Assalamualaikum and may peace be upon you.
After about fifteen minutes of walking from the Alyssa Hotel along D. Dinh Nghe Street, we arrived at Võ Nguyên Giáp Street - a name that carries both history and pride. In 2013, the street was named to honor General Võ Nguyên Giáp, Vietnam’s legendary military leader, and to affirm sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly archipelagos.
Between the bustle of Võ Nguyên Giáp Street and the soft sands of Da Nang’s shoreline lies a wide, lush green beach garden. Stretching gracefully along the coast, it forms a natural buffer where the city’s energy dissolves into the calm of the ocean.
The garden is lined with coconut trees swaying gently in the sea breeze, their silhouettes framing rows of resort hotels that rise behind them. Together, they create a panorama where nature and modernity blend seamlessly - the tropical greenery softening the skyline of Da Nang’s skyscrapers, while the ocean’s horizon completes the composition.
Walking through this space, the mood shifts instantly. The hum of traffic fades, replaced by the rustle of palms and the distant rhythm of waves. Families stroll, children play on the grass, and couples pause to take photographs, drawn to the harmony of green, blue, and urban light.
It is more than a park; it is a gateway to the sea, a living canvas where Da Nang’s identity is expressed in balance - modern resorts and towers rising confidently, yet always grounded by the timeless beauty of coconut groves and open lawns. For us, it was photographically wonderful, a reminder that the city’s charm lies not only in its landmarks but in the way it allows nature and urban life to coexist side by side.
Stepping past the green beachfront garden, my wife and I finally reached the sands of Phạm Văn Đồng Beach. The shoreline stretched endlessly, a ribbon of pale sand meeting the rolling waves of the East Sea. The air was fresh and tinged with salt, carrying the rhythm of the ocean that seemed to breathe with the city itself.
The waves were gentle that afternoon, curling in steady lines, their sound blending with laughter from children playing nearby and the chatter of couples strolling hand in hand, while tourists lounged on the sand, savoring the calm.
Phạm Văn Đồng Beach was more than a destination; it was a pause, a moment of stillness after the city’s bustle. Here, nature and modernity blended seamlessly - the skyscrapers behind us, the ocean before us, and between them, a space where we could simply breathe.
A reminder for visitors.
Da Nang is blessed with a 30‑kilometer stretch of coastline, a ribbon of interconnected beaches that together form one of Vietnam’s most stunning seascapes. Each beach carries its own character, ranging from bustling city spots alive with activity to quiet, secluded shores where the sea whispers in solitude.
Our walk to the shoreline brought us first to Pham Van Dong Beach, a central and well‑equipped public beach just steps away from the famous My Khe Beach. Together, they form the main axis of Da Nang tourism, a stretch perfectly suited for sea watching, swimming, and leisurely walks.
Just a few meters away, My Khe Beach opened wide before us - a 10‑kilometer expanse of white sand and clear water, often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Known for its surfing waves and ample amenities, My Khe is the heart of Da Nang’s coastal identity. Lifeguards, sunbeds, and nearby restaurants make it both safe and comfortable, while its sheer size ensures space for everyone, from swimmers to strollers to surfers.
Just south lies Non Nuoc Beach, where the shoreline curves gracefully toward the Marble Mountains, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural depth. Bac My An Beach is known for its resorts and lively atmosphere.
For us, arriving at this beach was the beginning of this discovery - a single step onto the sand that opened into the vast story of Da Nang’s shore.
Pham Van Dong Beach felt welcoming and communal. Located near East Sea Park, it offered shaded areas, sports facilities, and a park‑like atmosphere where families gathered and children played. It is one of the city’s most popular public access points, bridging the lively energy of My Khe with the quieter charm of Man Thai Beach to the north.
Further north, the mood shifts. Tien Sa Beach and Nam O Beach are calmer, more secluded, places where fishermen’s boats rest and the pace of life slows. Together, these beaches create a panorama that is both diverse and harmonious—each distinct, yet connected by the same endless horizon.
Standing between these two beaches, we felt the essence of Da Nang’s coastline: accessible, vibrant, and diverse, offering both the intimacy of a public park and the grandeur of a world‑renowned shoreline. It was here that the city’s rhythm slowed, replaced by the timeless cadence of waves meeting sand.
What makes Da Nang’s coastline remarkable is not only its beauty but also its accessibility. From the city, the beaches are just minutes away, clean and welcoming, with amenities ranging from luxury resorts and seafood restaurants to simple shacks serving fresh catches of the day. It is a coastline that belongs to everyone, offering both indulgence and simplicity, spectacle and stillness.
For those seeking adventure beyond the shoreline, paragliding in Da Nang offers a breathtaking way to experience the city. Flights typically launch from the Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain, with take‑off points near Ban Co Peak, nearly 700 meters above sea level. From there, tandem flights glide down toward Man Thai Beach or other nearby landing spots, tracing a path between mountain and sea.
Suspended beneath a colorful parachute, the view is extraordinary: the curving coastline, the expanse of My Khe Beach, the city skyline, and landmarks like the Linh Ung Pagoda perched serenely above the peninsula. It is a perspective that reveals Da Nang’s harmony of nature and modernity in a single sweep of the horizon.
🔹Flight Duration: 15–20 minutes, depending on wind conditions.
🔹Cost: Around 2,000,000 VND per person, inclusive of pilot, safety gear, insurance, and photos/videos. Packages may range from 1,300,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND depending on operator and extras.
🔹Best Season: March to August, when skies are clear and winds are favorable.
🔹Requirements: No prior experience needed. Participants should weigh over 40 kg, be taller than 1.3 meters, wear long pants and closed shoes, and avoid jewelry.
🔹Booking Tip: Reserve with a licensed operator on your first day in Da Nang, allowing flexibility for weather delays.
Paragliding here is not just a sport - it is a flight into perspective. From the air, the city’s beaches, gardens, and skyscrapers unfold like a living map, while the sea stretches endlessly beyond. For couples, it is a shared thrill; for travelers, it is a memory that lingers long after the parachute folds away.
Laughter and thrill on the waves - friends riding a banana boat, skimming the surf in Da Nang’s playful waters.
Visitors to Da Nang’s beaches are often drawn not only to the sand and surf but also to the chance to ride in Vietnam’s traditional round bamboo basket boats, known locally as thung chai. These dome‑shaped vessels are iconic along the central coast, especially at My Khe Beach, where fishermen still use them at dawn to ferry their catch ashore.
The story of the basket boat is as fascinating as its design. During the French colonial period, taxes were levied on conventional boats. In response, local fishermen ingeniously crafted these circular, woven bamboo “baskets,” arguing they were not technically boats. Coated with coconut oil, tar, or resin to make them waterproof, the thung chai became a symbol of resilience and creativity. Modern versions sometimes use fiberglass, but the traditional craftsmanship remains unmistakable.
On Da Nang’s beaches, you’ll see fishermen paddling out in the early morning, using the boats to catch fish, squid, or to shuttle goods from larger vessels. For tourists, the basket boat has become a cultural adventure. Riding in one offers a glimpse into local life, while the famous “basket boat spinning” trick - where operators rapidly twirl the boat in circles - adds a playful thrill that leaves riders laughing and dizzy.
While these boats are scattered along Da Nang’s shoreline, the most famous tours are found in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest in Hoi An, where visitors can glide through palm‑lined waterways in basket boats, combining heritage with scenery.
To step into a thung chai is to step into history - an experience that connects the ingenuity of the past with the joy of the present, all while floating gently on Vietnam’s timeless waters.
Suspended high above the coastline, parasailers soar into the painted sky - adventure framed by sea and clouds.
Life vests, jet skis, and seaside energy - Da Nang’s shoreline buzzing with water sports and weekend joy.
Families, inflatables, and seaside chatter - Da Nang’s beach alive with color, framed by hotels and mountains.
What makes Võ Nguyên Giáp Street remarkable is not only its architecture and hospitality but also its proximity to Da Nang’s treasures. From here, visitors can easily reach the Sơn Trà Peninsula, the iconic Dragon Bridge, the serene Linh Ung Pagoda, the mystical Marble Mountains, and even the Ancient Town of Hội An.
And of course, the street opens directly onto some of the city’s most beautiful beaches, including My Khe Beach. Known for its soft sand and gentle waves, My Khe offers everything from quiet strolls to water sports, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists.
Walking along Võ Nguyên Giáp Street, we felt the pulse of Da Nang’s modern identity - where leisure, culture, and history converge against the backdrop of the sea. It was more than just a road; it was a gateway to the city’s spirit.
Võ Nguyên Giáp Street is more than a coastal boulevard - it is a stage for the city’s grandest events. The route is regularly chosen to host marathons, motorcycle parades, and cultural activities at the South China Sea Park. Each year, the Da Nang International Marathon draws runners from around the world, while beachside music festivals fill the air with rhythm and celebration. A city that knows how to celebrate itself - where the sea meets spectacle, and where every event becomes part of the living rhythm of Da Nang.
Because of its scale and beauty, the street is often likened to Da Nang’s “billion‑dollar road”, also known as the “5‑star road.” With its long stretch of luxury resorts, high‑rise hotels, and beachfront attractions, it rivals the famous Tran Phu road in Nha Trang in terms of tourism potential.
Here, the city’s identity shines: a blend of modern hospitality, cultural pride, and natural beauty. The boulevard stretches gracefully from Son Tra Peninsula to the Marble Mountains, offering not only a scenic drive but also a gateway to Da Nang’s most iconic landmarks.
Walking back from Pham Van Dong and My Khe Beach, we carried with us more than just the memory of sun and salt. We felt the pulse of Da Nang’s coastline - its openness, its energy, and its balance between tradition and modernity. From basket boats to parasails, from seafood shacks to five‑star resorts, the beach revealed itself as a place where heritage and leisure coexist seamlessly.
For us, the visit was not only about swimming or strolling. It was about being part of the city’s living rhythm, where the ocean is both playground and provider, backdrop and heartbeat. As the horizon faded into evening light, we left with gratitude - for the sea, for the city, and for the shared moments that made this stretch of sand unforgettable.
At 7:30 PM, we gathered in the hotel lobby to go for dinner.
Our dinner that night was at Kampung Melayu Restaurant. The place carries a unique story - owned by a Vietnamese man of Champa descent. It has become a welcoming haven for Muslim travelers, especially those from Malaysia.
Each time we dined there, we found ourselves among familiar company: other Malaysian tour groups sharing laughter and conversation over steaming plates of food. The atmosphere felt communal, almost like a gathering of travelers far from home yet united by taste and tradition.
The dishes themselves were a comfort. Rich with flavors that resonated with the Malaysian palate, they offered both familiarity and a subtle local twist. From fragrant rice to spiced seafood, every meal felt like a bridge between cultures - Vietnamese roots meeting Malaysian preferences in harmony.
For us, Kampung Melayu was more than just a restaurant. It was a reminder of how food connects people across borders, turning dinner into a shared experience of heritage, hospitality, and belonging.
To be continued.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
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