Surf Guide: Da Nang, Central Vietnam

Da Nang surfing in a nutshell: you can have the lineup to yourself, but there’s a good reason surfers aren’t flocking to central Vietnam. If you’re looking for a livable city that allows you to paddle out, it’s not a bad place.

Despite the long coastline, there aren’t many workable reefs or point breaks, particularly not any with easy access.

Forecasting – Knowing the Season and Conditions

Surfing in Vietnam is all about knowing when and where to look. The waves here are driven by short-period wind swell, and while there are good days, it’s not the kind of place where you score perfect, machine-like surf. If you come in with low expectations, are happy ‘just to get out’, and you can check the beach breaks regularly, you’ll have fun.

An average winter day in Da Nang
Surf At My Khe Beach Da Nang Vietnam
A clean winter day, on a small swell… sometimes a sand bank develops and small peaks can be found.
Surf Check in Da Nang Vietnam
Surf check on an average winter swell

How To Get The Most Out of Surfing In Da Nang

Like every other surf break, Da Nang does have its days. If you know how to forecast, what to look for, and how to get there you can get decent surf. But given a lack of quality data, clear info on surf spots, and lack of infrastructure these aspects can be a challenge.

I spent some time in Da Nang and figured out the basics. Here’s what I learned so you can get more from your trip.

Swell – The Important Factors

Vietnam’s central coast, including Da Nang, gets almost exclusively short-period wind swell. Any long-period swell that could hit this area is blocked by the Philippines to the east and by Hainan, China, and other land masses to the north. That leaves a relatively small window for swell to push through from the northeast or east. Because of this, it’s rare to see swell periods above 11 seconds. Most of the time, you’re looking at short-period waves—quick-moving, sometimes weak, but still rideable.

This wave height forecast is typical of a strong winter swell. Most swell reaching central Vietnam is generated by storms between the Philippines and Taiwan.

Wave size can get overhead, but because of the long, shallow sand bottom stretching far out to sea, the waves tend to be soft and crumbly.

Shallow waters off the coast of Vietnam make for lower wave energy reaching the shoreline.

Occasionally, when the period reaches 10 or 11 seconds, you might find some hollow sections, but they usually back off and reform rather than offering a long, barreling ride. Expect a lot of mushy peaks… which can still be fun with the right board but won’t offer you the same stokage you’ll find at world class breaks.

Winds – The Easiest Part of Forecasting in Da Nang

The wind in Da Nang is generally light and variable. Mornings are usually the cleanest, with light offshore or glassy conditions. By mid-morning to early afternoon, a sideshore or light onshore breeze can develop. It’s not uncommon for the wind to die for an hour in the middle of the day, then pick up again. Strong offshore winds are rare because the land temperature doesn’t drop enough to create that thermal effect. Some evenings glass off, but it’s unpredictable. Checking the wind forecast helps, but I’ve found most apps tend to overestimate wind strength.

Tides – Also Not A Big Factor

Tide swings are small, so they don’t play a huge role in surf quality. Certain sandbars might work better at a specific tide, but for the most part, if there’s swell, there are waves to ride.

You don’t need to closely monitor the tide here. Your best bet is the check regularly.

Forecasting Tools

Most of the usual surf apps do a decent job of tracking swell direction and size, but the wind forecast tends to be hit or miss. Since conditions change quickly—sometimes hour to hour—the best strategy is to check often. There aren’t many cams or detailed surf reports due to low demand, so local knowledge and keeping an eye on the conditions in real time will serve you best.

Board – Bringing Your Own or Buying One

Picking the right board for Da Nang’s waves does make a significant difference so it’s worth considering. The surf here is soft, often mushy, and the takeoffs can be tricky—waves roll for a while, then suddenly break before backing off again. Having the right amount of foam and flotation helps you get into waves early, maintain speed through weak sections, and still handle the occasional punch of a rogue peak.

Best Board for Da Nang’s Waves

If you’re coming to surf here, go bigger than your usual board. A mid-length is a great choice—it gives you enough paddle power to get into waves early while still being maneuverable. A fish also works well, offering speed and some playfulness when the sections break down.

A high-performance shortboard isn’t ideal unless you’re planning to sit inside waiting for the occasional fast-breaking section. The waves don’t have enough punch or structure for vertical surfing, barrels, or airs. You’ll have more fun on something with extra volume—think funboard, groveler, or even a longboard for smaller days.

One key factor: duck diving. If you plan to surf when it’s bigger (which happens about 30% of the time in peak season), you’ll want a board that you can still get under the waves with. The short-period swell here means waves break close together, with little time between sets. Turtle rolling a big board in these conditions is rough. The best bet is to ride as much volume as you can while still being able to duck dive.

Bringing Your Own Board

If you’re serious about surfing, bring your own board. The selection here is limited, and prices are high. When bringing your own board, prepare yourself for unreasonable airline fees—most Southeast Asian airlines have strict length limits and charge extra per leg of your flight. Some also count full dimensions (length + width + height), so check ahead of time. If you can stay within the limits, it’s worth bringing a board that fits the conditions here.

Once you’ve arrived, transporting a board around the city is easy enough. Taxi vans are readily available and can fit a board bag, so getting to your surf destination isn’t a problem. Once you’re settled, you’ll want your own motorbike setup (which we’ll cover in the next section).

Buying a Board in Vietnam

Buying a board here is expensive. The good ones are imported and come with a heavy price tag. There are a few local shapers experimenting with making boards in Da Nang, but the quality is hit or miss. Even those boards are pricey because all the materials are imported.

Renting a Board

If you’re only surfing a handful of times, renting is the easiest option. There are two main choices:

Beach Rentals – Basic soft tops, mostly for beginners. Cheap, around $10/hour or $15 for two hours. Good for messing around on small days.

Shop Rentals – Higher-quality boards, including shortboards and funboards. More expensive, but a better option if you want to surf properly.

If you’re planning to surf regularly, renting gets expensive fast. You’re better off bringing your own board and setting up your own transport.

Surfboard Rental at Da Nang Beach Vietnam
Look for these rental areas on the beach, typically open from 9am to 4pm

Wetsuit – Buying Online or In-Store

Vietnam’s water temperatures are moderate year-round, so wetsuits aren’t a huge concern. Most of the time, you can get away with just boardshorts or a swimsuit. But depending on the season and your tolerance for cooler water, you might want something for a little extra warmth. For early morning sessions, or a surf in the rain, it’s nice to have something light.

When Do You Need a Wetsuit?

Peak Surf Season (November – March): Water temps dip to the low-to-mid 20s°C (70–75°F). Some surfers wear a spring suit or a thin long-sleeve top for early mornings. If you surf a lot, you might feel the chill after long sessions, especially if the wind picks up.

Warmer Months (April – October): The ocean sits around 26–30°C (78–86°F)boardshorts and rashguards are all you need. Note that chances of swell during this period are very low.

If you’re used to tropical waters, a 1mm–2mm long-sleeve top can help keep you comfortable when the water cools down a bit in winter. Otherwise you’ll be fine.

Buying a Wetsuit in Vietnam

Your best bet is to bring one with you. Wetsuits aren’t in high demand here, so the selection is limited and expensive. Sizing for westerners is also a challenge. There are a few surf shops in Da Nang, but selection is limited and prices are high.

If you get to Da Nang and realize you’d be more comfortable with a wetsuit, ordering online is an option and the risk is relatively low. I bought a springsuit online for about $45 including delivery. It doesn’t quite fit right and the quality is low… but it’s good enough for the occasional morning / rainy session where I need it.

Other Gear to Consider

  • Rashguards – Useful for sun protection. The sun can be intense, especially during midday.
  • Booties – Not necessary. No reefs, no sea urchins, just sand.
  • Leash / Fins / Wax – Backups are helpful since these are harder to find / more expensive here.

Motorbike Setup

The best way to get to the surf in Da Nang is either by walking (if you’re staying close enough to the beach) or, more ideally, by having your own motorbike with surf racks. The ability to move up and down the coast gives you more options, especially if the sandbars shift or the conditions change.

Renting vs. Buying a Motorbike

You can buy a motorbike in Vietnam, but there are legal hurdles. If you’re staying longterm, you’ll need a valid international driving permit (IDP) or a translated and converted license. Vietnam does offer the option to exchange a valid motorbike license from your home country for a Vietnamese license. You can also apply for a license in Vietnam which requires passing the written (in Vietnamese) and driving test.

For most surfers, renting is the easiest option. A long-term rental runs about $50/month, which is reasonable. You’ll just need to add surfboard racks, and you’re good to go.

Adding Surf Racks

There are a couple of ways to get surf racks set up:

  • Buy Ready-Made Racks – The easiest option. The best place to get them is at the Japanese surf shop ‘Surf Shack’ in the main tourist area of My An. These racks are plug-and-play and fit most bikes. You might need a wrench to tighten everything, but once installed, they work well.
  • DIY Setup – If you want to save money or prefer a custom fit, you can build your own. Some locals do this by using metal or PVC tubing, attaching it to the bike with wire or brackets. A simple setup involves:
    • Fixing two tubes (one in front, one in the back) to hold rebar or metal piping.
    • Bending the rebar into shape to cradle the board.
    • Adding foam padding to protect the board.
    • Securing everything tightly with zip ties or bungee cords.
    • PVC-Only Option – You can even go full PVC, which works well for shortboards. It’s a bit flimsy for longer boards, but it’ll get you to the beach.
Pre Fab Bike Racks
DIY Bike Racks

Road Conditions & Parking

Da Nang is relatively easy to navigate by bike, and you’ll see plenty of surfers riding through town with boards strapped to their motorbikes. It’s common for guys to pull right up onto the sidewalk to check the surf.

Parking – With a bike, you can park on the sidewalk or along the street for free. Cars need designated parking areas, which cost a small fee and can be inconvenient if you want to be right by the surf.

Other Transport Options

If you don’t want to ride a motorbike:

  • Bicycle – A good alternative if you’re close to the beach. You can buy a basic bike at local shops and even DIY a surf rack.
  • Car Rental – Good for surf exploration beyond Da Nang, but not ideal for city surf missions. Parking is limited, and you’ll need an international license.
  • Other – Taxi is an option, but not a great idea if you’re wet and sandy. Public transportation is very limited. There is a bus system in the larger coastal cities and you can use it to the beach, but it’s less than ideal.

The Surf Community

Da Nang’s surf scene is small but growing. Over the last five years, the number of Vietnamese surfers has quadrupled. In 2020, you’d only see four or five local surfers out on a given day. Now, on decent swells, there are ten to twelve. It’s still mellow, and there’s plenty of beach to spread out.

Local Vietnamese Surfers

The surf culture here is still developing. As more Vietnamese get into surfing, access to boards and equipment is improving. Most local surfers are still learning, but there’s clear progression. You’ll see a handful of good local surfers out on better days.

On small, clean days, the water fills up with beginners on soft tops. They stick close to the rental areas, taking lessons, flailing, and generally getting in the way. If the working sandbar happens to be near them, expect some congestion. Otherwise, it’s easy enough to walk down the beach and find an empty peak.

There are designated swimming areas marked by buoys and ropes—best to stay out of these zones. Swimmers tend to fill these spots in the afternoon and evening, but in the morning, the surf is mostly clear.

Japanese Surfers

There’s a small crew of Japanese surfers who may be considered as the pioneers of surfing in Da Nang. The long-standing Surf Shack is owned and operated by a Japanese expat who arguably knows the surf here better than anyone else.

If you’re planning to spend a long time in Da Nang, it’s not a bad idea to stop by the shop and introduce yourself. They’ll likely give you a few local tips and may invite you on a surf trip to another break if you’re lucky.

International Surfers

There’s a regular mix of travelers, digital nomads, and expats in water. Some are experienced surfers who live in Da Nang, but most are just passing through. It’s an interesting mix—different levels, different styles, but generally friendly vibes.

The main surf zones in Da Nang are Holiday Beach in My Khe… most likely because this is the closest beach to My An… the tourist hub where 90% of visitors stay. This is by far the best place to meet other surfers.

Vibe in the Lineup

The lineup is mostly mellow. Crowds aren’t a big issue, but when a sandbar starts working, surfers cluster around it. Surf etiquette is loose—there’s no strict rotation, and it’s common to see people cutting each other off, missing waves, or almost colliding.

But no one seems to care. There’s no localism, no fights, and no serious tension in the water. The waves just aren’t good enough for that. Surfing in Da Nang is mostly an exercise in catching and staying in the wave. On a good one, you might sneak in a floater or a top turn with a little spray. If you’re lucky, you connect two or three turns before it fizzles out.

Expect chaos, keep your expectations low, and don’t take it too seriously.

Other Random Bits of Information

Fresh Water Rinse Stations – there are a few freshwater rinse stations along the beach.

Paid Beach Parking – some areas require payment for parking your motorbike. I recommend carrying a 10k or 20k VND note in case you need it.