1. An Thuong (My An Beach Area)
An Thuong is the most popular area for international visitors staying in Da Nang — especially for longer stays, digital nomads, and anyone who wants to be close to the beach without being isolated. It’s located just behind My Khe Beach, in the southern part of the city, about 10–15 minutes from the airport or Han River by car.
What makes An Thuong unique is its mix of local life and international convenience. The area has a laid-back but lively beach town feel, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and services aimed at travelers. You’ll find everything within walking distance: Vietnamese and Western food options, laundry shops, motorbike rentals, massage and spa places, minimarts, and even yoga studios or coworking cafés.
The beach here is wide, clean, and great for swimming or morning walks, with sunbeds and umbrellas available near the main access points. It’s one of the few places in Da Nang where you can stay without needing a motorbike, especially for short-term visits.
Want to learn more about the neighborhood? Read our full guide to An Thuong in Da Nang.
Pros
- Very walkable and tourist-friendly
- Close to the beach (5–10 min walk from most places)
- Great mix of food options — local eateries, Western cafés, pizza, vegan, Korean, etc.
- Good long-stay facilities (laundry, coworking, fitness, rentals)
- Feels safe and easy to navigate
Cons
- Not very “local” anymore — can feel more like a tourist bubble
- Prices are a bit higher than other areas (food, services, rentals)
- A bit more built-up and commercial than other beach areas like Non Nuoc
For who
- First-time visitors who want everything nearby
- Digital nomads or long-stay travelers
- People who want to walk to the beach and have international comforts close by
2. Non Nuoc
Non Nuoc is the long stretch of beach just south of An Thuong, running down toward the Marble Mountains and the edge of Da Nang city. It’s known for being home to large beachfront resorts, luxury hotels, and private villas — many with direct access to the sea.
This area feels very different from An Thuong. It’s quieter, more spacious, and far less developed, aside from the resorts themselves. If you’re staying inside a resort, you’ll have everything you need — pools, spas, restaurants, and private beach access. But outside the resorts, there’s not much around in terms of facilities. A few cafés, convenience stores, and local restaurants can be found along the main roads, but it’s not walkable in the same way.
The beach here is wide, peaceful, and clean, with fewer people — ideal if you want to relax or go for long walks. It’s also just a few minutes from the Marble Mountains, which you can often see right from the beach.
For more about the beach, atmosphere, and nearby sights, check out our guide to Non Nuoc Beach Area.
Pros
- Quiet, open atmosphere — great for relaxing
- Some of the best beachfront in Da Nang
- High-end resorts and villas with great facilities
- Close to Marble Mountains and on the way to Hoi An
Cons
- Not much to do outside the resort zone
- You’ll need transport (Grab or motorbike) to go anywhere
- Limited food and shopping options within walking distance
For who
- Couples or families looking for a quiet beach holiday
- People staying at a resort or villa
- Travelers who prefer to stay away from the city but still want beach access
3. Han River
The Han River runs through the center of Da Nang, dividing the beach side from the city center. Staying along the river — especially near Bach Dang Street (west side) or Tran Hung Dao Street (east side) — gives you a good balance between city access, nightlife, and scenic views.
This area is more urban than beach-focused, but it’s one of the best places if you want to explore Da Nang’s downtown, bridges, markets, and cafes. You’ll find a wide range of accommodation here: from budget city hotels to high-rise riverfront properties with rooftop bars. The river promenade is great for evening walks, especially around Dragon Bridge, which lights up and “breathes fire” on weekends.
There are plenty of restaurants (local and international), coffee shops, boutiques, convenience stores, and even museums nearby. Spas, salons, and co-working spaces are also easy to find. It’s well-connected and not far from either the beach or the airport — just 10–15 minutes to either by Grab.
Explore more about riverside highlights and what to do in our guide to the Han River in Da Nang.
Pros
- Central location with easy access to both the city and the beach
- Good views of the river and bridges, especially at night
- Lots of dining, cafés, and local attractions within walking distance
- Ideal for evening walks, rooftop bars, and river cruises
Cons
- No beach access — you’ll need a short ride to get there
- Can get noisy or busy, especially near bridges or main roads
- Some areas feel more “business city” than relaxed or scenic
For who
- Travelers who want a city vibe with river views
- Short stays or business trips
- Anyone who enjoys being close to nightlife, food, and local sights
- A good option outside the beach season, when the weather isn’t ideal for sunbathing or swimming
4. City Center
When we say “city center,” we’re referring to the area just west of the Han River, behind the riverside streets. It’s the commercial and administrative heart of Da Nang, with local businesses, government buildings, markets, and traffic-heavy roads. It’s not the same as staying along the Han River itself — this part of town feels busier, more functional, and less appealing for tourists.
There aren’t many hotels here, and the ones that do exist are mostly budget options or local-style guesthouses. You’ll find plenty of street food, local restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores — but not much in terms of scenery or atmosphere. It’s also where you’ll find big local markets like Con Market or Han Market, plus shopping malls and banks.
If you’re just here to do some shopping, visit local markets, or need to be close to the train station, it can be practical — but for most travelers, there are better areas to stay.
Pros
- Close to markets, shops, and local food options
- Good for budget travelers who just need a place to sleep
- Convenient if you’re taking a train or early morning bus
Cons
- Lacks charm — not much to see or do nearby
- No beach or river views, and few tourist attractions
- Busy traffic, narrow sidewalks, and not very walkable
For who
- Travelers on a tight budget
- People passing through Da Nang quickly (train or bus connection)
- Visitors who want to explore local markets or do some shopping, but not ideal for relaxing or sightseeing
5. Son Tra
Son Tra, in this context, refers to the beachside neighborhoods north of An Thuong, roughly around the Pham Van Dong area. It’s still close to the beach — and you’ll find plenty of hotels, apartments, and villas along the main road and coastal strip — but just a few blocks inland, it becomes more local, quieter, and less touristy.
This area is known for having more affordable apartments and private villas for rent, including some nice options close to the beach for a surprisingly low price. Compared to An Thuong, it feels less polished but more spacious. There are convenience stores, massage places, laundry shops, and local cafés — but less variety overall, and most restaurants are Vietnamese-style, especially seafood-focused. Western food is available, but fewer choices.
It’s a good pick if you want a beach nearby, but don’t need to be in the middle of the expat scene. It’s also more relaxed when it comes to traffic and crowds — unless you’re near a seafood hotspot at dinner time.
Pros
- Cheaper accommodation, especially for apartments and private villas
- Beach still within walking distance from most places
- More relaxed and local atmosphere
- Still has basic facilities: spas, minimarts, laundry, seafood restaurants
Cons
- Fewer Western food options and cafés
- Less walkable — things are more spread out
- Not much nightlife or entertainment
For who
- Long-stay visitors looking for affordable beachside living
- Travelers who want more space and local feel
- Good alternative to An Thuong if you’re on a tighter budget or want less crowd
6. Khue My
Khue My is a growing residential neighborhood located just south of An Thuong, tucked behind the resort strip along Non Nuoc Beach. It’s a newer area, mostly made up of wide, quiet streets, modern homes, and affordable villas — many of which are available for short or long-term rent.
This area feels more like a local suburb than a tourist zone. It’s calm, green, and slightly more spacious than An Thuong or Son Tra. But that also means it’s further from the beach (about 10–15 minutes on foot from most places) and lacks the same level of convenience. There are a few minimarts, cafés, laundry shops, and local restaurants, but not many Western food options or entertainment.
While it’s not the most exciting place for short-term visitors, it’s popular with expats and families, especially those looking for a quieter home base near the beach, but not in the middle of a tourist hub.
Pros
- Very quiet and peaceful neighborhood feel
- Good selection of affordable villas and long-term rentals
- Wide streets, some greenery, and a safe, local vibe
- Close to beach resorts and not far from An Thuong by bike or car
Cons
- Further from the beach (not walkable from most places)
- Not many restaurants, cafés, or services in walking distance
- Not ideal for short stays or travelers who want everything nearby
For who
- Expats or families looking for a long-term stay
- Travelers wanting a quiet, residential base with more space and privacy
7. Hoi An – The alternative
While this guide focuses on Da Nang, many travelers also consider staying in Hoi An — and for good reason. It’s just 30–45 minutes south of Da Nang and offers a completely different experience. Instead of a modern beach city, Hoi An is a charming, historic town with lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and a strong cultural vibe.
Hoi An has a few distinct areas to stay:
- An Bang Beach – A laid-back, stylish area with boutique hotels, restaurants, bars, and yoga spots.
- Cua Dai Beach – More upmarket, quieter, home to luxury beachfront resorts.
- Countryside areas like Cam Thanh – Peaceful, green surroundings with homestays and private villas among rice fields.
- Old Town / City Center – The heart of Hoi An, ideal for exploring shops, temples, and restaurants on foot.
Looking specifically at Hoi An? We cover all the best neighborhoods here: Where to Stay in Hoi An
While Hoi An doesn’t offer the same scale or modern infrastructure as Da Nang, it’s often preferred by those looking for something more relaxed, atmospheric, or cultural. It’s also small and easy to get around by bike.
Read more: Hoi An or Da Nang – What to Choose?
Pros
- Charming and walkable town with strong cultural atmosphere
- Great mix of beach, countryside, and city options
- Excellent food scene, from street food to fine dining
- Easy day trips to Da Nang, Marble Mountains, or My Son
Cons
- Smaller and slower-paced than Da Nang
- No major shopping malls or big-city conveniences
- More touristy in the Old Town, especially in the evenings
- Not ideal for nightlife or modern beach resort experiences
For who
- Travelers who prefer charm over city convenience
- Couples, families, and slow travelers
- Anyone interested in culture, food, or a relaxed pace
- Visitors looking for a scenic base and easy access to both Da Nang and the countryside
What is best for you
Still not sure where to stay in Da Nang? Here’s a quick recap to help you choose the best area to stay in Da Nang (or nearby) based on your travel style:
- An Thuong – When you want a lively beach area with cafés, restaurants, and everything within walking distance. Great for first-time visitors and long stays.
- Non Nuoc – When you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing beach escape or staying in a beachfront resort.
- Han River – When you prefer a central location, scenic views, and easy access to city sights, cafés, and nightlife — also a good choice outside the beach season.
- City Center – When you’re on a tight budget, passing through, or want to be near markets and local shops.
- Son Tra – When you want to stay near the beach without the crowds, with affordable apartments or villas in a more local area.
- Khue My – When you’re staying longer, want more space, and prefer a peaceful neighborhood over tourist convenience.
- Hoi An – When you’d rather soak up culture, food, and a slower pace — whether by the beach, in town, or the countryside.
