, the only sound you hear are the waves.  

Mid-Range Accommodation near the Beaches – Grand Tourane Hotel

During the French colonial rule, Da Nang was known as Tourane. Today, the Grand Tourane while not trying to continue that legacy, does stand alone towering over My Khe Beach. In fact, the drive-in, the fountain-laden entrance could be considered grand, fifty metres from the sand. You enjoy the unobstructed beach and sea views at this Da Nang accommodation.  The only property of similar stature is a block inland, or on the city side, of the property.

There are 188 rooms and suites available in the 21-storey hotel, one restaurant, and three bars. There is a spa, fitness centre, tennis court, and pool. Although the pool is at street level next to the road with little privacy and no silence. The hotel is well set up for meetings and special occasions.  It has two large ballrooms (the largest 460 square metres), a board room, and two dining rooms.

However, what’s most appealing about the Grand Tourane is its location. The hotel is literally across the street from the beach.  There are no other hotels, buildings, or construction to impede the view, breeze, or sunrise. Even though its located in one of the busier areas at My Khe Beach, and is close to a major intersection, it certainly doesn’t feel like it.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation Near Da Nang Beaches – Queens Finger

Two hundred and fifty metres from the sand, is the low-key, 3-star, Queens’ Finger Hotel. Surrounded by small shops and restaurants in what is quickly becoming a growing tourist hub. In addition to a blossoming international cuisine scene, you are close to the trendy night food market.  There are heaps of other drawcards all accessible on foot. While the increasing activity in the area does bring with it more traffic.  The backstreet noise at this Da Nang accommodation vanishes once inside. 

The unpretentious but functional lobby gives way to 54 warm, well-appointed rooms plus a three-room sea view apartment in the 12-storey property. There is also an on-site gym.

The hotel’s most noteworthy feature is its rooftop deck, bar, and pool around the perimeter of the deck. Swim, laugh and take selfies while enjoying stunning, unobstructed city and mountain views. There are also partial looks at the beach.

Backpacker Accommodation Near Da Nang Beaches – Rom Casa Hostel

A hostel with character. The straw house, as translated from Vietnamese and Spanish, is unique in several aspects. Firstly, it has accommodation in buildings on opposite sides of the street. Secondly, it uses recycled shipping containers painted in eye-catching bold colours as rooms.

There are seventy-seven beds split between two-, three-, and six-bed dorms plus six private rooms in those two buildings. On one side, is a small, split-level pool with a welcoming lounge and a covered, top floor relaxing area with hammocks. On the other, a bar serving up light meals and snacks and every Friday or Saturday night, live music.

The Rom Casa boasts a pleasant ambience. Located in a fast-growing tourist neighbourhood full of activity just steps from cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. The rooms are small but sufficient for a good night’s sleep. All just a short stroll, say two hundred metres, from My An Beach. There are also board games, a pool table, and foosball to entertain guests.

While the shipping containers do draw much attention. This Da Nang accommodation maintains a Vietnamese influence as well, giving travellers a taste of the local culture. That, while playing a small part in environmental sustainability too.

By Flight

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is located in the heart of the city centre.

The small airport is overloaded and barely able to handle current volumes. If departing from DAD, arrive on time because the queues for check-in and security can be ridiculous. A badly needed new terminal is under construction, optimistically slated to open in 2017 at the cost of 3.5 trillion dong (that’s US$158 million). Whether the seagull-shaped design does anything to create efficiency remains to be seen.

Sample destinations

Domestic

• Buon Ma Thuot (Vietnam Airlines)
• Can Tho (Vietnam Airlines)
• Da Lat (Vietnam Airlines)
• Cam Ranh/Nha Trang (Vietnam Airlines)
• Hanoi (Jetstar; VietJet Air; Vietnam Airlines)
• HCMC (Jetstar; VietJet Air; Vietnam Airlines)
• Pleiku (Vietnam Airlines)
• Vinh (Vietnam Airlines)

International

• Beijing (China Eastern)
• Hong Kong (Dragonair; Hong Kong Express)
• Kunming (China Eastern)
• Macau (Air Macau)
• Seoul (Korean Air)
• Siem Reap (Silkair, Vietnam Airlines)
• Singapore (Silkair; Jetstar)
• Tokyo (Vietnam Airlines)

Currently, the airport has plenty of meter taxis and ATMs outside the arrivals hall, including an HSBC ATM. There’s money exchange, a few eateries and booths selling SIM cards.

Many hotels offer airport transfers for an additional fee or sometimes free when you book a room, so be sure to ask. A meter taxi from the airport into Da Nang should run no more than 150,000 dong, but you could try sneaking a taxi upstairs, at the departures levels, after they've dropped off passengers and are now empty. They may cut you a deal.

By Train

Da Nang train station is located on Hai Phong Street approximately five kilometres form the city centre. As the city lies on the train route from north to south or vice versa, therefore, you can get to Da Nang via train from both Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city or any other cities along the route.

There are more daily trains from Hue to Da Nang with a stop in Lang Co Beach, which is also the good and cheap option if you want to connect these two cities.

To book your train ticket, you can book with your hotel / guesthouse. If you want to book online, we recommend baolau.com.

By Bus

There are frequent bus every half hour or so between Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An. You can either head to the bus terminal to purchase your local bus ticket, or contact one of the travel agencies in Bach Dang Street. Check out bus guide.

There is a large Danang intercity bus station at Dien Bien Phu street which is 3km west from the city center. There are bus destinations to/from all major centers including Dong Hoi (56,000 VND, five hours, six daily), Quy Nhon (65, 000 VND, six hours, 11 daily) Hue (40,000VND, three hours, six daily) and Kon Tum (85,000VND, five hours, three daily). There are also daily buses to Hoi An cost 8,000 VND and take one hour) which depart from the local bus station. 

To book your bus ticket, you can book with your hotel / guesthouse. If you want to book online, we recommend baolau.com.