Where to stay in Da Nang

My Khe is the main beach strip and a practical base for most visitors. The sand is wide and clean, and hotels, cafes and seafood restaurants line the road behind it. Mornings are best for swimming and walking, before the heat builds. Evenings bring a relaxed dining scene, with fresh seafood and cold drinks by the water. Prices are good, and the city centre and airport are close. Sea conditions can change, so respect flags and lifeguard warnings. The strip is busy with traffic and, in peak season, with crowds, but the cheap taxis make it easy to explore beyond the beach.

Getting around: No rail; taxis and ride-hailing are cheap, and the airport is a short drive away.

Son Tra is for travellers who want a resort retreat. Hills covered in forest meet quiet coves, and luxury resorts take advantage with big pools, spas and private beach access. Days follow a slow rhythm of swimming, spa treatments and walks. Evenings are peaceful and mostly spent in resort restaurants. The trade-off is distance: you will pay for transfers whenever you want to dine in the city or visit nearby attractions. The area is a nature reserve, so wildlife and winding roads add to the charm. It suits honeymooners, couples and families who prefer to stay put and relax.

Getting around: No rail; resorts arrange transfers, and taxis or ride-hailing are needed for everything else.

The city centre is the place to enjoy everyday life in Da Nang. The river, the Dragon Bridge and the market give it character, and local restaurants serve regional specialities at low prices. Weekend evenings bring light shows from the bridge and a lively riverside scene. Hotels are generally cheaper than beachfront options, and many are within walking distance of cafes and shops. The beach is a short ride away, which is easy by taxi. The area lacks resort-style facilities, and traffic can be hectic. It suits travellers who prefer local food and flexibility over a beachfront setting.

Getting around: No rail; taxis and ride-hailing are inexpensive, and the river and bridges are walkable.

Hoi An is a small, beautifully preserved trading town about 40 minutes from Da Nang. Yellow-walled houses, lantern-lit streets and riverside cafes make it very romantic. Mornings are best for strolling before the crowds, and the town is famous for tailors, cooking classes and local specialities. Evenings glow with lanterns, though they also bring visitors in large numbers. Many hotels and villas offer pools and bicycles, and beaches are a short ride away. The wet season can bring flooding to low-lying parts of the old town, so check conditions. It is a lovely base for couples and slow travellers.

Getting around: No rail; a short drive or taxi ride connects to Da Nang, and bicycles are common locally.

An Thuong is a compact neighbourhood just behind the beach, known for its mix of international restaurants, cafes and small hotels. It attracts independent travellers, remote workers and longer stays who like to walk to dinner and to the sea. Days are easy, with a beach stroll, a coffee and a quick taxi to local sights. Evenings are social, with bars and late kitchens, so noise can be an issue on busy streets. Accommodation is mostly small and good value, though facilities are simpler than at the big resorts. It is a handy base if you prefer variety and independence to a resort environment.

Getting around: No rail; taxis and ride-hailing are cheap, and the beach is a short walk away.