If you have ever stood on Vo Nguyen Giap Street on the morning of May 1st, you would understand why Da Nang locals almost never go to the beach during this holiday. Lines of cars stretch for a kilometer from the Ho Nghinh intersection, beach umbrellas cover the shore so thickly that the sand is barely visible, and crowds jostle for a spot to change clothes at public bungalows.
I was born and raised in Da Nang and have witnessed nearly a dozen April 30th holiday seasons at My Khe. This article shares what I actually do to still enjoy the beach during peak times—no theories, just real local experience for both tourists and those living in Da Nang.
Why is My Khe overcrowded on April 30th?
In 2026, the April 30th – May 3rd holiday lasts for 4 days, coinciding exactly with the peak opening of the beach tourism season in Central Vietnam. According to data from recent years, the number of visitors to Da Nang during this period increases by 40-60% compared to weekdays. My Khe beach alone can welcome over 30,000 visitors in a single morning.
The most crowded section is concentrated around the East Sea Park area, near the Holiday Beach Hotel, and the section opposite Ho Xuan Huong Street, where many umbrellas, services, and parking lots are located. Peak hours usually fall between 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Golden hours for swimming at My Khe
There are two time slots that locals often take advantage of to still swim at My Khe during the holidays without the crowds.
- Early morning 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM is the most beautiful time of the day. At this time, the beach is still empty, the water is calm, and the sunlight is gentle—perfect for both swimming and photography. After swimming, you can stop by Ba Phien Fish Cake Noodle Soup (Hoang Sa Street) or Ba Vi Quang Noodles (Nguyen Tri Phuong) for breakfast; both open from 6:00 AM.
- Late afternoon 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM is the second option. By this time, tourists have retreated to their hotels to rest and prepare for dinner, making the beach clearly more spacious. An added bonus is the sunset at My Khe in late April, which often has a beautiful purple hue—the best view is from the section near Furama Resort.
- Avoid: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. These two periods are so crowded that there is almost no room to spread a towel or swim comfortably.
- Tip for choosing a beach section: The Northern section near Pham Van Dong is the central service area and thus the most crowded. If you want more space, head South towards the Man Thai section and the foot of Son Tra, which are often 30-40% emptier.
Tips for Transportation, Parking, and Dining
Parking: The two lots that usually fill up earliest are the area near Lotte Mart and the East Sea Park. You should avoid these two. Instead, park at small lots on Ho Nghinh Street or An Thuong Street (price 10-20k for motorbikes, 30-50k for cars) and then walk 5-7 minutes to the beach.
Transportation: I recommend using a motorbike or bicycle instead of a car. Coastal roads during this holiday are often congested, making it difficult for cars to turn around or find parking. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can rent a motorbike. If you need a taxi, prioritize Grab or Xanh SM; traditional taxis during holidays often increase prices or are hard to catch.
Dining: Seafood restaurants along Vo Nguyen Giap during April 30th are often overloaded at peak hours like 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM. My tip is to book a table at least 1 day in advance by phone, or eat at off-peak hours—go at 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM for a more comfortable experience and faster service. Two addresses worth trying that are less likely to be overloaded include Be Man (Ho Nghinh) and Moc Seafood (Vo Nguyen Giap).
3 Alternative Lesser-Known Beaches
If My Khe is too crowded, here are three options that Da Nang locals often retreat to during the holidays—still beautiful, fully equipped, but significantly less crowded.
- Nam O Beach is about 14km North of the center. It is a pristine beach with few shops, featuring a reef near the shore suitable for snorkeling. You should go early to avoid the sun and take advantage of the clearest water. Note: there are no umbrella rental services here, so you need to bring your own gear.
- Tien Sa Beach is about 8-10km from My Khe. The water is crystal clear and much quieter, making it convenient to combine with a visit to Linh Ung Pagoda or Ban Co Peak for a complete half-day trip. The road to Son Tra has many sharp curves; beginners should not drive large cars.
- Man Thai Beach is located just South of My Khe, near the foot of Son Tra. This is truly a “local secret”: the beach connects to My Khe but is about 50% emptier, with sand just as fine. The waves are calmer, making it suitable for families with young children. This area has several small local-style seafood restaurants with prices 20-30% cheaper than the central area.
The April 30th holiday in Da Nang is still very much worth visiting—you just need to plan for the right time, the right place, and in the right way. Hopefully, these suggestions help you avoid the crowds and still have a memorable trip.