Xuan Thieu Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam

Xuan Thieu Beach is the quiet west-facing beach on Da Nang Bay historically known as Red Beach because sunrise and sunset can cast a strong reddish glow across the shallow water. It sits in today’s Hai Van Ward, around thirteen kilometres northwest of central Da Nang and roughly three kilometres south of Nam O. Current city tourism material published in January 2026 confirms Xuan Thieu as an active beach destination, while current 2026 travel guides continue to recommend it for swimming, walking, seafood and the unusual bay-side sunset that most of Da Nang’s east-facing beaches cannot offer.

The beach is markedly calmer in atmosphere than My Khe or Pham Van Dong. Da Nang tourism describes fine pale sand, blue water and a quieter setting separated from the densest tourist districts. The name “Red Beach” comes from reflected light at dawn and dusk, when the bay can take on warm red and orange tones. This visual effect is weather-dependent rather than guaranteed, but the west-facing sunset remains one of Xuan Thieu’s strongest attractions.

Current sources also place the beach firmly within Hai Van Ward, replacing older Hoa Hiep Nam / Lien Chieu district labels. The coastline did not move; only the administrative structure changed. Travelers using older maps or hotel directions may still see Lien Chieu, while current tourism information increasingly uses Hai Van Ward. For Travel S Helper, the Da Nang city route remains correct.

Xuan Thieu is a public beach rather than one ticketed attraction. The shoreline can be reached without paying a general admission fee, while private food, parking, camping or watersport services cost extra. The neighboring Mikazuki resort and waterpark have paid facilities of their own and should not be confused with free public beach access. A visitor can enjoy Xuan Thieu without buying a waterpark ticket.

Swimming is one of the standard activities promoted in current guides, but conditions still depend on weather and season. The bay can feel gentler than open east-coast beaches on some days, yet no current source in this research cycle provides a full, continuous lifeguard timetable for the entire Xuan Thieu shore. Use daylight, swim near other bathers and follow local warnings. Strong wind or storms can make a normally calm-looking bay unsuitable.

The beach is especially useful at late afternoon. Sunset over Da Nang Bay and the Hai Van direction provides a different photographic experience from sunrise-focused My Khe. Morning remains pleasant for exercise and quiet swimming. Midday is hot and more exposed. Current tourism material recommends the dry period, especially around April to June, for more predictable beach conditions, but visitors should still check the daily forecast.

Local seafood is part of the experience. Current Da Nang guides mention simple seafood restaurants around Xuan Thieu, and the Nguyen Tat Thanh coastal road has small seafood markets and local eateries. Prices and opening hours vary by vendor. Ask the price before ordering seafood by weight and do not assume that resort restaurant pricing applies to local stalls or vice versa.

Transport is easy by taxi, ride-hailing, motorbike or private car along Nguyen Tat Thanh. The beach is outside the central tourism core but not remote. It also combines naturally with Nam O, Kim Lien and a drive toward Hai Van Pass. A current map is useful because the coastline is long and visitors may want a specific public access point rather than the entrance to a private resort.

A normal beach visit lasts two to four hours. Sunset-focused visitors can arrive in mid-to-late afternoon, walk, swim if conditions are suitable and stay through dusk. Families may spend longer if using nearby food or paid leisure facilities. The beach itself does not need a full-day commitment unless it is part of a relaxed bay-side itinerary.

Xuan Thieu has also been developed for tourism since its earlier military-era history, with modern services now operating around the coast. That development should not be mistaken for a single controlled resort. Public shore, private businesses and large attractions coexist, and each has different access rules and prices.

Accessibility depends on the selected access point. Paved roads and resort-adjacent approaches are easier, but sand is not universally adapted. No continuous wheelchair-to-water system was verified.

Xuan Thieu Beach is best for travelers who want a quieter Da Nang coast, sunset over the bay and local seafood rather than the busiest tourist strip. Use the current Hai Van Ward identity, keep public beach access separate from paid resort attractions, and plan swimming around actual sea conditions rather than the beach’s reputation for calm water.

The western-bay setting also means sunset is easier to see directly over the water than on Da Nang’s east-facing tourist beaches. That is the most distinctive reason to choose Xuan Thieu when time is limited: go for a calm local atmosphere and evening light rather than a large beach-club scene.