Let’s be real — this isn’t just about tourism. What we’re looking at is a bold, calculated move: a city betting big on its future, turning a river into a symbol of international ambition. And the city playing this high-stakes game? Not Ho Chi Minh City.
It’s the newly crowned largest city in Vietnam — Da Nang.
Wait… Da Nang is now the biggest city?
You heard that right. After merging with Quang Nam province, Da Nang’s area has skyrocketed to 11,860 km², officially making it Vietnam’s largest city by land area.
On paper, it’s an administrative adjustment. But between the lines? It’s a clear signal:
“Da Nang is done playing small. It’s aiming for regional dominance.”

For more than two decades, the Hàn River has been a source of pride for the people of Đà Nẵng.
Photo: VinWonders
10,000 billion VND — just for a few docks?
That’s the headline. But the real story?
Da Nang isn’t just building docks. It’s building an entire waterfront ecosystem.
Here’s the breakdown:
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20 modern river ports, developed in two phases
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Show-stopping light displays, cultural performances, luxury river cruises, riverside parks, parking, ticketing systems, and more
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And most importantly: A new identity — transforming the Hàn River into the Chao Phraya of Southeast Asia, or even something entirely new
The investment isn’t about infrastructure. It’s about buying a brand. A future.
But is it the right bet?
Why the Hàn River?
Let’s not forget — the Hàn River has always been the soul of Da Nang:
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It’s the stage for the International Fireworks Festival
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Home to the world’s only rotating bridge
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Framed by iconic bridges like Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly, and Thuan Phuoc
But this time, Da Nang is going further. It wants to turn the river into a full-blown tourism engine — with boats, shows, nightlife, and riverside lifestyle zones.
Imagine a river that glows, sings, and dances every night. Who wouldn’t want to visit that?
Phased development… or smoke and mirrors?
The official plan sounds neat:
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Phase 1 (by 2030): 8 ports from Thuan Phuoc Bridge to Tien Son Bridge

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Phase 2 (2028–2031): 8 more along Vinh Dien and Co Co Rivers, plus 4 more at Cam Le

But here’s the twist: The timelines overlap.
2028 starts before 2030 ends — which means one thing:
They’re ready to fast-track if the first phase takes off.
What’s the real goal here?
Tourism? Sure. But let’s dig deeper.
This project could:
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Shift Da Nang’s development axis from land to water
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Spike land value along the river with new urban zones
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Attract foreign investment and high-spending tourists
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Create thousands of jobs in construction, services, and hospitality
In other words:
This is not just riverfront beautification — it’s an economic engine disguised as a tourism project.

Tourism along the Hàn River is certain to grow even more strongly in the near future.
Photo: VinWonders
Final Thought: Vietnam’s version of Marina Bay?
Remember what Singapore did with Marina Bay?
It took a stretch of water and turned it into a world-class destination.
Da Nang is trying to do the same — but with Vietnamese identity, tropical vibes, and cultural depth.
So let’s call it what it is:
“Da Nang is spending 10,000 billion VND to buy a seat at Southeast Asia’s top table.”
And whether this bold move pays off or not? That all depends on one thing:
Can they tell a story on water that the world wants to hear?
Source: https://cafef.vn/tp-lon-nhat-viet-nam-quyet-chi-10000-ty-dong-cho-mot-du-an-tung-buoc-tao-nen-bieu-tuong-song-han-o-dna-188251015151037322.chn
