By aussiematesvietnam G’day Fellow Adventure Seekers!
Crikey, I can hardly believe it’s been almost two decades since Tracy and I packed our bags and traded the sunburnt country for the lush landscapes of Vietnam. Time flies when you’re having fun, eh? I’m Aussie Mates, your resident Aussie expat, and today I’m bloody excited to share with you one of Central Vietnam’s best-kept secrets: Non Nuoc Beach.
If you’re a fellow Boomer looking to escape the tourist crowds but still experience that picture-perfect Southeast Asian beach, this is your spot. Located just a stone’s throw from Da Nang, Non Nuoc Beach stretches five glorious kilometers along the coastline, offering a peaceful alternative to its more famous cousins. Trust me, mates, after exploring countless beaches during our 20 years in Vietnam, Tracy and I reckon this one’s a proper gem.
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So grab your stubby, settle in, and let me walk you through everything you need to know about this slice of paradise. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Vietnam or you’re a seasoned traveler looking for something new, I promise Non Nuoc Beach won’t disappoint.
The Stunning Location and Natural Beauty
Non Nuoc Beach (also known as My Khe Beach to some locals) sits at the foot of the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, about 20 minutes south of the city center. The name “Non Nuoc” translates roughly to “mountain and water” in English, which perfectly captures the breathtaking landscape.
Unlike the bustling beaches you might find in Nha Trang or Mui Ne, Non Nuoc offers a more laid-back vibe that reminds me a bit of the quieter stretches of Queensland’s coast back home. The sand here is fine and white, with a gentle slope into the South China Sea (or the East Sea, as the locals call it). The water is crystal clear most of the year, with different shades of blue that’ll have you reaching for your camera every five minutes.
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Tracy and I often come here for sunrise walks, and fair dinkum, there’s nothing quite like watching the sun peek over the horizon, painting the sky in pinks and oranges while the soft waves lap at your feet. During our first year in Vietnam, we made it a Sunday tradition to bring a thermos of coffee and just sit on the beach watching the local fishermen with their round basket boats. Nearly 20 years later, we still do it at least once a month.
The Perfect Climate: When to Visit
Now, if you’re planning a trip, timing is everything. The best months to visit Non Nuoc Beach are between February and August. During this period, the weather is mostly sunny, the sea is calm, and the temperatures hover between 25-35°C – perfect for us sun-loving Aussies!
September to January brings the wet season, and while the rain doesn’t usually last all day, you can expect frequent downpours. If you’re not fussed about swimming and just want to enjoy the scenery with fewer tourists around, this can actually be a decent time to visit. The beaches are practically deserted, and there’s something magical about watching a tropical storm roll in over the ocean from the comfort of a beachside café.
One word of warning though, mates – typhoon season typically hits from October to November. Tracy and I once got caught in a minor one back in 2010, and while it made for a great story later, I wouldn’t recommend planning your holiday around it!
Accommodation Options: Where to Stay
Unlike its northern neighbor My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc isn’t overrun with high-rise hotels – yet. There are several excellent resorts along the beachfront, ranging from the luxury five-star Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa to more affordable options like Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort.
If you’re after a longer stay (and many Aussie retirees are these days), there are also serviced apartments and smaller guesthouses a short walk from the beach. Tracy and I have hosted several mates from back home, and they’ve all been chuffed with the Premier Village Danang Resort, which offers private villas with pools just steps from the sand.
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For the budget-conscious traveler, consider staying in Da Nang city and making day trips to Non Nuoc. The taxi ride costs only about 150,000 VND (roughly $10 AUD), and you’ll save a fair bit on accommodation while still enjoying all the beach has to offer.
Activities: More Than Just Sunbathing
While Non Nuoc Beach is perfect for those days when you just want to veg out with a good book and work on your tan, there’s plenty to keep the more active traveler occupied.
Water sports are popular here, with surfing being a major draw. The waves are consistent without being too intimidating – perfect for us older blokes and sheilas who might not have the balance we once did! You can rent boards from several shops along the beach for about 100,000 VND (about $7 AUD) per hour, or book lessons if you’re a complete novice.
Paddleboarding and kayaking are also available and offer a more peaceful way to enjoy the sea. Tracy took up paddleboarding a few years back and now she’s out there every chance she gets, saying it’s done wonders for her core strength. Can’t say I’ve noticed the difference myself, but happy wife, happy life, eh?
Exploring the Marble Mountains
You can’t visit Non Nuoc Beach without taking a day to explore the Marble Mountains. These five limestone and marble hills are named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), and Tho (earth). Thuy Mountain is the most popular and accessible for tourists.
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Inside, you’ll find a network of caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries that date back to the 17th century. The steps up can be a bit of a challenge for us older folks (there are about 156 of them), but there’s now an elevator for those who need it (30,000 VND one-way). Tracy and I still tackle the stairs, taking it slow and using it as our exercise for the day!
Once you reach the top, the panoramic views of Non Nuoc Beach and the surrounding countryside are absolutely worth the effort. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Son Tra Peninsula and Lady Buddha statue in the distance.
Non Nuoc Stone Village: Artisan Craftsmanship
At the foot of the Marble Mountains, you’ll find Non Nuoc Stone Village, a 400-year-old craft village where local artisans carve everything from tiny Buddha figurines to massive stone statues. Watching these craftsmen at work is a real treat – they use techniques passed down through generations, and the skill on display is nothing short of extraordinary.
While the larger pieces might be impractical souvenirs (trust me, your luggage allowance won’t cover a six-foot stone dragon!), there are plenty of smaller items that make fantastic gifts or mementos. Just remember to haggle – it’s expected, and you can usually get items for 30-50% less than the initial asking price.
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Back in 2005, Tracy and I bought a small marble turtle that now sits in our garden. The shopkeeper told us it symbolizes longevity and stability – seems appropriate for our journey here in Vietnam!
Local Cuisine: Seafood Heaven
One of the absolute highlights of Non Nuoc Beach is the food scene. The area is dotted with seafood restaurants serving the catch of the day, often displayed live in tanks for you to select personally. My top recommendation is Quan Be Man, a no-frills eatery right on the beach that serves some of the best grilled fish I’ve had anywhere in Vietnam.
For those seeking local specialties, don’t miss the chance to try “bánh xèo” (crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with bean sprouts, shrimp, and pork) or “mì Quảng” (turmeric-infused noodles with shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs). These dishes are Da Nang staples and absolutely delicious.
If you’re feeling a bit homesick for Western food, there are also several international restaurants in the area, including a surprisingly decent pizza place called Luna that Tracy and I hit up when we’re craving a taste of home.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
After two decades in Vietnam, I’ve picked up a few tips that might make your visit to Non Nuoc Beach more enjoyable:
- Bring plenty of sunscreen – the Vietnamese sun is unforgiving, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM. Even us sun-hardened Aussies need protection here!
- Carry small denominations of Vietnamese dong – many small vendors won’t have change for large bills.
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases – a simple “cảm ơn” (thank you) goes a long way.
- Beware of the occasional jellyfish, especially after rain – they’re usually not dangerous, but can give you a nasty sting.
- The best swimming spots are toward the southern end of the beach where the water tends to be calmer.
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Day Trips from Non Nuoc Beach
While you could easily spend your entire holiday lounging on Non Nuoc Beach, there are several fantastic day trip options in the area:
Hoi An Ancient Town is just 20 minutes south by taxi and offers a charming glimpse into old Vietnam with its yellow-walled buildings, lantern-lit streets, and excellent tailors. Tracy and I still get clothes made there regularly – the quality is top-notch and prices are a fraction of what you’d pay back home.
Ba Na Hills, with its famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands, makes for a fun day out. It’s a bit touristy, but the views from the top are spectacular, and the French-themed village is a quirky experience.
The Hai Van Pass, made famous by Top Gear, offers one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal drives. You can hire a car with driver for the day or join a guided tour. Either way, don’t forget your camera!
Connecting with Other Aussies
If you’re looking to connect with fellow Australians during your stay, there’s a growing expat community in Da Nang. The Billabong Australian Pub in the city center hosts regular events and serves familiar comfort food (their meat pies are pretty decent, though not quite up to snag standards at Bunnings!).
Tracy and I also host occasional barbies at our place for traveling Aussies – nothing formal, just a chance to share stories over a cold one. If you’re in the area and want to connect, drop us a line through our contact page. We’re always happy to share our local knowledge with visitors from back home.
Final Thoughts: Why Non Nuoc Beach Deserves Your Time
In a country blessed with over 3,000 kilometers of coastline, what makes Non Nuoc Beach special enough to warrant a spot on your Vietnam itinerary? For me, it’s the perfect balance it strikes – beautiful without being overcrowded, developed enough to be comfortable without losing its soul, and offering that rare combination of natural beauty and cultural interest.
Tracy and I have traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia over the years, and we still find ourselves drawn back to this stretch of sand time and again. There’s something about the way the mountains meet the sea here, something about the quality of light at sunset, that just feels right.
So if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and looking to experience a beach that offers more than just sun and sand, give Non Nuoc a go. I reckon you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you fin