Only a short ride from downtown, Pham Van Dong Beach offers peaceful shores, white sand, and cooling sea breezes. It’s an inviting spot to relax, sample seafood, and enjoy Da Nang’s coastline at a slower pace.
Introduction To Pham Van Dong Beach
Pham Van Dong Beach is one of the warmest and most inviting stretches of sand Da Nang has to offer. What makes this stretch special is the fact that it is located at the end of Pham Van Dong Street, which connects the center of the city to the sea. Aside from being easily accessible, it offers beautiful views to enjoy during the commute. The gentle white sand, the casuarina trees, and the clear shallow waters make it very attractive to families, couples, and even to travelers on their own.
Pham Van Dong Beach is noticeably calmer than My Khe Beach, since it has fewer visitors and offers a greater chance to relax. In the early hours of the day, it will be common to find residents working out near the beach. The evening will come with a soft sea breeze that is ideal for walking. This beach is a perfect escape for tourists, as it is situated close to the city and is the ideal place to relax, along with spending a few hours by the shore.
History Of Pham Van Dong Beach
In contrast to other areas in Da Nang, this beach has a very simple and modern story. It is very clear why this beach is named ‘Pham Van Dong Beach’; it is because of the road leading to the beach, which is called Pham Van Dong Street. Current-day residents call it either Phuoc My or Pham Van Dong Beach.
Things began to change in the 2000s, when Da Nang started polishing its image as a seaside city. The government built a public park, added fresh-water showers, and made the beach more accessible. Since then, Pham Van Dong has grown into one of the most welcoming public beaches in town.
Top 5 Iconic Attractions Around Pham Van Dong Beach
Stretching from the peaceful sands of Pham Van Dong Beach to the lush heights of Son Tra Peninsula, this area is full of natural wonders and cultural landmarks. Each spot invites visitors to explore, reflect, and take in views that linger in memory.
Son Tra Peninsula & Lady Buddha
The Son Tra Peninsula stretches up sharply out of the sea to the north of Pham Van Dong Beach. Locals have dubbed it Monkey Mountain; the forest houses troops of red-shanked douc langurs, who are one of the rarest primates in the world. Winding roads take one to Linh Ung Pagoda, which houses the Lady Buddha statue, which measures 67 meters and looks down at the bay. A lot of fishermen feel that she is their guardian on their voyage, and tourists have defined the location as mystical as well as captivating.
Dragon Bridge
The Han River is crossed by the Dragon Bridge, which is arguably one of the most exciting landmarks of Da Nang. During the day, its golden steel frame reflects the sun, while at night, it glows under the city lights. The dragon’s head comes alive on weekends with a fire and water show and is a spectacle that draws crowds to the riverside. The dragon is a brand of Da Nang’s ingenuity, elevated above mere infrastructure is a highlight of any evening stroll along the river.
My Khe Beach
Just south of Pham Van Dong Beach lies My Khe, a wide sweep of sand that has earned international praise as one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches. The shoreline is busier here, with surfers chasing waves, cafés spilling onto the pavement, and families setting up umbrellas for the afternoon. Many travelers visit both beaches on the same day: a quiet swim at Pham Van Dong, followed by the bustling rhythm of My Khe just a short walk away.
Marble Mountains
A fifteen-minute ride south takes you to the Marble Mountains, five limestone and marble hills that rise suddenly from the flat coastal plain. Each mountain is named for one of the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Temples and pagodas cling to the slopes, while hidden caves shelter Buddhist statues and altars lit by shafts of sunlight. At the foot of the mountains, stone-carving villages still operate, carrying on a craft that has defined the area for generations.
Ba Na Hills & The Golden Bridge
Further inland is Ba Na Hills, offering an escape that is different from the coast. For one, a cable car transport, one of the longest rides in the world, takes visitors over forests and valleys to a chalet resort fashioned after a twirling European village. But the highlight is the Golden Bridge. Supported by two giant stone hands rising from the hillside, the bridge curves gracefully above the clouds and offers panoramic views of the mountains. For many travelers, it is both an architectural marvel and a highlight of their journey through Da Nang.
4 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss Around Pham Van Dong Beach
Beyond the shoreline, Pham Van Dong Beach is surrounded by lively streets and rich traditions. From savoring fresh seafood to joining local rituals, these experiences offer a true taste of Da Nang’s vibrant culture.
Eat Fresh Seafood On Ho Nghinh Street
In the late afternoon, Ho Nghinh Street, not more than a few minutes away from Pham Van Dong Beach, starts bustling with preparations of restaurants to accommodate the evening population. Among the favorites are squid filled with chili, steamed clams with lemongrass, and prawns that are fried in clove butter. It is laid back, effortless, and extremely local. To visitors, this restaurant is one of the most exciting places to eat out in Da Nang, where visitors appear to have one of the most memorable meals.
Join Morning Exercise At The Public Square
Early in the mornings, one can find a burst of activities in the public square found in Pham Van Dong Park. Seniors can gather to play tai chi, badminton nets may be put out in the open areas, and friends can walk around as they can chatter. Of the portable speakers, they play lively music along with small dance groups, and the ambience is more like in a community center rather than a tourist site. Visitors are also welcome to participate in the scene can serve as a good indicator of how Da Nang people go about their daily routine.
Rent A Sunbed And Spend the Day By The Water
Pham Van Dong is one of the few public beaches in Da Nang where visitors can rent umbrellas and sunbeds directly on the sand. Families use them as a place to keep bags and snacks, while solo travelers stretch out with a book or take breaks between dips in the sea. Prices are inexpensive compared with resort facilities, and the convenience makes it easy to turn a short stop into a full beach day.
Check In At The Love Lock Bridge
A short walk from Pham Van Dong brings you to the Love Lock Bridge, a riverside walkway decorated with red heart-shaped lanterns. Couples often attach padlocks with their names to the railings, while families and groups of friends stop here for photos against the skyline. For travelers staying near the beach, it is an easy add-on that combines local culture with a scenic spot for memorable pictures.
Entrance Fee
Pham Van Dong Beach is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee for visitors. The only expense is vehicle parking or optional services such as renting umbrellas or sunbeds. The low cost makes it easy for travelers to spend a full day by the beach without worrying about additional fees.
| Service | Price (VND) | Notes |
| Entrance | Free | No admission fee |
| Motorbike parking | 5,000 – 10,000 | Charged per trip |
| Car parking | 20,000 – 30,000 | Depending on the lot and vehicle size |
| Sunbed & umbrella | 40,000 – 60,000/day | Optional rental on the sand |
| Freshwater shower | 10,000 – 15,000/use | Public facilities available near the park |
Opening Hours
Pham Van Dong Beach is a public beach, so it technically never closes. Visitors can come at any hour of the day, whether for an early-morning swim, an afternoon break, or an evening walk along the sand. The facilities around the beach, such as showers, parking, and food stalls, usually follow daytime hours and close after dark.
The most comfortable times to visit are early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the sun is softer and the temperature is cooler. From March to September, the dry season in Da Nang, the sea is calm and ideal for swimming. During the rainy season between October and January, waves can be rough and the weather less predictable, making the beach quieter and best suited for short visits rather than full-day stays.
How To Get To Pham Van Dong Beach
Located only about 3 kilometers from downtown Da Nang and 6 kilometers from Da Nang International Airport, Pham Van Dong Beach is one of the easiest beaches to access. You can hire a taxi, use ride-share apps, rent motorbikes and bicycles, and even walk if you stay in a hotel nearby. The costs of getting to Pham Van Dong Beach are very affordable, and various transportation options are available throughout the day.
| Mode of Transport | Typical Travel Time (from city center) | Estimated Cost (VND) | Notes |
| Taxi (Vinasun, Mai Linh) | 5 – 10 minutes | 50,000 – 100,000 | Taxis are reliable and comfortable, and you can easily catch one anywhere in the city |
| GrabCar / GrabBike | 5 – 10 minutes | 40,000 – 80,000 | Booking through Grab is usually cheaper than traditional taxis and just as convenient |
| Motorbike rental | Full day | 120,000 – 150,000/day | Renting a motorbike gives you the flexibility to explore multiple beaches and nearby attractions in one day |
| Bicycle rental | 10 – 20 minutes | 40,000 – 60,000/day | A bicycle is an eco-friendly option and works best if your accommodation is close to the beach |
| Walking | 15 – 25 minutes (if staying nearby) | Free | Walking is only practical if your hotel is within a short distance of the beach |
| Tour service (half-day) | Half-day or full-day | 400,000 – 800,000+ | Tours often include Pham Van Dong Beach along with Marble Mountains or Son Tra Peninsula |
For most travelers, a short taxi or grab ride is the simplest way to reach the beach. Renting a motorbike is also popular, especially if you want to combine Pham Van Dong with nearby attractions such as My Khe Beach or Son Tra Peninsula on the same day.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Pham Van Dong Beach
A few practical notes can help visitors enjoy the beach more comfortably and authentically. These are details that often surprise first-timers in Da Nang.
- Restaurants on Ho Nghinh Street open after sunset, so travelers looking for lunch should plan to eat in the city center or pack snacks for the afternoon.
- Beach umbrellas and sunbeds are rented by the day, not the hour, which makes them worthwhile if you plan to spend more than a quick swim at the beach.
- Early morning is the liveliest time on the sand, with locals swimming and exercising in large groups, offering visitors a chance to experience Da Nang’s daily rhythm.
- Vendors occasionally walk along the beach with fruit, snacks, and drinks, but prices are higher than in the city, so buying from nearby shops is more economical.
- The beach is quieter than My Khe, so travelers seeking nightlife or beach clubs may prefer to pair their visit with more vibrant areas further south.
Final Thoughts: Is Pham Van Dong Beach Worth Visiting?
Pham Van Dong Beach stands out as one of Da Nang’s most convenient and welcoming public beaches. The sand is wide, the water is calm, and the park facilities nearby make it easy for both locals and travelers to spend time here without extra cost. For travelers planning a Vietnam itinerary, Pham Van Dong Beach is well worth including, and Seni World can help you connect it with the city’s other highlights for a smooth and memorable trip.
