The sunset varies from place to place. If the sunset in Phú Quốc is the sun sinking straight down into the sea, then the sunset in Đà Nẵng is a symphony of Sea – Mountain – River – City.
In Đà Nẵng, the sun rises in the direction of the sea (East) and sets in the direction of the mountains (West). This creates a strange visual effect: When the sun dips behind the mountains in the West, the sky of Đà Nẵng does not darken immediately but shifts to a brilliantly lilac pink (Lilac Sky), reflecting onto the water and creating a scene like in the movie La La Land.
Don’t let your camera rest, and prepare a beautiful soul to come to the first coordinates.
SON TRA MARINA – A SMALL SANTORINI
Style: Glamorous, Mediterranean, Million-like check-in.
If you have been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram about Đà Nẵng lately, you have surely seen this place. Sơn Trà Marina is nestled beside Tiên Sa port, leaning against Monkey Mountain and facing Đà Nẵng Bay.
Why this place?
This is the only place in Đà Nẵng where you can admire the sunset against a backdrop of pure white buildings, accented by the signature blue domes of Santorini (Greece).
The most beautiful moment is around 5:30 PM. As the afternoon sun weakens, the bright golden light filters through the vaulted windows, bouncing off the white walls to create a strong contrast. You hold a glass of orange cocktail, sitting on the railing, with luxury yachts swaying behind you. The feeling at that moment? Can only be summed up in the word "Luxury".
Insider Tips:
Prime location: Try to grab a spot on the rooftop without a covering. This is the best place to catch the wind and light.
Drinks: Try the Shredded Coconut or Tropical Cocktail. The sweet, cool taste will soothe the lingering heat of the evening.
THUAN PHUOC BRIDGE & OBAMA ROCK BEACH – INDUSTRIAL AND WILD BEAUTY
Style: Cinematic, Rough, Sad Romantic.
If Sơn Trà Marina is too crowded and noisy, I will take you back a bit to the foot of Thuan Phuoc Bridge – the longest cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam.
Why this place?
This is the intersection between the Han River and the East Sea (sea gate). The sunset here has a very strange beauty, which I call "Industrial". The sun will gradually set behind the undulating mountains of the Hai Van Pass.
Imagine this: You sit on giant sea rock blocks at the foot of the bridge. Above your head are the ropes of Thuan Phuoc Bridge cutting across the sky. In the distance, fishing boats hurry back to port. The wind here is strong, carrying the salty scent.
The feeling of watching the sunset here is very... sad, but it is a wistful, romantic sadness, extremely suitable for those who want to escape the world or couples wanting complete privacy.
Insider Tips:
Don’t forget to bring a light jacket; the sea breeze is no joke.
This area has many vendors selling fried fish balls, sugarcane juice on the sidewalk. Very affordable and delicious.
HAI VAN PASS – "THE MOST HEROIC VIEW IN THE WORLD"
Style: Adventure, Majestic, Freedom.
For souls that can’t sit still. To watch the sunset here, you have to trade a bit of effort in driving, but the reward is priceless.
Why this place?
The sunset on Hai Van Pass is not tranquil; it moves. You ride a motorbike winding through the mountain roads, and the sun races alongside you.
The ideal stop is at Hon Da Cu Rua or roadside cafés halfway up the pass.
From an altitude of 500m above sea level, you can see Đà Nẵng lighting up like a galaxy. Above, the sky transitions from yellow to purple to deep blue. One side is a sheer cliff, and the other is the vast East Sea. The smallness of humans before nature will make all your troubles vanish.
Insider Tips:
Time: Start up the pass from 4:00 PM to choose a nice sitting spot.
Safety: Return before 6:30 PM. Hai Van Pass at night can be quite dark and deserted, so if you're not a proficient rider, don’t stay too late.
DONG XANH LAKE - DONG NGHE – EVENING FALLS ON THE LAKE
Style: Camping, Healing, Serenity.
Leaving the sea, I take you into the forest. About 25km west of Đà Nẵng center, Dong Xanh Lake - Dong Nghe is a real-life watercolor painting.
Why this place?
Unlike the bright colors at the sea, the sunset at the lake has a serene hue. The sun sets behind the surrounding mountains, casting pale golden light onto the flat water like a mirror.
Here, the best activity is to rent a kayak, paddle out to the middle of the lake, and... drift away. You will hear the sounds of birds returning to their nests, fish splashing, and the wind rustling through the cajuput forest.
This is the perfect place to camp overnight. Lighting a campfire and roasting some skewers just as the sun fades is an ultimate "chill" experience.
Insider Tips:
Mobile signals here are a bit weak, so prepare your mind to be "offline" to enjoy nature.
Bring insect repellent.
DANABEACH COLOR – BEACH PARTY
Style: Vibrant, Nightlife, Chill with music.
Returning to the center, right at My Khe beach. If you're too lazy to travel far, want to enjoy the sunset while listening to the pulsing DJ music, then the Beach Bars are the top choice.
Why this place?
Danabeach or Esco Beach is a beach bar model with giant colorful bean bag chairs placed right on the sand.
The sunset here is the transition of life’s rhythm. When the sun just dips below the horizon, the string lights glow bright, the music starts up, and beautiful boys and girls begin to gather. You lie back on the bean bag, your feet buried in the cool sand, holding a cold beer, your eyes watching the sky change color. A perfect combination of nature and party atmosphere.
Insider Tips:
It’s better to go in a large group to have more fun.
This is the easiest place to "forget the way home" because the atmosphere is too lively!
See you in Đà Nẵng on the most vibrant sunset afternoon!
