“Isn't Da Nang just a tourist destination? That's the main idea people still have,” says commercial advisor Gauthier D’haenens.
It’s an understandable perception. With its long coastline, mountain backdrop and established tourism industry, Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations for international visitors.
However, Da Nang is rapidly moving beyond its identity as a seaside getaway, with a vision to become one of Asia’s leading cities by 2075.
On an episode of You Don’t Know Vietnam, Gauthier discusses how the city is emerging as a regional hub for technology, innovation and international investment.
As a major harbor city and the largest urban center in central Vietnam, Da Nang plays an increasingly important role in the country’s economic development.
At the core of this transformation is a strategic push to diversify the city's economic foundation beyond hospitality and services.
1. Sustaining tourism success
Tourism remains a major driver of Da Nang’s economy. In the first nine months of 2026, the city welcomed nearly 15.9 million visitors, marking a 26.4% increase in international arrivals [1].
Expanded direct flight connections from key markets across Asia and Europe, alongside promotional partnerships with airlines and travel agencies, has significantly accelerated this growth.
The city is also proving successful at bringing these visitors back. According to Agoda, Da Nang ranks sixth among Asian cities for repeat international visitors [2].
To keep pace with this influx, major infrastructure upgrades are underway. These include the expansion of Terminal 2 at Da Nang International Airport and enhanced transport links connecting central districts to coastal resorts.
An illustration of the T2 expansion project
In addition, a core pillar of the city’s long-term tourism strategy is the expansion of green and sustainable travel initiatives, helping to protect the environment which makes Da Nang such an attractive destination.
2. Making Da Nang a place to stay
To build long-term economic resilience, city planners are working to reposition Da Nang as somewhere not just worth visiting, but worth living, working and investing in [3].
With its modern infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and vibrant expat scene, the city is increasingly becoming a favored destination for professionals, families and digital nomads.
There’s just so much that can still happen. So much room still to develop.”
Gauthier D'haenens
Executive & Commercial Advisor
The ambition is to turn short-term visitors into long-term residents.
To support this demographic shift, local authorities are working to improve administrative frameworks and expand the infrastructure needed to support an international population.
3. Positioning as a high-tech and innovation hub
Da Nang is rapidly establishing itself as a modern alternative to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by focusing on digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, and software engineering.
Its Hi-Tech Park continues to attract substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) in semiconductors, precision engineering, and green technology to build a more diversified economy [4].
One example Gauthier highlights is FPT Smart City, an integrated urban development being built from the ground up. Residents are already moving in, even though some streets are yet to be given names or house numbers.
Beyond technology, major infrastructure projects such as the deep-water port at Lien Chieu and plans for greater smart-city integration are also a key part of Da Nang’s long-term ambitions.
This is testament to Vietnam and how fast it can grow.”
Gauthier D'haenens
Executive & Commercial Advisor
Local authorities continue to place strong emphasis on attracting international talent and investment while empowering domestic companies to expand globally [5].
4. Challenges
Despite its rapid economic momentum, Da Nang faces significant hurdles. Trillions of VND remain tied up in stalled development projects, with many delayed by incomplete archives, missing documentation and rapidly evolving legal regulations [6].
These bottlenecks impact daily life for residents and visitors alike, fueling frustration over prolonged construction disruptions and pollution.
The construction site at Lien Chieu Container Port
The city’s growing popularity also brings pressure of its own. An influx of expats and digital nomads is adding to demand for housing, while apartment prices have risen by 68% since early 2019, making homes increasingly unaffordable for local residents [7].
Tourism and services will remain important to Da Nang’s economy, but the city’s challenge is to manage its rapid transformation without compromising the quality of life and natural environment that make it attractive in the first place.
Sources:
[1] Da Nang News: Da Nang welcomes nearly 15.9 million staying visitors in 9 months
[2] VnEconomy: Da Nang ranks sixth in Asia for returning international visitors
[3] Vietnam.vn: When Da Nang moves beyond its 'tourist city' positioning
[4] Nhan Dan: Transforming Da Nang into an international innovation hub
[5] VietnamPlus: Da Nang promotes investment attraction to achieve over 11% growth
[6] Lao Dong: Trillions of VND stuck in unfinished projects in Da Nang
[7] Vietnam News: Rising property prices drive up living costs in Da Nang
