Wondering where to stay in Da Nang? During our three-month trip through Vietnam, we stayed in Da Nang for four full weeks. Our itinerary is a little different than most travelers’, as we work during the week (evenings).
This means we consciously stay in one place longer, not just taking in the highlights but also experiencing daily life. This gives you a much more realistic impression of what a city actually has to offer.
Besides, we don’t choose to stay in just one neighborhood. In Da Nang, we deliberately stayed in two different areas: the first two weeks we stayed centrally in the city, while the second part of our stay we chose the northern tip of Da Nang.
This combination gave us a good framework for comparison and allows us to give an honest answer to the question of where to stay in Da Nang is truly the most pleasant.
The best areas to stay in Da Nang first time are the beachside area of Ngu Hanh Son, the riverside of Hai Chau District, and the northern tip of Son Tra.
If you want the beach literally on your doorstep and are staying in Da Nang for the first time, Ngu Hanh Son is the place to be. This is the most touristy part of the city, with direct access to the beach, many hotels in all price ranges, and a convenient location relative to the rest of Da Nang. You really can’t go wrong here, especially for a short stay.
If you prefer to have all amenities within easy reach, Hai Chau District, the riverside of the city, is a better choice. This is the most central and vibrant part of Da Nang, with better supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife. A short taxi ride will take you to the beach, while in the evenings, you’ll enjoy more atmosphere and excitement. Phước Ninh, in particular, is a great base.
For travelers seeking peace and quiet and maximum value for their money, Son Tra is an interesting option. This northern tip of Da Nang is quiet, green, and offers a surprising amount of luxury at relatively low prices. The downside is that there’s little to do and you’re heavily reliant on Grab to get around. On the other hand, you have direct access to the Son Tra Peninsula and its beautiful nature.
| Name of the area | Ideal for |
|---|---|
| Ngũ Hành Sơn | The most touristy and accessible part of Da Nang, with direct access to the beach and a central location close to the rest of the city. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to combine beach and city life. You’ll find a wide mix of luxury resorts in the south and affordable hotels in the central area, making it suitable for almost every type of traveler. |
| Hai Chau District | My personal preference, especially for longer stays. This central riverfront area offers the city’s best amenities, including good supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, and the best nightlife. A short taxi ride will take you to the beach, while in the evenings you’ll enjoy a more vibrant atmosphere than in the beachside neighborhoods. |
| Son Tra | A quiet and spacious area in northern Da Nang with a surprising amount of luxury at relatively low prices. Ideal for travelers seeking comfort, peace, and nature who don’t mind relying on Grab. It offers easy access to the Son Tra Peninsula, but there’s little to do in the immediate vicinity. |
For clarity, we divide Da Nang into three logical sections.
On the one hand, there’s the beach area, roughly the Ngũ Hành Sơn district, where the beach and tourism take center stage.
Then there’s the riverside, the Hai Chau District, which feels more like the business and local heart of the city.
Finally, there’s the northern tip, Son Tra, which is quieter and borders directly on nature.
Many travelers intuitively choose the beach area, and understandably so.
However, our personal preference is for the riverside.
Here, you simply have more amenities within easy reach.
A taxi to the beach is easily arranged, while in the evening, you benefit from a better nightlife, a wider selection of restaurants, and easier access to supermarkets, shopping malls, and electronics stores.
This makes a big difference, especially for longer stays.
Da Nang is a city with two faces.
On the one hand, it feels modern and spacious, while on the other, you can see everywhere that the city is still developing rapidly.
Construction projects are ubiquitous, and cranes dominate the skyline in many places.
This partly explains why Da Nang is so affordable compared to other Vietnamese cities.
Traffic is a concern.
It doesn’t feel equally safe everywhere, and we would advise against driving a motorbike or using motorbike taxis yourself, especially if you’re staying here for an extended period.
The weather also plays a bigger role than many travelers anticipate.
Outside of peak season, Da Nang can feel chilly, and rain showers are not uncommon.
As a result, it’s not always an ideal beach destination, unlike, for example, Phu Quoc.
We also noticed that rural areas often lack the amenities travelers expect.
Good supermarkets, shopping malls, and specialty shops are mainly concentrated in the central districts.
Those choosing Da Nang primarily for its affordability and planning a longer stay should keep this in mind.
At the same time, Da Nang is an excellent base for Hoi An and Hue, has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife, and, once the sun comes out, can still be a great beach destination.
The beach area of Da Nang and the most touristic part of the city.
Ngũ Hành Sơn is undoubtedly the most touristy part of Da Nang and is the first choice for many travelers when wondering where to stay in Da Nang.
The area is centrally located along the coast and offers direct access to the beach, while also being a short drive from the city center.
Many tours depart from here, making the area particularly attractive for shorter stays.
The southern part of Ngũ Hành Sơn is dominated by luxury resorts that cater primarily to beach lovers and travelers seeking comfort.
Towards the central area, you’ll find a wide range of affordable hotels and apartments, making the area accessible to almost any budget.
Restaurants, cafes, and beach bars are scattered along the coast, giving the area a lively feel without being constantly crowded.
Although it’s touristy, you can hardly go wrong here.
Especially for travelers visiting Da Nang for the first time and wanting to combine beach and city, Ngũ Hành Sơn is a safe and logical option to stay.
One of the highlights of Da Nang is a visit to Lady Buddha. Not only is the park surrounding the large statue beautifully maintained, but it also offers fantastic views of the city.
The riverside and the heart of the city, with plenty of nightlife!
Hai Chau District is the vibrant heart of Da Nang and, in our opinion, the most versatile area to stay.
We deliberately chose Phước Ninh, a part of the district that is close to the nightlife yet well-connected to the rest of the city.
A short taxi ride will take you to the beach, while in the evenings, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere around the river.
This area has a distinctly more local feel than the beach area.
Here you’ll find more restaurants catering to locals, upscale supermarkets, shopping malls, and practical amenities that you’ll truly appreciate during a longer stay.
Hai Chau comes alive especially in the evenings, with bars, cafes, and restaurants along the river creating a vibrant, yet not overly touristy, atmosphere.
For digital nomads, extended-stay travelers, or those who want to experience Da Nang as a city rather than just a beach destination, this is undoubtedly one of the best answers to the question of where to stay in Da Nang.
There are always beautiful spots to enjoy the view of the city. From beach promenades to rooftop bars: a true paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Peace, space, and nature. But fewer amenities.
Son Tra is the northernmost point of Da Nang and the area where we spent the second part of our stay.
The contrast with the rest of the city is stark.
Here it’s quiet, spacious, and you sometimes feel far removed from the hustle and bustle, while technically still staying in the city.
What immediately stands out is the value for money.
You can stay in five-star hotels here for a fraction of what you would pay in European cities.
This makes Son Tra attractive for travelers seeking luxury at a low price.
At the same time, the selection of restaurants, bars, and activities is limited, making you heavily reliant on taxis or Grab to get around.
The major advantage of Son Tra is its direct access to Ban Dao Son Tra, the peninsula with its nature, viewpoints, and quiet beaches.
Those who stay here consciously choose peace, comfort, and nature, and accept the lack of liveliness.
The Marble Mountains are another absolute must-see in Da Nang. You should allow about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the temples and caves. Some sections can be steep, but there is an elevator that will take you to the top if needed.
Where to stay in Da Nang ultimately depends heavily on your travel style.
If you’re looking for beach and convenience, Ngũ Hành Sơn is the place to be.
If you’re looking for more amenities, nightlife, and a local vibe, Hai Chau District is an excellent choice.
If you’re looking for peace, luxury, and nature, Son Tra offers surprisingly good value for money.
A taxi ride from Ngũ Hành Sơn to Hai Chau District is easily arranged. For the vast majority of travelers, these two districts are always a good choice.
The northern tip of Son Tra, on the other hand, is incredibly quiet and therefore only suitable for those truly looking for peace and quiet.
In Da Nang you can enjoy delicious food. Around the Marriott Hotel you'll find numerous excellent restaurants offering both local and international cuisine. You can also enjoy a tasty meal at one of the night markets, such as the one near the Dragon Bridge!
