Da Nang

Set along Vietnam’s central coast, Da Nang sits between the ancient streets of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue, making it a natural base for exploring the region. The city itself feels spacious and well-planned, with wide roads, a clean beachfront, and a noticeably calmer atmosphere than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

My Khe Beach stretches for kilometres just east of the city centre and is one of Da Nang’s biggest draws. It’s popular with early-morning swimmers, sunset walkers, and surfers when conditions are right, while still feeling far less crowded than many resort beaches elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Da Nang is also known for its striking landmarks. The Dragon Bridge lights up and breathes fire on weekend evenings, the Marble Mountains rise dramatically just south of the city with caves and pagodas hidden inside, and the Ba Na Hills cable car leads into cooler mountain air and panoramic views. These sights are easy to reach, often within a short taxi or scooter ride.

Food is another highlight. Da Nang has a strong local food scene centred around fresh seafood, central Vietnamese specialities, and casual street stalls, alongside a growing number of cafés and international restaurants catering to long-stay travellers and expats.

Overall, Da Nang works well as both a stopover and a longer base. It offers the balance many travellers look for in Vietnam: beaches without isolation, city life without chaos, and easy access to some of the country’s most interesting destinations.