An Thuong (My Khe Beach)

An Thuong is Da Nang''s primary expat neighborhood, centered around the stunning My Khe Beach — consistently ranked among Asia''s most beautiful. The area has developed rapidly into a hub for digital nomads, retirees, and families drawn by the combination of beach lifestyle, low cost of living, and improving infrastructure. The Korean community is the largest foreign group, with Korean restaurants, shops, and signage visible throughout. The expat social scene revolves around beach bars, cafes, and the growing number of coworking spaces. An Thuong''s pedestrian street has become the evening social hub, with restaurants, bars, and street food creating a lively atmosphere. For families, the beach provides a daily playground, and the community of international parents is growing. The Vietnamese community remains the backbone, with local markets and traditional life continuing alongside expat-oriented businesses.

My Khe Beach is the main recreational asset — a 6 km sweep of white sand with warm, swimmable water for most of the year. Surfing is good from September to March when the swells pick up. The beachfront promenade runs the length of the coast, perfect for walking, running, and cycling. Several beach sports clubs offer volleyball, football, and water sports. The Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) are just south, offering hiking, cave exploration, and cultural visits. Several gyms and yoga studios serve the area. For families, the beach is the daily activity, with playgrounds along the promenade. Swimming pools at the numerous hotels are often available with day passes. The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture provides cultural recreation. Weekend trips to Hoi An (30 minutes south) and the Ba Na Hills add variety.

Getting around An Thuong and Da Nang is easy and affordable. Motorbike rental ($30-50/month) is the most common expat transport. Grab (ride-hailing) works excellently for both motorbike and car rides at very low cost. The beachfront area is flat and walkable within the immediate neighborhood. Da Nang International Airport is remarkably close — just 10-15 minutes — making this one of the most airport-convenient beach neighborhoods in Asia. The new Da Nang bus system is developing but not yet comprehensive. Cycling is feasible on quieter streets and the promenade. The Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, and other crossings connect the beach side to the city center (10-15 minutes). Taxis are cheap and metered. The compact city layout means most destinations are within 20 minutes.

Daily life in An Thuong centers on the beach and the growing cafe culture. Mornings often start with a swim or beach walk, followed by coffee at one of the many specialty cafes. Grocery shopping is split between local markets (cho) for fresh produce and Vinmart/Lotte Mart for imported goods. The dining scene is excellent and remarkably affordable — Vietnamese pho and banh mi for under $2, or Korean BBQ, Japanese, and Western food for a few dollars more. Healthcare is improving, with family medical practices and the Vinmec International Hospital in Da Nang providing modern care. International schools including the International School of Da Nang serve expat families. Apartments range from basic Vietnamese units to modern furnished condos with ocean views. Internet is fast and cheap (fiber widely available). The cost of living is a major draw — families can live well on budgets that would barely cover rent in Western cities.

An Thuong has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season (March-August) brings hot, sunny weather with temperatures of 30-38 degrees C and excellent beach conditions. The wet season (September-February) sees heavy rain, particularly October-November, when typhoons can affect the coast. Sea conditions during the wet season can be rough, with red flag swimming warnings common. The transition months (March, September) offer a good balance. Humidity is high year-round (75-85%). The coastal position provides sea breezes that moderate the heat. UV exposure is intense — sunscreen is essential. Air quality is generally good thanks to the coastal winds. The wet season, while challenging, keeps prices lower and crowds thinner. Air conditioning is essential from April through September.