History & story.
My Khe Beach stretches more than 33 km along the eastern coast of Da Nang, earning a spot on Forbes magazine's list of the six most beautiful beaches on Earth in 2005. The powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters visible to the seabed, and gentle rolling waves make it ideal for surfing, swimming, or simply lounging in the sun. During the Vietnam War the beach served as a popular rest and recreation spot for American troops stationed at Da Nang Air Base — they called it 'China Beach,' a name that still resonates in Western popular culture. The ABC drama series China Beach (1988–1991) drew its name and inspiration directly from here, cementing it in international consciousness. Today the shoreline is thoughtfully developed with swaying coconut palms, water sports facilities, and fresh seafood stalls laid out on the sand.
At 5–6 am, when most tourists still sleep, My Khe belongs to locals: round bamboo basket boats laden with fish beach on the northern stretch, fishermen hauling their catch ashore in the pink dawn light. An improvised fish market materialises on the sand — fresh shrimp, crab, fish, and squid traded wholesale to restaurants and dealers on the spot. My Khe waves reach ideal surfing heights between September and December, drawing hundreds of learner surfers each season. In summer from May through August the sea calms to mirror-like clarity, perfect for kayaking, pedal-boating, and family swimming. Dozens of seafood restaurants line the beachfront where guests pick live seafood from tanks and have it prepared on the spot. Late afternoons belong to Da Nang residents who pour onto the beach to exercise and play beach volleyball.
My Khe is not merely a swimming beach — it is the beating heart of Da Nang's fastest-growing luxury coastal resort corridor. International chains including Hyatt Regency, Marriott, and InterContinental have erected 4- and 5-star properties right on the sand, transforming Vo Nguyen Giap boulevard into Central Vietnam's most thriving hospitality strip. In 2005 Forbes ranked My Khe among the 'six most seductive beaches in Asia' — not just for its natural beauty but for its impressive length and easy accessibility from the city centre. The Han River Bridge and Tran Thi Ly Bridge at the northern end frame a striking urban skyline from the shoreline at dusk. This is truly Da Nang's international face — a rare harmony where raw natural beauty meets world-class tourism infrastructure.
Typhoon season from October to November demands extra caution at My Khe. When red flags are planted along the shore, waves can reach 3–5 metres with powerful rip currents underneath — no one is permitted to enter the water. Even in normal season, the lifeguard system operates only from 6 am to 6 pm; after 6 pm the beach is unpatrolled. The 900-metre sand width at low tide creates a feeling of endless space but also makes it easy to drift far from safe swimming zones. Local authorities are investing in improved rescue infrastructure and weather warning systems along the entire beachfront — an important step for a city of internationally recognised beach tourism.
It is a long, flat, and glorious beach, with warm water and waves big enough to surf.
Forbes Magazine, Six Most Seductive Beaches in Asia, 2005
Highlights not to miss.
My Khe's coastline spans over 33 km of uniformly fine white sand with a gentle 3–5 degree slope — ideal for both adults and young children. Sea temperature remains year-round at 27–29°C, noticeably warmer than beaches further north. At low tide the sand strip extends up to 900 metres wide, creating a rare expanse of open space right beside the city. The water is crystal-clear with 3–5 metre underwater visibility in summer, the sandy seabed visible from the shore.
During the Vietnam War, US troops stationed at Da Nang Air Base named this beach 'China Beach' and used it as a rest and recreation (R&R) spot to decompress between combat operations. Images of soldiers swimming, playing volleyball, and drinking beer here became iconic symbols of the war — appearing in memoirs, photographs, and films. The ABC television drama 'China Beach' (1988–1991) drew its inspiration directly from this shoreline, embedding the name into Western popular consciousness. No physical traces of that era remain on the sand today, but the memory endures among American veterans who return to Da Nang each year.
At 5–6 am, when most tourists still sleep, My Khe belongs to locals: round bamboo basket boats laden with fish beach on the northern stretch, fishermen hauling their catch ashore in the pink dawn light. An improvised fish market materialises on the sand — fresh shrimp, crab, fish, and squid traded wholesale to restaurants and dealers on the spot. This is My Khe at its most authentic, before the hotels open and the sunbeds are set out. Walking the shoreline at sunrise offers a glimpse of traditional coastal life growing increasingly rare on Vietnam's resort-transformed beaches.
From September to December, the northeast monsoon pushes 1–2 metre waves onto My Khe's shore, turning the beach into an ideal SUP and surfing destination drawing learners from across Central Vietnam. In summer from May to August, the sea turns mirror-calm, ideal for kayaking, pedal-boating, and family swimming. Alongside this natural backdrop, Vo Nguyen Giap coastal road hosts a dense concentration of international 4- and 5-star resorts — Hyatt Regency, Marriott, InterContinental, Furama — forming Central Vietnam's longest luxury hospitality corridor. The striking contrast between a lively public beach and elegant resorts side by side is one of My Khe's most memorable characteristics.
Bring SPF 50+ sunscreen as the Da Nang beach sun is intense. Beachside kiosks typically charge a premium for drinks and snacks — stock up at a nearby convenience store before heading to the shore.
How to visit & get there.
Getting to My Khe Beach
From Da Nang city centre: The beach is 3–5 km away — taxi costs around 50,000–80,000 VND, or rent a motorbike for ~100,000–150,000 VND/day. Bus route 6 runs from the central bus station to Vo Nguyen Giap coastal road for 7,000 VND/person. Vo Nguyen Giap Street is the main beachfront artery — ample free parking is available along it. From Da Nang Airport: Only 3 km; taxi approximately 40,000–60,000 VND.
Safety Tips and Best Swimming Times
Best times to visit: Early morning 5–7 am (watch fishermen land their catch, quiet beach, beautiful light) or late afternoon 4–6 pm (avoid peak sun, spectacular sunset). Avoid going to the sea between 11 am–2 pm when the sun is most intense. Typhoon season October–November: Red flags are raised when seas are rough — do not enter the water under any circumstances. Safe swimming zones are marked with green flags and a lifeguard team is on duty from 6 am–6 pm daily. Children must wear life vests and must never swim unsupervised even in green-flag conditions. Bring SPF 50+ sunscreen — Da Nang beach sun is fierce even on overcast days.