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My Khe Beach (Vietnamese spelling: Bãi biển Mỹ Khê) is Da Nang’s most illustrious sandy real estate. It stretches about 3 km along the Da Nang foreshore. There are shady palms and beautiful white sands all the way. Running parallel is a paved esplanade with a grassy embankment edging onto Võ Nguyên Giáp Boulevard.
Sometimes the boundary lines of My Khe Beach are not so well articulated and other beaches get included in over generalizations. However, for explication we have divided My Khe Beach into three sections.
- North beach – a small section from where Phạm Văn Đồng intersects with Võ Nguyên Giáp street to the central plaza.
- Central beach – where Võ Văn Kiệt, running down from Dragon Bridge, intersects the foreshore to the next main intersection of Nguyễn Văn Thoại Str.
- South Beach – runs the remaining section down to Phan Tứ Str. where Võ Nguyên Giáp Boulevard curves away from the foreshore just before the Premier Village Danang Resort.
My Khe Beach Essentials
[ by Roger Shitaki from Tripadago ]
When visiting any location, it’s always good to know exactly what to expect. My Khe has basic conveniences but two things you should not forget, however, are tissue paper and sunscreen.
There are little beach kiosks around, especially in the central beach area, or roadside street vendors where you can get drinks and snacks. There’s plenty of shade and also deck chairs provided, but public conveniences and change facilities are minimal.
Central beach plaza has motorbike parking, as well as coffee and fast food kiosks, and a souvenir shop. There’s a strip of shorefront restaurants, which have always been an eyesore, but most are closed or aren’t surviving the pandemic turndown very well.
- Public beach no entry fee
- Easily accessible from downtown
- Naturally shaded by palm trees
- Esplanade and grass embankments
- Thatched parasol shading (some free)
- Deck chairs for rent
- Drinks and light snacks available
- Beach volleyball nets
- Water sports
- Rudimentary public facilities
My Khe’s Illustrious Claim to Fame
[ by Roger Shitaki from Tripadago ]
Any write-up or plug of My Khe Beach is bound to include a quote from Forbes Magazine referencing it as, “one of the most attractive beaches on the planet”.
This reference, however, concerns the Da Nang shoreline in general and more specifically Non Nuoc Beach which technically isn’t part of My Khe. The criteria referenced open and free, flat and wide sandy shore, sunny, waves suited to beach sports, visitor safety, luxury resorts and villas by international standards.
My Khe beach as such is not so illustrious. It’s well worth a day out, but just be aware that it doesn’t provide the best beach or public facilities. Also, there isn’t much in the way of quality restaurants or nice places off the beach to relax and enjoy the scenery.
A Photo Journey along Downtown My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach is famous for its wide sandy shore, rows of palms, and stunning vistas towards the Son Tra mountains in the background. It rarely fails to disappoint even an amateur photographer.
[ by Roger Shitaki from Tripadago ]
Near the central plaza is a clump of restaurants. One bar restaurant called Escobar is still quite popular during the day and has ocean view seating. It’s easy to spot as you walk past on the beach or along the esplanade.
[ by Roger Shitaki from Tripadago ]
In the plaza area of My Khe Beach, you can safely leave your motorbike for 4 000 VND or bicycle for 2 000 VND at the parking. There are other parking spots further down the beach.
The little coffee kiosks at the central plaza are quite popular. There are some fast food places and a souvenir shop as well. Right behind these shops, you will find a public washroom which isn’t too bad.
[ by Roger Shitaki from Tripadago ]
The esplanade behind the beach is really quite pleasant. There are often more people jogging, biking, or walking along than on the beach. There are also benches where you can take a break.
[ by Roger Shitaki from Tripadago ]
Dotted along the grassy embankment parallel to the esplanade are public toilets. These are, unfortunately, the only places to attend to nature here. They’re rather small, there’s no fee, but they’re not always so clean— although better than nothing. It’s a good idea to have your own loo paper in the form of handy tissue packs, and some hand sanitizer.
[ by Roger Shitaki from Tripadago ]
Although prized for its wide open sandy beaches, there is one narrower section of the beach that has suffered bad erosion due to storms in 2020 that ravaged both Da Nang and Hoi An coastlines.
[ by Roger Shitaki from Tripadago ]
Just past the above section, which more or less aligns with the old Galia Mud Spa on the main road, the beach opens up again. This area is quite popular with young crowds, especially expats, who like to take advantage of the two free beach volleyball nets found here.
[ by Roger Shitaki from Tripadago ]
Around this area too, if you check at the back where the little beach kiosks are, you will find what appears to be the only ad hoc shower facility along the central beach. It may cost a couple of thousand Dong, but there was no auntie there at the time to ask.
[ by Roger Shitaki from Tripadago ]
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My Khe South Beach
Most of the foreshore is dominated by large hotels and seafood restaurants. But, if you’re looking for cool places to hang out within walking distance of the beach, you’d best locate yourself in the south beach area.
This section starts from the Nguyễn Văn Thoại Str. intersection where there used to be a place to rent surfboards and kayaks. If you walk a block down from the big Lion Sea Hotel, the neighborhoods between Đỗ Bá and Đ. Ng. streets have quite a few places that are more upscale.
- Roots Plant-Based Cafe – a modern vegan cafe with superfood breakfasts, cold-pressed juices, veggie burgers, falafels, mixed bowls, and more.
- Section 30 – more than just craft beer, they serve breakfast or brunch and host regular community events, forums, chess, live music, game, and movie nights.
- The Windsor Tea House – in the street behind the above two places. An English-run traditional tea shop with a superb collection of teas, cakes, and crockery.
[ image from Facebook ]
- Bikini Bottom – a great place for a full hearty breakfast, pancakes, fusion tacos, burgers, and some good signature dishes too.
- Da Vinci Pizza – just up the road, this is one of the best authentic Italian pizza and pasta restaurants in Da Nang. They open from 11 am to 10 pm.
- Burger Bros – a no-fuss homemade burger joint open from 11 am. They also have fish, shrimp, and veggie burger options plus other typical sides.
Attractions Close To My Khe Beach
If you don’t plan on spending a whole day on the beach, or want to pack a few things into your schedule, My Khe Beach is a nice central location.
Some places to perhaps visit in the morning before an afternoon at the beach could include Marble Mountain caves which are about 10 min by motorbike or car down the road towards Hoi An.
The Cham Museum downtown is a good choice too. It’s right next to the Dragon Bridge which you can also explore for great photo opportunities. There are nice lunch options both near the museum and the shoreside of the bridge. From there to the beach is only 2.4 km.
Other Top Beaches in Da Nang
The glorious beauty of Vietnam’s southern coastline makes an impressive start from Da Nang. The glint from white sandy beaches stretches for miles upon miles and as far as the eye can see. My Khe Beach was happily gifted with one of the nicest chunks.
Pham Van Dong Beach
[ by Roger Shitaki from Tripadago ]
Pham Van Dong Beach (Bãi biển Phạm Văn Đồng) runs the more northern part of the Da Nang foreshore towards the Son Tra Peninsula. At Pham Van Dong, there are broad grassy areas shaded by pine trees.
This beach has a large number of adhoc change rooms, better washroom facilities, and beach showers. A lot of families and locals prefer this area. It’s a short walk up from My Khe. The beach, however, isn’t as white as My Khe and most parasols are not thatch.
Tien Sa Beach
[ by Happy Alma from Facebook ]
Tien Sa Beach (Bãi biển Tiên Sa) is located just below the Son Tra Peninsula along the northwest side facing onto the Bay of Danang. It’s connected to the not-so-fancy resort there, and you pay a minimal fee to use the beach. There are decent facilities and the sunsets make it the best place in Danang for beach sundowners.
Son Tra Peninsula Beaches
[ by Nhà hàng BẢY BAN from Facebook ]
There are a number of quaint little beach coves along the eastern side of the Son Tra Peninsula (Bán đảo Sơn Trà). Some of these are good enough for some casual snorkeling. South Beach is the main broad beach here, and it can get quite busy. There are casual eateries around, water sports if busy enough, and some boat tours dock here as well.
Discover more about Son Tra Peninsula
Bac My An Beach
Bac My An (Bãi biển Bắc Mỹ An) is the beach strip that comes after My Khe and it is home to many of Danang’s exclusive resorts such as Furuma and Pullman. There are public access points to parts of the beach, and it tends to be less crowded here than other places. Resorts often welcome day guests to use certain facilities such as pools, restaurants, shops, and sporting activities.
Discover more places in Danang
Non Nuoc Beach
Non Nuoc Beach (Bãi biển Non Nước) is the farthest beach more or less at the shoreline foot of Marble Mountain. In this exclusive resort area, shady palms also give way to casuarina pine trees. The pure white beaches shimmer next to the greenish waters home to an abundance of rare seaweed species.
Non Nuoc has rougher waters and stronger winds. It’s a better place for surfing, windsurfing, and other water sports provided by the resorts. It often makes it into various lists of the world’s top beaches.
