Many travel agencies in Da Nang are launching a variety of unique spiritual tours for visitors from home and abroad in order to meet an increasing demand for this type of tourism.

The central region, and Da Nang in particular, is emerging as an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign visitors seeking this type of tourism.  The central region boasts the World Cultural Heritage Sites of Hue Citadel, Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary and, in addition, there are numerous sacred Buddhist places such as the Thien Mu Pagoda in Thua Thien-Hue Province, the Quan The Am (Avalokitecvara) and Linh Ung pagodas in Da Nang, and those in Hoi An City.

Visitors at Linh Ung pagoda

Apart from the existing domestic tours, many local travel agencies are now offering spiritual tours to temples and pagodas in the predominantly Buddhist countries of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, India and Nepal.  Several years ago, it was predominantly middle-aged women and white-collar workers who booked tours to spiritual sites.  Now, an increasing number of people from all walks of life are showing interest in this type of tourism.

According to local tourism experts, the city should now identify more special spiritual tourism products.  Most visitors want to visit spiritual sites to satisfy their religious beliefs, not just for sightseeing or attending Buddhist festivals.  Some groups of tourists extend their stay at these sites to explore their religious values, learn about Buddha’s teachings, experience Buddhist meditation, or participate in charitable activities.

In an effort to attract more domestic and foreign visitors, especially young people, to the local spiritual sites, local travel agencies are planning to offer a number of Buddhist meditation courses for their clients at weekends.