Deciding where to stay in Da Nang can be a daunting task, given the city’s diverse neighbourhoods and wide range of accommodation options. This vibrant Vietnamese city offers everything from bustling city centres to tranquil beachside retreats, each with its unique charm and attractions.
In this guide, I have summarised the best 3 areas to stay in Da Nang, especially if you are on a first trip to the city. Each neighbourhood offers a different vibe and experience, that may work better for families or couples, a quiet time or daily nightlife, a solo trip or a budget stay.
I have organised also a handy table that compares these areas which is a great starting point to discover what may work best for you.
Where To Stay In Da Nang – Key Points
In the table below I have summarised the 5 areas I have discussed in this post, comparing them based on different factors and types of travellers. Click on the area name to read a full description.
Besides the 3 main areas to stay in Da Nang, I have also included Da Nang Bay, although I would not suggest staying there and you will see why. I have also mentioned the Ancient Town of Hoi An as an alternative, although you will be 20-25km from Da Nang.
City Centre
The City Centre is one of the most popular places to stay for a few reasons.
First, it’s like stepping into a different world, a place full of energy and life. It’s a buzzing Vietnamese downtown, that gets busy in the early morning and keeps going till late in the night. Surely, you won’t get bored.
This is the perfect area to stay in Da Nang if you’re a solo traveller or a flashpacker wanting value-for-money accommodation. The City Centre is where all the action is. It’s where you’ll find the famous Han River with its epic bridges. Have you ever seen a bridge breathe fire? You will here!
Of course, once here, you should check out the Danang Museum of Sculpture, especially if you are passionate about Vietnamese art and history. It’s like a time machine, taking you back through the city’s cultural history. It’s a total must-see.
But the City Center isn’t just about the sights. It’s about the vibe. It’s about trying out street food that you’ve never heard of, or splashing out on a fancy meal. It’s about hitting the bars and clubs and dancing the night away.
Phở Thảo is a great spot to start your Vietnamese culinary experience, right by the street, but with a modern touch.
The City Center is perfect for young travellers. It offers literally everything. You’re close to all the cool sights, the food is amazing, and the nightlife is off the hook. The crowd around is quite young with plenty of travellers, a great place to make new friends and exchange tips and suggestions on what to visit next.
But of course, staying in this area has also drawbacks. The most notable is that the City Center can get pretty busy, and it can be a bit noisy as a consequence. Select your hotel carefully if you are after a quiet night’s sleep (my suggestions are below).
You will be also around 3 km from the beach, or around 10 minutes by taxi.
This area is the perfect spot to stay if you are searching for action. If you are planning to spend the night out, having a few drinks by the river, maybe on one of the rooftops or simply dining with the fabulous street food you can easily find around.
Sunset on the Han River, the place to be in the City Centre for dinner and drinks in Da Nang
Let’s now dive into the beachside places of Da Nang, specifically My Khe Beach and Non-Nuoc Beach.
This area works great, of course, if you are a beach lover, you like to do some surfing or you just enjoy a bit of luxury. My Khe Beach and Non-Nuoc Beach are where you’ll find the sun, the sand, and the sea, all in one place.
My Khe Beach, often referred to as ‘Vietnam’s most picturesque beach’, is a stunning stretch of coastline that’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and especially surfing. The waves here are just right, making it a popular spot for both beginner and experienced surfers.
There’s also a good range of beachside bars and restaurants. These are great spots to have some food, drink a beer and enjoy the view.
Non-Nuoc Beach, on the other hand, is a bit more laid-back. It’s less crowded than My Khe, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a more peaceful beach experience. It’s also home to the Non-Nuoc Stone Carving Village, a traditional craft village that’s worth a visit.
Another must-visit in the area is the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills, each representing a natural element. You will also find a White Pagoda Tower, a Buddhist shrine immersed in a beautiful leafy environment.
Non-Nuoc is the best place to stay in Da Nang for families, looking for a quiet time with the kids, by the beach, but still the possibility to have dinner in the nearby My Khe or the City Centre. It’s also the closest side of the city to Hoi An, which makes another great day tour with the family.
Both beaches are lined with a range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or a traveller looking for a boutique stay, you will surely your accommodation here.
The beach side of Da Nang has also its own downsides. Value for money is not as great as in the City Centre. And during peak season, these beaches can get pretty busy.
I love the sea and this is my favourite area to stay in Da Nang. The view, the sound of the waves, the beach of course and the chilled-out evenings are just unnegotiable for me. If you’re the same and you enjoy the beach life, My Khe Beach and Non-Nuoc Beach are the places to be also for you.
My Khe Beach and Non-Nuoc Beach
Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula is a gem for nature lovers looking for a more secluded stay, in fact, it’s my suggested area for romantic couples that want to have a quiet time.
Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain, is a lush, green oasis that’s just a short drive from Da Nang. It’s a place where you can escape the busy city and relax in nature. It’s the perfect spot to forget everything and just chill out.
The peninsula is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the rare Red-Shanked Douc Langur. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of these colourful primates during your visit.
It’s also a great area for some hiking. There are a few trails that take you through the jungle and up to the mountain’s peak. The panoramic view of Da Nang is the reward.
For beach lovers, there’s the beautiful Bai But Beach, a tranquil spot that’s perfect for a relaxing swim or a picnic. And if you’re into history, you can visit the 67m tall Lady Buddha statue at the Chùa Linh Ứng, one of the tallest Buddha statues in Vietnam.
However, keep in mind that the Son Tra Peninsula is a bit more remote compared to other areas in Da Nang. You’ll likely need to rent a motorbike or hire a taxi to get around.
There are not as many accommodations around and they do not come cheap. But if you’re up for a bit of adventure and keen to explore Da Nang’s natural beauty, the Son Tra Peninsula is well worth the trip.
Conclusion
It’s always hard to suggest one or the other area in any destination, even more so in Da Nang where you will see a clear contrast between the bustling and touristic City Centre, the relaxed beachside, the chilled-out Son Tra Peninsula and the undeveloped Da Nang Bay.
My favourite is the beach side, Non-Nuoc for a chilled-out time or My Khe for some action too, but we are all different and the other 2 areas may work better for you, especially if you are after some nightlife (city centre) or nature (Son Tra)
