Da Nang isn’t just beaches and bridges. Head out at dusk with a squid boat from Tho Quang, or spend a morning at a freshwater lake west of the city, and you get a different side of the region entirely — one that runs on tides and lure light rather than sightseeing buses.
Night squid fishing off Son Tra
Traditional wooden boats leave from Tho Quang Beach, at the base of Son Tra Peninsula, and anchor 3–4 nautical miles offshore. Squid come up to bright lights and glowing plastic shrimp lures rigged on a 2–3m rod — bamboo or ISO with nylon line both work. Peak hours are 6–9pm, and whatever you catch usually gets cooked on board.
Solo or small-group trips run 300,000–500,000 VND per person; a full boat for a group costs 2–5 million VND. Some operators bundle in shellfish fishing, snorkelling, and dinner. Life jackets and nets are provided — bring a jacket or scarf, since it gets cold on the water after sunset even in the tropics.
Cham Islands squid grounds
For a longer trip, the Cham Islands sit 45km offshore, with Hon Mo, Hon Tai, and Hon Dai known as reliable squid spots. These trips typically combine fishing with the islands’ other draw — snorkelling over the reef — since the boat ride out is long enough to justify making a day of it.
Freshwater fishing at Hoa Trung and Dong Xanh Lakes
Hoa Trung Lake has no entrance fee and is fished from shore or a small boat or raft — a slower, cheaper option if squid fishing at night doesn’t suit your schedule. Dong Xanh Lake, 26km west of the city in Hoa Tien Commune, is stocked with tilapia, carp, grass carp, snakehead, goby, and catfish, and is set up more for day fishing than the coastal night trips.
When to go
March to September is the fishing season proper — calm seas and predictable conditions. October to February brings the central coast’s rainy season, with rough water and storms that put boat trips on hold, so plan around that window if fishing is the priority for your trip.
Book a fishing trip
The Da Nang Cu De River and Lake Fishing Tour covers the freshwater side of this without you having to arrange a boat, rods, or a guide yourself.
Tours & activities in Da Nang
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