Da Nang has been a symbol of urban development in Vietnam since leaving Quang Nam – Da Nang Province to become a separate municipality over two decades ago.

On January 1, 2022, Da Nang officially marked 25 years since it separated from the former Quang Nam – Da Nang province on January 1, 1997 to form a municipality under the authority of the central government.

This supplied photo shows a bird’s-eye view of the Han River and Da Nang Bay from Son Tra Mountain around the beginningof the 20th century.

A panorama of the west side of the Han River before Da Nang separated from Quang Nam – Da Nang Province in 1997. Photo: Thai Quan Chung / Tuoi Tre

Following the split, local authorities became committed to developing beachfront areas around the city.

Several temporary dwellings were then constructed along the riverbank on the east side of the Han River – in what is now Son Tra and Ngu Hanh Son Districts – with substandard living conditions.

The west and east sides of the Han River before the Han River Bridge was built. Photo: Thai Quan Chung / Tuoi Tre

Because the Nguyen Van Troi - Tran Thi Ly Bridge was the only means to cross the Han River at the time, Da Nang officials were committed to expanding the area by building further bridges to connect both sides of the waterway.

Residents gather at the grand opening of the Han River Bridge in 2000 in Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Dinh Lac / Tuoi Tre

The Han River Bridge opened to traffic in 2000; the Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Vietnam's longest and most modern suspension bridge, was inaugurated in 2009; and the Dragon Bridge and the Tran Thi Ly Bridge, both opened in 2013, have become architectural landmarks.

Since developing its coastline, Da Nang has grown in popularity to become one of the country’s top tourism hubs, thanks to beautiful beaches and the mushrooming of luxury resorts.

This achievement has been possible owing to agreement from over 120,000 households in the city, accounting for about half the local population, to relieve land tenure.

A panorama of the Han River at night nowadays. Photo: Nguyen Chi Khanh / Tuoi Tre

One of the biggest cruise ships on the planet docks at Da Nang Port. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Tourists visit Ba Na Hills before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Vietnam in early 2020. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Tourists surround hot-air balloons at a festival in Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

A bird’s-eye view of Da Nang from the sea nowadays. Photo: Nguyen Chi Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Travelers visit an exhibition in Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Tourists are pictured paraskiing at a beach in Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Supplied

Passengers check in at Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Tourists enjoy themselves at Man Thai Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Van Duc Quy / Tuoi Tre

A bird’s-eye view of the Han River Bridge during the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Photo: Dang Huu Hung / Tuoi Tre

A panoramic view of Da Nang from the Thuan Phuoc Bridge. Photo: Huynh Van Truyen / Tuoi Tre

A panorama of Da Nang Port in the namesake city, Vietnam. Photo: Huynh Van Truyen / Tuoi Tre

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