Overview of Da Nang

In the history of the nation, Da Nang is known not only as the largest port city in Central Vietnam but also as a place closely associated with the expansion of Dai Viet's territory centuries ago. Traces of an international gateway connected to the Dang Trong region still remain, and in the aftermath of history, it served as an important outpost in the resistance against foreign invaders during the two sacred wars of resistance.

Old Da Nang

Da Nang City is bordered to the north by Thua Thien-Hue Province, to the west and south by Quang Nam Province, and to the east by the East Sea. The city center is 764km north of Hanoi , 964km south of Ho Chi Minh City, and 108km northwest of Hue. It is a city with a diverse landscape, featuring high mountains, deep rivers, rolling hills, and a narrow coastal plain.

Da Nang Port City

According to the Cham language, the place name "Da Nang" can be interpreted as "large river" or "large river mouth." This place name has been noted on maps drawn from the 16th century onwards. This means that, from very early on, in the formation of the name, the characteristics of a large river mouth and a port city were noted as an important feature of the city.

As one of the major estuaries of Quang Nam province (extending southward), Da Nang estuary has been highly valued for centuries, even during the flourishing period of Hoi An in the 17th century. We are familiar with the famous painting by the Chaya family of Japan depicting a trading scene in Hoi An. If it is true that the estuary depicted in the painting is Da Nang estuary with the Marble Mountains and the Co Co River, then it is not surprising that large ocean-going ships with advanced maritime technology belonging to Japanese or Chinese merchants chose Da Nang estuary as their entry point instead of Hoi An estuary, due to the superior advantages of Da Nang Bay's deep waters and high safety. In fact, from the 18th century onwards, Da Nang's potential as a seaport has increasingly demonstrated its superiority for the region.

Da Nang Bay

In 1835, when Emperor Minh Mạng issued a decree stating, "Western ships are only allowed to dock at Cửa Hàn; they are not permitted to trade at other ports," Da Nang became one of the largest trading ports in Central Vietnam. From this point onward, instead of the Đại Chiêm port as before, trade and diplomatic relations gradually concentrated at the main hub of Central Vietnam: the Da Nang seaport. Thanks to its increasingly important position and role in Central Vietnam, Da Nang began to develop local small-scale industries such as ship repair, agricultural and forestry product processing, and related commercial services.

Old streets of Da Nang

In 1858, the French invasion of Vietnam began with an attack on Da Nang. After establishing the Indochina Federation, France separated Da Nang from Quang Nam as a concession and renamed it Tourane. This administrative unit was under the direct control of the Governor-General of Indochina instead of the Hue court – although the town was located in Central Vietnam.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Tourane was developed by the French into a Western-style city. Social infrastructure and production technology were invested in. Production and business sectors were formed and developed: agricultural production, small-scale handicrafts, processing of export goods, ship repair, and service businesses. Along with Hai Phong and Saigon, Tourane became an important commercial center of the country.

In March 1965, the US landed in Da Nang and established a large joint military base there. In 1967, Da Nang was designated a centrally-administered city by the South Vietnamese government, with the goal of developing it into a political, military, and cultural center for Tactical Zones I and II.

In 1975, with the restoration of peace, Da Nang (a city in Quang Nam - Da Nang province) began the process of recovering from the devastating consequences of the war. Despite numerous difficulties, the city's recovery and development have achieved many successes, especially during the Doi Moi (Renovation) period after 1986.

When the French invaded Vietnam, their first choice was Da Nang. The first Americans to land in Vietnam also chose this place. This is certainly not a coincidence of history, although history, besides its inevitability, always contains elements of chance. The importance and influence of Da Nang, due to its strategic location in Central Vietnam and the entire country, can be affirmed.

Looking at the map, Da Nang is clearly the southernmost point of a vast region. In front lies the sea. Behind it is the Central Highlands. Even broader is the entire Indochina region, including Laos, Cambodia, parts of Thailand, and Myanmar. Today, the formation of the East-West economic corridor involving the Lao Bao border gate, the expansion of National Highway 24B passing through the Ngoc Hoi tri-border area, and in the future, if a direct westward road through Ben Giang, crossing the Dak Ta Oc border gate connecting Da Nang with the fertile Boloven Plateau is invested in and built as in a promising outline noted by researchers recently, then it is clear that Da Nang has been placed, and will effectively utilize, its important position in the trade and cultural exchange of the entire vast Mekong River region.

Da Nang is located in the central part of Vietnam, on the vital North-South transportation axis for road, rail, sea, and air routes. It is an important transportation gateway for both Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, and the endpoint of the East-West economic corridor passing through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Since becoming a centrally-governed city in 1997, Da Nang has undergone many positive changes. Over the past decade, Da Nang has continuously transformed its image. Never before in its development has Da Nang been so determined in its need for self-renewal. Da Nang's development is both an inherent need and a response to the demands of a leading city with a shared responsibility towards Central Vietnam in the new phase of the country's development.

Da Nang International Airport

Prior to 1975, Da Nang International Airport was one of the busiest airports and is currently one of the largest international airports in Vietnam (after Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat). It has been designated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a transit point for East-West air routes. Da Nang's direct air connections to Singapore, Bangkok, and Seoul are a significant advantage for international travel. Da Nang International Airport is currently undergoing upgrades with a total investment of US$84 million, aiming to handle 4 million passengers per year by 2012. Currently, Da Nang International Airport remains the most important airport for both Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands.

With its exceptionally favorable location for sea transport, Da Nang is only 310 nautical miles from Hai Phong port, 520 nautical miles from Saigon port, 480 nautical miles from Macao port, 550 nautical miles from Hong Kong port, 720 nautical miles from Manila port, 720 nautical miles from Malaysia port, 960 nautical miles from Singapore port, 1030 nautical miles from Taiwan port, and 1060 nautical miles from Thailand port… making it very convenient for travel and transportation. Goods from countries in the region such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand can reach Da Nang and vice versa in just about two days and nights.

As Vietnam's third largest port, Da Nang port has an average depth of 15-20m, capable of receiving large ships with a tonnage of up to 28,000 tons and a length of 220m. Da Nang Bay is wide and sheltered from the wind, making it a very safe anchorage for ships during the rainy and stormy season. In the early 21st century, when Lien Chieu port with a capacity of 20 million tons/year is completed, the Da Nang port system, connected to Ky Ha and Dung Quat ports in the South, will become the largest integrated port complex in the country, holding an important position on the Southeast Asian and Northeast Asian maritime routes.

Da Nang Port

In just the last few years, Da Nang has changed significantly. Internal efforts have allowed Da Nang to expand its stature. This began with infrastructure development plans, especially in transportation, urban beautification, and the creation of a new environment in a broad sense, creating conditions for new development. By effectively exploiting its existing advantages, Da Nang has undergone remarkable changes in its pace and momentum of development over the past few years. The average GDP growth rate is higher than the national average, the value of industrial, agricultural, and fisheries production has developed comprehensively, export turnover has increased, and the tourism, trade, and service sectors have seen positive changes.

Han River Bridge

Previously, many complained about the fragmented and outdated nature of Da Nang's industry, but things have changed. With the policy of using industry as a driving force for development, Da Nang's economic structure has shifted significantly towards increasing the proportion of industrial and service sectors, in line with the general trend of the country and major cities. To prepare for a breakthrough in the Central Vietnam key economic region, and in its leading role, Da Nang has strived in recent years to improve its image and position to meet the general requirements of the region.

As the economic hub of the Central and Central Highlands regions, Da Nang is home to major companies in various industries including textiles, consumer goods manufacturing, processing, mechanical engineering, and building materials production. The city's industrial sector has achieved an average growth rate of 20% per year. The city aims to become one of the leading localities in Vietnam's industrialization and modernization process, transforming into an industrial city before 2020.

Con Market

Da Nang currently has two of the largest markets located in the city center: Han Market and Con Market; along with large supermarkets that have opened in the last few years such as Bai Tho Plaza, Big C hypermarket (Vinh Trung Plaza), Intimex supermarket, Co.op Mart supermarket… These are the main commercial centers of Da Nang.

In the banking and finance sector, Da Nang is currently the largest center in the Central and Central Highlands region, with more than 40 state-owned commercial banks, joint-stock commercial banks, joint ventures, and finance companies operating, along with dozens of large-scale stock exchanges…

Da Nang Software Park

Da Nang is currently considered one of the three largest postal centers in the country, offering a full range of modern and convenient services, including landline phones, mobile phones, prepaid phones, pagers, internet access, fast money transfers, express delivery, and flower delivery. The city's telecommunications network currently comprises two main exchanges and twelve satellite exchanges with a capacity of over 40,000 numbers. The quality and quantity of telecommunications services are continuously improving thanks to the exploitation and use of world-leading technologies such as the PDH digital microwave network (140 Mb/s), the SDH fiber optic network (2.5 bb/s), the AXE-10 toll exchange, and international, regional, and national submarine fiber optic cables. In particular, the SMW3 submarine fiber optic cable, which has been and will be put into operation, allows Da Nang Post Office to enhance its business efficiency and service level to match that of other countries in the region.

Besides its natural endowments, Da Nang is also surrounded by three World Cultural Heritage sites: Hue, Hoi An, and My Son. Further afield is the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a World Natural Heritage site. Therefore, Da Nang is considered an important transit point on the Central Vietnam Heritage Route. As a result, Da Nang is regarded as a city of tourism, a city of historical sites and scenic landscapes. Due to its unique topography, encompassing mountains, forests, hills, plains, and the sea, Da Nang possesses a diverse beauty. It has the majestic and expansive feel of high mountains and the vast, romantic charm of the sea; the gentle and robust nature of rivers and streams, as well as the hidden corners and winding paths of high passes; the dreamy and gentle beauty of sandy shores and riverbanks, and the magnificent and powerful grandeur of streets, monuments, and skyscrapers…

A view of the city from Son Tra Peninsula.

In Da Nang, tourists can enjoy wonderful moments on mountaintops, in deep forests, or by the riverbanks and beaches; they can enjoy international-quality accommodation services at 4-5 star resorts such as Furama, Sandy Beach, Son Tra Resort & Spa… or pristine eco-tourism areas like Suoi Luong, Ba Na, Son Tra, Non Nuoc…

To date, Da Nang has approved numerous tourism projects with a total investment of billions of USD. Many of these projects have attracted large corporations such as Vina Capital and Indochina Capital, investing in golf courses, hotels, and high-end resorts.

Investing in healthcare and education to ensure a high quality of life for its citizens is a key objective in the city's efforts. Currently, Da Nang has 18 general and specialized hospitals, 11 district-level hospitals and health centers, 47 commune/ward health stations, and over 900 private clinics. Notably, with great determination, Da Nang has built and put into operation the Women's Hospital and has called for contributions from various sectors of society to invest in the Cancer Hospital, gradually creating conditions for the city's residents and surrounding areas to alleviate the financial burden of treating serious illnesses that have long relied on large medical centers at opposite ends of the country. With the establishment of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy and the University of Medical Technology in the city, Da Nang is aiming to become a medical center for the Central and Central Highlands regions and the whole country, providing high-quality medical personnel and services to serve the socio-economic development of the nation.

As the largest education and training center in the Central and Central Highlands regions and the third largest in the country (after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang currently has 15 universities and academies, 17 colleges; numerous vocational schools and training centers, and over 200 schools ranging from primary to preschool levels.

The University of Da Nang currently has 1890 staff members, including 130 teaching staff. The quality of the teaching staff is constantly improving. Currently, 20% of the university's teaching staff hold doctoral degrees and 70% hold master's degrees. To strengthen the teaching staff and ensure they are capable of undertaking teaching, research, and applied studies in the future, the University of Da Nang has recruited many new lecturers in recent years and sent them abroad for postgraduate training using various funding sources.

International cooperation in training at the University of Da Nang

According to the Da Nang University development plan until 2015, approved by the Minister of Education and Training, several more universities and research institutes will be established in the city in the near future, including: the International University, the University of Information Technology and Communications, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (upgraded from the current Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy), the University of Medical Technology (upgraded from the Central College of Medical Technology II), the Open University, and the Institute of Postgraduate Training…

Focusing on long-term human resource training for the city's development, Da Nang's system of schools at all levels has received significant investment. Among them, specialized high schools like Nguyen Khuyen and Le Quy Don are considered key institutions providing entrance for universities. Over the years, these schools have nurtured and nurtured generations of young Da Nang intellectuals, who have made significant contributions to the city. In the past, during the most challenging and crucial periods of history, the people of Da Nang have always known how to find the most appropriate, correct, and beneficial ways to ensure their survival and development. Where does Da Nang stand in the new era of national renewal? What role does Da Nang play in the overall development of Central Vietnam and the entire country? The answer lies not only with the people of Da Nang.

Now, not only those who come from afar, but even those currently living in Da Nang sometimes wonder how Da Nang has been able to so quickly change its face in such a short period of time.

The Thuận Phước Bridge shines brightly.

There may be many different answers, but what is readily apparent is a shared determination and effort from all citizens of the city, from the highest leaders to ordinary people, from the city Party committee to grassroots Party organizations and associations... Just as in the face of many important historical events, social consensus, including the immense contributions of the people, has transformed the face of the city, giving this land great strength and creating momentum for the next steps on the path of development towards the future.

Standing on the shores of the East Sea, constantly battered by waves, the people of Central Vietnam have been tested by their very nature, demonstrating resilience to withstand the elements. From ancient times, the seafaring boats and the way the Cham people treated the sea show that Central Vietnam in general, and Da Nang in particular, was once a powerful maritime economic region.

Nature and people of Da Nang

Today, not only is it at the forefront of international trade, but the people of Central Vietnam are also standing at the crossroads of international exchange from India across the Pacific Ocean. In this era of integration, with new opportunities opening up horizons for ambitious ventures, Da Nang must be the leading engine for the Central Vietnam key economic region to venture out into the open sea.

Vietnam is facing new opportunities and challenges as it joins the WTO, and is presented with the chance to reach out to the wider world. Da Nang, historically a major seaport, has been a gateway in many senses – a port city and an open land, a land of integration and development. Da Nang will have many opportunities but will also require much effort… The history of Da Nang's formation and development ensures reliability. The new signals from this city in the current period further reinforce that reliability. The road ahead demands much striving, but Da Nang will develop for its survival, and to live up to its position as a driving force for both Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, worthy of the role entrusted to it by the whole country.

(According to Da Nang Overview - Da Nang Publishing House, March 2010)