Ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out exactly where to stay in a new city? Yeah, we get it. When planning your trip to Da Nang—a sparkling seaside city in central Vietnam—you’ll quickly discover there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer.
But guess what? We’ve got your back. 🌴
Whether you’re chasing sunrise strolls along the beach, nights exploring hidden foodie gems, or a comfy base for day trips to Hoi An or the Marble Mountains, this guide will walk you through exactly where to stay in Da Nang—based on real experiences, not guesswork.
Why Trust This Guide?
Hi, I’m Anthony. I’ve been living in Da Nang since 2018, and let me tell you—I’ve slept around. No, not like that 😅—I mean, I’ve rented apartments all over the city, stayed in hotels from budget to bougie, and taken my motorbike through every street, alley, and beach path possible.
This guide is a mix of hard-earned local knowledge and traveler-friendly recommendations that’ll help you pick the perfect spot, even if it’s your first time visiting Da Nang.
Quick Picks: Best Hotels By Area
Before we dive in, here are some quick recommendations if you want to skip the scroll:
- 🌊 My An (Great for beach lovers): M Hotel Danang
- 🌴 Son Tra (Chill and scenic): Sala Danang Beach Hotel
- 🌉 Hai Chau (Heart of the city): Vanda Hotel
Now, let’s get into the good stuff.
📍 Map Overview: Top Areas to Stay in Da Nang
I’ve created a handy map of Da Nang highlighting the three main areas recommended in this guide:
- 🟡 My An – Active beach zone
- 🔵 Son Tra – Peaceful, quieter beach life
- 🟠 Hai Chau – City center and riverside
➡️ View the full annotated map here
🌴 My An: Best for Beach Vibes & Walkability
My An beach area with tourists and palm trees
Welcome to the darling of Da Nang’s beachside—My An, also known as the An Thuong area. If this is your first time in the city, this might just be the area you want to call “home.”
Why You’ll Love My An
- It’s right on famous My Khe Beach
- Super walkable, lined with tons of cafes, restaurants, and hidden food stalls
- Great base for tours and day trips (think Marble Mountains or Hoi An)
Local Tips
- Start your day early with a 5K beach run—trust me, it’s peaceful and alive with locals.
- Don’t miss the My An Market for killer street food—grab a bowl of bún bò for just $1.
Things to Do in My An
- 🏖️ Morning stroll or swim at My Khe Beach
- 🛍️ Eat your way through My An Market
- 🧗♂️ Hike the Marble Mountains
- 🌅 Sunset long-walks on the beachfront promenade
Where to Stay in My An
👉 Best for luxury:
👍 Best boutique options:
💸 Best budget picks:
🌊 Son Tra: Quieter Beaches & Scenic Serenity
Son Tra beach with Lady Buddha in the distance
Son Tra is where things get a little quieter—and a lot more local. It’s north of My An and much less packed with tourists.
Why Stay in Son Tra?
- Laid-back and less crowded beaches
- Home of the iconic Lady Buddha Statue
- Tons of hidden gems like An’s Café and scenic sunset points
Must-Do Activities
- 🐒 Spot wild monkeys at Monkey Mountain
- 🧘♀️ Meditate under Lady Buddha’s gaze
- 🏞️ Drive or scooter around Son Tra Peninsula
Where to Stay in Son Tra
👑 Best luxury escape:
🌅 Amazing views + best value:
- Sala Danang Beach Hotel
- Fivitel Hotel
💸 Budget-friendly boutique vibes:
🏙️ Hai Chau: For City Life & Riverside Views
Dragon Bridge view from Hai Chau
Hai Chau is where Da Nang’s pulse truly beats. Think vibrant cafes, historical markets, riverside walks, and urban vibes—yet still just minutes from the beach.
What Makes Hai Chau Awesome?
- Close to the airport—hello, convenience!
- Packed with culture: museums, markets, and colonial-era churches
- Epic views of the Dragon Bridge and the Han River
Things to Do in Hai Chau
- 🏛️ Visit Da Nang Cathedral
- 🎡 Ride the Sun Wheel at Da Nang Downtown
- 🛍️ Shop at Han Market
- ☕ Chill at NAM House Cafe
Best Places to Stay in Hai Chau
🌉 River view stunners:
🏨 Urban convenience:
💸 Budget-friendly charm:
🚖 How to Get Around
Getting from place to place in Da Nang is super easy. Here’s how:
- 🛵 Rent a motorbike (if you’re confident)
- 🚕 Use Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber—it’s reliable and cheap)
- 🚶♀️ Walk around areas like My An or along the river in Hai Chau
More tips? 👉 Check out our full guide: How to get around Da Nang
🎯 Final Thoughts: Which Area is Right for You?
Here’s a quick wrap-up:
| Area | Vibe | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| My An | Beachy, social, walkable | First-time visitors, surfers, foodies |
| Son Tra | Peaceful, scenic, local feel | Long-term stays, nature lovers |
| Hai Chau | Urban, cultural, central | Museums, markets, riverside cafes |
If you’re planning a longer trip, consider splitting your stay between the beachside and the cityside to experience both personalities of Da Nang.
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📲 Need More Help?
Let’s make trip planning easy!
🔎 Explore more:
- Best Hotels in Da Nang →
- Things to Do in Da Nang →
- Full Da Nang Travel Guide →
🧑🤝🧑 Join our free Facebook Group: Da Nang & Hoi An Travel Planning
Got a question? Drop it in the group or ask in the comments. We’re here to help! See you in Đà Nẵng. 🌞
Safe travels!