Da Nang expands night-time tourism to become sleepless city

Night-time economy proves effective

Even past 11 pm, the An Thuong Tourist Quarter remains bustling. Along Tran Bach Dang, Hoang Ke Viem, and An Thuong 2, 3, and 4 streets, visitors from Europe, South Korea, India and other countries leisurely go for a stroll, enjoy local cuisine, or relax at roadside spas. The scene reflects the growing demand among international travelers for authentic, real-life experiences when exploring a new destination.

Nearly a decade ago, Da Nang proactively implemented a strategy to develop its night-time economy to extend visitors’ length of stay and increase spending.

The initiative began with the Son Tra Night Market, followed by the An Thuong Tourist Quarter associated with the My An Beach and the Bach Dang Walking Street. These locations quickly attracted nighttime crowds thanks to their harmonious blend of dining, entertainment and shopping.

Although no official statistics are available, studies indicate that around 70% of tourism revenue is generated from visitor spending at night (from 6:00 pm to 3:00 am), mainly on food, shopping and entertainment.

The master plan for Da Nang’s tourism development through 2030, with a vision to 2045, identifies the night-time economy as a key tourism product group. To realize this goal, a series of large-scale, high-quality projects have been rolled out to position the city as a destination offering diverse and appealing nighttime services and experiences.

Notable projects include the groundbreaking of the Da Nang Downtown cultural, entertainment and high-end commercial service park; the International Fireworks Complex; the Light River project; the Bach Dang - Nguyen Van Troi - Tran Hung Dao tourism corridor; Phase 2 of the An Thuong tourist street; as well as landscape upgrades along both banks of the Hàn River and the coastal route.

In addition, service infrastructure plays a vital role, with numerous hotels, cafés, bars and pubs operating late into the night or throughout the night. These establishments, linked to pedestrian streets and night markets, significantly contribute to enhancing visitors’ experiences after 6:00 pm.

Distinct identity for the southern night-time economy

It can be affirmed that developing the night economy has become a strategic direction for the city to retain tourists and increase their spending. This goal is even more urgent as Da Nang's urban space expands southward, an area possessing great potential in cultural heritage, river-sea-mountain landscapes, and community identity.

These advantages create an ideal condition for diversified night-time products, including art performances; sports activities, wellness and beauty services; shopping and entertainment; sightseeing and tourism; and vibrant nighttime culinary experiences.

According to Mr. Le Ngoc Thuan, an investor of a chain of seaside restaurants at the An Bang Beach in Hoi An Tay Ward, developing the night-time economy should not stop at opening more markets or food streets. Instead, it is necessary to transform the night-time street space into unique experiences where tourists can deeply appreciate the cultural, entertainment, and natural values ​​characteristic of the city.

Mr. Tan Van Vuong, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, affirmed that night-time economic models in the south will focus on in-depth products such as art performances, festivals, sports, creative spaces, and cultural experiences.

In particular, night markets, festivals, entertainment activities, culinary offerings and art performances will play a crucial role in enriching visitor experiences, extending stays and increasing shopping expenditure.