If you are looking for a perfect beach destination in Vietnam, look no further than My Khe Beach in Da Nang. This stunning beach has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, from the white sand and blue water to the delicious seafood and exciting activities. In this article, we will give you a complete guide to My Khe Beach, including its history, features, attractions, best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, where to eat, and some tips for making the most of your trip.
History of My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach has a fascinating and rich history that dates back to the Vietnam War. During that time, the beach was named by the American troops who visited it for recreation and relaxation. The beach became a popular spot for the soldiers and the locals, who enjoyed the natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere. The beach also witnessed some of the most intense battles and bombings of the war, which left scars and memories on the land and the people.
After the war, My Khe Beach gradually recovered and developed into a modern and vibrant beach destination, attracting more tourists and investors to Da Nang. The beach was voted by Forbes magazine and TripAdvisor as one of the most attractive and beautiful beaches in the world, thanks to its pristine and picturesque scenery and its convenient and comfortable facilities. The beach also became a hub for cultural and sporting events, such as the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival and the Da Nang International Marathon.
Today, My Khe Beach is one of the most visited and loved beaches in Vietnam, offering a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. The beach is also a symbol of the resilience and the prosperity of Da Nang and its people, who have overcome the challenges and the hardships of the past and have embraced the opportunities and the joys of the present.
Features of My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach is a long and wide beach that stretches for about 10 kilometers along the coast of Da Nang. The beach is divided into several sections, each with its own name and characteristics, such as Pham Van Dong Beach, T20 Beach, T18 Beach, and Holiday Beach. The beach is easily accessible from the city center and the airport, and is surrounded by many hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment facilities.
The most striking feature of My Khe Beach is its sand, which is white, smooth, and soft, creating a contrast with the blue and clear water of the sea. The sand is also clean and well-maintained, thanks to the efforts of the local authorities and the residents. The beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, as the water is warm and shallow, and the waves are gentle and calm. The beach is also safe and secure, as there are lifeguards, flags, and signs on duty, as well as showers, changing rooms, and toilets available.
Another feature of My Khe Beach is its natural beauty and scenery, which are enhanced by the coconut trees, the Marble Mountains, and the Son Tra Peninsula. The coconut trees line the beach and provide shade and freshness, as well as a tropical and exotic touch. The Marble Mountains are a group of five limestone and marble hills that rise from the plain and offer a view of the gray and rugged rocks, the green and lush vegetation, and the hidden caves, temples, and pagodas. The Son Tra Peninsula is a forested and mountainous area that extends into the sea and offers a view of the green and wild nature, the blue and sparkling water, and the giant statue of the Lady Buddha, which is the tallest in Vietnam.
Attractions of My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach is not only a place to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea, but also a place to have fun and explore the culture and the surroundings. The beach offers a range of attractions and activities that suit different preferences and budgets, such as:
The sunrise and the sunset:
One of the most amazing and soothing experiences that you can have at My Khe Beach is to witness the sunrise and the sunset. The sunrise is a spectacular sight, as the sun rises over the horizon and illuminates the water and the sand with a golden and orange glow. The sunset is a beautiful sight, as the sun sets behind the mountains and casts a purple and pink hue over the sea and the sky. The sunrise and the sunset are also great opportunities to take stunning photos and to meditate and reflect on the beauty and the meaning of life.
The surf and the beach sports:
One of the most exciting and adventurous activities that you can try at My Khe Beach is to surf and to play beach sports. The surf is suitable for beginners and experts alike, as the waves are moderate and consistent from September to March, and there are surf shops and instructors available to rent equipment and to teach you the basics. The beach sports are also fun and varied, as you can choose from volleyball, jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, parachute jumping, and diving. The surf and the beach sports are also great ways to stay active and healthy, as well as to make friends and to have a good time.
The seafood and the local cuisine:
One of the most delicious and satisfying activities that you can do at My Khe Beach is to eat seafood and to try the local cuisine. The seafood is fresh, tasty, and affordable, as you can find a variety of dishes such as grilled fish, squid, shrimp, crab, and clams, cooked in different ways and served with rice, noodles, or bread. The local cuisine is also diverse, authentic, and flavorful, as you can find dishes that showcase the Vietnamese food, such as pho, banh mi, bun cha, and nem, which are made with rice, noodles, meat, herbs, and sauces. The seafood and the local cuisine are also great ways to experience the culture and the history of Da Nang and Vietnam, as well as to satisfy your appetite and your palate.
The nearby places of interest
One of the most worthwhile and enriching activities that you can do at My Khe Beach is to visit the nearby places of interest. There are many places that you can explore near the beach, such as Son Tra Peninsula, where you can visit the Linh Ung Pagoda and see the giant statue of the Lady Buddha, which is 67 meters tall and overlooks the sea and the city.
You can also visit the Marble Mountains, where you can hike, climb, and discover the caves, temples, and pagodas that are carved into the rocks and that have a spiritual and historical significance.
You can also visit Hoi An Ancient Town, which is about 30 kilometers from Da Nang and which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the charm and the culture of the old trading port, with its wooden houses, lanterns, bridges, and canals.
Best time to visit My Khe Beach
The best time to visit My Khe Beach depends on your preferences and your expectations, as the beach has different advantages and disadvantages depending on the season and the month. Generally speaking, the best time to visit My Khe Beach is from May to October, when the weather is dry, sunny, and warm, and the sea is calm and clear. This is the ideal time for swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities, as well as enjoying the natural scenery and the local culture. However, this is also the high season, when the beach is crowded and the prices are higher.
Another option is to visit My Khe Beach from November to April, when the weather is cooler, wetter, and windier, and the sea is rougher and murkier. This is the less suitable time for swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities, but more suitable for surfing, as the waves are bigger and stronger. This is also the low season, when the beach is quieter and the prices are lower.
How to get to My Khe Beach
Getting to My Khe Beach is simple and convenient, as the beach is easily accessible from the city center and the airport, and is well-connected by different transportation options. You can choose from taxi, motorbike, or bus, depending on your budget and your comfort level.
Taxi:
Taking a taxi is the fastest and easiest way to get to My Khe Beach, as you can find many taxis in Da Nang that are reliable and affordable. The fare is about 9,000-12,000 VND per kilometer for a 4-seat car, and 10,000-12,000 VND per kilometer for a 7-seat car. The distance from Da Nang city center to My Khe Beach is about 6 kilometers, and the travel time is about 15 minutes. You can also take a taxi from the Da Nang International Airport, which is about 8 kilometers from the beach, and the travel time is about 20 minutes.
Motorbike:
Renting a motorbike is the cheapest and most flexible way to get to My Khe Beach, as you can find many motorbike rental shops in Da Nang that offer good quality and service. The rental fee is about 100,000-150,000 VND per day, and the fuel cost is about 30,000-50,000 VND per day. The distance from Da Nang city center to My Khe Beach is about 6 kilometers and the travel time is about 15 minutes. The route is along the Vo Nguyen Giap Street, which runs parallel to the coast and offers a scenic view of the beach and the sea. You can also rent a motorbike from the Da Nang International Airport, which is about 8 kilometers from the beach, and the travel time is about 20 minutes.
Bus:
Taking a bus is the most public and economical way to get to My Khe Beach, as you can find many buses in Da Nang that are cheap and frequent. The ticket price is about 5,000-10,000 VND per person, and the frequency is about 15-20 minutes per bus. The bus number is 1, and the bus stop is at the Da Nang Central Bus Station, which is about 3 kilometers from the city center. The bus route passes through the Han River Bridge, the Dragon Bridge, and the Tran Thi Ly Bridge, which are famous landmarks of Da Nang. The bus stop for My Khe Beach is at the Pham Van Dong Street, which is about 500 meters from the beach.
Where to stay near My Khe Beach
Finding a place to stay near My Khe Beach is easy and varied, as the beach is surrounded by many accommodation options that cater to different needs and tastes, from budget to luxury. You can choose from hostels, guesthouses, homestays, hotels, and resorts, depending on your budget and your comfort level.
Budget:
If you are looking for a cheap and basic place to stay near My Khe Beach, you can opt for hostels, guesthouses, and homestays that offer basic facilities and services, such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and shared bathrooms, for a low price of about 100,000-300,000 VND per night. Some examples are The Memory Hostel, The Vietnam Hostel, and The Da Nang Homestay, which are located within walking distance from the beach and have friendly and helpful staff, clean and cozy rooms, and a social and lively atmosphere.
Mid-range:
If you are looking for a more comfortable and convenient place to stay near My Khe Beach, you can opt for hotels and resorts that offer more comfort and convenience, such as private bathrooms, balconies, swimming pools, and restaurants, for a reasonable price of about 300,000-1,000,000 VND per night. Some examples are The Holiday Beach Hotel, The Grand Sunrise Hotel, and The Furama Resort, which are located close to the beach and have spacious and modern rooms, sea views, and excellent service and facilities.
Luxury:
If you are looking for the best quality and service near My Khe Beach, you can opt for hotels and resorts that offer the best quality and service, such as spacious rooms, sea views, spa, gym, and bar, for a high price of about 1,000,000-3,000,000 VND per night. Some examples are The InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort, The Pullman Da Nang Beach Resort, and The Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort and Spa, which are located on the beach or on the hills overlooking the beach and have luxurious and elegant rooms, world-class amenities, and outstanding service and hospitality.
Where to eat near My Khe Beach
Eating near My Khe Beach is a varied and delicious experience, as the beach is surrounded by many restaurants and cafes that serve local and international cuisine, as well as drinks and snacks. You can choose from Vietnamese food, Western food, Asian food, or other food, depending on your appetite and your palate.
Vietnamese food:
If you want to taste the authentic and diverse Vietnamese food, you can go to the restaurants and stalls that specialize in Vietnamese food, such as pho, banh mi, bun cha, and nem, which are made with rice, noodles, meat, herbs, and sauces. You can also try the seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, squid, shrimp, crab, and clams, which are fresh, tasty, and affordable. Some examples are The Quan Com Hue Ngon, The Banh Mi Ba Lan, and The Be Man Seafood Restaurant, which are located near the beach and serve delicious and generous portions of food, with a friendly and casual service.
Western food:
If you want to have a change of taste and try some Western food, you can go to the restaurants and cafes that offer Western food, such as pizza, pasta, burgers, sushi, curry, and kebab. You can also enjoy some desserts, such as pastries, cakes, ice cream, and fruit. Some examples are The Pizza 4P’s, The Waterfront Restaurant and Bar, and The Ngon Villa Da Nang, which are located near the beach and serve high-quality and flavorful food, with a cozy and elegant ambiance.
Drinks and snacks:
If you want to have a drink or a snack near the beach, you can go to the cafes and bars that serve coffee, tea, juice, smoothies, beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as pastries, cakes, ice cream, and fruit. You can also enjoy the view of the beach and the sea, as well as the music and the entertainment. Some examples are The Cong Caphe, The Mia Coffee, and The Sky Bar Da Nang, which are located near the beach and serve refreshing and delicious drinks and snacks, with a relaxed and lively atmosphere.
Tips for visiting My Khe Beach
To have a safe and enjoyable experience at My Khe Beach, here are some tips and advice that you should follow:
Avoid jellyfish, which can sting and cause pain and irritation, by checking the signs and flags on the beach, and wearing protective clothing or using vinegar if you get stung.
Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun can be very strong and harmful, especially during the dry season, and cause sunburns and heat strokes.
Respect the local culture and customs, such as dressing modestly, not littering, not smoking, and not drinking excessively, especially when visiting the religious and historical sites near the beach, such as the pagodas and the temples.
Bargain and compare prices, as some vendors and service providers may charge higher prices to tourists, especially during the high season, and you can save some money by negotiating and shopping around.
Have fun and enjoy yourself, as My Khe Beach is a wonderful and amazing place to visit, and you will have a memorable and unforgettable trip.
We hope that this article has given you a complete guide to My Khe Beach, and that you are ready to plan your trip to this beautiful beach.
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