Da Nang eyes becoming regional cruise tourism hub
DNO - As the cruise tourism season begins, Da Nang’s tourism sector takes the initiative to connect tours and routes, boost promotional activities, and cooperate with international shipping lines. The purpose is to make Da Nang an attractive destination for high-end cruise passengers, contributing to the sustainable development of the local tourism sector.
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The cruise tourism season in Da Nang usually runs from October to April. Most ships arrive at the Tien Sa Port at 8 am and leave for another destinations at 7 - 8 pm on the same day.
Accordingly, tourists have about 10 - 12 hours to explore the city's attractions such as the Sun World Ba Na Hills Tourist Area, the Marble Mountains, the Linh Ung Pagoda, the Hoi An Ancient Town, the Tra Que Vegetable Village, the My Son Sanctuary, museums, and popular shopping spots like Han Market and shopping malls.
In addition to the pre-arranged tours introduced by the cruise ship operator onboard, passengers can opt for their own itineraries after being transported by shuttle buses from the port to the city center.
Mr. Michael Thompson, a Canadian tourist arrived in Da Nang by cruise ship, expressed his impression of the city’s warm and friendly welcome.
He voiced his delight at the city's scenic attractions, especially the ancient features of Hoi An. He also experienced the countryside scenery with many indigenous cultural activities such as learning to cook local dishes and visiting traditional villages.
According to Mr. Nguyen Dac Nam, Director of the Khang Huy Holiday Vietnam Co., Ltd., the company expects to welcome 15 - 20 cruise ships this season.
He noted that Da Nang has great advantages to develop cruise tourism, offering daily tours with greater depth than other destinations, including cultural, historical, entertainment, culinary, and eco-tourism experiences.
He, however, pointed out that the Tien Sa Port is currently a multipurpose port, serving both cargo and passenger operation. Therefore, he hoped that the Lien Chieu Port project will be completed soon in order to reduce the load at the Tien Sa Port and create more space for cruise ship exploitation.
“It is also necessary to add large-scale shopping centers to stimulate spending of this customer segment" Mr. Nam suggested.
According to the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in the first 9 months of 2025, the city welcomed 40,175 cruise ship passengers, an increase of 25.4% over the same period in 2024, with 35 ships docking at the Tien Sa Port.
In 2025, the city expects to receive 48 cruise ships, carrying more than 57,000 visitors, up 35.7% against 2024.