Da Nang, a famous city located right at the beach of Vietnam, is always the pit stop of most tourists looking for a stopover of modernization and nature. However, its coastal and island areas are still largely undiscovered, offering huge tourism potential. The recent years have seen more concentration on developing the sea and island tourism products of Da Nang as high-quality products. One of the few remaining marine ecosystems in big-city Vietnam to remain completely untouched, the biodiverse region’s pristine beaches and stunning landscapes have flown under the radar until now—and Hue City’s recent buy of Son Cha Island has only increased its appeal.

The Untouched Charm of Da Nang’s Sea and Islands

Da Nang’s coastline, especially areas such as Da Nang Bay, Son Tra Peninsula, and Hai Van Mountain, offers some of the most unspoiled natural beauty in Vietnam. According to long-standing travel and tour operators, these areas are considered hidden treasures, still largely unexplored by mass tourism. The Son Tra Peninsula, which is surrounded by ten pristine beaches, including Tien Sa, Da Den, Cat Vang, and Mieu beaches, provides an ideal setting for ecotourism. Many of these beaches remain largely untouched, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience nature in its purest form.

Additionally, Da Nang Bay, with its sheltered position between the Hai Van and Son Tra mountains, is an excellent location for marine activities, particularly during the peak tourist season from March to September. The region’s calm waters and protected landscapes are perfect for travelers seeking outdoor adventures like swimming, kayaking, and diving. The spectacular views, with forests on one side and the shimmering ocean on the other, create an enchanting environment for exploration.

Son Cha Island: A Newly Acquired Jewel

In 2025, Da Nang officially received Son Cha Island, located at the foot of Hai Van Mountain, from Hue City. Previously part of the Phu Loc District in Thua Thien Hue Province, the island, also known as Hon Chao or Pearl Island, lies 235 meters above sea level and covers approximately 1.5 square kilometers. This unspoiled island, with its lush greenery and crystal-clear waters, has the potential to transform into a world-class ecotourism destination.

The island’s marine ecosystem is rich, with over 144 coral species, 135 seaweed species, and 162 colorful fish species, creating an underwater paradise that attracts divers and marine enthusiasts. The fine white sand and pristine beaches make it an ideal getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature.

Opportunities for High-End Marine Tourism Development

While some tourism operators have begun to offer diving tours and sightseeing trips along Da Nang’s coastline, the number of such services remains limited. There is significant potential for developing high-end marine tourism, particularly in areas like Son Cha Island, which has been proposed as an exclusive eco-resort catering to ultra-luxury travelers. The island’s natural beauty and seclusion make it an attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking privacy, luxury, and an authentic natural experience.

In addition to Son Cha Island, several other parts of Da Nang’s coast are being developed into premium resorts and ecotourism destinations. With the growing trend of luxury travel, Da Nang’s untouched islands and beaches have been identified as prime locations for investment in eco-friendly resorts and high-end tourism products.

Expanding Inland Waterway Tourism

Da Nang is also making strides to expand its tourism offerings by investing in inland waterway tourism. The CT15–Hon Sup–Bai Nam–Bai Da inland waterway route, which attracts increasing attention from water transport companies, is an essential part of this vision. Plans to expand this route include the development of new water transport options that can bring tourists closer to natural wonders like the Son Tra Peninsula and Son Cha Island. This expansion will help boost Da Nang’s tourism appeal, particularly for those who enjoy traveling by boat and exploring remote locations by water.

The Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has already developed a tourism plan for inland waterways through 2030, with a long-term vision extending to 2045. This includes the construction of modern ports and terminals and the introduction of high-speed boats, cruise ships, and overnight vessels. The city is committed to enhancing its marine tourism infrastructure to cater to the growing number of tourists who seek unique and diverse experiences.

Leveraging the Han River and Coastal Areas

Alongside its sea routes, the Da Nang People’s Committee has unveiled plans to organize water-based entertainment activities along the Han River and the city’s coastal areas. This initiative, set to run from 2025 to 2030, aims to offer a wide range of leisure activities, from boat tours to water sports, all designed to attract both domestic and international tourists. The move is part of a broader strategy to diversify Da Nang’s tourism products and cater to a wide range of traveler preferences.

The development of these water-based activities is expected to not only enhance the tourist experience but also contribute to the local economy. By tapping into the potential of the Han River and the surrounding coastal landscapes, Da Nang aims to position itself as a prominent destination for marine tourism in Vietnam.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Da Nang’s Sea and Island Tourism

With a beautiful coastline, clean islands, and a focus on sustainable tourism, Da Nang is on course to be one of the top destinations in Southeast Asia for ecotourism and marine activities. With the addition of Son Cha Island and the new inland waterway routes, there will be a very exciting period of growth to come for Da Nang’s tourism industry. The city is also adding investment to nurture its natural resources in combination with its infrastructure, attracting many tourists from global destinations to experience the beauty and peacefulness of the sea and island travel routes of Da Nang.

References: Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (Official Government Website)