Pickleball in Da Nang: A Beginner’s Guide
If you are looking for the best way to play pickleball in Da Nang, this guide covers everything you need to know before stepping on the court. From the best pickleball courts in Da Nang and how to book games, to joining expat pickleball groups, finding beginner-friendly matches, and understanding court rental prices, this is the complete beginner’s guide to pickleball in Vietnam’s fastest growing beach city.
Whether you are a traveler, digital nomad, expat, or local looking for a fun social activity, pickleball in Da Nang is one of the cheapest, easiest, and most addictive ways to meet people and stay active.
After playing all over the city, I’ll break down the best courts, costs, apps, gear, and beginner tips so you can start playing right away.
How to Book Courts Without Stress
Don’t let the language barrier deter you from booking a court here in Da Nang. With so many foreigners here, most places can communicate in English. Once I learned how to do it I stopped joining random games and organized my own.
First I go to Allpickledup.com and put in my Da Nang location. You can also narrow your search to different districts and find courts in your area. If the court says book now you can click on that and see the availability of the court.
Once I see my preferred time is available I usually call or message through Whatsapp. There is a way to book online but it requires a local phone number and a QR code payment.
Make sure the court confirms it with you in some way because sometimes places have failed to put my booking through and then we have shown up without a court.
It’s pretty simple but downloading Zalo would make it easier as all the locals use it. But now you need people to play…
How to Join Games & Meet Players
THere are two major ways to join games here. Whatsapp groups and RECLUB.
I joined a Whatsapp group my neighbor recommended called Pickleball for beginners. It's a great group to play with fellow newbies but you can’t expect people to always want to teach you the rules and help you learn. So make sure you read the basics before you go and if you want to join a newbie game I host them on Saturdays and sometimes on request! So send a DM when you are in town.
You can also set up your own game and invite people on those channels. Decide a time and place and make a poll.
Have fun meeting strangers and playing :)
You can also use an app called RECLUB to join games. RECLUB is nice because its designed for connecting people to play sports so a lot of features are automated like a waitlist and matching DUPR (pickleball rankings).
Personally I use Whatsapp but if you already use RECLUB I say check it out there! They even have ways to keep track of payment for each person. Not that a game of pickleball is going to break the bank but I will lay out how much a game costs.
How Much Does Pickleball Cost in Da Nang?
I don’t know if a more affordable activity exists! If you read our surfing article you know that renting a surfboard only costs $6 USD but when you play pickleball its even cheaper.
When I rent a court for an hour to play with 3 friends it costs only 40k (1.5 USD) a person! Courts range from 5 dollars an hour during the day and increase to 6-8 during peak times like weekends or after 5pm. Because you divide it by how many players you have, it's so cheap!
I think one time I paid 30k when I hosted with my English club!
Depending on the court they offer free paddle rentals and most places offer free balls but renting what you need is always an option. Expect paddle rentals to be about 20k (.75 USD).
I should have bought a paddle way sooner than I did but I can give you some recommendations on what I like playing with and how easy it is to buy here.
Buying Your First Paddle in Vietnam
Renting a paddle is great for some, people looking to try the sport for the first time and the ultra light traveler however once you realize this could be your new addiction my advice is to buy a paddle.
The ones you can rent are fine but sometimes the handles smell pretty ripe. I suggest ordering one on Lazada for 300K (11USD).
This online store is great and I recommend it for anything you need while in Vietnam. Here is mine and I love it :)
Pickleball Basics Every Beginner Should Know
The game isn’t overly complicated! Feels like ping pong meets tennis as you can imagine.
When you serve, serve from below the waist and diagonally.
Serves must land past the kitchen (the orange section).
After serving, the returning team must let it bounce once before returning and the serving team must also let it bounce.
After the two bounces after the serve you can hit it without letting the ball bounce.
ALSO a player cannot stand in the kitchen and slam the ball. So if the ball is short and lands in the kitchen you can enter the kitchen and let the ball bounce before you return it. Basically no smash shots in the kitchen!
Obviously try to keep the ball in bounds and hopefully you win.
Groups of 5 usually play until 7 and groups of 4 play until 11.
Pickleball is simple, fun, and addicting! You will be playing 3 times a week before you know it!
Final Thoughts: Why Pickleball Is Exploding in Da Nang
Pickleball is a great social activity that can become a part of the community you create in Da Nang.
My advice:
Try it sooner than later.
Come to my Newbie nights.
Buy a paddle.
Find a Whatsapp group (You can message us!)
Play with people on your level — its more fun for everyone.
Let us know when you are in town and we will show you the ropes
