Han River (Song Han) is one of the highlights in Da Nang city downtown. This river is famous for many bridges, cultural and historical monuments, high-rise buildings, beautifully designed promenades and parks along it. At night, it becomes lightful and fully attractive, thanks to millions of lights and river cruises with cheerful colors or incredible fireworks performances. Now let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company provides all the information that you need to know about the Han River of Da Nang.
You may also like: Hoai River (Hoi An), Thu Bon River (Hoi An)
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Han River in Da Nang Vietnam
– Location: Da Nang city, central Vietnam
– District(s): Hai Chau district (left), Son Tra district (right), Ngu Hanh Son district (right)
– Name’s meaning: ‘welding river’ (see explanation below)
– Other name(s): Da Nang River, Tourane River (French time)
– Length: 7,8 kilometers
– Width: 400-700 meters
– Depth: 7-10 meters
– Source: confluence of Cam Le River & Co Man River, near Tien Son Bridge
– Estuary: Cua Han, Da Nang city, Vietnam
– Spanning(s): Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Han River Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, Tien Son Bridge
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/han-river-da-nang-vietnam
– Activities: boat trips, fireworks festival
– Fact: Han River is the major river in Da Nang city and Seoul city (South Korea)
Han River (Da Nang) on Map
Name Origin of Han River (Da Nang)
In Vietnamese language, ‘Song’ means ‘river, and ‘Han’ means ‘welding’ (so Song Han may be understood as ‘welding river’). Why welding? Here is the explanation from many local people:
– Han River flows into Da Nang Bay
– The bay looks like a barrel with a hole (river estuary)
So, if seen from above, the river is welding that role by its water and alluvial. This scene is visible from the top of Thuan Phuoc Bridge or the peak of Son Tra Peninsula. By the way, the bay is traditionally known as ‘Barrel Bay’ (Vung Thung) instead of Da Nang bay like today.
Things to See & Do Along Han River Waterfronts in Da Nang
Famous Bridges cross Han River
There are 5 bridges across the Han River in Da Nang, giving it the nickname ‘city of bridges’.
– Dragon Bridge (Cau Rong): this is the most famous bridge spanning the Han River. It’s over 600 meters long, carrying a 6-lanes road and a giant yellow dragon that is the heaviest steel dragon in the world. On the weekends, it spits water and fire from its mouth, attracting lots of locals and visitors to watch. It’s such an awesome building in Da Nang’s cityscape. See more information & details
– Han River Bridge: this is the first bridge to cross the Han River after the Vietnam war (completed in 2000). It’s nearly 490 meters long, having two cable-stayed spans with a tower rising to 120 meters. In the midnight, it may rotate to allow boats to keep going on the river. See more information & details
– Thuan Phuoc Bridge: this cable-stayed bridge is the longest and tallest bridge across the Han River. It’s built from 2003 to 2009, with a length of 1,855 meters and its towers rise up to 92 meters. The design aims to suit its locational setting, in the estuary of a large river, and to allow large ships and boats to go under. On the top of Thuan Phuoc Bridge, visitors can see the whole city centre from one side, and the whole Da Nang bay and nearby mountains from the other. See more information & details
– Tran Thi Ly Bridge: this cable-stayed bridge is named after a Vietnamese female hero in the Vietnam war. It has a 145-meters-tall tower, leaning 12 degrees, depicting a sailing boat that is so ready to head out to sea. This image represents the ambition of Da Nang city in international integration. See more information & details
– Nguyen Van Troi Bridge: this is the only bridge remaining after the Vietnam war, but isn’t used anymore for traffic. To visit, visitors will walk. It’s named after a Vietnamese hero who placed a mine under the bridge to assassinate US Secretary of National Defence Robert McNamara and Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge Jr in 1964. He was borned in Dien Ban, Quang Nam province. See more information & details
The Love Lock Bridge
This 68-meters-long walking bridge is on the right bank of the Han River. It’s built to symbolize beautiful loves all over the world. Many couples often leave a lock here when they travel to Da Nang. See more information & details
Son Tra Night Market
A short walk from the Dragon Bridge and the Love Lock Bridge, this night market has more than 150 stalls and vendors. Visitors can find flavourful street foods, seafood barbecues, souvenirs, and city’s specialties to buy. On the weekends, it’s very busy because people come to watch the fire and water show at the Dragon Bridge. See more information & details
Museum of Cham Sculpture
Established in 1919 by French archaeologists, Museum of Cham Sculpture is one of the oldest monuments along Han River. It’s on the left bank of the river, near a busy crossroad. Nowadays, this museum is home to about 2,000 artifacts, mainly stone sculptures carved by Cham people in the past. The people had their own kingdom in the area from 2nd to 19th centuries, and then left behind lots of cultural heritages when moved. Cham Museum definitely is the best museum in Da Nang city. See more information & details
Sun Wheel & Asia Park (Da Nang Downtown Theme Park)
The Sun Wheel is seen from everywhere near the Han River. It’s a part of Da Nang Downtown Theme Park (or Asia Park), an amusement park on the left bank of the river. This ferris wheel is one of 10 tallest observation wheels worldwide, and was the tallest in the world before 1997. At night, a plenty of color-changing neon lights make it so attractive and good for taking photos. The park still opens in the evening, therefore visitors can get there and have fun with exciting rides and rolls. See more information & details
Han Market & Da Nang Cathedral
These attractions are close to each other. Both are on the left bank of the Han River, within the old town of Da Nang. Han Market (Cho Han) is named after the river, because it’s next to the river. It’s the oldest market in the city, and gets busy throughout the day by shoppers who are both locals and tourists. Here, souvenirs, local specialty foods, ready-to-wear clothes, fresh fruits, coffee,…can be found. After visiting this market, visitors can see Da Nang Cathedral (aka Pink Church), the first and only Catholic church built by the French in the city centre. It’s a popular instagrammable spot.
The Da Nang Museum
This museum reuses the former city hall of Da Nang that was constructed by French people, to exhibit artifacts, documents, and photos about different stages in the city’s history. On the left bank of the Han River, it’s a good place to learn about the past of Da Nang. See more information & details
Skybars of Da Nang
Along the water edges of the Han River, there are some high-rise buildings (hotels and one administrative centre). On the top of hotels, there are sky bars where visitors can see a full stretch of the Han River. It’s definitely magnificent, awesome, and vibrant. The highest bar is Sky36, on the rooftop of Novotel Danang Premier Han River Hotel. In the fireworks festival times, the view here is mind-blowing. Visitors will have a fantastic experience with excellent beverages from the barista, energetic music from DJs, and colorful fireworks above the head.
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival
Annually, the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival takes place in the summer. In the latest season, there were 5 competitions (4 semi-final and final), between the host (Da Nang city) and 4 foreign teams. All competitions happened on Saturday, giving visitors lots of time before or after to explore the area. The main stage of the festival is on Tran Hung Dao St, the right bank of the Han River. During each fireworks competition night, the river and the sky become so colorful with gorgeous and wonderful lights. This festival is one of the best events in the year in Da Nang. See more information & details
Bach Dang Street Promenade
Bach Dang Street is a 3,5 kilometer long and one-way road that runs along the left bank of the Han River. It can be the most beautiful street in Da Nang city. Between it and the river, there is a promenade with spacious walking paths, stone sculptures, trees, flowers, and points to view bridges. From here, it’s possible to see Monkey Mountain/Son Tra Mountain and its top (715 meters high). Everyday, in the morning or late afternoon, lots of citizens come to this public walk to do exercise, like running, cycling, going jogging, practicing yoga or taichi, dancing with music,… In the evening, Bach Dang street and promenade are just perfect to see and enjoy the spectacular riverscape of Da Nang city as well as its vibrant atmosphere. See more information & details
Bach Dang Walking Street
This evening walking street stretches along Bach Dang Street (the west waterfront of the Han River) between APEC Park and Tran Thi Ly Bridge. Here, visitors will see beverage stores, souvenir shops and public spaces for outdoor activities. The busiest time is during the weekend. From this walking street, the view to the river, colorful cruises on the water, unique bridges and the city, is beautiful, fascinating and provides many photo opportunities. Those who like a place that is not too crowded and cool, should visit. See more information & details
Tran Hung Dao Street Promenade
Tran Hung Dao street is a long and two-ways road running along the right bank of the Han River. Between this road and the river, there is a beautiful promenade. The best section to visit is from the Dragon Bridge to Han River Bridge where visitors can see parks with lush plants and flowers, and great views to the bridges. The Love Lock Bridge, the Statue of Fish Transforming Into Dragon, and Marina Yacht, all sit here. In the evening, Tran Hung Dao street and promenade are just perfect to see and enjoy the spectacular riverscape of Da Nang city as well as its vibrant atmosphere. At the Dragon Bridge, visitors can watch the fire and show on the weekends, or play Bai Choi folk game with locals or hang out in Son Tra Night Market.
Dien Hai Citadel
This is an old brick fortress and military stronghold by the left bank of the Han River. Here, the first battle between Vietnamese people and French colonists occurred from 1858 to 1860. The winning was to Vietnamese people. For that reason, it’s recognized as Vietnam’s national special heritage site. See more information & details
APEC Park
This park is on the left bank of the Han River, not far away from the Museum of Cham Sculpture. It’s built to commemorate the event that Da Nang city was the host for Asia-Pacific Economic Conference 2017 (shortly APEC). It’s also named after the conference. Apec Park’s highlight is a white structure inspired by a ‘flying kite’, telling us the ambition of a young city to be prosperous in the future. It’s free to visit and take pictures here. See more information & details
Da Nang Fresco Village
This ‘village’ has a collection of mural paintings along small laneways of Nguyen Van Linh street, not far away from the Dragon Bridge and Cham Museum, on the left bank of the Han River. Visitors will see different scenes about the daily life of local people, such as catching fish, playing sports, selling vegetables in the market, flying the kite, beaches, or red shanked douc, a rare primate species living in Da Nang. Sure, all are good for taking photos. See more information & details
An Hai Communal House & Thoai Ngoc Hau Temple
This temple is on Ha Thi Than street, on the left bank of the Han River. It’s built to honour Thoai Ngoc Hau (1761-1829), a Vietnamese military administrator who worked in the Nguyen dynasty. He was borned in the village where his temple stands. One of his amazing contributions to the country is reclaiming lands in Mekong River Delta and building canals to develop water traffic, trading, and agriculture. The temple opens for free, and was recognized as Vietnam’s national cultural heritage in 2007. See more information & details
Han River at Night & River Cruise
When the sun disappears, the Han River becomes romantic and poetic, thanks to millions of colorful lamps. The evening is the best time to marvel at bridges spanning it, or strolling along its beautiful riverfronts (cool weather is another plus). Historic monuments and high-rise buildings are also lit up in different ways and ideas, such as showing Vietnam’s national flag or ‘I love Da Nang’. Of course, there are many photo/video opportunities. On the streets running along the river, it gets busier, giving a vibrancy and a faster pace of life. On the water surface, cruise boats move around, featuring joyful neon lights.
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the Han River, landmarks and life along its waterfronts, is doing a boat ride by cruise boat. All boats will depart from the Song Han Port on Bach Dang street, and return after 1 hour. Each one can take many visitors and allow them to feel cool breezes blowing from the river, see a romantic and colorful riverscape, busy streets, vibrant life, and especially, beautiful bridges. On the weekends, it’s busy because of the fire and water show at the Dragon Bridge which can be witnessed on board. During the international fireworks festival, Han River cruise tickets are sold out soon, before performances. See more information & details
Photos, Videos about Han River in Da Nang
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Han River in Da Nang Vietnam:
