Da Nang cyclo drivers: Street storytellers bringing local culture to life for visitors

Street storytellers

Behind each slow, unhurried rotation of the wheels along bustling streets are veteran cyclo drivers whose warmth and dedication help shape a civilized, welcoming image of the coastal city.

Many members of the Da Nang Tourism Cyclo Team are now in their 60s and 70s. Alongside their daily work transporting visitors, they continue to attend foreign-language classes organized by the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center.

From basic greetings and destination introductions to essential communication skills for interacting with international tourists, each lesson enhances their confidence and professionalism.

For Nguyen Van Ban, 65, head of Group 1 of the cyclo team, language barriers once posed a significant challenge during his more than two decades in the profession.

Today, through regular English and Korean training courses, he and his colleagues are able to hold simple conversations, recommend local eateries, and explain cultural landmarks, gradually bridging the gap between visitors and the city they explore.

The drivers’ dedication often leaves a lasting impression. Tran Dinh Nam, 69, recalls a moment when an Australian tourist hesitated to board his cyclo, questioning whether he could manage the ride.

Only after Mr. Nam’s firm reassurance did the visitor feel at ease - a small encounter that reflects the quiet pride and professionalism of Da Nang’s cyclo drivers.

Sarah Miller, an American tourist, expressed surprise at seeing elderly drivers confidently communicate in English while offering detailed insights into local history and landmarks.

“Gliding through the city by cyclo, listening to stories about Han Market, the Han River Swing Bridge, and Dragon Bridge made the experience truly memorable,” she said.

Together, these drivers serve as cultural ambassadors on wheels, helping preserve a traditional mode of transport while elevating Da Nang’s reputation as a friendly, thoughtful and ever-evolving tourism destination.

Elevate the visitor experience

Efforts are underway to further enhance the cyclo tourism experience in Da Nang by combining human-centered service with selective technological innovation.

According to Nguyen Thi Hong Tham, Director of the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center, the city’s Tourism Cyclo Team currently consists of 83 drivers, organized into groups and operating on a rotational basis to serve visitors efficiently.

To enrich visitor experiences, Da Nang’s tourism sector will introduce an AI-integrated auto-guide system on city sightseeing cyclo tours starting in September 2025.

The system is designed to provide automated narration about destinations along the route, supporting drivers in delivering consistent and informative content.

The core value of cyclo tourism, she noted, remains rooted in people. The cyclo drivers themselves - approachable, sincere and deeply familiar with the city - are the most vivid storytellers, helping visitors connect with the soul and character of the coastal city in ways no technology can fully replicate.

By moving at an unhurried pace, visitors are able to observe daily life more closely and engage more intimately with the local environment and people.

Looking ahead, the Tourism Promotion Center plans to further professionalize the Tourism Cyclo Team, positioning its members as “storytelling companions of Da Nang”.

For domestic visitors, cyclo rides evoke a sense of traditional culture within a modern urban landscape, offering an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

For international tourists, cyclo tours represent a uniquely Vietnamese form of sightseeing, distinct from conventional tourism products and capable of leaving lasting impressions.

From courteous manners and warm smiles to simple, friendly greetings, each cyclo journey contributes to spreading the image of Da Nang as a safe, welcoming and peaceful destination.