When you think of Da Nang, you probably picture its long, golden beaches and sparkling blue waters. While it is a perfect place for relaxing and swimming, we want to let you in on an exciting secret: Da Nang has also emerged as Vietnam’s premier surfing destination! With its warm, inviting coastline and its consistent seasonal waves, surfing in Da Nang has become an incredibly popular and thrilling activity. Whether you are a complete beginner who has always dreamed of learning to ride a wave, or an experienced surfer looking for new and exciting breaks, our city has something wonderful to offer you. This guide from Vietnam Story will help you catch the best waves. We’ll cover everything from the best time of year to surf and the top surf spots for every skill level, to where to find the best lessons and rentals, ensuring your time on the water is safe, fun, and absolutely unforgettable.
Understanding the conditions, waves and gear before surfing
The most important part of planning a great surf trip is knowing when to come. Da Nang’s surf conditions change dramatically with the seasons, so choosing the right time is crucial for catching the best waves. Let’s break down the surf season so you know exactly what to expect.
Da Nang’s surf season at a glance
| Season | Months | Wave consistency and size | Ideal for | Expert tip |
| Peak Surf Season | September to March (with the strongest and most consistent waves from November to February). | You will find consistent windswells, with waves typically ranging from 1–2 meters (waist to head-high). | Intermediate & Experienced Surfers. | Dawn Patrol is best! The waves are at their cleanest and most glassy, with gentle offshore breezes, before 10 AM. |
| Off-Season / Beginner Season | April to August | The waves are much smaller and gentler. On many days, the sea can be flat or just a little choppy. | Absolute Beginners, and for other fun water sports like Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) & Kayaking. | This is the perfect time to take a lesson and master the basics of paddling and standing up on a board in very minimal and non-intimidating conditions. |
The wonderful water and climate details
One of the best things about surfing in Da Nang is that the water temperature is consistently warm all year round, usually between 24°C to 28°C. This warm water means you don’t need to pack a lot of heavy gear! For most of the year, all you will need are your boardshorts or swimwear and a simple rashguard to protect you from the sun. Heavy wetsuits are rarely ever necessary, even in the peak of our “winter” surf season.
Da Nang’s best surf spots
Da Nang offers a wonderful variety of surf breaks along its beautiful and scenic coastline, with a perfect spot for every level of surfer. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, there’s a wave with your name on it. Let’s find your perfect spot.
The beginner-friendly hub: The famous My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach is the undisputed heart and soul of Da Nang’s surf scene. Its long, golden stretch of sand is not just beautiful; it’s the perfect playground for learning to surf. The waves here are a gentle and very forgiving beach break, which means they break over a soft, sandy bottom with no dangerous rocks or reef. The waves are usually mellow, consistent, and break slowly, giving you plenty of time to practice standing up.
This is where you will find the highest concentration of surf schools, rental shops, and the best safety protocols, making it the ideal and safest place for novices to start their surfing journey. Can beginners surf safely at My Khe Beach? Yes, absolutely. It is the perfect place to learn.
The next step: Intermediate progression spots
- Non Nuoc Beach: Located a bit further south, right near the magnificent Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc Beach is a fantastic spot for intermediate surfers. It is much quieter and less crowded than My Khe. The waves here are often slightly stronger and offer a great, long ride, which is perfect for practicing your turns and maneuvers.
- Man Thai Beach: Located near the base of the beautiful Son Tra Peninsula, this is another great alternative beach break that is often favored by local surfers for its less crowded sessions.
The expert challenge: A rare reef break
Nam O Reef Point (at Nam O Beach): For the highly experienced surfers, Da Nang has a hidden gem. This is a rare left-hand reef break that only works when there is a powerful swell, usually from December to February. The waves here are much faster, sharper, and can be very powerful, often reaching head-high or bigger.
This spot is located near a local fishing village, and the area is rocky with strong currents. It is only for very experienced surfers who are confident in these conditions and who usually bring their own equipment, as there are minimal facilities here.
READ MORE: Best beaches in Da Nang: An essential guide for Indian travelers
Your guide to surf schools, lessons and rentals
Da Nang has an excellent and very welcoming surf infrastructure, with everything you need to get out on the water, all conveniently centered around the My Khe Beach area. Whether you need a lesson or just a board, it’s all readily available and very affordable.
The best surf schools and lessons
There are many reputable providers in Da Nang that offer professional, safe, and fun instruction in English. Companies like Da Nang Surf School, Surf Shack Da Nang, and Holiday Surf are all excellent choices, known for their friendly and experienced instructors. You can choose from a variety of options:
- Taster lessons: A short, introductory session that gives you the basics, followed by some practice time.
- Group lessons: A cost-effective and fun way to learn with other beginners.
- Private one-on-one sessions: The fastest way to improve your skills with personalized attention from an instructor.
Safety First: All good lessons will begin with a strong emphasis on safety, teaching you about the ocean, how to spot rip currents, and the basic rules of surf etiquette.
Renting your equipment in Da Nang
Most of the best rental shops are found in the streets of the An Thuong area, which is the expat hub located right next to My Khe Beach. You will find a wide selection of boards to choose from, ranging from forgiving soft-top boards (or “foamies”) that are perfect for learning, all the way to high-performance epoxy shortboards and classic longboards.
Renting a surfboard in Da Nang is highly affordable, with rates starting from just 80,000 VND to 150,000 VND per hour.
Surfing safety, the local culture and the community
Surfing in Da Nang is a wonderfully relaxed and friendly experience, but it’s always important to be aware of the ocean and the local scene. Knowing the local etiquette and safety rules will ensure you have the best time in the water.
Your safety and wave etiquette
One of the best things about surfing here is that Da Nang is significantly less crowded than other famous Asian surf spots like Bali or Phuket. This makes it much easier to find your own uncrowded waves and have a more relaxed session.
During the peak swell season (from September to March), there can be strong rip currents. It is very important to know what to do if you are caught in one: always paddle parallel to the shore to escape its pull, and never try to paddle directly against it. Beginners should always stay near the lifeguards or their surf school instructors.
The Da Nang surf scene
The local surf community in Da Nang is small, very friendly, and growing rapidly. It is a wonderful mix of local Vietnamese surfers, expats, and travelers, all sharing a love for the ocean. Look for the local cafes and bars that are frequented by surfers, often near the An Thuong area of My Khe. These are great places to get tips on the best waves of the day and to meet other surfers.
Other fun watersports and a vietnam comparison
Fun Aativities for the off-season
During the calmer off-season (from April to August), the flat, warm, and beautiful waters of My Khe are absolutely perfect for trying Stand-Up Paddleboarding. You can rent a board or take a lesson.
Kayaking and snorkeling are also wonderful activities that are available at My Khe and in the beautiful, sheltered coves of the nearby Son Tra Peninsula.
How Da Nang compares to other surf spots in Vietnam
For an all-around surfing destination that caters to all skill levels and has the best infrastructure (schools, rentals, and easy access), Da Nang is the most consistent and best choice in Vietnam. Other spots like Mui Ne are much better known for wind sports like kitesurfing, while Nha Trang generally offers much smaller, more mellow waves.
Conclusion
Surfing in Da Nang is more than just an activity, it is a glimpse into a beautiful and relaxed lifestyle. It is about waking up for a refreshing dawn patrol session, enjoying a healthy breakfast at a cool surfer cafe, and spending your days connected to the sun, the sand, and the sea. It is a perfect and healthy complement to the rich cultural explorations of the nearby ancient towns. This wonderful blend of active adventure and laid-back beach culture is what makes Da Nang such a unique and desirable modern travel destination.
Let Vietnam Story help you experience this incredible lifestyle. We can build a personalized itinerary that perfectly balances your cultural tours with plenty of time for surfing, relaxation, and discovering the cool, local surf scene. Get in touch with us to plan your trip, and discover the adventurous, sun-kissed soul of Da Nang.
Top Da Nang Tours You’ll Love
7 days 6 nights
Vietnam Highlights 7 Days: From Hanoi to Phu Quoc
Hanoi - Halong bay - Da Nang - Hoi an ancient town - Phu Quoc
8 Days 7 Nights
Incredible Journey To Vietnam In 8 Days 7 Nights
Hanoi - Halong Bay - Cat Ba Island - Danang - Hoi An Ancient Town - Phu Quoc Island
9 Days 8 Nights
9-Day The Best Of Vietnam From North To South
Hanoi - Halong Bay - Danang - Phu Quoc Island
7 Days 6 Nights
7-Day Vietnam Essential Journey: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Danang – Phu Quoc Beach
Hanoi - Halong Bay - Danang - Phu Quoc
