Da Nang Surf Guide: My Honest Experience
TRAVELSURF
I went into surfing in Da Nang without huge expectations, and that turned out to be the right way to approach it. The waves weren’t big when I was there, mainly because of the season, but you can definitely surf in Vietnam, and I still had some really fun sessions in the water.
Da Nang is a great place to learn, with smaller and more manageable waves for beginners. Longboarders and intermediate surfers can also have a lot of fun here when the conditions are right. It’s not the place to come chasing the biggest swells in Vietnam, but if you’re looking for an easygoing surf session, it’s definitely one of the highlights of Da Nang for me.
In this Da Nang surf guide, I’ll cover the best surf spots, surf seasons, what to expect, and a few tips so you can enjoy your time in the water. And if you’re looking for accommodation, check out my Where to Stay in Da Nang guide for the best areas and places to stay.
At a Glance: Surfing in Da Nang
Yes, you can surf in Da Nang, Vietnam, though wave size depends heavily on the season
My Khe Beach is the main surf spot, with a gentle, sandy-bottomed beach break
The main surf season runs roughly October to April, with the biggest swells from November to January
Outside of that window, waves are smaller and mellower, which is exactly what makes it good for learning
It's a genuinely fun spot for beginners and longboarders, and intermediate surfers can still have a good time even when the swell is small
My Experience Surfing in Da Nang
I went surfing in Da Nang during the off-season, so the waves weren’t big, but I was still surprised by how much fun I had. Even though it wasn’t the best time for swell, there were still some waves to catch, which made it worth paddling out. Being able to surf at all during the off-season was a nice bonus, and I enjoyed getting in the water and making the most of the conditions.
If you're a longboarder, or an intermediate surfer who's happy riding smaller, mellower waves rather than chasing something bigger, you can absolutely have fun surfing in Da Nang, even outside peak conditions.
Why the Season Matters
Da Nang's surf season runs roughly from October through April, with the biggest, most powerful swells arriving between November and January, when storms moving through the Pacific push northeast groundswell into the coast. Outside that window, roughly April through September, the sea flattens out considerably, and what you're left with is small, gentle, warm-water surf rather than anything with real size or push. That's precisely the window I was there for, and it lines up with why the waves felt as mellow as they did.
Best Surf Spots in Da Nang
My Khe Beach
My Khe is where most of Da Nang's surf scene is based, and it's also where most first-timers end up, myself included. It's a long, sandy beach break, which means the bottom is forgiving and there's plenty of room to spread out even when it's busy. In season, the northern end can get genuinely punchy with strong rips to match, but for most of the year, and especially outside peak season, it's a soft, easygoing wave that's ideal for learning or for just getting comfortable on a longboard.
Non Nuoc Beach
South of My Khe, with the Marble Mountains as a backdrop, Non Nuoc tends to be quieter and can hold slightly bigger waves than My Khe even in the same conditions. It's a solid option if you want a bit more of a challenge without leaving the main stretch of Da Nang's coast.
Man Thai Beach
At the northern end, tucked under the shelter of the Son Tra Peninsula, Man Thai is a local favourite that often sees fewer surfers than My Khe. It's usually a foot or two smaller than the more exposed beaches further south, and on the rare big NW swell it can throw up short, hollow barrels, though more often than not it's simply quiet and mellow.
Nam O Point
For anyone chasing something with real power, Nam O Point, about 15km north of the city, is Da Nang's serious wave: a rocky left-hand reef break that only really comes alive with a strong swell, mostly between December and February. This isn't a beginner spot, and it's not somewhere I'd point you if you're still finding your feet, but it's worth knowing about if you're visiting during peak season with real experience behind you.
Who Da Nang Surfing Is Best For
Based on what I saw in the water, Da Nang works best for a few specific kinds of surfers. Beginners get a genuinely safe, sandy-bottomed beach break at My Khe with surf schools right there to help. Longboarders get exactly the kind of soft, workable wave that suits a longer board, especially outside peak season. Intermediate surfers can still have a good time here, provided the expectation is technique and fun rather than chasing size; the smaller, more manageable waves are actually a decent place to work on style rather than just survival. If you're an advanced surfer specifically hunting for power and size, you'll want to time a trip around the November to January peak, and even then, Da Nang is more about consistency than genuinely world-class waves.
Lessons and Board Rental
Board rental and surf lessons are easy to find along My Khe Beach, with shops and schools concentrated right along the main strip. If you're visiting outside the main season the way I was, renting a bigger board, a longboard or a foamie rather than a shortboard, makes a real difference in how much fun you'll have on smaller days, since the extra volume helps you catch waves you'd otherwise just watch roll past.
Practical Tips
Adjust your board to the conditions, not the other way around; a higher-volume board turns a flat, mushy day into something genuinely rideable
Expect warm water for most of the year, which means you can generally surf in boardshorts or a swimsuit rather than needing a wetsuit, which I think is amazing
If you want bigger waves specifically, plan your trip around November to January rather than the quieter months
Not just for surfing, but make sure you have travel insurance with the right coverage for your trip
My Recommendations
Rather than planning your whole trip to Da Nang around surfing, I’d treat it as a bonus while you’re visiting the city. Da Nang is already worth adding to your Vietnam itinerary for its beaches, food, and easygoing atmosphere, and being able to catch a few waves while you’re there makes the trip even better. The conditions I had were small but still fun, especially for beginners, longboarders, and intermediate surfers. If you happen to visit during the right season, you might even get some bigger waves, but I wouldn’t make that the main reason for going.
FAQs
Can you actually surf in Da Nang, Vietnam? Yes. Da Nang has a genuine surf scene, centred on My Khe Beach, with waves ranging from small and mellow outside the main season to powerful and punchy during peak months.
What is the best time of year to surf in Da Nang? The main surf season runs roughly October to April, with the biggest swells between November and January. Outside that window, expect smaller, gentler waves.
Is Da Nang good for beginner surfers? Yes. My Khe Beach has a soft, sandy-bottomed beach break that's well suited to learning, and surf schools are concentrated right along that stretch.
Is Da Nang worth surfing outside the main season? Yes, especially for beginners, longboarders, and anyone focused on technique rather than chasing big waves. Smaller, calmer conditions can actually make for a better learning environment.
Do I need my own surfboard to surf in Da Nang? No. Board rental is widely available along My Khe Beach, and renting a bigger board (a longboard or foamie) is a good move if you're visiting during the calmer months.
Which Da Nang surf spot is best for more experienced surfers? Nam O Point, a rocky reef break north of the city, offers the most power, though it only really works during peak season, roughly December to February.
Final Thoughts
Da Nang might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of surfing, but it’s a fun addition to a trip here. I’d treat surfing as a bonus rather than planning your entire trip around it. Even when I visited outside the main surf season, I still managed to catch some waves and had a great time in the water. Add in everything else Da Nang has to offer, and it’s definitely worth including in your Vietnam itinerary.
I hope this Da Nang Surf Guide gives you a good idea of what to expect and helps you enjoy your time in the water.
Check Out My Other Vietnam Guides: