Da Nang beaches for families: where to swim, eat and relax

If you're visiting Da Nang for the first time, start with My Khe Beach, preferably near the Nguyen Van Thoai entrance or East Sea Park. Both areas are easy to find, close to hotels and have designated swimming zones with lifeguard services. For somewhere quieter, consider My An or Non Nuoc, but always check where swimming is permitted before entering the water.

Which Da Nang beach is best for you?

Da Nang has a long stretch of coastline along the eastern side of the city. On a map, beaches such as My Khe, Pham Van Dong, My An and Non Nuoc sit close together. Much of the sand connects, so first-time visitors may not even notice when they've moved from one named beach to another.

The biggest differences aren't necessarily the color of the water or the sand. They're the distance from your hotel, the number of nearby restaurants, the availability of lifeguards and how crowded each area gets.

One beach only? Choose My Khe. There's little reason to spend half your morning searching for an empty beach and then driving back to the busy area for breakfast, showers and other facilities.

If your main goal is a relaxing resort holiday, however, Non Nuoc deserves consideration. Some stretches are less crowded, with enough room for long walks or a quiet afternoon on the sand.

This guide covers My Khe Beach in Da Nang, along Vo Nguyen Giap Street, not the beach with the same name in Quang Ngai Province.

My Khe Beach: the easiest choice for first-time visitors

Where is My Khe Beach?

My Khe Beach is on the eastern side of the Han River, along Vo Nguyen Giap Street in Da Nang's An Hai area.

From Dragon Bridge or the city center on the western side of the river, it's approximately 3-5 km away. The drive usually takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on your starting point and traffic.

Two convenient landmarks are:

• My Khe Beach - Nguyen Van Thoai Street: Follow Nguyen Van Thoai toward the sea until you reach Vo Nguyen Giap, then use the nearby public beach entrance.
• East Sea Park (Cong Vien Bien Dong): Located near the eastern end of Pham Van Dong Street, just north of central My Khe, with a large public space and nearby swimming areas.

Why choose My Khe?

My Khe has a broad stretch of light-colored sand, a relatively gentle slope in many areas and plenty of services along the opposite side of Vo Nguyen Giap Street.

Photo: Christophe95

On calm days, designated swimming areas are suitable for swimming and playing near the shore. Lifeguards are stationed at managed swimming zones, although you should always check that they're actually on duty and that swimming is permitted.

Convenience is My Khe's biggest advantage. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, freshwater showers and beach equipment rentals are available around the main visitor areas. You don't need to bring everything with you or organize a complicated day trip.

Aim to arrive around 5:30-6:30 AM for sunrise. Da Nang's main beaches face east, making sunrise a better time than sunset for photographing the sun over the water.

In the late afternoon, around 4:30-5:30 PM, the beach becomes a popular place for walking, taking photos and playing on the sand. You'll see local families, exercise groups and visitors enjoying the cooler part of the day. Weekends and public holidays can be noticeably busier around the main entrances.

What are the disadvantages of My Khe?

My Khe isn't a remote tropical beach. Behind the sand are a major road, tall hotels and a busy tourist neighborhood, not a deserted shore with nothing but palm trees.

Photo: Christophe95

You also shouldn't assume that every part of My Khe is safe for swimming. When waves are large or rip currents are present, lifeguards may restrict swimming in one area even while people continue walking along the neighboring stretch of sand.

With young children, choose a spot close to an operating lifeguard station and keep them within arm's reach in the water.

A wide sandy beach doesn't mean children can safely enter the sea anywhere they like.

Pham Van Dong Beach: a practical public beach for families

Pham Van Dong Beach is near the eastern end of the street with the same name, close to East Sea Park.

From Han River Bridge, cross to the eastern side of the river and continue along Pham Van Dong Street toward the coast.

This is one of Da Nang's established public swimming areas. The surrounding facilities include open public spaces, walking areas and services for beachgoers, including changing rooms and freshwater showers at designated locations.

Photo: Leanh2001

Compared with choosing a random entrance along My Khe, Pham Van Dong is easier to use as a meeting point. Families arriving in separate vehicles or larger groups can meet at East Sea Park before heading down to the sand.

A simple morning could look like this:

• 5:30 AM: Arrive at the park and walk along the shore.
• 6:00-7:00 AM: Swim in a supervised area if the conditions allow.
• After 7:00 AM: Shower, change and go for breakfast.

These times are a suggested itinerary, not guaranteed swimming hours. On rough-sea days, lifeguards may advise everyone to stay out of the water.

Photo: Mustang Joe

Pham Van Dong is particularly suitable for families with children who enjoy running around, playing in the sand and spending time outdoors. Older visitors who don't plan to swim can still take a walk along the beach and rest in the park area.

The main drawback is that it isn't especially quiet during popular hours. To lie on the sand for several hours without many people nearby, head farther south.

My An and Bac My An: swimming, restaurants and cafés

Continue south from My Khe along Vo Nguyen Giap Street and you'll reach My An and Bac My An. These beaches form part of the same eastern coastline, close to the An Thuong tourist neighborhood.

The difference lies beyond the sand.

An Thuong has a good selection of cafés, Vietnamese restaurants, international restaurants, breakfast spots and places to spend an evening. You can swim in the morning, return to your hotel to change and walk to a restaurant without needing another taxi.

My An is convenient for international visitors staying several days or longer, because everyday services are concentrated within a relatively small area. It's also practical for a one- or two-night stay. You can enjoy the beach without spending much time traveling between your accommodation, restaurants and sightseeing stops.

Where should you enter My An Beach?

Use the An Thuong neighborhood or the area near Hoang Ke Viem and Vo Nguyen Giap streets as a starting point, then look for a public beach entrance. Don't select a resort name on your map and assume there will be a public entrance through the property.

Some parts of the coast are directly in front of resorts, while public entrances and facilities are located elsewhere.

Swimming conditions at My An are affected by the same changing waves and currents as other beaches in Da Nang. Moving a few hundred meters south from My Khe doesn't automatically make the water calmer or safer.

Is My An Beach good for children?

Yes, provided you use a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty and suitable sea conditions. But the strongest reason to choose My An for a family holiday is convenience rather than the swimming conditions themselves.

You have plenty of restaurants nearby, can return to your hotel for an afternoon nap and don't need to carry everything around all day. Families with young children who still need regular rest may value this more than staying beside a nearly empty beach that's 20 minutes from the hotel.

Non Nuoc Beach: more space and a quieter resort atmosphere

Non Nuoc Beach lies south of central Da Nang, near the Marble Mountains. It stretches for approximately 5 km, with light-colored sand, a gently sloping shoreline in many areas and plenty of open space.

Non Nuoc is approximately 8 km from the city center. Driving there generally takes about 15-20 minutes in favorable traffic.

The main coastal access road is Truong Sa, which passes several large resorts.

Who should choose Non Nuoc?

Non Nuoc is especially suitable for three types of travelers.

The first is anyone staying at a beachfront resort. You can spend most of your holiday enjoying the resort's pool, beach access and on-site facilities without making regular trips into central Da Nang.

The second is couples and travelers who enjoy long walks along the beach. Some sections of Non Nuoc have fewer visitors than central My Khe, particularly on ordinary weekdays outside major holiday periods.

The third is anyone planning to visit the Marble Mountains. You can explore the mountains in the morning, have lunch, take a break and head to the beach when the afternoon sun becomes less intense.

Can you swim at Non Nuoc Beach?

There are areas used for swimming and water activities, and many sections have a relatively gentle slope. However, don't assume Non Nuoc is always calmer than My Khe.

Strong winds can produce large waves along much of Da Nang's eastern coastline. A quiet beach also means you may be farther away from lifeguards and public facilities.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg

Before swimming, find an area with lifeguards actually on duty, safety buoys or flags marking the permitted swimming zone.

What are the disadvantages of Non Nuoc?

Budget restaurants, freshwater showers and rental services are less concentrated than around My Khe. Some stretches sit directly in front of large resorts.

Public beach access is available, but resort-managed facilities shouldn't be confused with free services for outside visitors.

Bring drinking water, towels and a change of clothes on a day trip, and find out where you can shower afterward before choosing your exact beach entrance.

With young children, prioritize a beach area with suitable facilities or the managed beachfront of your accommodation rather than trying to find the quietest possible stretch of sand.

Man Thai Beach: better for fishing village views than swimming

From East Sea Park, continue north along Hoang Sa Street to reach Man Thai. This stretch of coastline is closely connected with the local fishing community.

Round basket boats, fishing equipment and early-morning activity create a very different scene from the hotels and restaurants around central My Khe.

Photo: Christophe95

Man Thai is a good place to walk, observe local coastal life and photograph the sunrise.

Around 5:30-7:00 AM is a reasonable time to visit if you're hoping to see morning activity.

However, fishing boats don't follow a guaranteed tourist timetable. Their arrival depends on fishing trips, weather and the season, so you may not always find fishermen bringing in a catch.

When taking photos, avoid blocking boat-launching areas or walking through places where fishermen are sorting nets and equipment.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is also organized in the Man Thai area when conditions are suitable. But seeing paddleboarders offshore doesn't mean you should enter the water and swim in the same location.

If swimming is your main reason for visiting, My Khe or Pham Van Dong is a more straightforward choice.

Man Thai works better as an additional morning stop, especially if you're staying near Son Tra.

Xuan Thieu and Nam O: better for scenery than a main swimming day

Xuan Thieu Beach is northwest of central Da Nang, along Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, overlooking Da Nang Bay.

Unlike My Khe, which faces east toward the open sea, certain parts of Xuan Thieu offer attractive views of the afternoon light and sunset across the bay.

The area has more of a local atmosphere, with fewer international resort developments than My An.

It's a reasonable choice if you want an afternoon walk, somewhere to sit and look at the sea, or a different photography location from Da Nang's usual sunrise beaches.

Farther northwest is the Nam O coastal area, known for its fishing village and rocky shoreline. The moss-covered rocks, views toward Hai Van Pass and fishing village scenery make Nam O particularly interesting for visitors who enjoy nature photography.

Photo: Bánhmỳchảo

If you only have two days in Da Nang, there's little reason to visit both Xuan Thieu and Nam O unless exploring the northwestern part of the city is a particular interest.

Which Da Nang beach is best for kids?

For families, the most important question isn't which beach looks calmest in photographs. It's which beach makes it easiest for adults to supervise children safely.

What is the best month to visit Da Nang beaches?

April through August is generally the most favorable period for a Da Nang holiday focused on swimming and beach activities.

These months typically bring more sunny days and more favorable sea conditions than the wetter and windier period toward the end of the year.

April and May are good options for visitors who want warm weather and plenty of time outdoors. June, July and August are convenient for family summer holidays, although popular beaches can become crowded, particularly on weekends.

September is a month when it's worth watching the forecast more carefully. There may still be good beach days, but conditions can become less predictable compared with the main summer period.

From October through December, Da Nang is generally in its wetter season. Heavy rain, stronger winds, rough seas and occasional tropical storms can affect beach activities.

Some days will still be sunny, but sunshine alone doesn't mean it's safe to swim.

January through March is a transitional period, and conditions may vary significantly from one day to the next.

A good month for a beach holiday doesn't guarantee safe swimming every day.

Even in the middle of summer, lifeguards may temporarily stop swimming because of rip currents or dangerous weather.

Is it safe to swim at Da Nang beaches?

Da Nang has organized lifeguard services at its main tourist beaches.

This is one of the advantages of choosing a managed public beach, but it doesn't mean that every part of the coastline is safe to swim at any time.

Before entering the water, check three things: whether lifeguards are currently on duty, where the permitted swimming zone begins and ends, and whether the sea conditions allow swimming.

Latest lifeguard hours for late 2026

From October 1, 2026, through March 14, 2027, lifeguards are scheduled as follows.

These are duty periods. They don't guarantee that lifeguards will be stationed at every section of beach throughout those hours.

Summer lifeguard hours are approximately 4:30 AM-7:00 PM. Don't apply those hours to the 2026-2027 low season.

For visits after March 14, 2027, check the newly applicable lifeguard schedule.

When lifeguards announce the end of their shift or instruct swimmers to leave the water, stop swimming.

The beach may remain open for walking or sightseeing, but that doesn't mean swimming is still permitted.

Understanding red-and-yellow flags and safety buoys

At managed beaches, lifeguards use safety buoys and flags to mark the permitted swimming areas.

Photo: Kuroczynski

Look for the area where lifeguards are working, check the flags and stay inside the designated zone.

Ask a lifeguard what a particular flag arrangement means instead of guessing.

Don't swim beyond the buoy line. Don't walk to an isolated stretch of sand and enter the water just because you can't see a warning sign nearby.

Where swimming is prohibited by signs or lifeguard instructions, stay out of the water.

What is a rip current?

A rip current is a strong, narrow flow of water moving away from the shore. It can carry a swimmer offshore quickly.

The current doesn't necessarily pull someone underwater, but trying to swim directly against it can cause exhaustion. Sometimes rip currents can be identified by a darker or differently colored strip of water, an area where waves break less frequently, or foam moving steadily away from the beach.

These signs aren't always obvious, especially to an inexperienced swimmer.

If you get caught in a rip current:

1. Step 1

   Float and save energy

   Stay calm and try to float to conserve energy.

2. Step 2

   Don't swim against it

   Don't fight the current by swimming directly toward the shore.

3. Step 3

   Swim parallel

   When possible, swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the strongest current, then head back toward shore at an angle.

4. Step 4

   Raise an arm and call

   Keep floating, raise your arm and call for help if you cannot escape.

If you see someone in trouble, alert the nearest lifeguard immediately. Someone without rescue training shouldn't rush into the water after them, as this can put a second person in danger.

The beach rescue assistance hotline is 0236 2218 878. International visitors calling from a foreign mobile number can use +84 236 2218 878.

When should you skip swimming?

Stay out of the water, without debating whether the sea looks safe enough, when:

• There are warnings about large waves, strong winds, rip currents or prohibited swimming.
• Thunderstorms or lightning are occurring or approaching.
• You cannot find a supervised swimming area with lifeguards currently on duty.
• Young children don't have suitable life jackets and close adult supervision.
• You cannot swim but are considering entering deep water or moving beyond the designated swimming area.
• Lifeguards instruct everyone to leave the water.

Don't move to a quieter beach in search of somewhere to swim after lifeguards have warned against swimming at the main beach.

How to get to Da Nang beaches from the city center and Hoi An

From central Da Nang to My Khe Beach

Using the western end of Dragon Bridge as a starting point, cross the bridge toward the eastern side of the city. Continue along Vo Van Kiet Street toward the sea.

When you reach Vo Nguyen Giap Street, turn toward your chosen beach entrance.

For East Sea Park, another route is to cross Han River Bridge and follow Pham Van Dong Street east toward the beach.

From central areas, the distance is generally around 3-5 km, with a typical driving time of 10-15 minutes.

Photo: Nord794ub

A taxi or ride-hailing service is the simplest choice if you're unfamiliar with the roads. Prices depend on your pickup point, travel time and demand, so check the fare shown in Grab or your chosen operator's app before confirming the ride.

On a motorbike, use an authorized parking area near the beach entrance rather than stopping along Vo Nguyen Giap Street.

From central Da Nang to Non Nuoc Beach

Cross to the eastern side of the Han River, then travel south along the Vo Nguyen Giap-Truong Sa coastal road toward the Marble Mountains.

The journey from central Da Nang generally takes about 15-25 minutes, depending on your exact destination and traffic.

Before leaving, select a specific public beach entrance. Typing only "Non Nuoc Beach" into a map app may direct you toward a resort entrance rather than the public access point you intended to use.

From Hoi An to Da Nang beaches

From Hoi An Ancient Town, head toward the coast and connect with the Lac Long Quan-Truong Sa-Vo Nguyen Giap coastal road.

You'll pass the Non Nuoc area before reaching My An and My Khe farther north.

Approximate driving times are:

Journeys may take longer during heavy rain or busy traffic periods.

From Hoi An, Non Nuoc is the closer option for combining the beach with a visit to the Marble Mountains.

However, if you want a larger selection of restaurants, accessible public swimming areas and evening activities, continuing to My Khe or My An may be worth the extra travel time.

For families with small children, arranging a return car or deciding how you'll book your ride back is sensible.

Don't leave transport arrangements until late in the evening if you're visiting a quiet section of coast away from the main hotel districts.

Can you take a bus from Hoi An?

Public buses can be useful for budget travelers who don't mind spending more time in transit.

However, routes between Hoi An and Da Nang aren't dedicated beach shuttles that stop at every public swimming entrance.

You may need another form of transportation to reach your exact beach, especially My Khe or Pham Van Dong.

For a trip lasting only a few hours, a group of two to four travelers will usually find a ride-hailing car or prearranged transfer more convenient.

How much does a day at Da Nang beach cost?

The main public beaches, including My Khe, Pham Van Dong, My An and Non Nuoc, don't charge admission.

You can walk along the sand, relax or swim in permitted areas without buying an entrance ticket.

Public beach admission in 2026: VND 0 per person.

Additional costs may include motorbike or car parking, freshwater showers, lockers, sun loungers, umbrellas, drinks and water sports. There isn't one fixed price for these services across every Da Nang beach.

Different businesses and managed facilities may have different published rates.

Before renting a chair or using a beach service, ask:

• Is the price per visit or per hour?
• Does the chair rental include an umbrella?
• Are freshwater showers and lockers charged separately?
• Does ordering a drink include a seat, or is there an additional rental fee?

At managed facilities, service fees should be displayed. Check the price board at the point of service rather than relying on an old figure from an online article.

Walking or playing on the sand costs nothing at the beach itself. Most of your spending will go toward transport, food and any additional services you choose.

Where to eat after swimming in Da Nang

Around My Khe or My An you have two straightforward options: a seafood meal or a regular restaurant close to your hotel.

How to plan a beach day in Da Nang

You don't need to visit every beach to have a good trip: for most visitors, one well-chosen beach is enough for a morning or afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free for other parts of Da Nang.

1. Itinerary A

   Family with young children staying in central Da Nang

   Choose My Khe or Pham Van Dong in the morning. Arrive around 5:30-6:00 AM and let the children play in the sand or walk along the beach. Only enter the water if lifeguards are on duty and swimming conditions are suitable.

   After about an hour, shower, change and go for breakfast. Return to your hotel before the day becomes too hot.

   In the late afternoon, you can use the hotel pool or return to the beach for a walk. There's no need to make children swim in the sea twice in one day.

   This schedule leaves time for places such as Dragon Bridge, Han Market or other city attractions.

2. Itinerary B

   Couple staying in My An

   Walk to the beach near your hotel in the morning. Watch the sunrise or swim in the designated area if conditions allow.

   Afterward, have breakfast or coffee in An Thuong. Return to your hotel around midday and rest.

   In the late afternoon, head back to the sand for a walk or photos before choosing a restaurant around Vo Nguyen Giap or An Thuong for dinner.

   There's little reason to change beaches during the day.

   My An is convenient enough to combine swimming, restaurants, cafés and relaxation without much travel.

3. Itinerary C

   Staying in Hoi An and visiting the Marble Mountains

   Leave Hoi An in the morning and visit the Marble Mountains before the day becomes too hot.

   Have lunch and take a break afterward. In the late afternoon, visit a public section of Non Nuoc Beach for a walk or a swim if conditions permit.

   You can return to Hoi An before evening or continue north to My An for dinner.

   Don't add Man Thai, Son Tra and Xuan Thieu to the same day.

   The driving would take up too much of the time you intended to spend relaxing by the sea.

What should you bring to Da Nang beach?

A public beach visit takes little equipment, and the useful items are those that make swimming, changing clothes and getting back to your accommodation easier.

• Swimwear, a towel and a dry change of clothes.
• Sandals or flip-flops with enough grip for wet surfaces.
• Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for time spent outdoors.
• Drinking water, especially when traveling with children.
• Properly fitted life jackets for children entering the water.
• A waterproof pouch for your phone and important belongings.
• Small amounts of cash for parking or beach services.

Don't leave your phone, wallet and motorbike keys unattended while swimming.

When you're on your own, choose an area with a suitable locker or secure storage service.

Near the shoreline, look out for sharp shells and other objects in the sand.

For small children, check the area before letting them sit and play.

Conclusion: choose one main beach

For a first visit to Da Nang or a family holiday, My Khe and Pham Van Dong are the easiest options for swimming and public facilities. Choose My An for convenient restaurants and cafés, or Non Nuoc for a quieter resort-style stay. Whichever beach you visit, swim only when the area is supervised, swimming is permitted and sea conditions are suitable.