Review of Son Thuy Beach in Da Nang – Often referred to as "My Khe 2"

Bãi tắm Sơn Thủy Đà Nẵng với bãi cát trắng mịn và nước biển trong xanh

Da Nang doesn't just have the always-bustling My Khe beach. If you are looking for a more peaceful corner of the sea, closer to the local pace of life, Son Thuy beach is a wonderful suggestion. Charmingly located right at the foot of the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), this place possesses a beauty no less than its famous "neighbor" with white sand and blue sea, yet it retains a rare, peaceful, and uncrowded charm.

Let's explore the detailed Son Thuy beach travel guide with Queen Cafe Bus: from the most convenient way to travel, what to play, to the delicious, authentic local restaurants!

1. Introduction to Son Thuy Beach (Latest)

Giữa những bãi biển nổi tiếng ở Đà Nẵng, bãi tắm Sơn Thủy nổi bật như một viên ngọc ẩn giấu, chờ đợi những ai thực sự yêu thích sự thanh bình. Không cần vội vã chen chúc giữa đám đông hay lo lắng về tiếng ồn, nơi đây mang đến cho bạn một trải nghiệm biển thực sự thư giãn.

The most special feature of this beach is its prime location – situated right on the 5-star resort route, yet it is a completely free public beach. You can still enjoy the beautiful beach scenery like in luxurious resorts, but without spending any entrance fee.

Peaceful scenery at Son Thuy beach at the foot of the Marble Mountains
Peaceful scenery at Son Thuy beach at the foot of the Marble Mountains

1.1. Where is Son Thuy beach? (Exact location)

Son Thuy Beach is located on Vo Nguyen Giap - Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang. This location is extremely convenient as it sits right on the main coastal road, only about 10km from the city center and about 5.4km from Da Nang International Airport.

Best Hostels & Hotels in Đà Nẵng
Book on Hostelworld

Best Hotels in Da Nang

Find the perfect hostel with top ratings on Hostelworld. Secure your bed today with zero booking fees!

Instant confirmation Great deals
View on Hostelworld

1.2. Why is Son Thuy Beach Da Nang called the "2nd My Khe"?

Son Thuy Beach Da Nang is likened to the "2nd My Khe" thanks to its smooth white sand, clear blue water, and gentle waves that are safe for swimming. The gentle slope of the beach is also very suitable for families with young children.

What makes the unique attraction of Son Thuy beach is the atmosphere. Instead of the bustling, commercialized tourism like My Khe, Son Thuy brings a much more rustic and less crowded beauty. This is the favorite beach of Da Nang locals themselves, where you can feel the 'standard' authentic relaxed pace of life.

Son Thuy Beach is likened to the 2nd My Khe with its peaceful beauty
Son Thuy Beach is likened to the 2nd My Khe with its peaceful beauty

📌 Check it out now: Beach Vacation Experience in My Khe, Da Nang 2025 (Latest)

2. The "Golden" Time to Explore Son Thuy Beach Da Nang

2.1. Which season is the most beautiful to visit Son Thuy Beach Da Nang?

  • Từ tháng 3 đến tháng 8: Là mùa khô, thời tiết đẹp, ít mưa, biển êm và nắng vàng rực rỡ. Nhiệt độ trung bình 25–35°C, rất thuận lợi cho tắm biển và các hoạt động thể thao nước.
  • Most beautiful in April - June: The seawater is clear and blue, the waves are gentle, ideal for swimming and SUP paddling. This is also the best time of the year for "photo hunting" with blue skies and white clouds.
  • From September to December: This is the stormy season, with large waves and erratic weather, making it unsuitable for swimming. Particularly in January - February, it gets chilly, and the seawater is cold, but it is still suitable for strolling on the beach, sightseeing, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Son Thuy Beach Da Nang in summer with beautiful sunshine and calm seas
Son Thuy Beach Da Nang in summer with beautiful sunshine and calm seas

Explore Tours & Experiences in Da Nang

2.2. Ideal time frames to explore Son Thuy Beach Da Nang during the day

  • Early morning (5:00 – 7:00): A wonderful moment to watch the sunrise over Son Thuy beach. The sun slowly rises, dyeing the sky and the sea surface orange-pink. The air is fresh, and the beach is empty – ideal for an early swim, jogging, or taking sunrise photos.
  • Late afternoon (16:00 – 18:00): The second golden hour of the day. The sun is mild, the wind is cool, suitable for SUP paddling, surfing, or simply watching the sunset. The afternoon sunlight creates beautiful photos with warm and romantic tones.
  • Avoid noon (11:00 – 15:00): The harsh sunlight at this time can easily cause sunburn and fatigue. If you must go to the beach, you should apply sunscreen, wear a hat, use an umbrella, or wear a sun-protective jacket to protect your body.
Gorgeous sunset at Son Thuy beach
Gorgeous sunset at Son Thuy beach

3. Detailed Guide on How to Get to Son Thuy Beach

3.1. For tourists from distant provinces (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, neighboring provinces)

  • Airplane: The fastest way, only taking 1–1.5 hours of flight from Hanoi or HCMC, but ticket prices are expensive, especially during peak seasons. From Da Nang airport, taking a taxi/Grab takes about 15–20 minutes to reach the beach.
  • Airplane: The fastest way, only taking 1–1.5 hours of flight from Hanoi or HCMC, but ticket prices are expensive, especially during peak seasons. From Da Nang airport, taking a taxi/Grab takes about 15–20 minutes to reach the beach.
  • Sleeper bus: This option combines savings and convenience. Queen Cafe Bus has direct routes to the center of Da Nang, allowing you to rest throughout the journey and arrive in the morning. From the center, it takes only about 10km to reach Son Thuy beach.

View the Queen Cafe Bus price list for main routes right away, helping you easily plan to Da Nang in the most convenient and economical way.

JOURNEY PRICE BOOK TICKETS
Hanoi ⇔ Da Nang 450.000 VNĐ – 750.000 VNĐ Place it here
Hue ⇔ Da Nang 150.000 VND/pax Place it here
Hoi An ⇔ Da Nang 150.000 VND/pax Place it here
Ninh Binh ⇔ Da Nang 450.000 VNĐ – 500.000 VNĐ Place it here
Quang Binh ⇔ Da Nang 250.000 VNĐ – 300.000 VNĐ Place it here

📞 For attentive consultation and the fastest ticket booking, you can contact:

Queen Cafe Bus Company with comfortable and modern interiors
Queen Cafe Bus Company with comfortable and modern interiors

Train & Bus Tickets to Da Nang

3.2. Getting to Son Thuy beach within Da Nang city

By motorbike:

Motorbikes are the most flexible means to explore Da Nang. You can rent a motorbike at shops near your hotel for 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day. There are 2 main routes from the center to Son Thuy beach:

  • Route 1: From Dragon Bridge → Vo Van Kiet Street → Turn right onto Vo Nguyen Giap → Go straight along Vo Nguyen Giap to Truong Sa → Son Thuy Beach. The distance is about 10km, taking 20-25 minutes.
  • Route 2: From the Airport → Turn right onto Dien Bien Phu → Turn left onto Vo Nguyen Giap → Go straight to Truong Sa. The distance is about 6km, taking 15 minutes.

Advantages: Freedom to stop anywhere, cost-saving, easy to combine visits to nearby spots like the Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc fine arts stone village.

By taxi/Grab:

Convenient transportation, suitable for families with young children or large groups. Travel costs:

  • From the center (Dragon Bridge area): 120,000 – 150,000 VND
  • From Da Nang International Airport: 80,000 – 100,000 VND
  • From Son Tra area: 150,000 – 180,000 VND

Advantages: Fast, comfortable, local drivers know the roads, cool air conditioning. If traveling in a group of 4, the cost per person is only about 30,000 – 40,000 VND, which is very reasonable.

Vo Nguyen Giap street leading to Son Thuy beach, Da Nang
Vo Nguyen Giap street leading to Son Thuy beach, Da Nang

📌 Check it out now: Dragon Bridge in Da Nang: 2025 Fire-Breathing Schedule and A-Z Experience

4. What to Do at Son Thuy Beach? (Compilation of Must-Try Experiences)

4.1. Swimming and immersing yourself in the crystal-clear water

The main experience when coming to Son Thuy is, of course, swimming. What tourists love most here is the feeling of genuine relaxation when soaking in the cool, clean water without being noisy or crowded.

Useful information you need to know:

  • Safe for families: The beach has a very gentle slope, with shallow waters extending far out. This is a "golden" plus point for families with young children or the elderly, helping everyone play safely near the shore.
  • Showering services: Don't worry about showering! Along the beach, there are many spots for fresh water showers and changing rooms at very cheap costs (usually only 5,000 – 10,000 VND/turn), highly convenient after you get onshore.sSafety note:
  • Safety note: Even though the sea is calm, the beach still has a rescue team on duty during peak hours. Always observe and only bathe in marked safe areas.
Swimming at Son Thuy beach with clear blue water
Swimming at Son Thuy beach with clear blue water

Cheap air tickets to Da Nang

4.2. Challenge yourself with water sports activities

SUP paddling to watch the sunrise/sunset: is the "hottest" activity at Son Thuy beach thanks to the calm sea, clear water, and the majestic backdrop of the Marble Mountains, creating a perfect setting for beautiful photos.

  • Tourists can rent a SUP board right on the beach for about 100,000 – 150,000 VND/hour, suitable even for beginners.
  • Ideal time:
    • Early morning (5:30 – 7:00): Watch the brilliant sunrise over the sea – a romantic and memorable experience.
    • Late afternoon (16:30 – 18:00): Watch the sunset, enjoy the cool atmosphere and beautiful golden light for photography.
SUP paddling at Son Thuy beach at sunset
SUP paddling at Son Thuy beach at sunset

4.3. Camping, Picnic on the beach (For groups of friends, families)

Son Thuy Beach is an ideal location for weekend camping and picnic activities. The beach is clean, spacious, has many coconut trees providing shade, and a quiet space – all creating the perfect conditions for a memorable camping trip.

Necessary preparation:

  • Camping tent (easy-to-set-up pop-up type)
  • Mat, sleeping bag (if camping overnight)
  • Snacks: bread, snacks, fruits
  • Drinking water, ice
  • Bluetooth speaker (remember to keep the volume moderate)
  • Flashlight, LED lights (if staying the night)

Important note: After camping and picnicking, you need to clean up all trash, bringing garbage bags to put in public bins. This is the responsibility of every tourist to preserve the pristine beauty of the beach and create a clean environment for those who come after.

Picnic camping at Son Thuy beach
Picnic camping at Son Thuy beach

4.4. "Virtual living" check-in with the peaceful beach

With its peaceful beauty and less crowded space, Son Thuy beach is a paradise for those who love photography. The big plus is that the space here is not disturbed by dense commercial or service buildings, helping you take beautiful photos, capturing the most natural beauty of the sea without worrying about people.

  • Shooting angle with white sand and coconut trees: Along the coast is a row of lush green coconut trees creating an impressive tropical scene. Shoot under the coconut canopy with the white sand background; the late afternoon light will provide the warmest and softest tones.
  • Shooting angle at sunrise or sunset: This is the golden hour for photography. The sunrise brings gentle light, while the sunset covers everything in a romantic orange-pink hue. You should arrive early to choose a good spot, especially near natural rocks or fishing boats.
  • Shooting angle with SUP or surfboard: If you participate in SUP paddling or surfing, don't forget to save dynamic moments amidst the sea. "Action" photos on the water always stand out and attract attention on social media.
Beautiful virtual living check-in spot at Son Thuy beach
Beautiful virtual living check-in spot at Son Thuy beach

5. Son Thuy Beach Da Nang Cuisine: What to Eat & Top "Authentic" Delicious Restaurants

After enjoying relaxing moments on the beach, the question "what to eat after swimming at Son Thuy?" is surely popping into your head. Don't worry, the area around the beach has many appealing culinary options, especially fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

5.1. Experience the fresh seafood "paradise" right near the beach

Fresh seafood is the number 1 choice you cannot miss when visiting Son Thuy beach. Thanks to being close to the sea, the restaurants here always serve seafood caught on the same day, which is both delicious and sweet-meated. Especially, the prices in the Ngu Hanh Son area are very affordable, without being "ripped off" like in crowded tourist areas, making the culinary experience even more fulfilling.s

Must-try seafood dishes:

  • Beer-steamed crab/swimming crab: Sweet, fatty crab meat steamed with beer creates an attractive aroma
  • Satay grilled squid: Fresh, crispy grilled squid, with a strong satay aroma
  • Salt-roasted sweet snails: Crispy and richly savory
  • Cheese baked lobster: A luxurious dish but priced quite softly here
  • Lemongrass steamed clams: Fresh, sweet-water clams with a hint of lemongrass
Fresh seafood at restaurants near Son Thuy beach
Fresh seafood at restaurants near Son Thuy beach

5.2. Suggestion of 3 "Fresh - Delicious - Reasonably Priced" seafood restaurants near Son Thuy Beach

Based on actual reviews and the choices of locals, we would like to introduce 3 outstanding seafood restaurants regarding freshness and reasonable prices. These are addresses that Da Nang people themselves often frequent, so you can be completely assured of the quality.

5.2.1. Cua Dat Seafood

Address: 320 Truong Sa, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang (about 500m from the beach)

Strengths: Spacious restaurant with an airy space, featuring a live seafood tank on-site for customers to choose from and observe. As the name suggests, the restaurant is particularly famous for its crab dishes – from spanner crabs and roe crabs to blue swimmer crabs, all are very fresh and delicious.

Dishes to try:

  • Beer-steamed crab/swimming crab: 250,000 – 350,000 VND/kg
  • Seafood hotpot: 300,000 – 400,000 VND/pot (3-4 people)
  • White sardine salad: 120,000 VND/plate

Average price: 200,000 – 250,000 VND/person

Cua Dat seafood restaurant near Son Thuy beach
Cua Dat seafood restaurant near Son Thuy beach

5.2.2. Ngu Hanh Restaurant

Address: Lot 522 Nguyen Khac Vien, Ngu Hanh Son (only a few hundred meters from the beach)

Strengths: This restaurant has the most affordable prices among the 3 recommended ones, specializing in seafood and traditional Vietnamese drinking food. Simple space but delicious food and enthusiastic service. This is a favorite choice for students and young groups of friends because of the soft prices and good quality.

Dishes to try:

  • Herring salad: 80,000 VND/plate
  • Seafood fried rice: 50,000 – 60,000 VND/plate
  • Spicy stir-fried squid: 120,000 VND/plate
  • Coconut stir-fried mud creepers (snails): 60,000 VND/plate

Average price: 120,000 – 150,000 VND/person

Ngu Hanh Restaurant serving affordable seafood near Son Thuy beach
Ngu Hanh Restaurant serving affordable seafood near Son Thuy beach

5.2.3. Tam Hai Seafood

Address: Nguyen Khac Vien Street, Ngu Hanh Son (near the intersection with Truong Sa Street)

Strengths: Airy space with outdoor areas and air conditioning, suitable for both families or large groups. Diverse menu, especially regarding snails, squid, and swimming crabs. The restaurant is highly rated for its cleanliness and diverse cooking methods.

Dishes to try:

  • Lemongrass steamed hard clams: 60,000 VND/plate
  • Garlic butter stir-fried sweet snails: 150,000 VND/plate
  • Salt-roasted swimming crab: 280,000 VND/kg
  • Charcoal-grilled Hemibagrus fish: 250,000 – 300,000 VND/fish

Average price: 180,000 – 220,000 VND/person

Tam Hai Seafood with an airy space near Son Thuy beach
Tam Hai Seafood with an airy space near Son Thuy beach

6. Famous Tourist Attractions Near Son Thuy Beach

One of the great advantages of Son Thuy beach is its location near many famous tourist attractions in Da Nang. You can perfectly combine visiting several landmarks in a single day, optimizing your time and travel costs.

6.1. The Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) Scenic Area (Only 5-10 minutes away)

Ngu Hanh Son mountain is a complex of 5 limestone mountains named after the 5 elements Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, located only about 2km from Son Thuy beach. This is a famous scenic spot with many fascinating caves, sacred temples, and stunning ocean views.

Suggested itinerary:

  • Early morning (6:00 – 9:00): Climb the Marble Mountains to avoid the heat, visit caves like Huyen Khong, Linh Nham, and Tam Thai Pagoda.
  •  Noon: Rest at a hotel or a cafe. Afternoon (15:00 – 18:00): Go down to swim at Son Thuy beach and watch the sunset. This is a perfect combo favored by many tourists.

Visiting information:

  • Opening hours: 7:00 – 17:30
  • Ticket price: 40,000 VND/person (elevator ticket 15,000 VND)
  • Visit duration: 2-3 hours
Marble Mountains near Son Thuy beach
Marble Mountains near Son Thuy beach

6.2. Quan The Am Pagoda, Linh Ung Pagoda (Non Nuoc)

Linh Ung Non Nuoc Pagoda is located right on Thuy Son Mountain (one of the five Marble Mountains), and is an ancient pagoda with unique architecture. Here, there is a 17m high statue of Guanyin facing the sea, creating a sacred and solemn setting.

This is an ideal destination for tourists who love spiritual culture, wanting to seek purity and peace. The temple space is quiet and airy, suitable for stopping by to worship and admire the sea view from above.

Note: When entering the temple, you need to dress politely; do not wear tank tops or shorts that are too short. Keep quiet and respect the worship space.

Linh Ung Non Nuoc Pagoda near Son Thuy beach
Linh Ung Non Nuoc Pagoda near Son Thuy beach

📌 Check it out now: Linh Ung Pagodais But Beach Visitor's Guide [2025]

6.3. Non Nuoc Fine Arts Stone Village

Non Nuoc Fine Arts Stone Village is located right at the foot of the Marble Mountains, about 3km from the beach. This is a traditional craft village over 400 years old, specializing in sculpting stone into fine art products, Buddha statues, and decorative items.

You can visit the sculpture workshops, watch the artisans at work, and shop for stone products as souvenirs. Prices are quite diverse, ranging from small items of a few tens of thousands of dong to large masterpieces worth millions of dong.

Shopping suggestions:

  • Small Buddha statues: 50,000 – 200,000 VND
  • Feng shui stone bracelets: 100,000 – 500,000 VND
  • Interior decorations: 300,000 VND and up
Non Nuoc Fine Arts Stone Village near Son Thuy beach Da Nang
Non Nuoc Fine Arts Stone Village near Son Thuy beach Da Nang

7. "Pocket" Tips When Visiting Son Thuy Beach Da Nang

To make your trip complete and safe, we would like to share some important notes based on practical experience. These little tips will help you avoid unnecessary troubles and fully enjoy the beauty of the beach.

Safety when swimming:

  • Only swim in areas with lifeguards, avoid big waves and strong winds.
  • Children always need adult supervision.
  • Do not swim further than 50m; if you encounter a problem, raise your hand to call for help immediately.

Protect skin from the sun:

  • Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen 30 minutes before going to the beach and reapply every 2 hours.
  • Wear a hat, sunglasses, and a sun-protective jacket; avoid going to the beach between 11 AM - 3 PM.

Prepare necessary items:

  • Bring swimming clothes, towels, drinking water, snacks, waterproof bag and personal medications.

Keep your belongings safe:

  • Do not bring valuables, leave items in a safe place, and use waterproof bags for phones.

Protect the environment

  • Do not litter, do not harm corals or marine life, and preserve natural beauty.

Safe photography

  • Do not take photos in dangerous areas, respect others, and only use drones when permitted.

8. Conclusion

Son Thuy Beach is truly a precious destination in the heart of bustling Da Nang. This place offers you a rustic beauty and a relaxing atmosphere that is hard to find on other crowded tourist beaches. With a convenient location near the Marble Mountains and many famous tourist attractions, you can perfectly combine many experiences in a single trip. Furthermore, fresh and delicious seafood cuisine at reasonable prices will satisfy even the most discerning diners.

Do not hesitate, plan your trip to explore Son Thuy beach today! And to make your journey to Da Nang more convenient and economical, Queen Cafe Bus is always ready to accompany you on every road!