By aussiematesvietnam Relax and Unwind at Da Nang’s Famous My Khe Beach
G’day fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here with the lovely Tracy by my side. After calling Vietnam home for nearly two decades, I’ve developed quite the soft spot for this country’s stunning coastline. And let me tell you, mates, there’s one stretch of sand that continues to take my breath away – the magnificent My Khe Beach in Da Nang. Whether you’re planning your first Asian adventure or you’re seasoned travellers looking for your next getaway, this pristine beach should be high on your bucket list.
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I still remember the first time Tracy and I stumbled upon My Khe. We were relatively new to Vietnam then, and the sheer beauty of this 30km stretch of white sand left us gobsmacked. Fast forward 20 years, and despite the development that’s sprung up around it, My Khe still maintains that special charm that captured our hearts all those years ago.
So grab a cold one, settle in, and let me share everything you need to know about this little slice of paradise that Forbes once named one of the most attractive beaches on the planet.
Why My Khe Beach Deserves Your Attention
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, you might be wondering what makes My Khe stand out from the countless other beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. Fair question, cobber!
My Khe Beach stretches along the eastern edge of Da Nang, with soft white sand that feels like powder between your toes. The water is crystal clear with a beautiful turquoise hue that changes throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. The gentle slope of the beach makes it perfect for swimming, and the waves are just right – not too rough for a relaxing dip, but enough action for the surfing enthusiasts among us.
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What really sets My Khe apart, though, is its accessibility combined with its relatively uncrowded atmosphere. Unlike some of Thailand’s beaches that have been loved to death by tourism, My Khe still offers space to breathe and relax, especially if you visit outside peak hours.
Tracy and I often joke that it’s the perfect “Goldilocks beach” – not too developed, not too remote, just right for us Aussie boomers who want comfort without sacrificing authenticity.
The Best Times to Visit My Khe Beach
Vietnam’s central coast has a distinct climate pattern that’s worth getting your head around before booking your tickets. Trust me on this one – timing can make or break your beach holiday experience.
The ideal time to visit My Khe Beach is between February and August. During these months, you’ll find sunshine aplenty, manageable humidity, and water temperatures that are just beaut for swimming. The sweet spot is really April to June, before the summer heat cranks up to full blast.
September to November can be dicey with potential typhoons and heavy rainfall. Tracy and I made that mistake once in October – spent half our beach holiday watching rain pound against our hotel window. Not exactly the relaxing getaway we had in mind!
If you’re a surfer (or married to one like I am), the best waves roll in between November and February. The water’s a bit cooler then, but nothing that would faze an Aussie used to our southern beaches.
Where to Plant Your Beach Towel
My Khe Beach is massive, stretching from the base of Son Tra Peninsula down to Hoi An. Different sections have different vibes, and finding your perfect spot depends on what you’re after.
For the full tourist experience with all the conveniences, head to the central section near the high-rise hotels. Here you’ll find beach chairs for rent (typically around 50,000 VND or $3 AUD for the day), vendors selling cold drinks and snacks, and plenty of people-watching opportunities.
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If you’re more like Tracy and me and prefer a quieter experience, wander north towards the peninsula. The further you go from the central area, the more peaceful it becomes. We’ve spent countless Sunday mornings with our coffees on this quieter stretch, watching local families enjoy their weekend.
For those staying in a beachfront hotel, most have their own dedicated beach sections with loungers and umbrellas for guests. Just be mindful that some sections of beach in front of luxury resorts might be exclusively for hotel guests.
Activities Beyond Sunbathing
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with spending your day horizontal on the sand (it’s a holiday after all!), My Khe offers plenty for the more actively inclined.
Water sports are abundant here. You can rent surfboards, boogie boards, jet skis, or even try parasailing for a bird’s eye view of the coastline. Prices are generally negotiable, but expect to pay around 150,000-400,000 VND ($10-25 AUD) depending on the activity and duration.
Fishing enthusiasts can join early morning or sunset fishing trips with local fishermen. Tracy surprised me with one of these excursions for my 60th birthday, and watching the sunrise from a traditional Vietnamese fishing boat is now one of my most treasured memories.
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For something a bit different, beach volleyball courts are set up along certain sections, and you’ll often find friendly locals happy to include tourists in their games. Fair warning though – they’re surprisingly skilled!
And if you’re looking to improve your flexibility (something us boomers should all be thinking about!), there are morning yoga sessions on the beach that welcome drop-ins. Just look for the groups gathering around 6am.
Dining Options With Ocean Views
One of the joys of beach holidays is enjoying fresh seafood with your toes in the sand, and My Khe delivers on this front magnificently.
The beachfront is dotted with restaurants ranging from simple plastic-chair seafood joints to upscale dining establishments. For an authentic experience, try the small family-run places just behind the beach where you can point to the seafood you want, freshly caught that morning, and have it grilled to perfection.
My personal recommendation is Bé Thân on Võ Nguyên Giáp Street. The grilled squid with lime and chili salt here has had me coming back monthly for years. Tracy swears by their steamed clams with lemongrass.
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For those who want air conditioning and more international options, the restaurants within the beachfront hotels offer excellent cuisine, albeit at higher prices. The Beach Bar at the Hyatt makes a mean cocktail if you’re there for sundowners.
Don’t miss trying the local Da Nang specialties like mì Quảng (turmeric noodles with pork and shrimp) or bánh xèo (crispy rice flour pancakes). Even after 20 years, these dishes still get me excited!
Accommodation Options for Every Budget
Da Nang’s hotel scene has exploded over the past decade, offering everything from backpacker hostels to six-star luxury resorts. The good news for us mature travellers is that you can find comfortable, quality accommodation without breaking the bank.
For luxury seekers, the Hyatt Regency, Pullman, and InterContinental all offer stunning beachfront locations with world-class amenities. Expect to pay $150-300+ AUD per night depending on the season.
Mid-range options like Eden Hotel or Paris Deli Hotel provide excellent value, with comfortable rooms, decent breakfast spreads, and often a pool, ranging from $50-100 AUD per night.
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Budget-conscious travellers can find clean, comfortable guesthouses a block or two back from the beach for as little as $25-40 AUD. Tracy and I sometimes recommend these to friends who plan to spend most of their time exploring rather than in their room.
If you’re staying for longer than a week, consider renting an apartment. We’ve helped several Aussie mates arrange monthly rentals that work out to be much more economical than hotels for extended stays.
Day Trips From My Khe Beach
While My Khe is heavenly, Central Vietnam offers so much more to explore. Using the beach as your base, you’ve got some ripper day trip options.
The ancient town of Hoi An is just 30 minutes south by taxi. This UNESCO World Heritage site with its yellow buildings, lantern-lit streets, and tailor shops is a must-visit. Tracy has accumulated quite the collection of custom-made clothes from Hoi An over the years!
The Marble Mountains, just a few kilometers south of My Khe, offer pagodas, caves, and stunning views. It’s a bit of a climb to the top, but well worth it for the photos and the sense of accomplishment. Just bring plenty of water and wear proper shoes – learned that one the hard way!
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For history buffs, the Cham Museum in Da Nang city center houses the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts, giving insights into the fascinating civilization that once ruled Central Vietnam.
And if you’re up for a longer day, the imperial city of Hue is about a 2-hour drive north, taking you through the spectacular Hai Van Pass that Top Gear made famous.
Practical Tips From a Long-Time Expat
After spending nearly two decades in Vietnam, Tracy and I have picked up a few tricks that might make your experience at My Khe Beach more enjoyable:
- The sun is intense here, much stronger than back home in Australia believe it or not. Bring serious sunscreen (SPF 50+) and reapply often.
- Early morning (5:30-7:30am) is magical at My Khe. You’ll see locals exercising, fishing, and swimming, and the light is perfect for photos.
- Beach vendors can be persistent. A polite “Không, cảm ơn” (No, thank you) usually does the trick.
- Keep small denominations of Vietnamese dong for beach purchases. Most vendors don’t carry much change.
- Watch out for jellyfish after heavy rain. They’re usually not dangerous, but can give a nasty sting.
- Many beachfront hotels have deals with beach chair vendors. Ask your hotel if they provide free or discounted beach service.
Responsible Tourism at My Khe Beach
Before wrapping up, I’d like to put on my responsible tourism hat for a moment. My Khe Beach is a treasure, and we all have a part to play in keeping it that way for future generations.
Plastic pollution is a challenge throughout Southeast Asia. Tracy and I always carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to minimize our plastic usage. Consider doing the same, and if you do buy plastic bottles, make sure they end up in the proper bins.
Supporting local businesses rather than international chains helps keep the tourist dollars in the community. Those little family restaurants I mentioned earlier? Your patronage helps send their kids to school.
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And finally, respect the local culture. Vietnam is still relatively conservative compared to Australia. While bikinis are perfectly fine on the beach, cover up a bit when walking to and from your hotel.
Final Thoughts: Why We Keep Coming Back
Twenty years on, and My Khe Beach continues to be our weekend getaway of choice. There’s something special about watching this place evolve while still maintaining its essential character.
The combination of natural beauty, convenience, and value for money makes it an ideal destination for Australian boomers looking to explore beyond our usual stomping grounds in Bali or Thailand.
As Tracy often says, “It’s like Noosa before everyone discovered it, with better food and half the price.”