Ever wondered what it’s like to live in a city where you can go for a ocean swim in the morning and slurp pho in a traditional market by lunch? That’s Da Nang for you – and that also explains it’s growing popularity among travelers and even digital nomads.
After spending a month in this bustling coastal city, I’ve explored the different districts and the unique vibe that each offers.
Overview: Beachside vs. Cityside
When deciding where to stay in Da Nang, you want to know that the city is generally divided by the Han River. Expats refer to it as the Beachside which is towards the ocean, and the cityside which is the city center and towards the airport.
Proximity to amenities, attractions and city highlights will be the main consideration for deciding the suitable neighborhood for you.
The Beachside (East)
If you’re dreaming of morning walks along pristine shores and sunset cocktails with your toes in the sand, the beachside is your jam. This area, particularly around My An and An Thuong, has evolved into a proper tourist haven. You will find high-rise hotels, beach clubs, and many international restaurants to keep your taste buds traveling the globe.
Although the beach front tend to be more touristy, it is not just a tourist hype. Plenty of locals visit the beaches everyday, and the soft sand makes it great for relaxing.
Beach life starts as early as 430am, because Vietnamese like to avoid the sun to keep their skin nice and healthy.
Apart from the beach area, most of the streets here aren’t as bustling or crowded until later in the morning as compared to the city side.
The Cityside (West)
Cross the Dragon Bridge to the cityside, and you’ll find yourself in what feels like a slightly different city. This is where you’ll get your fix of busy Vietnamese city life, especially in the Hai Chau District. The streets here buzz with local energy – morning markets, street food vendors, local coffeeshops.
The cityside gives you that “real Vietnam” experience; sit at one of the roadside coffeeshops and see how locals start their day with a nice, strong brew.
There are also plenty of touristic stuff here like massage parlor and the famous Han Market. You can find everything from fresh produce to Vietnamese coffee beans and souvenirs.
The riverside promenade along Bach Dang Street serves up some killer views of those famous bridges Da Nang is known for.
Here’s the thing – neither side is “better” than the other. It really comes down to what kind of experience you’re after. Beach bums and digital nomads tend to gravitate toward the east side, while culture vultures and those seeking a more local experience often prefer the western shore.
And the best part? With Da Nang’s manageable size, you can easily experience both sides regardless of where you plant your flag.
My An: Beach Life Made Easy
If you’re looking for that perfect balance of beachy chill and urban convenience, My An is where it’s at. It’s one of the most liveable neighborhood in Da Nang.
My Khe Beach is literally your backyard here. I’m talking about rolling out of bed and being on that soft sand within minutes. The beach here is wider and more pristine than other parts of the coast, making it perfect for morning jogs or afternoon lounging.
The An Thuong Connection
While technically part of My An, the An Thuong area deserves a special shoutout and is often seen as a separate district, so I’ll cover it below.
What really makes My An shine is how everything just… works. Need a coworking space? There are several within walking distance. Craving international food? The restaurant scene is popping. Want to work out? Take your pick of modern gyms or beach workouts.
Just keep in mind that while My An gives you that sweet expat-friendly vibe, you’re more in the tourist bubble. But honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what you want – especially if you’re just getting your feet wet in Vietnam.
Plus, the local scenes are still there if you know where to look – just wander a few streets back from the main drag, and you’ll find plenty of authentic Vietnamese life going on.
Several of my favorite food spots in Da Nang are also located in this area.
An Thuong: The Expat Paradise
This little pocket of streets (An Thuong 1-4) has turned into this awesome mix of local life and expat hangouts. You’ll find everything from hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese coffee shops to Western style and vegan cafes.
It has become the go-to spot for both tourists and expats without all of its soul. Walking down An Thuong 1 through 4, you’ll catch the kind of energy that reminds me of Thailand’s beach towns, but with a distinctly Vietnamese twist.
The Heart of Da Nang’s Social Scene
During the day, An Thuong feels like an international village. You’ve got digital nomads typing away in trendy cafes, yogis heading to beachfront classes, and locals mixing with tourists at the countless restaurants serving everything from pho to pizza. The streets are lined with co-working spaces, beach clubs, and gyms – basically everything you need to maintain your lifestyle while abroad.
Once the sun sets, the area transforms into this buzzing playground where you’ll find everyone from Korean tourists to long-term expats hopping between bars and beach clubs. It’s not Bali-level crazy, but there’s definitely enough going on to keep you entertained.
The Trade-offs
To be fair, not everyone likes to stay in An Thuong because it can seem too much of a tourist village. If you’re after the authentic, local Vietnamese experience, the other districts will offer more of that. The prices here tend to be higher than other parts of Da Nang, and during peak season, it can get pretty hectic.
But if you’re looking to ease into Vietnam with some Western comforts and amenities while still getting a taste of local life, An Thuong hits all the right notes.
Hai Chau: The Cultural Heart of Da Nang’s Cityside
Crossing over to the city side feels like stepping into a different world. This is Da Nang’s CBD (Central Business District), but don’t let that fool you – it’s got way more character than your typical downtown area.
The neighborhood wraps around the western bank of the Han River, and walking along Bach Dang Street at sunset, watching the Dragon Bridge prep for its nightly fire show, you’ll get why locals love this side of town.
Where Local Life Thrives
The best part about Hai Chau is the amount of amenities in the area. It is also easy to get to both the airport and the train station (where you catch the train to Hue).
This is a good zone for food enthusiasts. Wander through the maze of streets and you can find local vendors dishing out steaming bowls of Mi Qua
ng and authentic Central Vietnamese specialties.
Riverside cafes and upscale restaurants offer everything from traditional Vietnamese coffee to international cuisine with panoramic river views. You might even yourself becoming a regular at the local café (…or not, if you’re like me and like to try different places). There’s a crazy ton of options in the area.
The cost of living here can be lower than in the beach areas, which is always a bonus.
The Trade-Off
Hai Chau suits those who prefer urban energy over beach vibes. The beach is still accessible via a quick ride; just not right at your doorsteps.
But what you lose in beach access, you make up for in cultural immersion. And you also get to watch the sunset over the Han River (which, honestly, isn’t half bad).
Living in Hai Chau means embracing the authentic rhythm of Vietnamese city life, where morning markets buzz with activity and evening riverside strolls offer peaceful moments amidst the more buslting pulse of Da Nang.
Think of Hai Chau as Da Nang without the Instagram filter – it’s raw, real, and worth experiencing if you want to see what makes this city tick beyond its tourist facade.
Son Tra District (South): The In-Between
Now Son Tra is a relatively big area, and I like to classify it North and South ( with the big Pham Van Dong Road as a divider) because they are rather distinct in terms of why you would stay there.
Anything below the South of Pham Van Dong Road still feels more like My An district, but with a bit more local vibe and lesser “western” amenities. This is where I chose to stay and it’s a pretty good balance.
I deem this the most convenient zone if you want to go anywhere. It almost similar distance to go from here to the city center or the popular An Thuong zone.
There are still plenty of cafes and interesting restaurants here. You find a cluster of hotels alongside local life. Access to the beach is maximum 20-minutes walk if you are near the riverfront.
Son Tra District (North): Where Nature Meets Luxury
The further up North of Son Tra, the more distinct this district becomes, as you will easily see on Google maps. It sort of transforms into this mountain paradise by the sea.
Perched along Da Nang’s northeastern coastline, that area offers a unique blend of pristine nature and upscale living. Think misty mountain mornings and ocean views that stretch endlessly toward the horizon. The crowning jewel of this area is Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain), rising majestically above the East Sea.
The city area between the South and the green north is very local and more quiet. There are less amenities and part of the beach in that area is more fishermen-based, so not as great for the typical beach life. But you do get to experience that local vibe
Natural Escapes at Your Doorstep
Unlike the bustling beaches in the city area, Son Tra’s coastline provides a more secluded experience. Here you’ll find hidden coves and peaceful stretches of sand where you can escape the crowds. The iconic Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda watches over the district, offering spectacular viewpoints and spiritual tranquility.
While Son Tra’s relative isolation creates a peaceful atmosphere, it comes with considerations. You’ll find fewer international dining options compared to An Thuong, and nightlife is much more subdued. Some areas near the port can experience occasional industrial sounds, though this rarely affects the main residential zones.
Perfect For…
Son Tra suits nature enthusiasts, peace-seekers, and those who don’t mind being slightly removed from the city’s pulse. Morning joggers will appreciate the less crowded beaches, while photographers will find endless inspiration in the district’s natural beauty. It can be appealing to families and expats who value tranquillity over constant entertainment.
While you might be further from the city’s hustle, you’re closer to some of Da Nang’s most impressive natural wonders. The peninsula’s protected status means you’re living in one of the city’s most environmentally conscious districts, where development carefully balances with conservation.
Khue My: A Peaceful Haven Between River and Sea
Khue My is what happens when you take some of Da Nang’s best features and dial down the tourist vibes. Nestled between the Han River and the hustle of the beach areas, this neighborhood feels like stumbling upon a secret that mostly locals know about.
The streets here are wider, greener, and noticeably calmer than what you’ll find in An Thuong or Hai Chau. Traditional family homes sit alongside modern apartment complexes, creating an intriguing architectural tapestry.
As you get away from the beach area, small Vietnamese cafes and traditional markets dot the streets. While international dining options might be limited, the authentic local food scene makes up for it.
With tree-lined streets and peaceful riverside parks, this neighborhood can be a charming glimpse into local Vietnamese life.
Living Large with Views to Match
One of the coolest things about Khue My is how you might be able to snag some impressive digs without the beachside premium. The neighborhood’s crown jewel is its extensive riverfront area, where locals gather for morning exercises and evening strolls.
Tall residential buildings along the river provide spectacular views of both the water and the city’s dramatic skyline. The area’s elevation offers cool breezes and unobstructed vistas of famous bridges illuminated at night.
The Trade-Off
The district appeals to families and pet owners who appreciate wide, quiet streets and abundant green spaces. You will find peaceful jogging routes along the river, while seeing elderly doing tai chi or kids playing around.
Though you’ll need a motorbike or taxi for beach trips, the trade-off is a more authentic neighborhood experience. You’re still close enough to everything Da Nang has to offer, but maybe just far enough away to feel like you’ve got your own little slice of tranquility in this bustling city.
Hoa Cuong: The Pulse of Da Nang’s Nightlife
Hoa Cuong is not an area I visit often, but it has reputation of being the zone for night life. The streets here have this electric energy that kicks in as soon as the sun sets, with neon signs flickering to life and the smell of street food wafting through the air.
The accommodation scene here is surprisingly diverse. You’ll find everything from basic guesthouses to sleek modern apartments, though prices tend to run a bit higher than in quieter areas. The trade-off? You’re literally steps away from some of the best nightlife in the city.
If you’re the type who comes alive after dark, you’ll feel right at home here. The neighborhood is dotted with everything from dive bars to upscale lounges, and the local food scene keeps pace with late-night eaters.
Night Owl’s Paradise
Obviously Hoa Cuong isn’t for everyone. If you’re a light sleeper or prefer your evenings quiet, you want to look elsewhere. The energy that makes this area amazing at night can be a bit much if you’re trying to catch some zzz’s before midnight.
But if you’re young (or young at heart), love being where the action is, and don’t mind trading a bit of peace and quiet for a whole lot of fun, Hoa Cuong can be appealing. Just be prepared for the occasional karaoke session from your neighbors and the constant hum of motorbikes zipping by
During the day, you also get this fascinating mix of local life and tourist energy. Old ladies selling fresh fruit next to cafes, traditional markets operating alongside modern convenience stores – it’s like seeing two versions of Vietnam coexist in harmony.
Deciding Where To Stay In Danang
The beautiful thing about Da Nang is that transportation (I use Grab primarily) is very affordable and the areas are close enough to zip around rather easily. You’re never more than a quick bike ride away from experiencing something completely different.
But choosing the right area for your preferences just gives you more convenience. If you like to do a morning run by the ocean, stay near the beach. If you hate late night noises, avoid being in Hoa Cuong.
Each area offers its own slice of what makes this city special. Embrace whatever vibe speaks to you.
