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DNO - While Hoi An’s walking streets offer a quiet, historic atmosphere, Da Nang’s downtown walking routes are lively and energetic, a distinct advantage that helps the city develop standout tourism products linked to the nighttime economy.
Distinctive features
Hoi An introduced its first walking street in 1998 with “Ancient Town Day”, later expanding it into the “walking streets and non-motorised vehicles” project in 2004. The model now covers most of the ancient quarter and has recently extended to Phan Chau Trinh Street.
Over more than two decades, Hoi An’s pedestrian spaces, closely tied to local heritage, have earned global recognition.
In 2024, GuruWalk ranked the city among the top 100 best cities to explore on foot. Architectural Digest listed Tran Phu Street among the world’s 71 most beautiful streets, and Tourlane named Hoi An Asia’s most charming historical centre, highlighting its walkability.
Da Nang, by contrast, offers a more dynamic pedestrian experience. The An Thuong tourist quarter, launched in 2022, provides a lively coastal area for food, shopping, and entertainment, with direct access to My An Beach and regular holiday festivals.
The Bach Đang walking street, opened in June 2024, spans 1.2 kilometres from Dragon Bridge to Tran Thi Ly Bridge, operating daily from 3 p.m. to midnight. Featuring music, art, and street food, it has become a night-time highlight and anchors a growing pedestrian network. The pilot runs through 2028.
A boost for the nighttime economy
Da Nang’s walking streets now offer a wide range of restaurants, hotels, spas, bars, and entertainment venues, meeting rising demand for nighttime experiences.
While many cities have pedestrian zones, Da Nang stands out for its lively, modern atmosphere - a contrast to Hoi An’s quiet, nostalgic charm just 30 kilometres away. According to experts, each destination should build on its unique strengths.
At An Thuong, Da Nang has approved over VND 100 billion for phase 2, including a central plaza with an outdoor stage, green spaces, a musical fountain, fitness facilities, and enhanced lighting. New after-midnight services are expected to make the area a must-visit spot for international tourists by 2027.
Experts note that nighttime services can generate far higher revenue than daytime tourism, provided authorities and businesses coordinate to create cohesive, attractive experiences.
