Where to Stay in Da Nang for First Timers – My Khe Beach vs Han River.
Golden beaches, dragon bridges, sunset cafés, and some of the best-value hotels in Vietnam…
Da Nang quickly became one of my favourite stops in Southeast Asia.
It’s relaxed without being boring, modern without losing its Vietnamese soul, and far easier to navigate than cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. It felt instantly liveable.
But for first-time visitors, choosing where to stay in Da Nang can feel confusing.
Should you stay on My Khe Beach, waking up steps from the sand?
Base yourself in the city centre near Dragon Bridge, close to restaurants and nightlife?
Or head toward Son Tra Peninsula for something quieter and more scenic?
What I quickly learned is that in Da Nang, the area you choose shapes your trip.
I stayed near the beach, spent time in the city centre, and explored Son Tra, and each area offered a completely different experience.
In this guide, I’ll help you choose the best area to stay in Da Nang for first-time visitors, with clear hotel recommendations to make booking easy.
My favourite hotel in Da Nang.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Quick Mini Guide to Da Nang.
Where to Stay:
My Khe Beach (Best for first timers — beachfront, walkable, relaxed).
– Crowne Plaza Da Nang (££££) – Large beachfront resort with private beach access, pool, gym, and spacious rooms. Ideal if you want comfort, facilities, and easy beach days.
– A La Carte Da Nang Beach (££) – Rooftop infinity pool, modern rooms, and excellent sea views. One of the best-value My Khe Beach hotels.
City Centre / Dragon Bridge Area (Central, lively, great food & nightlife).
– Satya Da Nang Hotel (££) – Stylish boutique hotel by the river, walkable to Dragon Bridge and restaurants
– Hilton Da Nang (££££) – Modern luxury with river views, rooftop bar, and excellent service.
Sơn Trà Peninsula (Quieter, scenic, nature-focused).
– InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort (£££££) – Ultra-luxury clifftop resort with private beaches and panoramic views.
– Le Sands Oceanfront Danang (£££) – Peaceful beachfront stay with sea views and a relaxed, resort-style atmosphere.
👉 See today’s best hotel deals in Da Nang here.
When to Visit:
The best time to visit Da Nang is February to May, when the weather is warm, dry, and ideal for the beach and sightseeing.
September–November can be rainy, while summer is hot but great for beach stays.
👉 Check my full guide: Best Time to Visit Vietnam & Cambodia.
Things to Do:
– Relax on My Khe Beach (one of Vietnam’s best city beaches).
– Walk across Dragon Bridge at night for the fire show.
– Visit the Marble Mountains.
– Day trip to Hoi An (30 minutes away).
– Ride the cable car to Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge.
Views from my hotel on My Khe Beach.
Understanding Da Nang’s City Layout.
I found Da Nang to be one of the easiest cities in Vietnam to understand during my travels, and that’s a big reason why it’s so popular with first-time visitors.
The city is split very clearly between the beach side and the city side, with the Han River running through the middle and famous bridges (like Dragon Bridge) connecting everything together. Unlike Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you’re never far from where you want to be.
Most travellers choose between two main areas:
My Khe Beach – the beachfront side of Da Nang, lined with hotels, cafés, gyms, and long stretches of sand. This is where most first-timers stay.
City Centre / Dragon Bridge area – more local, busier, and better for nightlife, restaurants, and river views.
Just north of the beach, you’ll also find Sơn Trà Peninsula, a greener, quieter area with jungle roads, viewpoints, and a handful of higher-end resorts. It’s not where most people base themselves, but it’s worth understanding if you want peace and scenery.
Three very different travel experiences.
What makes Da Nang so appealing is how compact and logical it feels:
You can stay by the beach, grab dinner in the city, cross Dragon Bridge at night, and still be back at your hotel within 10–15 minutes.
Choosing where to stay in Da Nang isn’t about right or wrong, it’s about deciding what kind of trip you want:
Beach days, city energy, or something quieter and scenic.
Below, I’ll break down each area so you can pick the best base for your first trip to Da Nang.
Locals on Han River.
Best area to stay in Da Nang for First Timers – My Khe Beach.
If it’s your first time in Da Nang, My Khe Beach is the easiest and most popular place to stay, and for good reason.
On my last trip to Da Nang, I stayed right on the beachfront, and found this part of the city to feel relaxed, scenic, and the ideal spot to explore.
Basing yourself here, you’re right by the beach, surrounded by modern hotels, cafés, gyms, and restaurants, with the city centre only being a short taxi ride away. A week staying in and around My Khe struck the perfect balance between beach life and convenience.
My Khe lights up the coast at night.
Why stay near My Khe Beach?
Before heading to Vietnam, I had heard of the ‘Miami of Vietnam’. and My Khe Beach does live up to this!
In my opinion, it is hands-down the easiest and most enjoyable place to stay in Da Nang.
In terms of beaches, I would say Da Nang is the best place in Vietnam that I visited, with an abundance of restaurants, cafes and outdoor activities also making it a very enjoyable area to hang out.
Accommodation around My Khe is also excellent value. From modern beachfront hotels to higher-end resorts with sea views, this area offers some of the best-value stays I found anywhere on my Southeast Asia trip.
If you want a solid base for a well rounded Da Nang itinerary, then it is. ano brainer.
Here is a more in depth look at the benefits of staying at My Khe Beach:
This is where you stay if you want:
Beachfront hotels with sea-view rooms, balconies, and rooftop pools.
Morning swims, sunset walks, and cafés right on your doorstep.
Better sleep, fresh air, and far less noise than the city centre.
Easy access to restaurants, beach bars, and spas — without needing taxis.
Great-value Da Nang beach hotels that feel relaxed but still modern.
My favourite beach in Vietnam.
Beachfront lifestyle & sea views.
My Khe is a long, clean, and genuinely swimmable beach, with soft sand, calm water, and a wide promenade that runs along the coast.
It was the perfect place to hit my daily step count early each morning, before moving on with my day of exploring.
As I wandered along the coast, I found it awesome just how active the locals are, with many outdoor fitness classes, and sports taking place across the whole length of the beach.
The Da Nang locals are very active.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the accommodation though.
Many hotels around My Khe offer sea-view rooms, balconies, and rooftop pools, which is why this stretch is home to some of the best beach hotels in Da Nang.
Waking up to sea views, grabbing a traditional Vietnamese coffee, and finishing my days in one of the epic seafood restaurants was so fun!
If you’re looking for Da Nang hotels with sea views that don’t break the bank, this area offers incredible value.
The combination of palm trees and skyscrapers made for some epic photos… My Khe Beach is up there with my favourite Instagram spots in Vietnam.
A fun promenade to wander.
Food, cafés & walkability.
My Khe is also one of the easiest areas in Da Nang to get around on foot, and it is a pleasure to do so. On a sunny day there aren’t many scenic places in Vietnam.
Along the beach roads and side streets, you’ll find a mix of local Vietnamese restaurants, fresh seafood spots, smoothie bowl cafés, bakeries, and western brunch places, all within a few minutes’ walk of most hotels.
It is an ideal location for anyone who loves remote work, and wants a nice routine…
The area reminds me of a lot of places I visited, and worked remotely in Bali and Thailand.
My favouirte cafe in Da Nang.
It’s perfect if you like having options without needing to plan too much.
And when you do want more action, it’s quick and easy to jump in a Grab or taxi to the city centre, Dragon Bridge, or An Thuong’s nightlife in under 10 minutes.
Another great option.
Things to keep in mind before staying at My Khe Beach.
It’s quieter at night than the city centre.
My Khe Beach is relaxed and low-key once the sun goes down. That’s perfect if you care about sleep quality, early mornings, or beach workouts, but if you’re expecting buzzing nightlife outside your hotel door, you may find it a little too calm.
For bars, riverfront drinks, or late-night food, you’ll need to head toward Dragon Bridge or the city centre.
Popular beachfront hotels sell out fast.
Sea-view rooms and well-reviewed My Khe Beach hotels book up quickly during peak season and weekends. Between March and August is the best time to visit Da Nang, so if this is in your schedule, it’s worth booking early to secure a good room, especially if you want a balcony or ocean view.
For the majority of travellers, these are small trade-offs.
The comfort, space, clean beach, and ocean views make My Khe Beach one of the best areas to stay in Da Nang for first timers, especially if you want an easy, relaxed introduction to the city.
My Khe Beach at night.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations – My Khe Beach.
Top Pick - Crown Plaza Da Nang (££££).
A popular luxury beachfront hotel right on My Khe Beach, offering spacious rooms, private balconies, large pools, and resort-style facilities. Ideal for first-time visitors who want direct beach access, high comfort levels, and a relaxed stay without sacrificing proximity to the city.
Mid-Range – A La Carte Da Nang Beach (££).
One of the most popular My Khe Beach hotels. Rooftop infinity pool, modern rooms, and excellent sea views. A great all-round choice for first-time visitors who want beach access with city convenience.
Mid-Range – Balcona Hotel Da Nang (££).
A solid beachfront option with balconies, pool, and direct access to My Khe Beach. One of the best-value beach hotels in Da Nang for travellers who want sea views without luxury prices.
Mid-Range – Sekong Hotel Da Nang (££).
A reliable, well-located hotel just a short walk from My Khe Beach. Comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and consistently good reviews make it a strong mid-range choice for travellers looking for affordable Da Nang beach hotels close to cafés and restaurants.
Inside Sekong Hotel.
Dragon Bridge / Da Nang City Centre – Central & Lively.
If you want to be in the heart of Da Nang’s action, staying near Dragon Bridge and the city centre is the most energetic option.
This area feels more urban and local than My Khe Beach, with busy streets, riverfront walks, and a noticeable nightlife scene once the sun goes down.
It felt more like my time in Ho Chi Minh City, or some of my trips to Hanoi, much different to the ‘Miami vibes’ of My Khe Beach.
It’s ideal for travellers who want to walk to bars and restaurants, enjoy evening river views, and be close to transport hubs and tour departures, all while still being only a short ride from the beach.
The iconic Dragon Bridge.
Why stay near Dragon Bridge?
Staying near Dragon Bridge puts you right in the most central part of Da Nang, on the banks of the Han River and perfectly positioned between the beach and the city…
It’s one of the few areas where I felt plugged into everyday life, with riverfront walks, busy streets, and plenty happening from morning through to late evening.
From here, it is also effortless to get around…
I was only ever a Grab, or short scooter ride from My Khe Beach, the airport, and most of Da Nang’s main attractions, which meant plenty of time actually enjoying the city. If convenience, walkability, and being in the middle of the action matter to you, this is one of the best places to stay in Da Nang.
Driving past the Dragon head.
Best nightlife in Da Nang.
If nightlife matters to you, staying near Dragon Bridge is hands-down the best choice in Da Nang…
This is where the city really comes alive after dark, with rooftop bars overlooking the Han River, relaxed cocktail lounges, live music spots, and late-night restaurants that stay open far later than anything near the beach.
On weekend nights, the Dragon Bridge itself becomes part of the experience.
The famous fire- and water-breathing show draws both locals and travellers to the riverbanks, creating a buzzing atmosphere around the bridge.
At certain times of year, you’ll also catch fireworks along the river, which makes staying nearby feel genuinely special.
The atmosphere is lively but not chaotic, more relaxed than Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City, but still social and fun.
A lively area at night.
Great river views at night.
As mentioned above, Dragon Bridge really comes alive after dark.
Hotels and bars along the river offer excellent night views, especially on weekends when the bridge lights up and breathes fire.
Along with Train Street in Hanoi, and the lanterns of Hoi An, the Dragon Bridge was one of the main Vietnam attractions I wanted to see.
Evening walks along the Han River are a highlight here, and staying nearby means you can enjoy the views without rushing back to your hotel.
The area is alwasy lit up well.
Close to local attractions and transport hubs.
From the city centre, you’re well placed for:
Da Nang International Airport (quick transfers).
Han Market and local shopping areas.
Museums, pagodas, and riverfront attractions.
It’s also one of the easiest areas for airport arrivals or short stays, where convenience matters more than beach access.
The famous pink church downtown.
Easy access to tours and day trips.
Staying near Dragon Bridge makes organising day trips from Da Nang incredibly easy.
Most tour operators and transport companies offer direct pick-ups from city centre hotels, which means no early-morning taxis to meeting points or long detours through the city.
This area works especially well if your itinerary includes popular trips like Hoi An, the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, or exploring the Son Tra Peninsula and Lady Buddha.
Many group tours and private drivers start or pass through the city centre first, so staying here often means quicker pick-up times and shorter travel days.
If you’re planning multiple tours or want everything to run smoothly without overthinking transport, the Dragon Bridge area is one of the most practical places to stay in Da Nang.
A rainy day at the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills.
Close to some authentic restaurants.
One thing I really liked about staying near Dragon Bridge was how local the food scene felt.
This area isn’t dominated by beachfront tourist menus, it’s where you’ll find busy Vietnamese restaurants, small family-run spots, and street food stalls packed with locals, especially in the evenings.
As with my last visit to Hanoi, I found some hidden gems in this part of the city…
A michelin star restaurant near the river.
I ate at Cô Sáu, which is Michelin Selected, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. I also tried mì Quảng, one of Da Nang’s most famous dishes, and it ended up being one of my favourite meals in the city. Simple, filling, and incredibly cheap.
Around the city centre, you’ll constantly see plastic stools spilling onto the pavement, menus only in Vietnamese, and kitchens working flat-out, which I always find to be a good sign.
If eating well, trying regional dishes, and avoiding tourist traps matters to you, staying near Dragon Bridge ticks the boxes.
Frog Quang Noodles.
Things to keep in mind.
As lively and convenient as the Dragon Bridge area is, there are a few practical points worth knowing before you book:
Less beach access.
You’re staying on the river side of the city, not the beach. While My Khe Beach is only a short drive away, you won’t have the ‘step out onto the sand’ experience unless you stay coastal. If daily swims and beach walks are a priority, this might feel like a trade-off.
Busier in the evenings.
This is one of Da Nang’s most active areas after dark, especially on weekends. Rooftop bars, riverfront cafés, and the Dragon Bridge shows bring crowds, traffic, and noise. It’s fun and social, but light sleepers should choose hotels slightly set back from the main roads or look for good soundproofing.
Great for short stays, less ‘holiday mode’.
If you’re in Da Nang for a few nights, planning lots of dining, nightlife, and day trips, this area is ideal. For longer stays focused on relaxation, the beach areas may feel more comfortable.
A busy area.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations – City Centre.
Luxury – Hilton Da Nang (££££).
A modern luxury hotel near Dragon Bridge with river views, rooftop bar, and excellent service. One of the best luxury hotels in Da Nang city centre for comfort, facilities, and walkability.
Mid-Range – Satya Da Nang Hotel (£££) - My Top Pick.
A stylish boutique-style hotel right by the Han River, steps from Dragon Bridge and nightlife. Spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and excellent breakfast make it a strong choice for couples and first-time visitors wanting a central Da Nang hotel with character.
Mid-Range – Haian Riverfront Hotel (££).
Great value for money with a central riverside location, comfortable rooms, and easy walking access to Dragon Bridge, cafés, and restaurants. Ideal if you want a reliable, affordable hotel in Da Nang city centre.
A comfortable option for first timers.
Son Tra Peninsula – Scenic, Quiet & Resort-Style.
Son Tra Peninsula feels like a completely different side of Da Nang…
Just 15–20 minutes from the city, the atmosphere shifts from busy streets to jungle-covered hills, winding coastal roads, and some of the most dramatic sea views in central Vietnam (could be better than Ha Long Bay).
This is where Da Nang slows down. Fewer scooters, fewer crowds, and far more nature. If My Khe Beach is about lifestyle and Dragon Bridge is about energy, Son Tra is about scenery, privacy, and switching off.
It’s not the most practical base for first-time visitors who want to explore everything on foot, but it’s easily the most beautiful.
The most luxurious resort option.
Why stay in Son Tra?
Son Tra is ideal if you want a resort-style stay surrounded by nature, while still being close enough to Da Nang’s highlights for day trips.
Most travellers stay here for a short, intentional break, either at the start or end of their time in Da Nang, rather than using it as a sightseeing base.
It’s especially popular with couples, honeymooners, and travellers looking to slow the pace after busy cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Views of My Khe Beach from Son Tran.
Incredible scenery.
This is easily one of the most scenic places to stay in Da Nang. The peninsula is wrapped in lush forest, with viewpoints overlooking the South China Sea, quiet coves, and long stretches of undeveloped coastline.
I had an awesome day hiking solo around ‘Monkey Mountain’.
Many hotels and resorts here are built into the hillside, meaning sunrise views, infinity pools looking out over the ocean, and sunsets that feel unique. Even short drives around Son Tra offer some of the best coastal scenery I saw anywhere during my time in Vietnam.
Son Tran has a very picturesque coastline.
Some cheeky locals.
Son Tra is home to a large population of monkeys, and you will see them.
They’re very much part of the Son Tra experience. I saw them wandering along the roads, near viewpoints, and even casually approaching visitors around the Lady Buddha statue, almost as if they were coming over to say hello. It’s surreal at first, but quickly becomes normal.
They’re entertaining to watch, but also something to be aware of. Monkeys regularly roam resort grounds, balconies, and parking areas, and they can be bold if they think food is involved.
Hotels are well used to this and usually give clear guidance to guests.
This is the part of Da Nang with friendly monkeys.
Son Tra is also one of the last places in Vietnam where you might spot the incredibly rare red-shanked douc langur, often called one of the world’s most beautiful primates.
Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but knowing they live here adds something special to the peninsula.
Just keep balcony doors closed, don’t leave food unattended, and enjoy the wildlife from a respectful distance.
Feeding a local.
Best luxury resorts in Da Nang.
Most accommodation on Son Tra falls into the upper mid-range to luxury category. You won’t find budget hotels here, instead, you can expect:
Private villas and resort-style rooms.
Infinity pools and spa facilities.
Secluded beaches or clifftop views.
High service levels and quiet surroundings.
If you’re looking for the most luxurious hotels in Da Nang, Son Tra is where they’re concentrated.
Son Tran is full of luxury.
Peaceful, private atmosphere.
Son Tra is one of the quietest places to stay in Da Nang. There’s no nightlife, very little traffic, and long stretches of calm, especially early in the morning and later in the evening.
It suits travellers who enjoy slow starts to the day, swimming, reading by the pool, or heading out early to explore places like the Lady Buddha statue, Linh Ung Pagoda, or the forested roads that wind through the peninsula.
Beautiful surroundings at Linh Ung Pagoda.
One moment that I really enjoyed was a solo walk around the mountain.
I headed off thinking I’d bump into other travellers or locals along the way, but for nearly two hours I didn’t see anyone at all. It was just me, my thoughts, and the occasional sound of monkeys somewhere in the trees.
A rare moment on my Vietnam trip, where I had been bouncing between busy Vietnamese cities.
Staying in Son Tra feels less like a city break and more like a reset. It’s calm, private, and ideal if you want Da Nang at its most peaceful rather than its most social.
The iconic Lad Buddha statue.
A peaceful area.
Things to keep in mind.
You’ll need transport for everything.
Son Tra isn’t walkable. You’ll need Grab, taxis, or a scooter to reach the city centre, My Khe Beach, or restaurants. Short distances, but not optional.
Limited dining and nightlife.
Outside of resort restaurants, options are limited. This is not the place for street food crawls or spontaneous nights out.
Less practical for first-timers on tight itineraries.
If you only have a couple of days and want to see everything, staying central or by the beach makes life easier.
Monkeys everywhere.
🏨 Hotel Recommendation – Son Tra.
Luxury – InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula (£££££).
One of the most famous luxury beach resorts in Vietnam. Stunning architecture, private beaches, and world-class service.
The road leading down to the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort.
My Honest Recommendation.
If you’re visiting Da Nang for the first time, I genuinely think staying near My Khe Beach is the best choice.
It gives you the perfect balance of beach time, great food, modern hotels, and easy access to the rest of the city, without having to overthink logistics.
Some of the best day trips in Vietnam start from Da Nang, and My Khe Beach is an ideal base for tour pick-ups and early departures.
From here, it’s simple to get everywhere: short Grab rides to the city centre, Dragon Bridge, museums, and markets. I rented a scooter during my stay and headed to a local CrossFit gym most days, just cruising along the coast.
I also found it naturally encouraged a more active routine. Morning beach walks, swims, gym sessions, and sunset strolls along the promenade quickly became part of my Da Nang rhythm.
Da Nang is easy, relaxed, and incredibly liveable, and choosing the right area makes the experience even better.
My favourite area of Da Nang.
FAQs About Staying in Da Nang.
If you’re planning your first trip, these are the questions travellers ask most when deciding where to stay in Da Nang, which area suits their trip, and how to get the best value from their hotel choice:
What is the best area to stay in Da Nang for first-time visitors?
For most first-time visitors, My Khe Beach is the best area to stay in Da Nang.
It offers clean beaches, modern hotels, sea views, and an easy introduction to the city without the chaos of bigger Vietnamese hubs. If you prefer nightlife, river views, and being closer to restaurants and bars, the Dragon Bridge / city centre is a strong alternative.
👉 Check current deals on My Khe Beach hotels in Da Nang here.
Is it better to stay near the beach or in Da Nang city centre?
It depends on your travel style…
Stay near My Khe Beach if you want a relaxed pace, beach walks, sea-view hotels, and better sleep quality. Choose the city centre near Dragon Bridge if you want nightlife, riverfront dining, and walkable access to bars and cafés.
Many travellers split their stay, beach first, city second, for the best of both worlds.
Where should I stay in Da Nang for nightlife?
For nightlife, bars, and evening atmosphere, stay near Dragon Bridge or the Han River.
This area has rooftop bars, live music venues, night markets, and late-night restaurants. My Khe Beach is quieter at night and better suited to relaxed evenings rather than partying.
👉 Browse hotels near Dragon Bridge in Da Nang here.
Are Da Nang beach hotels good value?
Yes, Da Nang is known for having some of the best-value beachfront hotels in Vietnam.
You’ll find modern rooms, rooftop pools, balconies, and sea views at prices far lower than similar beach destinations in Southeast Asia. This is one of the reasons Da Nang regularly features in lists like the best places to visit in Vietnam and top cities in Southeast Asia for first timers.
Marble Mountain.
Is Da Nang safe for tourists and solo travellers?
Da Nang is one of the safest cities in Vietnam for tourists, including solo travellers. It’s clean, well-organised, and easy to get around using Grab or taxis.
How many days do you need in Da Nang?
I recommend 3–5 days in Da Nang.
That gives you time to enjoy the beach, explore the city, visit nearby spots like the Marble Mountains and Lady Buddha statue, and take a day trip to Hoi An.
If Da Nang is part of a wider route (for example a 10 Day Vietnam itinerary), it also works well as a relaxed base between bigger cities.
Is Da Nang better than Hoi An for staying?
Da Nang and Hoi An offer very different experiences. Da Nang is better for beaches, modern hotels, value for money, and longer stays. Hoi An is better for short visits, lantern nights, and historic charm.
Many travellers stay in Da Nang and visit Hoi An as a day trip, especially if they want beach time and more hotel options.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.