An Thuong: Da Nang's Café and Expat Quarter
Explore An Thuong in Da Nang, the compact beachside district of international cafés, craft beer bars, small hotels and seafood restaurants a few minutes from My Khe Beach.
An Thuong: Da Nang's Café and Expat Quarter
An Thuong is a compact grid of streets just inland from My Khe Beach that has become the unofficial tourist and expat quarter of Da Nang. Its numbered streets, An Thuong 1 to 4 and beyond, are lined with cafés, bars, small hotels, restaurants, laundries and shops, and the area has a relaxed, international atmosphere. It sits only a few hundred meters from the sea, which makes it a popular and convenient base for visitors.
The district grew up in the 2010s as Da Nang's tourism took off, and many of its businesses were opened by expats and returning Vietnamese. Today it is a mix of local and foreign-owned places, with a good range of international food alongside Vietnamese eateries. The streets are quiet compared with the main beach road, and the pace is relaxed, with a mix of backpackers, digital nomads, families and long-term residents.
Cafés are a highlight. Coffee in Vietnam is a point of pride, and An Thuong has a good selection of places serving traditional Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk, as well as specialty espresso and pour-over drinks. Many cafés are in converted houses with garden seating, and some double as co-working spaces with fast Wi-Fi. Fresh juices, smoothie bowls and brunches are widely available and affordable.
For eating, An Thuong has everything from street-side stalls to well-known restaurants. Local places serve banh mi, mi quang and fresh seafood, while international spots offer pizza, burgers, Mexican food, Indian curries and Korean barbecue. Prices are generally low, though higher than in the old town markets, and many restaurants cater to different diets, including vegetarian and vegan options.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Cafés | Vietnamese iced coffee, specialty espresso and brunch in garden houses |
| Restaurants | Local and international food at low to moderate prices |
| Nightlife | Craft beer bars, rooftop venues and live music, relaxed rather than rowdy |
| Services | Laundry, bike rental, tours, surf lessons and pharmacies within a short walk |
Walk a few blocks inland from the main An Thuong strip for local restaurants with cheaper prices. Bowls of mi quang and plates of com ga often cost half as much as at the cafés near the beach.
In the evenings, the area becomes a social hub. Bars and craft beer pubs open onto the street, with small tables and live music, and there are rooftop venues with sea views. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than rowdy, and it is easy to meet other travelers. Some venues host quiz nights, board games and live sports, and happy hours are common.
Accommodation is plentiful and good value. Small boutique hotels, serviced apartments and hostels fill the streets, and many are within a five-minute walk of the beach. Prices range from budget dorm beds to comfortable mid-range rooms with pools, and long-stay discounts are common. Booking ahead is wise in the dry season, between February and August, when the area fills with visitors.
Services for longer stays are easy to find. The district has laundries, pharmacies, small supermarkets, bike and scooter rental shops, tailors, massage places and travel agents. Several surf shops and dive operators offer lessons and trips, and many places can arrange tours to Hoi An, Ba Na Hills and the Marble Mountains. English is widely spoken, and prices are posted openly.
Getting around from An Thuong is straightforward. The beach is a short walk away, Grab can reach any part of the city within minutes, and the Dragon Bridge and city center are about 10 to 15 minutes by car. The streets are walkable and fairly safe, though motorbikes can be fast, and sidewalks are often used for parking and stalls.
An Thuong suits travelers who want convenience and a social atmosphere rather than traditional Vietnamese character. It is not the place to find old temples or markets, but it is an easy, friendly base with plenty of options, close to the beach, and a good place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Many visitors who plan a few nights end up staying for a week or more.
Safety and etiquette are straightforward. The district is safe for visitors, but motorbike thieves occasionally snatch phones and bags from pedestrians near the road, so carry belongings on the side away from traffic and avoid walking while looking at your phone. Haggling is not necessary in most restaurants and cafés where prices are posted, though it is expected when renting scooters or booking tours, so compare a few quotes before committing. Tipping is appreciated but not expected.
Day trips are easy to arrange from An Thuong. Many tour operators and guesthouses offer transfers and small-group trips to Hoi An, Ba Na Hills, the Marble Mountains and the Hai Van Pass, and booking the day before is usually enough. Surf shops and dive operators can organize lessons and excursions, and a cooking class or market tour is a good way to spend a morning. Reading recent reviews before you pay helps you avoid operators who change plans or add hidden costs.
