The Things You Should Know About Da Nang

The commercial and educational hub of Central Vietnam, Da Nang, is an important port city on the South China Sea. Famous for its bridges, long cable car and flavourful food, this Vietnamese city has lots of things for visitors to enjoy. So, whether you are planning a trip, or just brushing up on your history, here are some of the most interesting facts about Da Nang.

If you are planning a trip to Da Nang, Here are 7 interesting facts about Da Nang

1. Da Nang is on the coast of the South China Sea

Da Nang is the commercial and educational centre of Central Vietnam. It is situated on the coast of the South China Sea at the mouth of the Hàn River. As of July 2022, the population of Da Nang is 1,188,374; this makes it the fifth-largest city in Vietnam behind Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Can Tho, and Hai Phong.

2. Da Nang is an important port city

Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most important port cities. Founded in 1901, Da Nang Port is the largest seaport in central Vietnam. Located in Da Nang Bay, the port is the terminus of the East-West Economic Corridor, linking four countries; Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. It is also the main gateway to the East Sea for the entire region. It is the third largest port system in Vietnam after Saigon Port in Hồ Chí Minh City and the port of Hải Phòng.

3. Da Nang dates back to the ancient kingdom of Champa

The ancient kingdom of Champa established the city in 192 AD. At its peak, the Chams’ sphere of influence stretched from Huế to Vũng Tàu. The Champa people are an Austronesian ethnic group. There are people who speak Austronesian languages – one of the world’s primary language families. The Champa people speak the Cham language and the Tsat language.

4. The Ba Na Hills Cable Car is in Da Nang

Da Nang is home to a record-holding cable car. The Ba Na Hills Cable Car made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the longest one-wire sling with a length of 5,777.61m; the longest distance between each station of 1,368.93m; the longest unpatched wire in the world of 11,587m; and finally the heaviest cable roll in the world of 141.24 tons.

5. Da Nang has a fire-breathing dragon bridge

Da Nang is famous for the many bridges that span the Hàn River. In Dan Nang, you’ll find the Thuan Phuoc Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in Vietnam. This four-lane, three-span bridge is 1,850 metres long and 18 metres wide, with a main span of 405 metres. Perhaps the most striking of all of Da Nang’s bridges is the aptly named Dragon Bridge. Living up to its name, this bridge is designed and built in the shape of a dragon. You can watch it breathe fire and water each Saturday and Sunday night at 9 pm.

6. Da Nang takes its name for its watery location

The name Da Nang is a Vietnamese adaptation of the Cham word da nak. In the Champa language, this means “big river” or “main estuary”. Da Nang has appeared on maps since the 16th century and first appeared in writing in the book “O Chau Can Luc” by Duong Van An in 1533.

7. Da Nang is famous for its flavourful food

Da Nang is known for its wonderful Central Vietnamese cuisine. If you are planning a visit, make sure you try flavorful dishes such as mì quảng, bún chả cá (fish ball noodle soup), bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo (dry pancake roll with pork), banh xeo (crispy pancake), and nem lui (lemongrass pork skewers).