Vietnam has no shortage of beautiful beaches, and the coast around Da Nang has some of the best. But few are as untouched as the secret beach! Here’s how to find and hike to it!
Da Nang is certainly known for its beautiful white beach that lines the bay, but if you venture to the start of the Hai Van Pass you’ll be rewarded with an isolated beach, all to yourself. There are a few undeveloped beaches in the Da Nang area, but I have to say, this one really steals the cake.
If you’re looking for a little slice of paradise to enjoy in peace and quiet by yourself, then this beach just outside Da Nang is what you’ve been searching for. Here is how to find and hike to a secret beach in Da Nang.
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Planning a trip to Da Nang
Da Nang serves as the gateway to central Vietnam. Its proximity to the historical sites of Hoi An and Hue means that Da Nang is often skimmed over, but the city is vibrant and has so many things to do and is well worth a visit!
How to get to Da Nang
As the hub of central Vietnam, getting to Da Nang is easy peasy. There is an international airport, as well as bus and train links. The bus is one of the cheapest options for travelling to Da Nang. I’ve found the easiest way to book transport in advance is through Baolau* or Vexere, search engines that compare travel options to find the best one for you.
Where to stay in Da Nang
For backpackers, I recommend somewhere like POSIKI Dorm and Cafe*, or The Secret Garden*. Both have private and dorm options, as well as motorbike parking if you are driving the length of Vietnam on your own motorbike.
If you have more of a budget, check out Minh Boutique Hotel* which has beautiful rooms within walking distance of My Khe beach.
For more information on planning a trip to Da Nang, check out my Travel Guide to Da Nang.
Secret Beach in Da Nang
While there are a few beaches going around as “the” secret beach in Da Nang, most are definitely not so secret with resorts and cafes set up. Unlike those beaches, this secret beach is completely undeveloped; no sunbeds, no resorts, no vendors or beach bars. Just unadulterated nature.
Who will enjoy the secret beach?
The secret beach isn’t for everyone, but it was exactly what we were looking for. If you like rugged beaches, no loungers, no vendors and no other tourists, this beach is for you!
The lack of infrastructure means you need to bring your own supplies, particularly towels for laying on (the sand is fully exposed and too hot to touch), and drinks to keep you hydrated.
Getting to the Secret Beach in Da Nang
The secret beach is found just outside of Da Nang city, at the start of the Hai Van Pass. To get there you will need a motorbike, as there is very little traffic passing by to grab a taxi. For more information on renting a motorbike in Da Nang, check out my guide to exploring Da Nang by motorbiking.
There are no parking attendants so you will be leaving your bike at the start of the hike at your own risk. On that note, you will need to bring all of your items with you from the motorbike so it’s a good idea to travel light. But trust me, it’ll be worth the risk to have the whole beach to yourself.
The Route to a Secret Beach in Da Nang
Leaving Da Nang city there are a couple of beaches you pass that are empty of tourists, where fishermen come and go with their nets. These beaches are not as clean as the secret beach, so keep your eyes on the prize and continue around the bay. As you start to climb the Hai Van Pass you will come to the point marked on the map below. From this point, it’s essential to drive down the small side road on the right of the highway. At the end of the side road, there is a clearing in which you can leave your motorbike.
The hiking trail is pretty clear to see when you switch GoogleMaps to satellite view, winding around the side of the mountain and down to the coast. If you’re struggling to find it, look out for a place marked as “Hải Vân Viên” on GoogleMaps which is located at the start of the hiking path.
Hiking to the Secret Beach
The hike down to the secret beach is not challenging, taking around 20 minutes to get from the top of the trail down to the beach. With the heat and lack of vendors to buy drinks from, it’s essential you bring plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated. Did I mention it is a truly untouched, empty beach in Da Nang? Further up the Hai Van Pass are a couple of roadside vendors where you can grab a coconut and drinks.
With a view across the bay, you’ll start to get a glimpse of the untouched beach you’re heading for; the powdery white sand, and turquoise water waiting as a reward for your efforts hiking down.
Towards the end of the hiking trail to the secret beach, railway tracks emerge from the mountain. If timed right you might be able to spot the train as it rushes past on route to Hue, just as we did around 10:40am.
Once you make it to the beach, find a spot under the trees and set up camp. There was no one else at the beach with us, other than a few fishermen getting ready to take their boats out which meant we got to enjoy this paradise to ourselves.
This a great day trip from Da Nang, and the perfect adventure if you want to avoid the crowds and have a slice of beach to yourself.
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Planning a Trip to Vietnam?
Vietnam is a diverse and varied country, with beaches, ancient cities, rice-terraced mountains and a rich culture to explore. For more information on planning a trip to Vietnam, check out my Complete Travel Guide to Vietnam.
✍️ A Travel Guide to Da Nang
✍️ 10 Best Things to do in Da Nang
✍️ How to Motorbike the Hai Van Pass
