Da Nang
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Positives
- Reliable seasonal windswell
- Soft, empty beachbreaks
- Discovery potential
- Exotic, warm and friendly
- Cultural smorgasbord
Negatives
- Small disorganised waves
- No known reefbreaks
- Short surf season
- Heavy rain and humidity
- Expensive visa and flights
Da Nang surf travel guide
Da Nang was the home to 20% of all US servicemen based in Vietnam; it was an R&R destination for American soldiers during the war and it eventually fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975 with hardly a bullet fired. US soldiers were definitely surfing Da Nang beaches on Sept 13th, 1970 when Private Wyatt Miller drowned while boardriding, which was probably the consequence of typhoon waves.
China Beach hosted Vietnam’s first (and last) International Surfing Competition in 1992. While competitors from all over the world were competing, kids were taught to surf and 15 boards were left behind to create the Da Nang surf club. When The Endless Summer film crew visited Da Nang in July 2002, the club was still there but there were only 6 boards among 20 members. Now, nothing is left and it would be easy to blame poverty and board availability, but the main problem is that South China Sea surf only breaks four months of the year and when it does, it’s not very good.
Surf spots in Da Nang
Research the 7 surf breaks in Da Nang and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 7 breaks in Da Nang.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Da Nang
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 15,498,000
- Population
- 97,338,579
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- VND
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 16,043 VND
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +84
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Vietnamese
Electricity
- Plug Type
- acd
Visas
Vietnams visa policy varies quite a lot for different countries and due to Covid non Vietnamese are not allowed in. Check the latest news for any updates
Getting There
Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) is the main int’l airport but Hanoi can be fine. 12 flights weekly from Hanoi to Da Nang with Vietnam Air ($70 o/w). Fly direct to Da Nang from Bangkok, HK, Manila or Kuala Lumpur. Dept tax is $14
Getting Around
Da Nang is 108km (68mi) from Hue, 759km (474mi) from Hanoi, and 965km (603mi) from Ho Chi Minh. The ‘express train’ from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang takes 24 hours. Buses travel slowly at 50kph (30mph). Vietnamese law does not allow foreigners to drive cars. Rent a minivan with driver for a group or a 110-125cc motorbike from street vendors ($8-$10/day)
Accommodation
The coast from My Khe to China beach has lots of options for all budgets - prices start at $8 for a basic room to $150 for a 5 star hotel option. Food is varied and very cheap ($3/meal). Best soups (pho) in the world.
Activities
Since Vietnam can't be a full-on surf trip, enjoy the scenery and the culture. Pay a visit to the Cham Museum, climb the Marble Mountains for awesome views of China Beach from Linh Ung Pagoda. Don't miss Hoi An and My Son. Vietnam's former capital city of Hue lies 4h north via scenic Hai Van pass.
Hazards & hassles
During the surfing season excessive heat can be a problem. There is no malaria around Da Nang but it is still a problem in rural areas. Because of drugs and prostitution, AIDS is common. Motorbike rentals are cheap fun, but hazardous.
Handy Hints
In My Khe The Da Nang surf school has basic rental boards ($5-10/h) and lessons. Also check in at Tams Pub and surf shop for rentals, basic bits and food. Bring your everyday gear and maybe an old board to leave behind. The New Year Festival (late Jan, early Feb) can be fully booked. US dollars are still part of the economy.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.