Where to stay in Da Nang – Best 3 areas and 1 to avoid
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.
On the mobile, swipe left and right to see all the columns of the table.
Area | Pros | Cons | Accessibility | Attractions | Restaurants | Families | Nightlife | Character |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
City Centre | Central location, attractions, nightlife, Restaurants | Can get very busy, might be noisy | Good, close to public transport and Airport | Han River, Danang Museum of Sculpture | Excellent, diverse options | It can be noisy | Excellent, vibrant nightlife | Modern, bustling, historical |
Beachside (My Khe and Non-Nuoc Beach) | Proximity to the beach, water sports, luxury resorts | Prices of accommodation can vary widely, might be crowded during peak season | Taxis and buses | Beautiful landscapes, very quiet, great views of the bay | Good, beachside bars and restaurants | Excellent, family-friendly beaches | Good, relaxed beach bars | Modern, beachside, relaxed |
Son Tra Peninsula | Beautiful landscapes, very quiet, great views to the bay | Limited accommodation options, out of the action | Requires transportation, best with a rented vehicle | Nature, hiking trails, Bai But Beach, Lady Buddha statue | Limited, local options | Good for nature-loving families | Limited, more about nature and relaxation | Natural, secluded, romantic |
Da Nang Bay (Avoid) | Quieter side of Da Nang | Less developed, not as tourist-friendly | Requires transportation, less developed infrastructure | Limited, local markets | Limited, local street food | Not ideal, no attractions | Limited, not as tourist-friendly | Local, less developed |
Hoi An | Rich in history and culture, charming and less busy than Da Nang | Requires transportation, further from the airport | Requires transportation, further from airport | UNESCO World Heritage Site | Good, traditional Vietnamese cuisine | Excellent if travelling with grown-up kids | Limited, quiet cafes and riverside restaurants | Historical, cultural, traditional |
City Centre
- Best for: Solo travellers, history buffs, and flashpackers/value for money
Pros
- Central location,
- close to attractions,
- buzzing nightlife,
- loads of food options
Cons
- Can get pretty crowded,
- might be a bit noisy,
- prices can be a bit steep compared to other areas
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.
Three great accommodations to stay in the City Centre for a quiet and safe stay:
Seahorse Han Market ($$$): Centrally located, free WiFi and shared lounge. Comfortable rooms with amenities, friendly staff, and tasty breakfast
Sun River Hotel ($$$): Spectacular views of the Han River, close to nightlife and the Dragon Bridge. Clean and big breakfast included
Onestar Danang Riverside ($$): Central location with spacious, clean rooms. Excellent for exploring Da Nang. Helpful staff and good value for money.
Beachside – My Khe Beach and Non-Nuoc Beach
- Best for: Families, beach lovers, surfers, and luxury travellers but also for a budget stay
Pros
- Proximity to the beach,
- great for water sports,
- plenty of luxury resorts
Cons
- Prices of accommodation change widely and wildly
- might be crowded during peak season
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.
Three great Hotels to stay in the City Centre for a quiet and safe stay:
Siro homestay ($$): 1BR with balcony, air-conditioned rooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Free WiFi. Close to My Khe Beach
Sapphire Boutique Hotel ($): Comfortable, offers city views, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi. Close to My Khe Beach.
San San Hotel ($$): located near the beach, offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi.
Son Tra Peninsula
- Best for: Nature lovers, secluded stay, romantic couples
Pros
- Beautiful landscapes
- Very quiet
- Great views to the bay
Cons
- Limited accommodation options
- Requires transportation
Son Tra Peninsula is a gem for nature lovers looking for a more secluded stay, in fact, it’s my suggested area for romantic couples that want to have a quiet time.
Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain, is a lush, green oasis that’s just a short drive from Da Nang. It’s a place where you can escape the busy city and relax in nature. It’s the perfect spot to forget everything and just chill out.
The peninsula is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the rare Red-Shanked Douc Langur. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of these colourful primates during your visit.
It’s also a great area for some hiking. There are a few trails that take you through the jungle and up to the mountain’s peak. The panoramic view of Da Nang is the reward.
For beach lovers, there’s the beautiful Bai But Beach, a tranquil spot that’s perfect for a relaxing swim or a picnic. And if you’re into history, you can visit the 67m tall Lady Buddha statue at the Chùa Linh Ứng, one of the tallest Buddha statues in Vietnam.
However, keep in mind that the Son Tra Peninsula is a bit more remote compared to other areas in Da Nang. You’ll likely need to rent a motorbike or hire a taxi to get around.
There are not as many accommodations around and they do not come cheap. But if you’re up for a bit of adventure and keen to explore Da Nang’s natural beauty, the Son Tra Peninsula is well worth the trip.
Two great hotels to stay in the Son Tra Peninsula:
Sontra Sea Hotel ($$-$$$): Conveniently located, bright rooms, polite staff, and proximity to Linh Ung Pagoda and Son Tra peninsula.
Dan Oasis ($$): Beachfront location, spacious rooms, friendly staff, and stunning views of Monkey Mountain and the sea.
Da Nang Bay (Area to Avoid)
- I would not suggest staying here unless you are after a very long-term accommodation.
Pros
- Quieter
Cons
- Less developed,
- fewer amenities and attractions,
- not as tourist-friendly
Da Nang Bay looks on paper as a good place to stay in the city, however, I feel it’s still not ready.
It is the quieter side of Da Nang, less developed and organised to host foreigners. It could be a great choice if you are looking for accommodation to relax and unplug. However, it must be said that it still lacks attractions and any tourist-friendly vibe.
In fact, I suggest the Bay area to digital nomads that want to experience the local life, possibly save some money and do not care about the commute to either the city centre or the beach area for some fun.
Here you will not have much choice of restaurants and bars, at least not the same as everywhere else. True, you will find plenty of local street food, those places that Vietnamese tend to stop on the side of the streets for a short meal.
Shopping is also very local, which is actually great if you are looking for some street photography.
English is usually widely spoken in tourist destinations in Vietnam. You will notice that in the city centre or the busy beaches but in the bay area, this is not necessarily true. Most of the locals have not dealt with tourists, which means there was never the need to actually talk a different language. So communication may be more challenging and down to hand signs.
Lastly a couple of words about the beach in the bay. This is not as developed as My Khe and Non-Nuoc, which means you will not find beach bars or restaurants with a view. A few are coming up though and it will probably change in the next few years.
The beach is also not well maintained, it’s not cleaned on a daily basis and based on seasons, you will experience plastic and other garbage. Probably not the experience you are after.
In conclusion, while Da Nang Bay might be a quieter, less busy option, it’s not an area I would generally recommend for travellers. There are other areas in Da Nang that offer more amenities, attractions, and a more tourist-friendly environment.
It may be a candidate for digital nomads that decide to stay for a few months and want to experience more of a local life.
Hoi An – The great alternative
- Best for: a romantic stay, history and culture, a traditional atmosphere
Pros
- Rich in history and culture.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Charming and less busy than Da Nang.
- Offers a more traditional and authentic Vietnamese experience.
Cons
- Further from the airport and other major cities.
- Less modern amenities.
- Not as many nightlife options.
To this list of city areas, I wanted to add also Hoi An, a lovely old town, with a traditional atmosphere which is around 20-25km south of Da Nang.
I visited Hoi An, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for the first time over 20 years ago when it was hard to actually find accommodation. I recently re-visited and it has evolved so much, with now a wide offering of hotels either in the old town, the countryside or the nearby beach.
I wrote extensively about where to stay in Hoi An and the experiences that you can have there. In short, this is a great choice if you are looking for a cultural destination, with its well-preserved Ancient Town, traditional wooden houses, and old canals.
Hoi An is very relaxed during the day. I loved my mornings at the local market, taking some great street photos. It opens at 6:30am and till 8:30am you will see only locals, a real genuine experience.
True, the town gets overly too busy around sunset time, with plenty of visitors walking in the Ancient Town but comes 8pm and you will share the streets just with the few that have decided to stay here instead of Da Nang.
Certainly, there are a few drawbacks to staying in Hoi An. The most notable is the lack of modern infrastructure, which is expected being the town very old and traditional.
Hoi An is also further from the airport and the train station, which could make travel a bit more challenging. However, there is a convenient bus station where you will find transportation to most tourist destinations.
Nightlife in Hoi An is more low-key compared to Da Nang. You’ll find quiet cafes and riverside restaurants. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
In a few words, Hoi An is a fantastic place to stay if you’re looking for a more traditional and relaxed experience in Vietnam.
Two great hotels to stay in Hoi An:
Nu Ni Homestay ($$-$$$): Very clean, spacious and inexpensive. And the best comes now. It has a large pool too, very unusual in the Old Town.
Quynh Chau Homestay ($): Meters from the action and the market, however miles away from any kind of noise. Just a real family-run accommodation, with a great breakfast included in the price.
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Da Nang is best to stay?
My favourite place is the beach side, either My Khe or Non-Nuoc, however, the City Centre may work better if you are some nightlife
Is it worth staying in Da Nang?
Yes, staying in Da Nang is worth it for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to cultural sites.
Where is the main area in Da Nang?
The main area in Da Nang is the City Centre, known for its bustling markets, restaurants, and nightlife.
Is it better to stay in Hoi An or Da Nang?
If you prefer a quieter, more cultural experience, Hoi An is better. For beaches and city life, choose Da Nang.
What are the best months to visit Da Nang Vietnam?
The best months to visit Da Nang are from February to May when the weather is warm and dry.
How long is the bus from Da Nang to Hoi An?
The bus from Da Nang to Hoi An typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
How do you travel around Da Nang?
You can travel around Da Nang by taxi, motorbike rental, or use the local bus system for longer distances.
How far is Da Nang from the airport?
Da Nang International Airport is conveniently located in the city centre, just a few kilometres from most hotels.