Danang is set to undergo a significant tourism transformation with the launch of a major inland waterway development backed by a subsidiary of one of Vietnam's top developers. The project, approved with an investment of VND9.88 trillion ($375 million), aims to turn the city's rivers into vibrant tourism corridors, offering new recreational spaces, easing traffic congestion, and creating unique experiences for both local and international travelers.
Spanning two phases from 2025 to 2031, the initiative will build an interconnected network of piers, passenger vessels, and riverside attractions. By combining leisure, entertainment, and infrastructure, the project seeks to redefine how visitors explore and experience Danang, making it a pioneer in river-based urban tourism in Vietnam.
Phase One: Transforming the Han River into a Cultural and Leisure Hub
The first phase, scheduled between 2025 and 2030, will focus on the Han River, one of the city's most iconic waterways. Eight strategically placed piers will be constructed between the Thuan Phuoc and Tien Son bridges, serving as boarding points for sightseeing cruises and riverfront leisure activities. The development will include connecting roads, parking facilities, ticketing stations, waiting areas, and landscaped riverside parks, designed to offer convenience and enhance visitor satisfaction.
Beyond infrastructure, the Han River will become a vibrant cultural hub. Sightseeing boat tours, curated river performances, and dynamic lighting displays are planned to create an engaging nighttime environment. This combination of entertainment and scenic views is expected to make the Han River a central attraction, drawing both tourists and residents to its revitalized banks.
Phase Two: Expanding the Waterway Network Across Danang
The second phase, scheduled for 2028-2031, will extend the waterway tourism system to the Vinh Dien, Co Co, and Cam Le rivers. Eight additional piers will be developed along the Vinh Dien and Co Co rivers, with four more along the Cam Le River. The expansion will include green public spaces, pedestrian pathways, and supporting infrastructure to ensure accessibility and environmental sustainability.
This phase aims to create a fully integrated river transport and leisure network across Danang. Tourists and residents will be able to navigate the city efficiently while enjoying diverse recreational and cultural experiences along the waterways. The project is designed with long-term sustainability in mind, emphasizing eco-friendly development and community engagement.
The entire waterway system will operate under a 50-year concession, highlighting a commitment to maintaining and enhancing the city's river-based tourism infrastructure. Authorities anticipate that the project will stimulate local business, generate employment opportunities, and attract more visitors, further strengthening Danang's position as a leading tourism destination.
Tourism Growth Fuels the Need for Innovation
Danang's tourism sector has grown rapidly in recent years. In the first nine months of 2025, the city welcomed over 14.4 million visitors, representing a 22% increase compared to the previous year. International arrivals rose to 5.8 million, up 31%, highlighting the city's rising appeal to foreign travelers. The growing influx of tourists has created demand for modern and diverse tourism infrastructure, making the new inland waterway project both timely and strategic.
By offering innovative river-based experiences alongside conventional tourism attractions, the initiative is expected to draw a wide spectrum of visitors seeking cultural, leisure, and nighttime entertainment. It also aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable urban tourism and infrastructure development across Vietnam's key coastal cities.
Long-Term Vision: Danang as a Riverfront Tourism Icon
The project places strong emphasis on accessibility, sustainability, and visitor engagement. Modern piers, scenic riverside parks, sightseeing boat tours, and nighttime cultural programming will create a multifaceted tourism experience. Beyond attracting visitors, the initiative is expected to ease urban traffic, support local businesses, and elevate Danang's international profile.
By transforming the city's rivers into dynamic tourism corridors, the project sets a new benchmark for urban tourism in Vietnam. It represents a forward-looking investment that enhances urban mobility, stimulates economic growth, and establishes Danang as a model for sustainable riverfront tourism development.
Ultimately, this inland waterway project marks a milestone in Danang's journey to becoming a premier riverfront destination, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and leisure along the city's revitalized waterways.