By aussiematesvietnam G’day! Welcome to Long Beach Da Nang – Vietnam’s Hidden Coastal Gem
Tracy and I still remember the first time we stumbled upon Long Beach (My Khe Beach) in Da Nang. After nearly two decades of calling Vietnam home, we’ve explored countless beaches across Southeast Asia, but there’s something special about this pristine stretch of coastline that keeps drawing us back. Whether you’re planning your first adventure to Vietnam or you’re a seasoned traveller looking for your next sunny escape, Long Beach Da Nang deserves a prime spot on your itinerary.
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As fellow Aussies who’ve traded the shores of home for the vibrant culture of Vietnam, Tracy and I have become unofficial tour guides for countless mates visiting from Down Under. Almost 20 years on, we still pinch ourselves when we sink our toes into the soft golden sand of Da Nang’s coastline and gaze out at the crystal-clear waters that rival anything we’ve seen back home.
So grab a cold one, kick back, and let me walk you through everything you need to know about soaking up the sun at this Vietnamese paradise that Forbes once ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches.
The Beauty of Long Beach (My Khe Beach)
Stretching for around 30 kilometers from the base of Son Tra Peninsula to Hoi An, My Khe Beach (or Long Beach as most Westerners call it) earned its fame as “China Beach” during the Vietnam War when American troops came here for R&R. Today, it’s the crown jewel of Da Nang’s coastline and has rightfully earned its place on the international tourism map.
The sand here is something else – fine, white-gold grains that don’t get scorching hot even under the midday sun. Unlike some of the rougher shores back in Oz, this sand is gentle on your feet and perfect for those long contemplative walks along the shore that Tracy loves so much.
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The water gradient shifts from emerald near the shore to deep blue further out, creating that postcard-perfect contrast against the white sand. Most days, the waves are gentle enough for a casual swim but just strong enough to keep things interesting if you fancy a bit of boogie boarding. For the more adventurous among you, there’s decent surf to be had, especially between April and September when the swells pick up.
When to Visit – Weather and Seasons
Let me save you some potential disappointment right off the bat. Da Nang’s weather isn’t perfect year-round, and timing your visit can make or break your beach holiday.
The best months to visit Long Beach are from February to August, with April to July being absolute prime time. During these months, you’ll enjoy temperatures between 25-35°C, relatively low humidity, and minimal rainfall. The water temperature hovers around a comfortable 25-28°C – not quite as warm as Far North Queensland, but perfect for extended swimming sessions.
Tracy and I typically advise our visiting friends to avoid September through November if beach time is a priority. This is the rainy season, with October bringing potential typhoons and heavy downpours that can last for days. December to January sees cooler temperatures (18-23°C) and occasional drizzle, though you can still get lucky with sunny days.
The Beach Experience – What to Expect
Unlike the commercialized beaches of Bali or Phuket, Long Beach maintains a refreshingly local vibe. Sure, development has picked up pace in recent years, but much of the shoreline remains pleasantly uncrowded, especially if you wander away from the main tourist hubs.
A typical day at Long Beach starts early. If you’re an early riser like me, head down around 5:30 AM to witness something truly special – hundreds of locals enjoying their morning exercise routine. You’ll see elderly men practicing tai chi, women doing aerobics to portable speakers, and plenty of swimmers getting their morning laps in before the heat of the day sets in.
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By mid-morning, the beach starts to fill with a mix of tourists and locals. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent (usually around 50,000-100,000 VND or $3-6 AUD for the day), though prices can vary depending on the section of beach and your negotiation skills. A bit of friendly haggling is expected, so channel your inner market shopper and don’t accept the first price!
One of our favorite rituals when visiting Long Beach is enjoying the fresh coconuts sold by vendors who patrol the shoreline. For about 20,000 VND ($1.20 AUD), you get nature’s perfect refreshment. Tracy swears they taste better here than anywhere else – something about the salt air adding to the flavor, she reckons.
Beach Sections – Finding Your Perfect Spot
While locals simply call the entire stretch My Khe, different sections of Long Beach have developed their own distinct character:
- My Khe Central: The busiest section, directly east of Da Nang city center. This area has the most amenities, beachfront restaurants, and water sport rentals. If it’s your first visit or you prefer having facilities close at hand, this is your best bet.
- Bac My An Beach: Just south of the central area, this section is where most of the luxury resorts are located. The beach here tends to be cleaner and less crowded, though the trade-off is fewer local food options.
- Non Nuoc Beach: Further south toward the Marble Mountains, this section offers a more serene experience. The backdrop of the mountains makes for stunning photos, especially around sunset.
- Man Thai Beach: North of the central area, near Son Tra Peninsula, this section is more popular with locals and offers a glimpse into everyday Vietnamese beach culture.
Tracy and I typically head to Non Nuoc when we want peace and quiet, or Man Thai when we’re in the mood for some authentic local atmosphere. For first-timers, I’d recommend starting at My Khe Central and then exploring outward as you get comfortable.
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Activities Beyond Sunbathing
While lounging on the sand with a good book is a perfectly respectable way to spend your day (and often Tracy’s preferred option), Long Beach offers plenty of activities for the more energetic beach-goer:
Water Sports
The water sports scene has exploded in recent years, and you can now try your hand at:
- Surfing: Board rentals go for around 100,000 VND ($6 AUD) per hour, with lessons available for beginners. The waves are generally best in the morning before the wind picks up.
- Jet Skiing: Available from several operators along the central beach area, but always check the equipment and clarify the price before starting.
- Parasailing: For a bird’s-eye view of the coastline, this will set you back about 400,000 VND ($24 AUD) for a 15-minute ride.
- Stand-up Paddleboarding: Perfect for calmer days, and a great core workout to boot.
I finally tried surfing last year after putting it off for ages – my instructor was half my age and had the patience of a saint as he watched this 58-year-old Aussie bloke repeatedly fall off his board. Got there in the end though!
Beach Sports
The firm, flat sand makes Long Beach perfect for beach volleyball, soccer, or cricket if you’ve brought equipment from home. There are usually informal games happening that welcome newcomers, especially in the late afternoon as the heat eases.
Massage Services
Beach massages are available along most sections, ranging from quick 15-minute foot massages to hour-long full-body treatments. Prices start around 100,000 VND ($6 AUD) for a foot massage – a fraction of what you’d pay back in Australia. Tracy makes this her daily ritual whenever we visit, and I’ve never seen her more relaxed.
Eating and Drinking
One of the absolute highlights of spending a day at Long Beach is the food. Forget overpriced, mediocre beach canteens – Da Nang’s beach dining scene is both affordable and delicious.
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Along the main beach road (Vo Nguyen Giap Street), you’ll find everything from simple Vietnamese seafood shacks to international restaurants. If you’re after the authentic experience, look for places filled with local Vietnamese families – always a good sign.
Some of our favorites include:
- Beach Seafood Barbecues: Small family-run operations set up tables right on the sand as the sun goes down. You select your seafood, they grill it with garlic, chili, and lime, and you eat with your toes in the sand. Prices are reasonable – a feast for two typically costs 300,000-500,000 VND ($18-30 AUD).
- Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng: Just off the beach, this place serves incredible Vietnamese savory pancakes filled with seafood, pork, and bean sprouts. Wrap them in rice paper with herbs and dip in fish sauce – bloody beautiful!
- Beach Bars: For sundowners, head to one of the many beach bars that set up along the shore. A cold Saigon or 333 beer will set you back about 20,000-30,000 VND ($1.20-1.80 AUD), making it perhaps the most affordable beach drinking in Southeast Asia.
A word to the wise: Vietnamese beer goes down very easily in the heat, and the local brew is stronger than it tastes. I learned this lesson the hard way during our first year here, when what was meant to be “just a couple of cold ones” turned into an impromptu beach party with a group of friendly locals and a splitting headache the next day!
Practical Tips for Long Beach
After nearly two decades of living in Vietnam, Tracy and I have picked up a few tips that might make your beach experience more enjoyable:
- Sun Protection: The Vietnamese sun is fierce, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM. Bring strong sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, and sunglasses. Sunscreen is expensive to buy locally, so pack plenty from home.
- Water Safety: While generally safe for swimming, be aware that some sections have stronger currents than others. Red flags indicate dangerous conditions, so always respect these warnings.
- Belongings: As with any beach, don’t leave valuables unattended. Consider a waterproof pouch for your phone and money if you plan to swim.
- Dress Code: While bikinis and swim shorts are fine on the beach itself, it’s respectful to cover up when walking through more local areas or entering shops and restaurants.
- Haggling: Prices for beach chairs, activities, and food may be inflated for tourists. A friendly negotiation is expected – aim for about 70% of the initial asking price.
- Early Bird Gets the Worm: For the best experience, hit the beach early (before 9 AM) or in the late afternoon (after 3 PM) to avoid both the strongest sun and the largest crowds.
Beyond the Beach – Nearby Attractions
When you need a break from the sun (or on those rare rainy days), there’s plenty to explore within easy reach of Long Beach:
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- Marble Mountains: Just a