Da Nang is home to a lot of beaches, but many of them have grown to be quite crowded. If you want to unwind at a beach with fewer people, Black Rock Beach, a hidden gem with a lot to offer, is an ideal destination.
1. About Black Rock Beach Vietnam: Location, names
Black Rock Beach is located on the north bank of Son Tra Peninsula, about 12 kilometers away from the city center. You can get here by car, motorbike, or boat.
This Da Nang beach goes by a couple of different names: Da Beach, Son Tra Black Rock Beach, and Obama Rock Beach. This beach stands out with its unique slabs of black stones, hence the names!
- Da Den Beach: This is the name of the beach in Vietnamese. “Da Den” is a direct translation of “Black Rock”.
- Da Beach: This is because the beach lies near a famous banyan tree (da in Vietnamese) in Son Tra.
- Son Tra Black Rock Beach: As you can probably guess, it is called this way because it is a part of Son Tra Peninsula.
- Obama Rock Beach: Even though the former U.S. President has never been to this beach, the locals gave it this name to make it more appealing to visitors.
>>> Read more: Da Nang Vietnam beaches – 11+ HOTTEST places for beachgoers
2. Things to do at Black Rock Beach in Da Nang City
2.1. Wander around and capture great moments of nature
Go for a walk and take in the area’s natural beauty. Whether you are exploring the slabs of stones or admiring the clear waters, there is no better way to enjoy the surroundings than by simply wandering around.
Start at one end of the beach and walk your way toward the other. Let all the sights, sounds, and smells imprint in your mind and heart. If you are worried about forgetting these invaluable moments, snap some photos for keepsakes!
It is best to start wandering at 5 PM, as this is when the sun is about to set. The sky changing into all sorts of colors will be quite a sight!
2.2. Relax your body by swimming in cool water
Under the heat of Da Nang, there is nothing more refreshing than making a splash at this beach. You can swim or simply just float around and relax. Take in the freshness of the water to unwind and let the waves wash away any burden on your shoulders.
However, you should be mindful of the stones. Pay attention when you are splashing around, so you will not slip or jam your feet and injure yourself. There can also be oysters on the beach floor, and it can be very inconvenient if you step on them.
2.3. Explore the underwater world by snorkeling
You can get more out of Black Rock Beach by snorkeling. It is a thrilling activity that will give your eyes a treat, a fantastic way to glimpse into the underwater world and explore the treasures of the sea. The clear water makes it possible to admire all the colorful coral reefs without diving too deep.
There are inexpensive tour services that will walk you through everything you need to go snorkeling. You will be taken to a spot for diving, given the appropriate gear, and guided on how to start exploring.
2.4. Join a lot of interesting and thrilling activities
For those who love the thrill, there are activities like canoe racing and high-speed motor boating. They are great if you like a challenge.
If you prefer calmer activities, you can roll up your sleeves and go hunting for snails. They usually hide under large rocks. Try to collect as many different types of snails as possible here!
Another activity that you can do is fishing. There are fishing rods available for rent in the area. Afterward, you can also cook your fresh catch.
2.5. Experience overnight camping at the beach
This is particularly popular for young travelers enjoying their time at Black Rock Beach. There is a flat area where you can pitch a tent, make a campfire, and cook. In addition, you can play team-building games or just sit and chat with a view.
If you do not have a tent, you can rent one at the shops in the city center. Another option for staying overnight at the beach is renting a hut. The price will range from 300,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND, depending on how big you want it and how many people you are looking to accommodate.
3. When and how should you visit Black Rock Beach?
The best time to visit Black Rock Beach is between March and September, when the weather is most pleasant.
You should come to the beach in the early morning or late afternoon. It is best to avoid the evening, as the area tends to be slippery and dangerous around these hours.
Going at dawn or dusk is also an option. At this time of the day, you can admire the beach’s gorgeous scenery.
Regarding how to get to Black Rock Beach, there are two routes that you can take: the road or the waterway.
- Road: You can take the route Yet Kieu – Ngo Quyen – National Road 14B to get to the Golden Sand Beach resort. From here, continue for about 300 meters to get to the parking spot. Continue walking for roughly 500 meters.
- Waterway: Boat along Han River to Tien Sa Wharf, then pass the Tien Sa tourist area to reach Black Rock Beach.
Accordingly, you can get to the beach by taxi, motorbike, or boat.
- By taxi: This is the most convenient means, but the cost to get from the city center to the beach can be slightly high. A two-way drive might cost about 400,000 VND. Another downside is that you are only able to go to the parking spot if you are traveling by car and thus need to walk to the beach.
- By motorbike: This is the ideal option for those who prefer to ride to the beach themselves. However, note that the roads can be rugged, thus you should be extra careful on the way.
- By boat: This is an exciting way to get to Black Rock Beach. You can buy tickets at the Han River port and cruise to the beach while sightseeing along the way. Like going by car, you will still need to do some walking to actually get to the beach.
>>> Explore My Khe Beach, another alluring place in Da Nang!
4. What to prepare for a trip to Black Rock Beach Da Nang?
To ensure that you have the best experience at Black Rock Beach, note the following:
- Nice outfits: It would be a waste to not take photos in a place as breathtaking as this. Make sure you pack many pretty outfits to pose for the cameras!
- Summer accessories: Bring a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats to avoid the harsh sun rays. You can also take a light cardigan along to cover your arms or lap while sitting on the stone slabs admiring the waters.
- Swimwear and gear: You will need a swimsuit to hit the water. Consider bringing goggles, swim caps, towels, and a change of clothes as well. A beach ball or water gun can also be fun to bring along.
- Camping equipment: If you are camping overnight, bring a tent, flashlight, sleeping bag, cooking tools, and some food and beverages. You can also bring some entertainment items, like a guitar or Bluetooth speaker.
5. Other must-see tourist attractions near Black Rock Beach
Besides Black Rock Beach, you can visit many other popular attractions close by, including Golden Sand Beach, Suoi Om Waterfall, and Linh Ung Pagoda.
- Golden Sand Beach (Cat Vang Beach): Blessed by Mother Nature with a stretch of fine golden sand, this is another beach worth visiting in Da Nang. You can come here to enjoy the cool water and engage in many other fun activities like fishing, snorkeling, and ziplining. While you are here, you might be lucky enough to catch sight of the precious brown-shanked douc langur, which is an endangered species.
- Suoi Om Waterfall: Located on Son Tra Peninsula, Suoi Om is a small stream with crystal-clear water flowing all year round. Surrounding it are lush greenery and diverse flora, making it a must-see attraction for nature lovers. At Suoi Om, you can wander around to clear your mind and soak in the sun. It is a wonderful place to come and unwind.
- Linh Ung Pagoda: About 12 kilometers away from Black Rock Beach, this pagoda is another favorite attraction of Da Nang. Here, you can marvel at many unique constructions and statues, including a 67-meter-tall statue of Avalokitesvara. Linh Ung Pagoda is also a holy site for you to come pray for good things.
From Da Nang, it is easy for you to visit two other famous tourist destinations nearby: Hoi An Ancient Town and Hue.
In Hue, you can explore the complex of the imperial citadel, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy some of Central Vietnam’s most flavorful delicacies.
Meanwhile in Hoi An, you can have fun at the VinWonders Nam Hoi An entertainment complex, which has an amusement park, water park, safari, and more. There are also workshops, shows, and exhibitions for you to learn more about Hoi An’s culture at VinWonders Nam Hoi An.
Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An here
Black Rock Beach is a great place to visit and get immersed in nature’s untouched beauty. You can swim in the cool water, play water sports, go snorkeling or snail-catching, and even camp overnight to fully explore the area. Your itinerary should definitely include this mesmerizing Da Nang beach, along with the nearby Hoi An and Hue!
Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An here