The afternoon breeze blowing through the grass, laughter echoing beside a mat filled with food, and a calm lake reflecting the sky in the distance—that is the image every picnic lover dreams of for the weekend. If you are looking for Da Nang picnic spots that are both beautiful and hidden gems, this city hides many green corners beyond its familiar beaches. Below are 5 Da Nang picnic locations I have compiled, along with practical tips so you don’t have to waste time finding your way.
1. Hoa Trung Lake – A green steppe in the heart of Da Nang
Hoa Trung Lake, Da Nang – The green steppe during the dry season
Hoa Trung Lake is located in Hoa Hiep Bac Ward (Lien Chieu, formerly Hoa Vang area), about 20km from the center. It takes about 40 minutes by motorbike following Au Co Street, passing through Hoa Khanh market, and then heading towards Hoa Ninh parish. During the dry season, the lake bed reveals vast green grass carpets like a miniature steppe—this is also why the lake is likened to a mini version of “Ha Long Bay on land.”
- Cost: Free entrance
- Best for: Families with small children, student groups, photography enthusiasts
- Activities: Picnicking, camping, kayaking
- Tip: Arrive at sunset for the best light; remember to bring a mat or a small tent as the area is quite open with little shade.
2. Luong Stream – Cool breeze at the foot of Hai Van Pass
Luong Stream Da Nang – A cool stream under Hai Van Pass
Located about 15km from the center, Luong Stream is an eco-tourism site situated right at the foot of Hai Van Pass in Hoa Hiep Bac Ward, Lien Chieu. The crystal-clear stream flows through lush green forests, with many resting areas arranged, making it very convenient for groups of friends to bring and layout food. There are also services for renting camping sites, campfires, and ethnic stilt houses if you wish to stay overnight.
- Cost: Entrance fee as regulated on-site; additional fees for camping site or campfire rentals (should inquire directly before going as service prices may change seasonally)
- Best for: Young groups, families wanting to eat and soak their feet to cool off
- Activities: Picnicking, stream soaking, camping, outdoor excursions
- Tip: Wear rubber sandals or backstrap sandals to wade through the stream safely, and avoid peak noon hours as the area is quite open.
3. Bo Bo Pine Forest – Year-round cool atmosphere
Bo Bo Pine Forest Da Nang – A cool picnic spot
If all you need is a mat and some light snacks for a relaxing afternoon, Bo Bo Pine Forest is a simple yet effective choice. This is a favorite spot for Da Nang youth in the summer thanks to the shady pine trees and air that is much fresher than in the city center.
- Cost: Free
- Best for: Groups wanting a gentle picnic without elaborate preparation
- Activities: Picnicking, photography, relaxing
- Tip: Bring a hammock if you want to swing among the pines—this experience is quite “chill” and hard to find elsewhere.
4. Mo Stream – Crystal clear water at the foot of Ba Na Mountains
Mo Stream Da Nang – Clear water lake in Ba Na mountains
Originating from the underground springs of the Ba Na mountain range, Mo Stream flows over mossy rocks creating many clear small lakes. The scenery still retains its primitive character, suitable for those who want to find a quiet corner, less crowded than other famous spots.
- Cost: Needs to be reconfirmed on-site (this area sometimes charges for parking/cleaning, not fixed)
- Best for: Couples, small groups seeking private space
- Activities: Picnicking, stream bathing, photography
- Tip: The entrance path has some bumpy sections, so wear sneakers instead of sandals, and check the weather beforehand as stream water can flow faster after rain.
5. Dong Xanh – Dong Nghe Lake: Poetic landscape
Dong Xanh Dong Nghe Lake Da Nang – Poetic scenery of mountains and water
Known as the “Ha Long Bay on land” of Da Nang, Dong Xanh – Dong Nghe Lake features mountain landscapes surrounding the water, creating a very poetic scene. This is a relatively new spot, not too crowded yet, so it still maintains its tranquility.
- Cost: Needs to be reconfirmed on-site
- Best for: Families, groups wanting to escape the noise
- Activities: Picnicking, sightseeing, photography
- Tip: Should visit in the early morning when the lake surface is still calm and the mist hasn’t fully cleared for the best photos.
What to prepare before a picnic?
These few simple items will make your picnic more complete, especially at wild locations like Mo Stream or Dong Xanh – Dong Nghe Lake, where shops are not always nearby:
- Mat/tarp + thermal bag to keep food from getting hot or damp
- Separate trash bags: most of these spots do not have many trash cans; bringing your trash back is how to preserve the beauty for next time
- Spare drinking water as many spots (Bo Bo, Mo Stream) do not have grocery stores nearby
- Sunscreen + light jacket: mornings in stream/mountain areas are usually a few degrees cooler than the center
- Power bank if you plan to stay until evening to photograph the sunset
Quick Comparison Table
| Location | Distance from Center | Cost | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoa Trung Lake | ~20km | Free | Families, students |
| Luong Stream | ~15km | Entrance + Service fees (Confirm on-site) | Young groups |
| Bo Bo Pine Forest | Closer to center | Free | Gentle picnic |
| Mo Stream | Ba Na area | Needs reconfirmation | Couples, small groups |
| Dong Xanh – Dong Nghe Lake | Outskirts | Needs reconfirmation | Families, quiet groups |
Conclusion
No need to go far; just a weekend morning and a few light snacks are enough for you to find your own green corner right around Da Nang.