Da Nang Outdoor Adventures (Da Nang, Vietnam)

ABOUT THE SURF CAMP

Da Nang is the epicenter of surfing in Vietnam, thanks to its warm climate and long stretches of beach with great waves that break all year round. Surf season in Da Nang is around October to March, where average water temperatures are 80°F (27 °C).  The beach is the most popular area for surfing among expats and is growing in popularity among the locals.

My Khe Beach, also known as China Beach, has a long sandy coast that stretches 18 miles (30 kilometers) southward from Da Nang center.  Surfing in Da Nang is popular on My Khe, My An, and Non Nuoc beaches as they offer somewhat reliable surf on beautiful white sand beaches. The two to four foot breaks and sand bottom make for good conditions for beginners and experts alike. All surfers should be aware that My Khe breaks far from the shore and has a strong riptide. Surfers should only paddle out here if they’re confident they can make it back in negotiating riptides.

The conditions are perfect for beginners to learn the sport, but there are occasional dangerous rips for thrill-seekers. Nam O Point and Lang Co Beach are two other popular spots in Da Nang with high-quality waves to get your surf on. 

All of our courses and classes are open to everyone from 5 to 85 years old.  Some swimming ability is needed for all the water sports activities. 

Da Nang Outdoor Adventures was founded by Eoin Kinsella, an Outdoor Adventure Sports Instructor from Ireland with over 18 years’ experience in the industry.  Eoin graduated from the Outdoor Adventure Management Course (known as the Shackleton Course) in Colaiste Dhulaigh in Dublin in the 2002 and he has been surfing and kayaking around Vietnam since 2011.   After surfing in Da Nang and discovering some beautiful empty peaks down the coast he decided that he wanted to share his memorable experience with other travelers. He decided that one of the core mission of Da Nang Outdoor Adventures would be to provide activities for people of all ages and backgrounds in Da Nang.

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING

Here at Da Nang Outdoor Adventures we realise that our customers can have many different needs when it comes to accommodation so we have made a personalized selection of local accommodation in Da Nang with a perfect balance in between price & quality. When you stay in Da Nang we offer a choice between Rom Casa and Da Nang Holiday Beach Hotel. When you take a surf tour we will be staying in local hotels along the coast with a choice of budget to luxury accommodation.

Rom Casa

A unique, renovated and comfortably furnished container home located two blocks from the world famous My Khe beach and just around the corner from our shop, with dorms and private rooms that are perfect for groups, couples, or solo-travelers.  Ideally located between the Han River and Da Nang’s best beaches (300 m from My An Beach), ROM Casa gives you access to all that the city has to offer and is easy to reach with the international airport only 5km away. Made out of renovated shipping containers, the hostel offers all the necessary facilities in an amazingly stylish environment. A sophisticated decor combining a traditional countryside design to an industrial and modern look. The hostel offers a lot of common areas to relax in. You can read a book on our rooftop terrace, bask in the sun by our container pool or you can join the fun playing with our board games or foosball table. In the mood for a little more excitement, you can sip your cocktails, gaze at the stars and enjoy a good old BBQ with your feet in the sand in our outdoor bar. Da Nang is our “home sweet home” and we love to share it with you.

Da Nang Beach Hotel

Conveniently located by the East Sea, Da Nang Beach Hotel features free internet access with air-conditioned rooms and cable TV. Some comes with a mini fridge and coffee/tea making facilities. Newspapers and hairdryers are provided (as per guest’s request).  The hotel offers a safe Reception and laundry service. In-room massage services are available upon request. Local seafood restaurants are just nearby. Da Nang International Airport and the city center is less than 15-minute drive from the hotel. Tours and other travel arrangements can be booked at the hotel’s Reception.

Facilities of Da Nang Beach Hotel:
Working desk, Non-smoking rooms, Express check-in/check-out, Safety deposit box (as per guest’s request), Free fibre Wi-Fi and Parking outside.

Surf Tours Accommodation

For our surf tours we will be staying in different hotels and Guest houses along the coast. The  hotels will vary depending on which package you choose. 

There are many different restaurants and cafes in the An Thuong area so there is no shortage of choices. We would recommend the Night Market on An Thuong 4 where you can find food stalls from all over the world or Burger Bros which has the best burger and fries in Da Nang. There are also a wide range of Vietnamese restaurants in the area especially seafood restaurants with some lovely fresh fish and shellfish. 

SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES

Da Nang Outdoor Adventures offers lessons for surfers of all abilities, from first-time surfers to advanced surfers looking to improve.

Surf Lessons – 2 Hours - $38 per person

Our surf lesson will cover all aspects of learning how to surf including an introduction to surfing and the equipment used. We will teach the basic surf techniques from the pop up on a board to paddling and how to catch a wave and surf safety. Our qualified instructor will demonstrate how to catch a wave before you hit the water and catch some great waves. Our lessons are Two Hours Long so that we have time to cover all aspects of surfing need to get you catching the waves. We will also take some photos and video on our GoPro that we will send to you after.

Our surf lessons run every day, Morning - 10am to 12pm and Afternoon - 2:30pm to 4:30pm and are very much swell and weather dependent.  If the waves are too big for surf lessons on My Khe beach, we will move up the beach towards Son Tra to find smaller waves.

Sample Surf Lesson Itinerary

9:50AM Meet at the D.N.O.A Shop

Meet up with the Instructor at the Da Nang Outdoor Adventures. Get your surfboard and leash. We will provide a rash vest or a wetsuit depending on the conditions.

Make sure to put on some sun cream and wear a hat because it gets quite warm in Da Nang

10:00AM Walk to the Beach

We will take a short walk down to beach (about 5 minutes) to start the lesson.

10:05 AM – 10:25AM Introduction to Surfing

We will do some warm up exercises and an introduction to surfing followed by a demonstration by the Instructor

 10:25AM – 11.50 AM: Surf the Waves!

You will spend this time catching the waves and learning how to Surf

 11:55 AM - Return to the Shop

After the lesson we will head back to the shop.

 Surf Course Package  - 3 x Two Hour Lessons - $110 per person

 Our Surf Course package will cover all aspects of learning how to surf in 3 x Two hour lessons over 2 or 3 days. You can join one of our daily group surf lessons in the morning or the afternoon to learn how to surf and about the equipment used. For the three-day package we will move beyond the basics of surfing and work on turns, water safety and wave knowledge and improve your pop up and stance on the board as well as your paddling. Our qualified instructor will demonstrate how to catch a wave before you hit the water and catch some great waves. Our lessons are Two hours Long so that we have time to cover all aspects of surfing need to get you catching the waves. We will also take some photos and video on our gopro that we will send to you after. The itinerary for the surf lessons is the same as the daily surf lessons.

We have a range of epoxy and fiberglass short boards & fish as well as soft-top and foamie surfboards for rent which are great for the small to medium size beach break waves here in Da Nang.  

 We have a range of other activities available when there’s no waves, a few of our most popular activities are Kayak and Snorkel Tours, Kayaking Splash & Dash and Surf & Kayak Lessons. We also have a wide range of surfboards, bodyboards, kayaks, skimboards and a couple of skateboards for rent.

Kayak & Snorkel Tour - $55 per person

Experience the beautiful Vietnamese coast and go for a snorkel on a Kayak & Snorkel Tour with our knowledgeable guides. Our unique Kayak & Snorkel Tour, which last approximately 3 hours, allow you to actively enjoy and explore Da Nang natural beauty without dedicating an entire day. This trip has a strong emphasis on fun and enjoyment. We will show you natural beauty and tranquility of kayaking along My Khe beach as you take in the sights and sounds of Da Nang from the water. We hope you will have a great time with a group of people in a beautiful area. Like all of our 1/2 day trips we paddle at a relaxed pace and pause often to enjoy views, stories and wildlife.

Kayaking Splash & Dash - $30 per person

Our Kayaking Splash & Dash Sessions are not only fun, but they also help to develop self-confidence through the acquisition of a new skill. It’s a great way to bond as a family or group and you get to see a different side of Da Nang. Kayaking Splash & Dash sessions are great activities for developing team work, communication skills and self-reliance. We will take you through all you need to know to get you paddling like a pro!

Surf & Kayak - $45 per person

The Kayak and Surf package is the best of both worlds where you get a taster of 2 different water activities. Kayaking is not only fun, but it also helps to develop self-confidence through the acquisition of a new skill. Our Kayaking sessions are great activities for developing team work, communication skills and self-reliance. After kayaking you can learn how to surf on the beautiful My Khe beach with one of our qualified Instructor

Rentals

We have a range of epoxy and fiberglass short boards & fish as well as soft-top and foamie surfboards for rent which are great for the small to medium size beach break waves here in Da Nang.  

Soft-Top Surfboard Rental Prices

Short Board/ Long Board Rental Prices

MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ

Breaks directly at the main spot and at nearby spots

My Khe in Da Nang is an exposed beach break that has reasonably consistent surf. Winter is the optimum time of year for surfing here. Offshore winds blow from the west with some shelter here from northeast winds. Usually gets local wind swells, but groundswells do happen and the optimum wave angle is from the northeast. Waves at the beach break both left and right. It's sometimes crowded here.

Cue Dai is a steep beach break which, when it works, builds a swell big enough to create some nice waves if the conditions are right. It’s about a 25-minute drive down to Cua Dai from Da Nang.  The spot works best from May-October when the southwest wind funnels swell into the coastline.

Nam O Point in Da Nang is an exposed left point break that has great surf and is about 20-minute drive from My Khe Beach. Winter is the best time of year for surfing here. Ideal winds are from the west southwest with some shelter here from northeast winds. Waves more likely to break on big groundswell from typhoons rather than from local wind swells and the ideal wave angle is from the northeast.

Seasonal conditions

Vietnam has waves for many months of the year but the best time is between October to March when we get fairly consistent winter swells coming in and there is always something to surf. This is primarily from the NE Monsoon which provides lots of wind swell from the ENE to NE.  Good for all types of boards, although it can be tough for learning, since the sea can be a bit rough. If the waves are too big for surf lessons, we will move up the beach towards Son Tra to find smaller waves.  From December to February a spring suit keeps you warm enough on cloudy days.

April to September: The temperatures go up and the size of the waves goes down. This is a very good time for beginner or improver who surf a fun/longboard. No wetsuit needed – just a lot of sun cream!

Typhoon season June to October: Although there is some shadowing of the pacific swell by the Philippines we do get some Typhoons that come into the South China Sea and make landfall in Southern China or even hit Vietnam. These typhoons bring nice long period ground swells to the coast of Vietnam which lights up all the spots along the beach and beyond. Most typhoons active are between July and September – don’t miss this unique chance of surfing great waves. This is the best time to chase the long period typhoon swells and score some unbelievable waves.

Crowd factor and local people

It can be busy during the summer and autumn months but it’s a long 30km of beach so there’s no shortage of sandbars and plenty of room for everyone.

Characterization of surroundings/region

Da Nang city is the third largest city in Vietnam, Da Nang is in close proximity to Hue – 2 hours from the North and Hoi An – 30 minutes South, which makes it a perfect stop point for those who need a break from tourist areas. Da Nang is growing into one of the most organized urban areas with attractive beaches front villas on the one side and Han river flowing on the other.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN DA NANG:

Explore Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra Peninsula looms to the North of My Khe Beach with its densely forested hillsides which are home an abundance of wildlife and is a World Heritage Site. Why not explore the headland and try to spot some of the many striking primates such as rhesus macaques, long-tailed macaques, pygmy lorises, and the endangered red shanked douc langur -- one of the world’s most striking primates. Grab some binoculars, hire a motorbike, and head out for a day of wildlife spotting.

Learn about Cham culture

A couple of hours outside of Da Nang lies My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed complex of abandoned temples dating from the 4th to the 14th century. Hidden among the jungle, some towers are overgrown and many are in ruin, but enough remains to whisk you back in time. To learn more about Cham culture, visit the superb Cham Museum of Sculpture in Da Nang, home to the largest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. 

Dine on street food

Da Nang is a dream destination for foodies, with scores of seafront eateries serving every night of the week. Banh mi—the Vietnamese baguette—is taken to a new level here. Mi quang is another delight and every Da Nang local will offer an opinion on where to find the best. Each bowl features yellow rice noodles, pork, shrimp, and a flavour-infused broth topped off with chopped peanuts, quail eggs and plenty of fresh herbs.  

Activities and facilities

Da Nang Outdoor Adventures will take you to the best surf zones, were you will find amazing surfing spots away from the crowds and in safe conditions, good for beginners or experienced surfers alike.

We have qualified staff watching over you at all times and will be happy to teach you the basics of surfing and have a great Surf Camp experience. 

We rent all kinds of surfboards, bodyboards, skimboards and Kayaks at the Da Nang Outdoor Adventures Surf Shop or we can meet you the beach at My Khe. 

Ways to get to the camp

As its in Central Vietnam, Da Nang is well served by various means of transportation.

By Air

Daily flights come in and out of Da Nang International Airport and connect the city with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Da Lat. One-way flight costs between $60 and $90 depending on the destinations and how well in advance you book your ticket. Check out Vietnam airlines or Air Asia for the best prices.

By Bus

There are frequent bus every half hour or so between Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An. You can either head to the bus terminal to purchase your local bus ticket, or contact one of the travel agencies in Bach Dang Street. Check out bus guide.

There is a large Da Nang intercity bus station at Dien Bien Phu street which is 3km west from the city center. There are bus destinations to all major centers including Dong Hoi (56,000 VND, five hours, six daily), Quy Nhon (65, 000 VND, six hours, 11 daily) Hue (40,000VND, three hours, six daily) and Kon Tum (85,000VND, five hours, three daily). There are also daily buses to Hoi An cost 8,000 VND and take one hour) which depart from the local bus station. 

By Train

Danang is an important stop for both North-bound and South-bound train. The train trip is lengthy to both Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, but many train cars are equipped with soft sleeper and air-conditioner. The ride across Hai Van Pass is an extremely photogenic one so make sure you are close to the window.

Train to Danang is served by Reunification Express trains. There are stops at Hue (40.000VND, three hours, seven daily), Lang Co (13,000VND, two hours, four daily), Quang Ngai (47,000VND, four hour, six daily), Tuy Hoa (153,000VND, seven hours, five daily) and Nha Trang (204.000VND,10 hours, seven daily)

You can find more information about  getting to Vietnam and Da Nang and about things to do in Da Nang on the Vietnam Online Website

Important details

Most visitors to Vi?t Nam need a visa to enter the country. Visas are exempted for the citizens of the countries, which have signed a bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreement with Vi?t Nam, tourist visa may be valid for 15 to 30 days. A valid passport and a visa are required for all foreigners visiting Vietnam. Vietnam Visas are issued by Vietnamese embassies and consulates or Vietnam Department of Immigration. Some overseas offices of Vietnam Tourism and Vietnam Airlines are able to issue tourist visas.

Tourist visa can be obtained from Vietnamese embassies, consulates abroad or by applying Online to one of the many Vietnam visa websites. Otherwise, you can get a visa at the border gates if you are invitees of some Vietnamese competent organs or you are travelling on a package tour organized by Vietnamese travel companies. To apply for a visa, the requirements are as follows:

-Entry permit form (which can vary from one Vietnamese embassies or consulate abroad to another) - There are two categories of this form: for foreigners and for Vietnamese overseas.
- Two photos (4cmx6cm or 3cmx4cm)
- Original passport
- Visa fee.

You should send your application and photos to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate abroad, which is most convenient to you. On your requirement, the reply will be returned by post (you must provide stamped envelopes with your name and address). 
It is easier to get your visa from a Vietnamese travel agency. The necessary information to the travel agency include:

- Full name
- Birthday and place of birth
- Nationality
- Job
- Number of your passport
- Entry and exit dates
- Country you plan to receive your entry visa from the Vietnamese embassies or consulates

Vietnamese overseas are required to provide more information:

- Year and reason to leave Vi?t Nam
- Leave Vi?t Nam by means
- Full names and addresses of relations in Vi?t Nam 

Visa exceptions can be found here on Vietnam Travel.

PACKAGES & PRICES

This package includes:
We have daily surf tours running during the surf season from September through to March. We will take you to the best local spot depending on the wind and swell direction. With a range of different options within a 50km area North and South. We have short hop tours around the Da Nang area, heading north towards Son Tra Peninsula or South towards Hoi An.  For those who would like to spend a bit more time surfing we have a long hop day tour which will take you to two or more spots (depending on the weather!)

This package includes:

2 x surf Sessions with our surf guides
All surfboards and wet suits. 
Beach BBQ or Buffet Lunch 
All transport 
Trip over the beautiful Hai Van Pass with a chance to take some photos! 

Price  
Half Day Tour   $35
Full Day Tour   $75 

This package includes:
Our 3 Day Surf Tour introduces surfers into the stunning scenery of the Vietnamese coastline and the beautiful empty breaks that you will find. This adventure will begin with our professional guides when we leave Da Nang and begin the most memorable surf trip of your life.

This package includes:
A/C 
single/shared rooms 
private bathroom 
3 meals a day
All surfboards and wet suits. 
Beach BBQ or Buffet Lunch 
All transport 
Tours to  surf spots , 
Sightseeing stops along the way. 

Price $300 per person

 This package includes:
Our 5 Day Surf Tour introduces surfers into the stunning scenery of the Vietnamese coastline and the beautiful empty breaks that you will find. This adventure will begin with our professional guides when we leave Da Nang and begin the most memorable surf trip of your life.

This package includes:
A/C 
single/shared rooms 
private bathroom 
3 meals a day
All surfboards and wet suits. 
Beach BBQ or Buffet Lunch 
All transport 
Tours to  surf spots , 
Sightseeing stops along the way. 

Price $500 per person