Where to Stay in Da Nang, Vietnam: 7 Best Areas to Consider

Da Nang can throw first-time visitors for a loop. It’s a city that mixes modern beachfront resorts with local fishing villages, bustling food markets with serene pagodas, and fancy rooftop lounges just minutes from alleyway bánh mì stands.

When researching where to stay in Da Nang, most travelers will come across two types of advice: “Stay by My Khe Beach” or “Base yourself near the Dragon Bridge.”

Both are technically correct, but they’re just pieces of a much bigger puzzle.

The truth is, Da Nang is more spread out than people expect, and the experience of staying in a lively beach district is wildly different from booking a hotel up near the Marble Mountains or over by the bustling city center.

I’ve spent enough time in this city to learn that choosing the right area isn’t just about budget, it’s about the type of trip you want.

Whether you’re in Da Nang for surf and seafood, pagodas and peace, or day trips to Hoi An, this guide breaks down the seven best areas to stay in Da Nang based on experience, not just map dots.

My Khe Beach

• Good for: First-timers, beach lovers, families, relaxed resort vibes

• Vibe: Laid-back, beachfront, clean and modern

• Pros & Cons: Gorgeous beach access and walkability, but limited nightlife and can feel touristy

You can’t talk about where to stay in Da Nang without mentioning My Khe Beach. This is the city’s crown jewel when it comes to sand, sea, and everything tourists imagine when booking a coastal Vietnamese getaway.

Stretching several kilometers, the beachfront is packed with cafes, seafood restaurants, and a growing number of international hotels, all just steps from the sand.

It’s ideal for those who want to roll out of bed and straight into the ocean without giving up convenience.

This area’s vibe is best described as “relaxed but ready.” It’s clean, safe, and well-developed, but don’t expect tons of cultural sights or buzzing nightlife right at your doorstep. Still, you’re only a short Grab ride away from the city center, the Dragon Bridge, and all the action.

Whether you’re in Da Nang to sunbathe, surf, or just unwind with a tropical view, My Khe Beach makes a strong case for being your base.

Top Hotels in My Khe Beach

Four Points by Sheraton Danang – Luxury

Mandila Beach Hotel Danang – Mid-Range

Nicecy Boutique Hotel – Budget

An Thuong Area (Expat/Backpacker Vibe)

• Good for: Digital nomads, solo travelers, long stays

• Vibe: Laid-back, community-driven, budget-friendly

• Pros & Cons: Tons of international food and coworking spots, but less polished and a bit noisy at night

If Da Nang had a “digital nomad village,” this would be it. An Thuong is a compact neighborhood just inland from My Khe Beach, and it’s become a haven for backpackers, expats, and anyone who wants their Vietnamese experience with a side of oat milk lattes.

The area is packed with international restaurants, hostel bars, boutique cafés, and co-working spaces.

Think smoothies, falafel wraps, live music, and late-night beer pong, all within walking distance.

It’s not fancy, but it’s incredibly livable, especially if you’re planning to stay a week or longer.

One significant advantage is the social atmosphere. Whether you’re traveling solo or looking to meet others, it’s the kind of neighborhood where conversations spill from shared dorms to sidewalk cafés. Just don’t expect tranquility; it can get noisy depending on your block.

Top Hotels in An Thuong Area

TMS Hotel Da Nang Beach – Luxury

Avatar Danang Hotel – Mid-Range

John Boutique Villa Apartment – Budget

Han River Waterfront / Bach Dang Area

This area runs along the Han River and serves up some of Da Nang’s most elegant vibes.

Think wide boulevards, upscale restaurants, stylish rooftop bars, and twinkling night views from across the water.

The Bach Dang stretch especially shines after dark. Locals and tourists alike come here for breezy walks, neon-lit bridges, and relaxed dining.

It’s also where many of the city’s best hotels and high-end apartment buildings are based.

You won’t find sand here; that’s My Khe’s job, but what you will get is a quieter, more sophisticated experience while staying smack in the middle of everything. Dragon Bridge, the night market, and the city center are all within walking distance.

Top Hotels in Han River Waterfront Area

Novotel Danang Premier Han River – Luxury

Brilliant Hotel – Mid-Range

Satya Da Nang Hotel – Budget

Da Nang City Center (Around Con Market)

• Good for: Local flavor, street food lovers, cultural travelers

• Vibe: Busy, no-frills, authentically Vietnamese

• Pros & Cons: Great food and prices, but less scenic and noisier

If you want to be in the thick of local life, the city center around Con Market and Han Market is where it’s at.

This is the true heart of Da Nang, less polished, more local, and packed with street food, markets, and everyday chaos.

You won’t find beachfront views or luxury resorts here, but you will discover banh mi stands that blow your mind and alleyways filled with motorbikes, smells, and sounds that are unmistakably Vietnam.

The Con Market, especially, is a haven for budget bites and Vietnamese snacks. This area is also well-connected by road and Grab rides, and you’ll get quick access to the railway station and other day-trip transport hubs.

While it may not be for everyone, it’s an excellent base for foodies and budget-conscious travelers who want to immerse themselves in daily Vietnamese life.

Top Hotels in Da Nang City Center

Vanda Hotel – Luxury

Wink Hotel – Mid-Range

City Hostel Da Nang – Budget

Son Tra Peninsula (Closer to Nature)

• Good for: Nature lovers, hikers, those craving seclusion

• Vibe: Scenic, peaceful, nature-focused

• Pros & Cons: Stunning views and wildlife, but remote and less walkable

Looking to swap scooters for monkeys? Son Tra Peninsula is your slice of jungle-meets-ocean paradise.

This protected reserve juts out into the sea just north of Da Nang and offers some of the best coastal views, hiking trails, and quiet beaches in the area.

Home to the iconic Lady Buddha statue and Linh Ung Pagoda, Son Tra combines spiritual landmarks with natural beauty. You’ll find resorts tucked into the hills with sweeping views, and it’s not uncommon to spot rare red-shanked douc langurs in the trees.

The trade-off? You’ll need a motorbike or rely on rideshares to get into town. But if you’re the type who’d rather hear waves and birds than motorbike horns, this is the reset button you’re looking for.

Top Hotels in Son Tra Peninsula

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort – Luxury

Son Tra Resort & Spa – Mid-Range

Sontra Sea Hotel – Budget

Near Dragon Bridge & Night Market

• Good for: First-timers, night owls, couples

• Vibe: Lively, central, walkable

• Pros & Cons: Great access to attractions and nightlife, but can be noisy

This area sits right near one of Da Nang’s most iconic landmarks: the Dragon Bridge, which literally breathes fire on weekend nights.

Yep, you read that right. It’s also within walking distance to the Night Market, filled with everything from grilled squid to knock-off sneakers.

It’s an excellent spot for travelers who want to experience a bit of everything, some sightseeing, a little food crawl, and maybe a rooftop drink or two. It’s walkable, fun, and well-lit at night, making it a solid choice for couples and solo travelers alike.

You’ll get an outstanding balance of convenience and energy here, without being overwhelmed by either. Just don’t expect absolute quiet.

Top Hotels Near Dragon Bridge

Novotel Danang Premier Han River – Luxury

Val Soleil Hotel – Mid-Range

New Orient Hotel Da Nang – Mid-Range

Around Marble Mountains (South Da Nang)

• Good for: Peaceful stays, access to sights, beach-adjacent relaxation

• Vibe: Tranquil, scenic, semi-rural

• Pros & Cons: Close to Marble Mountains and Hoi An highway, but limited dining options

If you’re seeking a peaceful base between Da Nang and Hoi An, the area around the Marble Mountains offers a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere.

You’re surrounded by natural beauty, think caves, temples, and hills you can actually climb.

While not as lively as My Khe or An Thuong, this area is excellent if you plan to explore both cities or take day trips south.

Plus, you’re never far from the beach. It’s a more “slow mornings with Vietnamese coffee” vibe than “let’s hit five bars before midnight.”

Ideal for couples or those seeking to unwind, the calm here provides a welcome respite from urban buzz.

Top Hotels Around Marble Mountains

Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa Da Nang – Luxury

Le Sands Oceanfront Danang Hotel – Mid-Range

Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort – Budget

Getting from Da Nang Airport to Your Hotel

Da Nang International Airport is one of the most conveniently located airports in Vietnam, it’s just about 10 to 15 minutes from most major hotel areas in the city, including the beachfront.

That makes arrivals and departures super smooth, especially compared to places like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, where you’re in for a longer trek.

There aren’t as many scams here as in larger cities, but it still pays to have a plan. I’ve landed here more times than I can count, and every time I appreciate how small, manageable, and central the airport is.

That said, the usual options like metered taxis or drivers shouting “Taxi! Taxi!” outside the terminal can still feel overwhelming if you’re jetlagged and just want to get to the beach. Here are your two best options:

• Book a Private Transfer in Advance: If you want the smoothest experience possible,no haggling, no confusion, you can book a private airport transfer online. It’s especially helpful if you’re arriving late at night or traveling with family and luggage. Vehicles range from sedans to vans, so no matter your group size, you’re covered.

• Use Grab: Vietnam’s most popular ride-hailing app. As soon as you exit the terminal, take a left and walk for about a minute or two. You’ll usually see a Grab employee and a sign marking the designated pick-up spot. The app is easy to use, rates are clear, and it’s a favorite among both locals and expats.

Pro Tip: If you’re arriving around Tet (Lunar New Year) or any major holiday, availability can become tight, so be sure to pre-book your transfer.

Tips for Booking Hotels in Da Nang

Da Nang has experienced a surge in popularity over the past few years, and with that comes a vast array of accommodations, ranging from five-star beachfront resorts to cozy homestays nestled in quiet neighborhoods.

More recently, digital nomads and remote workers have started to take notice too, drawn in by the laid-back coastal vibe, affordable living, and reliable Wi-Fi.

Content about Da Nang has been steadily growing online, and it’s clear the city is no longer just a beach stop; it’s becoming a full-fledged destination in its own right.

It’s even earned the casual nickname “the Miami of Southeast Asia”, thanks to its beach-meets-city layout and growing international appeal. With Nobu slated to open here soon, that comparison only feels more accurate.

The vibe? Tropical coastline backed by a skyline of condos, cafes, and rooftop bars. Here are a few key tips I’ve picked up from multiple stays here:

• Book Early for High Season: Da Nang’s peak tourist season runs from December through March, when the weather is dry and pleasant. If you’re eyeing a stay over Christmas, New Year’s, or Tet (Lunar New Year), book well in advance. Prices skyrocket and rooms sell out fast, especially near the beach.

• Watch Out for “Beachfront” Labels: Not all “beachfront” hotels in Da Nang are actually on the beach. Some are across the road with no direct access. If beach proximity is a dealbreaker for you, check the map and photos carefully before booking.

• Expect Lower Prices from May to October: This is considered the low season, mostly due to hotter temperatures and occasional rain. If you don’t mind a bit of humidity (and you want to save), hotel rates drop significantly during this time.

• Beach or City? Choose Based on Your Priorities: If you want to roll out of bed and hit the sand, My Khe Beach or An Thuong is where to be. But if you’re more about food, history, and a local vibe, places like Hai Chau or Da Nang City Center are more your scene.

• Check for Airport Transfer Options: Some upscale hotels and resorts offer complimentary airport pickups, worth checking if you’re booking a luxury stay.

• Always Double-Check the Location: Da Nang has several areas with similar-sounding names. For example, don’t confuse Son Tra Peninsula (quiet and nature-heavy) with Son Tra District (more central). Google Maps is your best friend here.

Best Areas to Stay in Da Nang: Final Thoughts

For a city that blends mountains, beaches, rivers, and vibrant neighborhoods so effortlessly, Da Nang really does have something for everyone.

Whether you want to wake up to waves crashing outside your window in My Khe Beach, enjoy a laid-back lifestyle near international cafes in An Thuong, or tuck into a quiet corner like Son Tra Peninsula for full-on nature, the variety is impressive.

By the way, if you’re thinking of staying in the Ba Na Hills, skip it, it’s secluded, far from everything, and best enjoyed as a day trip rather than a base.

Personally, I’ve found myself gravitating back here more than once. In fact, I often stay in the An Thuong area, I love the walkability, the relaxed pace, and just how easy it is to stroll from my apartment to coffee shops, noodle joints, and the stunning beachfront boardwalk.

It’s the kind of area where you can walk out the door and have everything within reach, without sacrificing calm or comfort.

And with areas like Hai Chau offering more of a local, lived-in vibe, and the Da Nang–Hoi An Coastal Strip setting you up for day trips and luxury, there’s no wrong place to base yourself, just the one that fits your style best.

No matter where you land, Da Nang makes a strong case for being more than just a quick stop between Hue and Hoi An. It’s a city that invites you to stay a little longer each time.