Da Nang is one of the most livable cities in Vietnam. It is also a popular city for digital nomads due to its beautiful beaches and affordable cost of living. In this article, I will share with you my opinion about where to stay in Da Nang and the best areas for both first-timers and returning travelers.
I will also give you some personal tips and an informative video that I think will be helpful for your trip to Da Nang at the end of this article.
I’m Vietnamese, and I’ve spent years exploring my country from north to south. Every place I write about is somewhere I’ve actually been, so everything I share comes from real experiences and deep local knowledge.
Da Nang has an international airport with direct flights from major cities in Vietnam like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, and several international destinations.
You can easily get from the airport to the city center by taxi/ Grab. It is only a 10 minutes drive away.
Additionally, Da Nang is home to a train station, located very close to the city center. Taking a train ride is a safe and affordable way to reach Da Nang from many other cities in Vietnam.
Where to stay in Da Nang?
In my opinion, Da Nang city center along Han River and My Khe Beach are the two main best areas to stay in Da Nang for both first-timers and repeat visitors. These areas offers central locations and a high concentration of hotels and tourist facilities for all budgets.
I personally prefer staying along the Han River, especially on Bach Dang street near Dragon Bridge. This is a more traditional and central location of the city, within walking distance to many hotspots and good places to eat with a better price than the beach.
My Khe Beach area is the best base for those who want to spend most of their time on the beach. There are lots of high rise hotels along Vo Nguyen Giap street and in streets just blocks behind it. You can book a room with ocean views. My Khe Beach is located only a 5 to 10 minute Grab ride from Han River.
I stayed both in the riverside and the beachfront area in Da Nang. The riverside offers easy access to the river with stunning bridges and a wide promenade as well as lots of restaurants, trendy cafes and bars.
The beachfront is just a short walk away, making it easy to stroll over in the early morning to watch the sunrise and enjoy beach activities right outside your doorstep.
My recommend hotels in Da Nang:
- Luxury: Novotel (City Center, along Han River)
- Luxury: InterContinental (Beachfront, ideal retreat)
- Mid-range: Sala Danang Beach Hotel (My Khe Beach)
- Mid-range: Vanda Hotel (Han River)
- Budget: Wink Hotel Danang Centre
In the city center, I stayed at room 1109 in the mid range 4-star Vanda Hotel. Vanda has a prime location right on the foot of the iconic Dragon Bridge. My room was on the 8th floor and had stunning views of the river and the bridge.
I think Vanda is overall a good base for those who want to be right at Dragon Bridge or have a short time in the city. The hotel is just steps away from Han River, and Dragon Bridge. The ventilation was okay, but a bit of natural airflow would have made the room more comfortable.
On the beach I stayed at the Mandila Hotel. Mandila is located on the beachfront Vo Nguyen Giap street. There are many restaurants and shops on Ha Bong street, which is behind the hotel. The beachfront is also lined up with cafes, bars, and seafood establishments.
My room was a deluxe king room with partial sea views with a comfortable bed and basic facilities. They also have a nice rooftop area with an infinity pool, a bar, and a fitness center with incredible city views. It is a good place for budget travelers who want a seafront location.
If you are looking for a stay in Da Nang with your kids, or for nightlife, you can read sections below; otherwise, you can click here for the details of each area and recommended hotels.
Where to stay in Da Nang for families with kids?
Generally speaking, families have two choices when it comes to the best areas to stay in Da Nang: The city center – along Han River and the beachfront area.
The city center is best suited for families who want a more authentic atmosphere and better price food and drink. The beach is best suited for families who want to stay right on the beach. My Khe Beach is only a 10 minutes Grab ride from the city center.
If you choose to stay along the Han River, you will be a step away from popular sights such as Dragon bridge with its fireshow on weekends, Han Market, Son Tra night market, and Love bridge. The riverside is always bustling with things to do and see both day and night.
Popular family-friendly hotels in the city center close to Han River, including Novotel, Hilton, Meliá Vinpearl, as well as many other mid-range and high rise hotels and apartments such as Brilliant Hotel, HAIAN Riverfront, or Vanda.
If you choose to stay along the beach, on My Khe Beach, you’ll be a step away from the beautiful sandy beaches. You can go swimming and enjoy water sports anytime just by walking across a street. If you can wake up early, you can go for sunrise and observe local life. The beach is packed with locals in the morning for morning exercise and watching the sun rise.
You can find lots of mid-range and luxury beachfront hotels along/near Vo Nguyen Giap street including TMS, Muong Thanh, Sala, or DLG.
A bit further away, on Non Nuoc Beach, you can find a stretch of resorts like Furama, Hyatt Regency, Pullman, or Marriott. These are more suited for families who have generous budgets and don’t mind a bit further away from the downtown area.
Best Family Hotels in Da NangWhere to stay in Da Nang for nightlife?
Da Nang’s nightlife is not as lively as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi but it has some good nightclubs and rooftop bars dotted around the city where you can enjoy the night out. Some good places to go for nightlife in Da Nang include Sky36 Club at Novotel Hotel, New Oriental Nightclub, or Bamboo2 Bar.
The best area to stay in Da Nang for nightlife, in my opinion, is the area on Bach Dang street along Han River and An Thuong area near My Khe Beach (where expats live). This area has lots of bars, and nightclubs that stay open until early morning.
The best areas to stay in Da Nang for tourists
1. Danang city center/ Han River, best area for first-timers
Da Nang city center, particularly the area along Han River, is one of the most popular places to stay in Da Nang for tourists and first-time travelers. Han River is the 8km long river running through the heart of the city, connecting Cau Do and Do Toa Rivers with Danang Bay.
Staying along the Han River offers an easy walking distance to the iconic Han River, beautiful bridges, traditional markets, and cultural attractions. The streets along the river are lined with countless trendy restaurants, cafes, street food stalls and a lively atmosphere.
The riverside of Da Nang is packed with activities both day and night. You can take a stroll along its wide promenade, people watching, and enjoy the views of the river and bridges.
There are two main areas to stay along the Han River, which include the west bank and east bank. The West Bank is the traditional part of the city where the city center originated. The eastern bank was only developed after the bridges were built to connect two sides of the city.
The central point of Han River is Dragon bridge. The most populous areas to stay along the Han River are somewhere between Han River Bridge and Tran Thi Ly Bridge. Dragon Bridge is between these two bridges.
Outside of the Han River’s main area, North of Han River Bridge and South Of Tran Thi Ly Bridge, you can find more budget-friendly accommodations and more local feels. It’s still in a relatively central location though.
The main street on the west bank of the River is Bach Dang street. The main street on the east bank of the River is Tran Hung Dao Street. Both streets are lively with high-rise hotels & apartments, as well as restaurants, bars, shops, and markets.
Many historical and cultural attractions of Da Nang are located on the Bach Dang side of the river. Danang was the land of Cham Kingdom in ancient times, so you can learn about the history of Cham people at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture located right at the foot of Dragon Bridge.
You can visit the historic Da Nang Cathedral, on Tran Phu street. This candy-pink Catholic cathedral with a tall steeple is a great spot for taking photos. It was built during the French colonial era.
Dien Hai citadel relics is also the historic attraction near Bach Dang street. It was built in 1813 during the reign of King Gia Long as a fortified military outpost to protect Da Nang Port from foreign naval forces.
The west bank is also conveniently located close to iconic Han Market and Con Market. These are famous traditional markets in Da Nang where you can buy clothes, souvenirs, and local specialties. They are also great places to try authentic street foods such as Avocado ice cream.
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, I still recommend taking a look because it is often known as one of the best things to do in Da Nang.
The western bank is home to Bach Dang Walking street, which is a great spot for chill at night. There are many beautiful sculptures along the river promenades where you can take a photo. You can stop by one of many trendy riverside cafes and restaurants along the way to eat and drink.
The eastern side, along Tran Hung Dao street, is also a lively area to explore. It’s home to many new high rise buildings, as well as the Love Bridge, and Son Tra Night Market. You can buy souvenirs here as well as try food such as grilled meat/ seafood and fresh fruits.
The head of the Dragon Bridge is located on Tran Hung Dao street, so if you want to watch the free fire and water show at the Dragon Bridge on weekend evenings, you need to head to the eastern side of Han River.
A good spot to visit for photos and views of Dragon Bridge at night is the Love Bridge (Cau Tinh Yeu). There are small shops nearby where you can browse some souvenirs.
The eastern side of Han River is also home to the modern Vincom Plaza shopping center. It’s a perfect destination for escaping from the heat of the city and shopping for some mid-range and high-end products like clothes, accessories, shoes, or cosmetics.
I prefer staying on the Bach Dang Street side of Han River because I think it’s the more central, traditional side of the city. I can still walk to the other side of the river for a visit and exploration.
For those who have smaller budgets, the hotels and guest houses further away from the waterfront, behind Bach Dang and Tran Hung Dao offer excellent locations.
Here are my recommended hotels in Da Nang City Center/ riverside area:
Luxury: Novotel Danang Premier Han River. Novotel is a great base in Da Nang for luxury travelers who want to stay along the Han River and an easy walking distance to popular restaurants, bars , and shops.
mid-range: Brilliant Hotel, good 4-star hotel in a prime location on the west bank of the famous Han River. You can find lots of nice restaurants and cafes nearby.
budget: Wink Hotel Danang Centre. Wink is a budget-friendly hotel that offers clean compact rooms with a beautiful view in a central location, easy access to the Han River and Han market.
If you want more details about the Han River, you can check out: Where to stay along Han River.
2. My Khe Beach, best base for beach lovers
My Khe Beach is one of the best areas to stay in Da Nang for first-time travelers and beach lovers. Technically, it’s the beachfront area located around 2km from Han River and the city center.
My Khe Beach is a 10km long beach running from Monkey Mountain to the Marble Mountains area. The central area of My Khe Beach is the 2.5km long beach from East Sea Park to the beachfront around An Thuong. It’s the area running parallel with the City Center from Han River Bridge to Tien Sa Bridge.
The best area to stay along My Khe Beach is obviously the Central My Khe Beach. This area offers a central location, and a wide range of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s also the most popular part of the beach, always packed with locals and tourists.
Central My Khe Beach also includes the section of My An Beach, which is the beachfront running parallel with An Thuong area. An Thuong is a popular expat area in Da Nang that has many western style restaurants, bars, and shops serving different tastes.
South of My Khe Beach from Pullman Resort area to Non Nuoc Beach is a cluster of world class 5-star resorts. This area is ideal for those who want luxury, spacious rooms, quieter atmosphere, and having a private beach area.
Staying South of My Khe Beach means you will need to travel a bit to the city center and the central beach area for more choices and restaurants and bars. But generally these resorts in this area are for relaxing and unwind and enjoy their all-included services.
The northern part of My Khe Beach is called with different names such as Pham Van Dong beach and Man Thai Beach. This area, especially the area toward Man Thai Beach, offers a more local atmosphere and closer to the peaceful Son Tra peninsula with the famous Big Lady Buddha, and Ban Co Peak.
My Khe Beach has white sand, clean water, and is an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing, and Watersport activities like surfing. There are several surf shops along My Khe Beach where you can take surfing lessons. They have options for both beginners and skilled surfers.
There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for rent along the public beach area. The Beachfront is lined with many beach bars, cafes, and seafood restaurants. You can rent sun loungers for around 40,000 VND per hour. The price is often listed on the board so you don’t worry about being ripped off.
The beach is often packed with people at sunset and sunrise when the weather is cool. During the sunrise, you can watch locals go fishing on the colorful round boats, and watch people exercising, doing yoga, doing all sorts of things along the beach.
The beachfront road, Vo Nguyen Giap, is packed with high-rise resorts and apartments style accommodations. Accommodation along Central and North My Khe Beach is located on the road opposite from the beach, so you need to cross the road to get to the beach.
Resorts in South My Khe Beach are often located right on the beach with a private beach and quieter atmosphere in the Central and North section. You don’t need to cross the busy road to get to the beach.
Some of the downside of staying along My Khe Beach is that the Beachfront cafes, restaurants, and bars can be expensive due to its location, but you find many places to eat in the back streets.
Here are some of the best places to stay in My Khe Beach:
- Luxury: Pullman Danang Beach Resort (South My Khe)
- Luxury: TMS Hotel Da Nang Beach (Central My Khe)
- Luxury: Four Points by Sheraton Danang (North My Khe)
- Mid-range: HAIAN Beach Hotel & Spa (Central My Khe)
- Mid-range: Sala Danang Beach Hotel (Central My Khe)
If you want more detail of My Khe Beach, you can read Where to stay in My Khe Beach. Or if you want to compare the beachside and the riverside of Da Nang, read this Should You Stay in Han River or My Khe Beach?.
3. An Thuong/ My An, popular expat area in Danang
My An, particularly An Thuong, is a great place to stay in Da Nang for those who want an international atmosphere and close proximity to the beach. This area is packed with international restaurants, bars as well as reasonably priced apartments and guest houses.
An Thuong is an area that includes the street name An Thuong 1, An Thuong 2, An Thuong 3, …. It is a lively area and a great hub for digital nomads and long term travelers.
The downside of staying here is that it is a bit further from the city center. To get to the city center, you will need to take a taxi or Grab. Best suited for those who have rental bikes and don’t need to go to the city center a lot.
Here are suggestions of the best accommodations in An Thuong:
- Mid-range: Draco Hotel & Suites
- Mid-range: Sofiana My Khe Hotel & Spa
- Budget: Palazzo 3 Danang Hotel
4. Non Nuoc Beach, lots of resort-style accommodations
Non Nuoc Beach, particularly the area between Premier Village Resort to Legend Danang Golf Resort), is a great choice for families and couples who want to stay in resort-style accommodations and don’t mind staying a bit further away from Da Nang city center.
These 5-star luxury resorts are located on a stunning beach location, top-notch amenities for a comfortable and relaxing stay. They provide all-inclusive options with the incredible pools, private beach area and delicious dining options.
There aren’t many choices of restaurants and bars in these surrounding resort areas compared to the city center. You can choose to dine in at resort’s onsite restaurants and bars, or travel to the downtown area.
This area is very close to Marble Mountains, which is one of the top attractions in Da nang. You can view different stunning caves, and peaceful sacred temples.
Here are the best resorts along Non Nuoc Beach:
5. Son Tra Peninsula, peaceful retreat away from crowd
Son Tra Peninsula, located north of My Khe Beach, is the perfect base in Da Nang for nature lovers and those who want a quiet and tranquil holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It has stunning beaches, beautiful views, and a peaceful pagoda.
You can rent a bike and ride to the top of Son Tra peninsula, called Ban Co peak ( Dinh Ban Co). I asked the Grab Driver to take me there and paid 400,000VND two ways. On a clear day. from the top of the mountain, you can see all of Da Nang skylines, bridges, Han River, and the beaches. The ride along a windy mountain road is also very beautiful and calm.
This area is also home to Linh Ung Pagoda , the biggest among the three Linh Ung Pagodas in Da Nang. There are also the ones in the Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills.
The best option for staying in Son Tra Peninsula is InterContinental. This resort is located in a tranquil area offering a luxurious retreat with a private beach, multiple pools and a spa, and a fitness center. You can enjoy cycling, yoga and hiking inside the property.
Some personal notes from me when visiting Da Nang:
If you don’t have much time in Da Nang, 2-3 days is a good amount of time in the city to explore major sights such as Han River, My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge, Han market, Lady Budhha, Marble Mountains, and Ba Na Hills.
My favorite things to do in Da Nang include wandering around the Han river, swimming at My Khe Beach, and exploring the Son Tra peninsula, Marble Mountains, and finding nice restaurants and trendy cafes to eat. I also like to browse shops at Han Market, Con Market, and Vincom Dong Khoi.
You can check my article here:
You can watch my video about Best areas in Da Nang here:
see more:
- Best Time to Visit Da Nang
- Da Nang Vs Hoi An – Which is the better Place to Stay?
- Da Nang vs Nha Trang Vs Phu Quoc
- Da Nang vs Ho Chi Minh City
- Da Nang vs Hanoi
- Where to stay in Hoi An
- Where to stay in Hue
There you have it, the 5 best places to stay in Da Nang, including the city center along Han River, My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, An Thuong, and Son Tra Peninsula. I personally think the city center and Han river waterfront area are the best options for first-timers who value central location, close proximity to the river and iconic bridges, as well as easy access to the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars.
In addition to the riverside, My Khe Beach, An Thuong, and Son Tra Peninsula are also great locations to stay in Da Nang. My Khe beach is perfect for beach lovers and those who want close proximity to the city center. An Thuong offers an international vibe and easy access to the beach. Son Tra Peninsula is great for natural lovers and a peaceful holiday away from crowds.
Very helpful for ur brief description about Hanoi Danang Hoi An
So much gratitude to u
Thank you, good to hear that you found it helpful!