My An – favorite neighborhood of expats and travelers
My An is the main beachside neighborhood of Da Nang, located on the east side of the city along the coast, between the city center and the road leading towards Hoi An. It’s where most international travelers choose to stay.
It’s a relaxed area built around tourism, but still with a local Vietnamese feel. You’ll find a mix of small hotels, apartments, international restaurants, cafes, and local food spots. It’s not a luxury resort zone, but more a livable neighborhood where you can easily stay for a few days or longer.
You’ll often hear people call this area An Thuong. This comes from the street names (An Thuong 1, 2, 3, etc.), and over time both expats and locals started using it as the general name for the area. In practice, My An and An Thuong usually refer to the same place.
The main reason My An is so popular is simple: everything is close together. You can walk to the beach, find plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby, and move around easily without transport. It’s a convenient and comfortable base for exploring Da Nang.
My An Beach (part of My Khe)
My An Beach is part of the long My Khe Beach coastline that runs along Da Nang. While you’ll see different names like My An, Phuoc My, or Bac My An, it’s all the same continuous stretch of beach. The names mostly refer to different sections along the coast rather than separate beaches.
This is widely considered one of the best city beaches in Vietnam. You get a good balance of soft sand, palm trees, and a lively but still relaxed atmosphere. There’s a walking promenade, beach bars, and plenty of space, which makes it popular with locals, tourists, and expats.
The two most well-known beach bars in the My An area are:
Maia Beach Bar: A more polished setup with proper sun loungers, food, and cocktails. It feels a bit more organized and is a good spot if you want comfort for a few hours.
Paradise Beach Bar: A bit more casual and social, with a laid-back vibe. Good for drinks, especially later in the day.
Besides these, you’ll find several smaller, more temporary setups along the beach serving drinks and simple food. If you walk a bit further north or south, you’ll see more beach bars along the same coastline, even though those sections are no longer officially called My An.
The beach itself is mainly about relaxing. It gets busy early in the morning with locals, and again in the late afternoon when the large beachfront hotels create shade. During the middle of the day, it’s usually quieter and hotter.
In terms of activities, it’s relatively low-key. You won’t see many jet skis or banana boats. The two most common things are:
- Parasailing behind a speedboat
- Surfing (mainly outside the summer months, as the sea is often flat then). There are a few surf rental spots on the beach that also offer lessons.
Overall, it’s a place to swim, relax, and spend time by the sea rather than a beach focused on activities.
Things to do and see in My An
My An has a few things to do, but it’s mainly a place where people choose to stay rather than a destination packed with sights. You come here for the beach, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere. For a full list of attractions and activities, it’s better to check a broader guide about things to do in Da Nang.
1. Relax on My An Beach
This is the main reason to stay here. Spend time on the beach, go for a swim, or relax at one of the beach bars. You’ll also see parasailing and, depending on the season, some surfing.
It’s a good place to do very little: lie on the sand, have a drink, watch people pass by, or let kids play in the sand.
2. Enjoy the beach vibe in early morning and evening
The beach feels very different depending on the time of day.
Early morning is surprisingly busy. Locals come for a swim before work, Vietnamese tourists gather in groups, and expats go for a run or exercise. It’s one of the best moments to see local life.
Pro tip: If you go a bit further towards Son Tra in the early morning, you can sometimes see fishermen pulling in their nets. It’s simple but interesting to watch, and sometimes visitors are invited to help.
Late afternoon and evening is when the area becomes lively again. As the sun drops and the beachfront buildings create shade, people return to the beach. After dark, the promenade fills with street food, lights from beach bars, and locals walking, dancing, or exercising. It’s worth just walking along the beach to take it all in.
3. Have a coffee at a cozy coffee shop
My An has a high number of coffee shops, partly because many expats and remote workers stay here. That competition has led to better quality and more interesting places.
You’ll find everything from simple Vietnamese coffee spots to modern cafes with good coffee, air conditioning, and a relaxed atmosphere to sit for a while.
4. Visit the local Bac My An Market
Bac My An Market is a small local market not far from the beach. It’s a mix of fresh produce, street food, and simple local dishes.
It’s not a tourist attraction, but if you want to see a more everyday side of the area or try cheap local food, it’s worth a short visit.
5. Eat fresh seafood at An Thuong night market
The An Thuong night market is a casual place to try seafood and local dishes in the evening. It’s not a large or very organized market, but it’s easy to combine with a walk through the neighborhood.
Pro tip: If you’re specifically looking for a bigger and more lively night market, head to the Son Tra Night Market near the Dragon Bridge.
6. Have great food from local to international
One of the strongest points of My An is the food scene. You can easily switch between local Vietnamese dishes and international cuisine.
There are plenty of options:
- Local street food and casual restaurants
- Seafood places
- Western, Korean, Japanese, and Indian restaurants
This makes it a very easy place to stay for a few days without getting bored of the food.
(See the section: best restaurants in My An)
7. Locked Danang – escape room
For something different, especially on a rainy day, you can try an escape room at Locked Danang.
It’s an indoor activity where you solve puzzles as a group to “escape” from a themed room within a set time. It’s a fun option if you want a break from the beach or if the weather is not ideal.
My An as a base to discover Da Nang (things to do around)
As mentioned earlier, My An is not the place with the most sights itself. It works best as a comfortable base where you stay, while exploring the rest of Da Nang from here.
From My An, most highlights are easy to reach:
- Dragon Bridge – about 5 minutes
The most famous bridge in Da Nang, especially popular in the evening. - Han Market – about 10 minutes
A central market for shopping, local products, and souvenirs. - Marble Mountains – about 15 minutes
A cluster of limestone hills with caves, temples, and viewpoints. - Son Tra Peninsula (with Linh Ung Pagoda) – about 20 minutes
A scenic area with nature, coastal views, and the large Lady Buddha statue.
Because everything is relatively close, you can easily combine beach time in My An with city sights and short trips around Da Nang.
For a full overview of what to see and do, check our complete guide to Da Nang.
Staying in My An
My An offers a wide range of accommodation, from beachfront hotels to apartments in local neighborhoods. Where you stay within the area makes a big difference in terms of price, atmosphere, and convenience.
Areas to stay in My An
My An stretches from the beach to the main road, and further towards the river. One large, busy road runs north to south through the area and acts as a clear divider.
Close to the beach:
This is where you’ll find the larger hotels and resorts. Prices are higher, but you’re just a short walk from the beach, and the area feels more organized and comfortable for short stays.
Streets directly behind the beachfront:
Still very convenient, with many hotels and some smaller boutique stays. Prices are usually a bit lower than beachfront, but you’re still within easy walking distance of the sea.
Between the beach and the main road:
This is more of a mixed area with apartments, local houses, and smaller accommodations. It’s where many expats live. You’ll find some Airbnb options here, but also many residential buildings and a more local feel.
Between the main road and the river:
Less popular for tourists, but often cheaper. This area has more local neighborhoods, some apartment complexes, and a growing number of expats. You’ll need a bit more transport to reach the beach.
Who it is good for (and who it is not)
Good for:
- Travelers who want to stay near the beach but still have restaurants and cafes nearby
- People who like convenience and being able to walk everywhere
- Digital nomads and longer stays
- Anyone combining beach time with exploring Da Nang
Less ideal for:
- Travelers looking for a quiet, resort-style beach stay
- People who prefer a more traditional or historic setting
- Those who want everything to feel polished or upscale
If you’re looking for something different:
- Non Nuoc Beach offers a quieter, resort-style stay (but more expensive)
- An Bang Beach (Hoi An) has a more boutique, village-style atmosphere
- The countryside around Hoi An is a good option for a peaceful stay close to both town and beach
Construction and development in My An
My An is developing quickly. Old houses are regularly replaced by new hotels, apartments, and cafes.
This makes the area more modern and offers more choice, but it also means construction is common. If you stay in beachfront hotels, you usually won’t notice it much. In the smaller streets behind the beach, especially in apartment areas, construction noise can sometimes be an issue.
It’s something to keep in mind when choosing your accommodation, especially for longer stays.
Best restaurants in My An
My An has one of the best food scenes in Da Nang, especially if you like variety. You can easily switch between local Vietnamese food and international cuisine without leaving the area.
Here are some of the most popular and reliable spots:
Vietnamese food
Bep Cuon Da Nang
A well-known place for Vietnamese dishes, especially fresh rice paper rolls and grilled items. Clean, well-presented, and easy for first-time visitors.
Hang Ganh Vietnamese Kitchen
More of a local-style restaurant with a slightly modern touch. Good place to try different Vietnamese dishes in a comfortable setting.
Burgers
Burger Bros
One of the most popular burger places in Da Nang. Good quality, consistent, and a favorite among expats.
Bikini Bottom Express
More casual and a bit quirky, but solid burgers and a relaxed vibe. Good for a quick and easy meal.
Pizza
Bravo Pizzeria
Reliable option for pizza with a more classic style. Good balance between quality and price.
Gordon’s New York Pizza Beachside
Known for large slices and a more American-style pizza. Great if you want something familiar and filling.
Italian
Cucina Luca Italian Restaurant
A more proper sit-down Italian restaurant. Good for pasta and a slightly more refined dinner compared to the casual spots in the area.
Mexican
Adobo Mexican Grill
A solid choice for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes. Popular with expats looking for something different from Vietnamese food.
Bread (banh mi)
Umm Banh Mi & Cafe
A good spot for banh mi with a slightly more modern presentation, but still keeping the local flavors. Also a nice place for a quick breakfast or coffee.
Nightlife in My An
Nightlife in My An exists, but it’s good to manage expectations. This is not a party destination with big clubs or late-night dancing. There are a few clubs, but they are mostly aimed at Vietnamese visitors, often with loud vinahouse music that doesn’t appeal to everyone.
For most travelers and expats, nightlife here means bars rather than clubs. Some places have live music, others are more social or relaxed.
Ngo Thi Si street – main bar street
Ngo Thi Si street is the closest thing My An has to a nightlife hub. It’s a small street with several bars close together, making it easy to walk around and see what suits you.
It’s nothing like Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City, but it has a more relaxed and cozy atmosphere, with bars that stay open late.
Some popular spots include:
- Le Funky Donkey
- Blends Social Bar
- Corner Music Bar
- Smokey Pub
The best way to experience it is simply to walk down the street and pick a place that matches your mood.
Beach bars in the evening
The beach is also a good place to spend the evening. Both the beach itself and the bars along it have a nice, relaxed atmosphere after sunset.
Places like Maia Beach Bar and Paradise Beach Bar are popular for drinks in the evening. Sometimes they host small events, like movies on the beach, which adds to the experience.
Other popular bars
Outside of Ngo Thi Si street and the beach, there are a few standalone bars worth mentioning:
- Section 30 – a relaxed bar with a social atmosphere
- Shamrock Sports Bar – good for watching sports and having drinks
Tip: if you are interested in this, you can also read our complete guide about nightlife in Da Nang.
How to get around in My An
Walking
My An is not a very large area. If you stay somewhere central, chances are the beach, restaurants, and cafes are all within walking distance.
The main streets between the beach and the main road usually have sidewalks. In the smaller streets, sidewalks are limited or often used for parking or storage. Like in most cities in Vietnam, it’s not perfectly walkable, but still manageable for short distances.
Grab and ride-hailing apps
The easiest way to get around is by using Grab, which works like Uber. You can choose between a car or a motorbike, and in My An you usually don’t have to wait more than a few minutes.
Another option is Xanh SM, an electric taxi service that is often slightly cheaper than Grab. The only downside is that it usually requires a Vietnamese phone number to set up.
Regular taxis
Regular taxis are still available, but used less than ride-hailing apps. If you’re staying in a hotel, they can easily call one for you.
If you take a taxi from the street, it’s best to choose reliable companies like Mai Linh Taxi or Vinasun Taxi, and always make sure the meter is on.
Renting a motorbike or scooter
Like locals, many expats get around by motorbike. Some tourists do this as well.
It gives you the most flexibility, but only do this if you have experience. Traffic in Vietnam can feel chaotic if you’re not used to it.
Officially, you need a valid license for Vietnam. In practice, rental shops often don’t check, and police checks are not very common. However, this can become an issue with insurance if something happens.
For short stays, using Grab or taxis is usually the easier and safer option.
Is My An the right area for you?
My An is a great choice if you want to stay in a lively beach neighborhood, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and everything within walking distance. You’re close to the sea, and My Khe Beach is arguably one of the best city beaches in Vietnam.
At the same time, it’s not for everyone. The area can feel busy, especially in certain streets, and ongoing construction is something to keep in mind. If you prefer a quieter, more resort-style stay, there are better options outside My An.
In the end, My An works best if you want convenience, variety, and a mix of beach and city life in one place.
